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The Public Pulse: Wounded veterans; Nebraska values; On Medicare Advantage

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The Public Pulse: Wounded veterans; Nebraska values; On Medicare Advantage


Wounded warriors

I simply watched a TV advert and it made me indignant. Why ought to it take a personal charity begging for cash to supply appropriate housing to suit (veterans’) wants. Why is our federal authorities not doing it? Our authorities was liable for sending these women and men into battle. We owe them extra than simply the VA. This must be a prime precedence within the funds. They discover billions for Ukraine, migrants, inexperienced power tasks and pupil mortgage forgiveness. Are any of them extra deserving of funds than our wounded veterans? I don’t imagine so. They gave their all in protection of this nation and we should always give all of them they should get hold of appropriate shelter.

Donald Busenbark, Sr., Omaha

Nebraska values

Round election time, we hear quite a lot of candidates throwing across the phrase “Nebraska values”. I wish to suppose the idea for our state’s values is all the time attempting to do the precise factor, irrespective of the price. We don’t construct an enormous lake or lengthy canal exposing extra water to evaporation throughout a worldwide drought. A metropolis doesn’t construct a streetcar system restricted to a small part of that metropolis when it causes utility prices to go up for individuals who reside exterior that metropolis.

Persons are additionally studying…

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If a lady turns into pregnant, we anticipate, or hope, the person within the relationship will present each monetary and emotional help for each the lady and the kid to the most effective of his talents. Likewise, if our state — by the pressure of legislation — requires a lady to hold her being pregnant to time period, our state ought to step up and supply monetary help to that lady and baby. Any anti-abortion legislation ought to embrace free prenatal care, free daycare and free medical look after that baby.

If we all the time attempt to do the precise factor, then we may be happy with our “Nebraska values”.

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Gathering mud

I respect Mr. Frank Adkisson’s (Dec. 24) feedback concerning my piece on Medicare Benefit. An goal studying of each articles reveals the plain — Medicare Benefit clearly prices much less upfront however considerably limits therapy choices later if a major problem arises. As well as, as Mr. Adkisson admits, insurers earn more money off Benefit plans and preferentially promote them over dietary supplements.

Two different essential factors must made, although. First, well being care choices usually are not only a shopper alternative like shopping for a Ford or a Chevy, or in Mr. Adkisson’s instance, a VHS over a Betamax. Well being care protection may be lethal severe. Therefore, my considerations for the upper denial charge for medical companies in Benefit plans, in addition to worsened outcomes in most cancers care and diabetes.

Second, VHS, Betamax, DVDs, and streaming companies are way of life gadgets bought out of pocket. You received’t die if you happen to don’t have them. Medicare, however, is paid largely out of the Belief Fund.

What occurs when Benefit plans bleed the Belief Fund dry? It might not be VHS and Betamax merchandise accumulating mud within the basement. It could be us.

Who’s at fault?

The query is: Who’s guilty for the quantity of taxes an individual or firm pays to the federal government — federal and state? The reply is: Congress!

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An individual or firm has to observe — or ought to observe — the principles Congress have written for honest taxation in response to the committee, not a personal citizen or sitting president. All of us have the choice of submitting our taxes in response to these guidelines that Congress has given to the IRS to administrate pretty to all taxpayers.

IRS can and may pursue lack of cost of taxes. In the event that they fail to take action, who’s at fault? The reply: Congress, as a consequence of both not sufficient oversite of assortment of taxation or failing to fund the IRS to allow it to do its assigned job.

Congress goes after Trump partially as a result of he wouldn’t present his tax statements that confirmed he was in a position to keep away from paying taxes. Trump stated his accountants filed taxes and was in a position to present his enterprise, Trump Enterprises, owed no taxes. Additionally, they stated he overvalued his property to the financial institution. The financial institution doesn’t need to mortgage cash, as a result of they really feel the property is just not price that a lot, and that’s on them. The town/state has the precise to query the worth of property for taxation.

Congress wants to repair the issue within the tax legal guidelines, not cry wolf when somebody follows the necessities they wrote. Mr. Warren Buffett said when Invoice Clinton (a Democrat) was president that the tax system wasn’t honest. He quoted he paid extra taxes than his private secretary does. Who’s at fault? Congress!

