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Having officially crossed into December, we are now just over a month away from what is expected to be a significant and important 2024 legislative session. While you, like us, prepare for it to start, consider checking out some of the articles below! Gov. Jim Pillen makes case for growing biobased economy at national convention and issues proclamation, announces actions to fight antisemitism and support Nebraska’s Jewish communities, stops short of saying no state funds should be used for Memorial Stadium renovation; University of Nebraska-Lincoln proposes restructuring, slashing budget of Diversity and Inclusion Office while the Chancellor expands office staff; Nebraska Department of Correctional Services launching new ‘holisitic’ approach to prepare inmates for reentry into society; Gov. Jim Pillen chokes up with emotion, urges Nebraskans to adopt children; Congressman Don Bacon gets OMAHA POLICE UNION LOCAL 101 endorsement, early; State signs no-bid contract to determine the ‘financial feasibility’ of proposed I-80 sandpit lake; Nebraska Capitol will host annual tree lighting, wreath presentation, menorah lighting ceremonies; and NAPE/AFSCME Local 61 demands negotiation over executive order to end working from home. Walkers and cyclists added to state Road Safety Plan for first time; testimony largely against gender care regulations, ask for looser restrictions; Sen. Lynne Walz hearing on mandates facing K-12 schools targets teacher training, student behavior; Emergency agencies looking into another 911 outage; Despite drought, Nebraska farmers see increase in income and strong harvest yields; State economy expected to continue growing; Platte Institute calls for ‘another leap’ in tax relief; University of Nebraska at Kearney union asks University of Nebraska System Board of Regents, Legislature to step in and save campus jobs and programs; and warning issued after highly contagious avian flu detected in flock. Want to read more about these articles? Check out our website! kisselkohoutes.com/news

Interesting West Michigan housing market report... "In 2023, home prices have continued to rise in the region reflecting a strong demand for housing together with a low supply of homes for sale. However, high mortgage rates have slowed down the rate of home sales and kept construction activity stable in comparison to 2022. These changes at the local level contrast with national level trends, where home prices have stayed stable and construction activity has dropped. As the national economy continues to avoid a recession, local housing market conditions are likely to stay unchanged in 2024."

The first week of the interim is behind us, but it saw some of the most devastating storms to hit the state in decades! Our thoughts are with those Nebraskans whose lives have been completely up-ended because of these storms. Look below to catch up on all that occurred this week! Critics rally against new law funding private school scholarships, as Jim Pillen approves proposal; Populist Nebraska GOP wave crashes over 2nd District wall, several endorsements rescinded; Incumbent Congressman Don Bacon pushed back on County GOP endorsement talk with some of his own; University of Nebraska Board of Regents approve University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. as next President of the University; Nursing home officials say federal mandate doesn’t fit state; Advocates plan ‘boots on the ground’ efforts to reach Nebraskans affected by new felon voting law; Harrah's Hotel and Amenities first fully completed casino in Nebraska set to open in Columbus on May 13th; Gov. Jim Pillen selects Nebraska’s new Chief Information Officer; and Union Omaha’s proposed $60 million downtown stadium clears first major hurdle. Attorney General Michael Hilgers targets more THC retailers in new lawsuit after bid to ban drug failed; Nebraskans excited, some worried as governor says he can finally end waitlist for disability services; Awards to go to urban and rural affordable housing projects; AARP Nebraska celebrates new family caregiver tax credit for ‘unsung heroes’; $62 million federal grant expected to usher in new era of solar power use across state; Economic indicator drops in March after record February jump; Study ranks state among top 10 states for risky housing; Governor Jim Pillen vetoes bill that could have cost political subdivisions millions; and those running for State Board of Education differ on library content, school choice. Want to read more about these articles? Check out our website! kisselkohoutes.com/news

With Thursday marking the end of last week’s legislative activity, we don’t doubt that senators and staff alike are getting caught during their three-day weekend. While we wait to see what the Legislature does this coming week, consider checking out some of the articles below. Gov. Jim Pillen visits Texas again, pledges more border help; Sen. John Cavanaugh Jr. makes pitch for additional steps before use of eminent domain; Lawmakers reject bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent; State tourism slogan is no more, ‘Everything has a shelf life,’ official says; Sen. Loren Lippincott seeks to allow offsite religious electives for public K-12 students; Pushback meets governor’s plan to ‘streamline’ approval of livestock operations; Proposed one-cent sales tax increase faces resistance; Sen. Justin Wayne pitches shifting the cost and operation of county jails and county attorneys to the state; A bill that would allow armed teachers in schools prompts emotional testimony; and University of Nebraska unveils full cost of attendance scholarship, stipend for perfect ACT performance. Judge rules that state of Nebraska was not in contempt for remote work actions after CIR ruling; Volunteer firefighters support Sen. Beau Ballard's bill for funds to buy radios that let them communicate with other departments and state agencies; Passionate battle over school choice resumes in Nebraska Legislature; Sen. @Dave Murman brings thinner, updated proposal for K-12 transparency; Gov. Jim Pillen, Sen. Barry DeKay look to prevent foreign adversaries from owning Nebraska real estate; Sen. Danielle Conrad introduces bill to allow children to repeat a grade in K-12 with parental permission; Confirmation hearing for CEO of Ne DHHS revolves around religion, sin, social media; and bill introduced by Senator Carol Blood advanced to close loophole in insurance coverage for procedures during a colonoscopy. Want to read more about these articles? Check out our website! kisselkohoutes.com/news