Clear image

Kudos to the World-Herald for his or her Q&A with Jim Pillen. It painted a transparent image as to why Pillen refused to debate — no semblance of any kind of analysis achieved on any problem, no concrete particulars on something, and nothing however “gee whiz” and assumptions as to how poorly authorities is run on this state. If that’s his true opinion, right here’s hoping that he doesn’t choose Pete Ricketts as the subsequent senator (assuming Pillen has learn sufficient to not less than understand that Ricketts has been governor for the final eight years). Pillen used “I’m not a politician” as his weak protection towards having to debate an opponent. As he might be taking over the job of governor and has, the truth is, entered the political realm, what would be the excuse subsequent time? Individuals get the federal government they deserve, and Nebraskans deserve no pity for persevering with to vote towards their very own self-interests. And we marvel why the most effective and brightest go away the state. Gee, whiz.

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On politics

The divisive nature of politics has brought on many to tune it out for their very own sanity. Life provides sufficient challenges with out having so as to add politics to the combo.

I hear it on a regular basis: “I simply don’t do politics.” However whether or not we prefer it or not, practically each facet of our materials life is impacted by public coverage; few have the posh to disregard it.

Excluding politics from well mannered society serves solely these in energy; a democracy with out the voice of the lots isn’t any democracy.

Native politics

Days earlier than the final election, an Omaha non-profit hospital granted a congressional candidate an in depth picture op tour which included their preemie unit, their helicopter and posing with higher administration on the eve of an infectious illness trifecta.

Douglas County simply re-elected a county lawyer who has proclaimed himself to be “a legislation and order man” who helps and voted for his fellow “legislation and order man” Donald Trump.

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Now we have now Omaha’s police chief and mayor publicly commenting on a federal grand jury investigation involving opponents of candidates they endorsed within the final election, an investigation that’s alleged to be secret as heck earlier than any indictments are issued.

To me, this all screams nasty partisan politicking.

Streetcar folly

Howdy Mayor Stothert and metropolis council members. Are you able to hear us? Other than you, the president of Mutual of Omaha and Jay Noddle, the place are the individuals of Omaha who help the concept of an costly, rigid and outdated streetcar?

We’ve got heard from many involved residents, former engineers from Omaha’s world class worldwide development firm, and nationwide transit consultants who significantly query the knowledge and viability of this undertaking. Now, it appears like even the opinion of the world’s prime investor is being completely disregarded (Pulse Dec. 29, 2022). Regardless that it seems the prospect of the voice of this proud fourth technology Omaha resident being heard is miniscule, I be part of the refrain of many others to beg you to please cease this obsession with the streetcar plan. Do you really need this folly to be your legacy?

Pulse writers proceed to weigh in on the brand new Husker soccer head coach.

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The Public Pulse: Let's talk Nebraska football; Thank you Mickey!

Pulse writers pontificate on all issues Nebraska soccer.

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The Public Pulse: Weighing in on voter ID; Colorado shooting; Aging inmates

Pulse writers weigh in on the professionals and cons of voter ID in Nebraska.

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The Public Pulse: Giving Christians a bad name; Strengthen the Legislature; Omaha's music history

Pulse author says the acts of some “professed” Christians, are giving different Christians a foul title.

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The Public Pulse: What's the purpose of voter ID; Signs of renewal; Coach Mickey's impossible task

Pulse author has questions concerning the aim and implementation of Voter ID.

The Public Pulse: Daily math and reading instruction

Pulse author says college students want each day math and studying instruction to thrive academically.

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The Public Pulse: Respect for Marriage Act; Protect Dreamers; Resurfacing Calhoun Road

Pulse writers specific their opinions on Deb Fischer’s vote towards enshrining protections for same-sex and interracial marriages.

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The Public Pulse: Praise for articles; Regretting your vote?; Mass shootings

Pulse author says Holocaust training supplies essential classes about humanity.

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The Public Pulse: Political campaigning reform; Step forward; Robo-call solution

Pulse author ponders the concept of shortening the timeframe for political campaigning and fundraising.

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The Public Pulse: Praise for 'Carmina Burana'; Sporting franchise?; Permanent protections for DACA

Pulse author praises the Holland live performance that featured members of eight Omaha space highschool choirs together with the Omaha Symphony.

The Public Pulse: Bullying and name-calling; Biden's overreach; Thank you from a veteran

Pulse author wonders if society has accepted bullying and name-calling as regular.

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The Public Pulse: Both words and silence hurt; Safety patrol history column; South High Arts Center

Pulse author responds to the article on Elkhorn North Excessive Faculty basketball participant Britt Prince.

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The Public Pulse: Saving local news; Always thank a vet; Orgs that enhance lives

Pulse author encourages help for native journalism.

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The Public Pulse: Praise for festival co-founders; Honey Sunday; Husker football

Pulse author praises Harold and Marian Anderson for co-founding “Shakespeare on the Inexperienced.”

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The Public Pulse: The end of political ads; Crowd behavior; Humane Society woes

Pulse author relishes within the the tip of the election season.

The Public Pulse: Bravo Company reunion; On Veterans day

Pulse writers give their ideas and recollections on being a veteran and Veteran’s Day.

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The Public Pulse: Election laws need overhaul; Let Kyle Burwick wrestle; Controlling inflation

Pulse author says Nebraska election legal guidelines are poorly written and outdated.

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The Public Pulse: Millard property taxes; Who are we?; Thoughts on reproductive rights

Pulse author is dismayed the Millard Faculty Board is floating the concept of a district vote to permit persevering with the property tax override.

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The Public Pulse: Blue Star Memorial Highway; What's in the stars for Election Day

Pulse author thanks all that contributed financially to the restoration of Nebraska highways which honors all United States army serving or who’ve served. 

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The Public Pulse: Crawford's Classic Cinema; Praise for History column; Kindness of strangers

Pulse author give reward for Omaha movie historian Bruce Crawford’s traditional movie sequence.

The Public Pulse: Short-sighted trolley route; Commuter crossword is back; Article praise

Pulse author says if the concept of the trolley is to serve all of Omaha then it must be re-routed.

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The Public Pulse: Praise for Coach Mickey; On Ben Sasse; Someone's else's money;

Pulse writers say Mickey Joseph is the precise rent for head soccer coach at NU.

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The Public Pulse: Library demolition; Taking the exit ramp; Memorial Stadium renovations

Pulse author laments on the demolition of Omaha’s downtown library.

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The Public Pulse Election Guide; Readers give their final thoughts on candidates and issues

Pulse writers weigh in on candidates and points previous to the Nov. 8 basic election.

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The Public Pulse: Pulse writers weigh in on candidates and issues prior to the Nov. 8 general election.

Pulse writers weigh in on candidates and points previous to the Nov. 8 basic election.

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Nebraska tornadoes: Omaha neighborhood grant money diverted to relief organizations

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Nebraska tornadoes: Omaha neighborhood grant money diverted to relief organizations


OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – This is the time of year when neighborhood grants are typically awarded by the City of Omaha.

After a tornado ravaged several neighborhoods in the city 10 days ago, Mayor Jean Stothert thought it would be best to earmark the money for tornado victims this year. Omaha city councilmembers unanimously approved her plan to divert the $100,000 at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The 39 neighborhoods that were set to receive grants were told to reapply next year — that the need this year is to help the victims of the Elkhorn tornado. In the Ramblewood section, early estimates of damaged homes climbed past 160. There were countless stories of survival — now, families are trying to navigate the bureaucracy of rebuilding and getting on with their lives.

The grant will be split between the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation and Relevant Church.

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“As of today, we have a spreadsheet of 75 families that have students in the Elkhorn Public School district that no longer have a home that’s habitable,” said Stacey Falk with the foundation. “The need in the last week has been crazy because they’re just trying to find places to live.”

“We’re here to help families,” said Relevant Church Pastor Ronnie Rothe. “I don’t know of anything the city wants to do or anything like that, but if you want to help families, and we obviously know a lot of families that are affected, we’re in the center of this — we’ll get this to families because we’re already doing that.”

Relevant Church and its parking lot, right across the street from two of the hardest-hit parts of Elkhorn, organically served as a staging area for the recovery effort. Rothe says over 13,000 volunteers have organized here before heading into the neighborhood to help. His congregation alone, he said, has already raised $70,000 to help those who lost everything.

Both organizations told 6 News Tuesday afternoon they reassured the city that all the dollars would go to the victims — not a dime for administrative costs.