Learn how two Kentucky cities took big steps in expanding housing options for all ages. Join the Zoom conversation with American Planning Association and AARP (Joel Dock, Chris Taylor) Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 1pm ET to learn more about Accessory Dwelling Units and zoning reforms. Zoom link below ⬇ #housing #agingwell #zoning #urbanplanning #aginginplace #ADU #AARPemployee

What a big win for the Nebraska Cornhuskers this weekend as they increase to 2 and 2 on the season. So too as the Huskers spend time in Lincoln, so too does the Legislature as interim study hearings ramp up! Take a look below to catch up on all that went on this week in state government! Speaker Arch released tentative 2024 legislative session calendar; leaders discuss ways to address early childhood education crisis; Governor Jim Pillen urges school boards to slow spending to ease property taxes; California changes course, will not restrict state-funded travel to Nebraska; State watchdog report points out concerns, strides in child welfare system; Lawmakers look at state’s mental health needs ahead of next session following an interim study introduced by Senator John Fredrickson; Environmental group continues fight against contaminants, nitrates in state’s water; State hires $10M consultant to find ‘breakthrough’ savings, scraps previous effort; Despite salary hikes, staffing issues remain at prisons, report says; Health associations, federal lawmakers criticize nursing home staffing proposal; Applications for North and South Omaha recovery grant program open; and largest national Hispanic organization blasts City of Omaha Council for ‘betrayal of trust.’ State might push to clarify 1889 state law on foreign land ownership following hearing chaired by Senator Steve Halloran; Trans activists to rally in Lincoln next month; Lancaster County GOP affirms its shift rightward, returning populist and Trump supporter to top job; Southeast Community College will not host GOP fundraiser amid push for trans bathroom/sports restrictions; Casino revenue boosts property tax credits by small amount now, more expected later as more tracks and casinos considered; Former Trump adviser Conway endorses Nebraska’s U.S. Senator Deb Fischer; State's monthly unemployment rate stays the same as the nation’s rises; Omaha steamfitter/union leader Dan Osborn to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer; Congressmen Adrian Smith, Don Bacon and Mike Flood talk efforts to avoid government shutdown; and one state property tax credit rises slightly in 2023, while another still isn’t being fully claimed. Want to read more about these articles? Check out our website! kisselkohoutes.com/news

VIDEO: Excited to share a message from our Board Chair, #Armstrong County Commissioner Pat Fabian, discussing the crucial role of our organization in providing resources to the region. Watch to learn more about our work! #SWPA #workingtogether

Such a moving professional development event yesterday! I caught myself feeling a little emotional during the presentation. The topic was "Overcoming Perfectionism" and it definitely hit close to home for me! We could all learn a lot from Vitale. If you're interested, please check out her book, "Addicted to Perfect". A few takeaways/words-to-live-by I had include: 1) The importance of intersecting intrusive thoughts by reframing (ex. changing a "what if" [anxiety] to an "even if" [peace] statement) 2) "Life is lived where your feet are"; I often catch my self with some self-criticism of feeling guilty for not being better in my personal life when I'm working or all the work I could be getting done instead of doing something for myself. 3) "I cannot miss out on what is meant for me"; I'm a person that believes in fate so that mantra really resonated with me and is a nice reminder to not get so caught up in the details when if it's meant to happen it will. So many thanks to WCRE, NAWIC, sponsors, & our speaker for making this happen! #WCRE #CRE #NAWIC97 #professionaldevelopment

In Ep. 7, Populous Principal & Senior Architect Zach Allee shares some unique opportunities to consider when building a new ballpark, what fans can expect and how it will bring the community together even in the offseason. Listen: https://lnkd.in/eH3bKrd3

The Year That Was and the Year Ahead. The year as it was, highlights and views. And the new year ahead as we hope it will be. For the full article please click on the link in comments. #lewgeffensothebysinternationalrealty #somersetwest #helderberg #topblog #nothingcompares #onlyonebrand