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Applications open for Nebraska’s 911 Service System Advisory Committee

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Applications open for Nebraska’s 911 Service System Advisory Committee


LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – The Nebraska Public Service Commission is accepting applications for appointment to its 911 Service System Advisory Committee.

Created by Nebraska legislators, this committee makes recommendations to the PSC on matters pertaining to the implementation, operation, maintenance and funding of the 911 system as the state transitions to what’s known as Next Generation 911.

Nebraska 911 Department Director David Sankey says the terms of all current board members will expire in July. The 14 members appointed will serve for a three-year term. Members serve without pay but will be reimbursed for expenses related to committee duties.

Appointed members must represent public safety agencies (4 members), county officials or employees (2 members), municipal officials or employees (2 members), the telecommunications industry (2 members), Public Safety Answering Points (2 members), the Nebraska Association of County Officials (1 member), and the League of Municipalities (1 member).

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Applications can be found on the PSC website and are due by close of business on Friday, May 24.



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No matter who you’re lobbying for, follow the rules  • Nebraska Examiner

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No matter who you’re lobbying for, follow the rules  • Nebraska Examiner


When it comes to transparency and ethical behavior, telling the truth is a key tenet. So, imagine the surprise when the Nebraska Examiner reported that Arin Hess, who has pledged to be “more careful” about his work “lobbying for Jesus” at the Capitol, was recently caught in a scheme to deceive the Clerk of the Legislature to expand his access to legislators.

If you’re not familiar with Hess, he is a self-proclaimed chaplain for the State Legislature, and he holds weekly “Bible studies” with senators.  Last year, Common Cause Nebraska filed a complaint with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission because Hess was using materials from explicitly political sources during his meetings — sources that didn’t restrain themselves to the teaching of Jesus but had a lot to say about issues being debated in the Legislature.

The commission dismissed the complaint, but Hess pledged to be more careful with how he engaged legislators and maintained that his work was only religious, not political.

Fast forward a year. In March, State Sen. Loren Lippincott requested to reserve a hearing room in the Capitol for “district community leaders,” which was approved by Clerk of the Legislature Brandon Metzler. A Nebraska Examiner reporter discovered the meeting in progress and found it was Hess’s Bible study, not “district community leaders.”

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Just two days before Lippincott submitted his request, the Governor’s Office had put in a request for the same date and time, which was denied after the Clerk determined the stated purpose, “Pastors and Ministry Workers Day,” was actually for Hess. Within hours of Metzler denying the governor’s request, Lippincott made the second misleading attempt, which got by Metzler. When Metzler learned Hess was using the hearing room, he was reported to have said, “I got lied to.”

Hearing rooms in the Capitol cannot be used for religious purposes of any kind. Common Cause Nebraska does not lose sight of the irony of the fraudulent attempts on behalf of Hess. If Hess claimed he would be using the hearing room for legislative rather than religious purposes, it would have been a valid request, but it would have looked very much like the lobbying we had objected to last year.

We do not consider these to be minor slip-ups: Senators and the governor all swear to support the United States and Nebraska Constitutions, which enshrine the separation of church and state in law and prevent elected officials from showing preference to any religious society. Showing favoritism to Hess by helping him gain access to hearing rooms in the Capitol violates that oath of office. When the people we elect are willing to skirt the law to favor their own religious leaders, it’s clear that power is being abused to our detriment.

We deserve public officials who will not muddy the waters and lie to advance one person’s lobbying or religious beliefs in the Capitol. It’s in their oath of office, and in our Nebraska and U.S. Constitutions.

Lippincott went against his oath of office when he lied to the Clerk of the Legislature about the reason for wanting to reserve a hearing room; he may have also breached Nebraska law. When he intentionally misled the Clerk, Lippincott prevented Metzler from carrying out the duties of his office, that is, the duty to enforce the policies governing legislative space. (28-901) The governor’s similar misleading reservation request also violated his oath of office, but fortunately, it was quickly thwarted when the Clerk learned the true reason.

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Lying about a room reservation may seem minor, but we should expect nothing less than our elected officials to honor their oaths in word and deed by fully complying with the law.

Our Unicameral Legislature or Attorney General’s Office appear unlikely to act. We have been down this road before — it’s now up to us, the citizens of Nebraska, to set aside our differences and use the power of the ballot box to ensure our elected officials uphold their oath of office and that Nebraska laws apply equally to all — without reservation.



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