Erin Bamer
@erinbamer.bsky.social
State government reporter @nebraskaexaminer.com : Formerly Omaha World-Herald/York Dispatch/Idaho Press : Standard redhead : she/her
Reposted by Erin Bamer
CHANGED PLEA: After first filing a plea of no contest that wasn’t accepted when he didn’t attend his hearing, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst changed course and plans to fight the allegation against him.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
State Sen. Dan McKeon changes plea to not guilty on misdemeanor disturbing the peace charge • Nebraska Examiner
After first filing a plea of no contest on a misdemeanor charge, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst changed course. He now plans to fight.
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December 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM
CHANGED PLEA: After first filing a plea of no contest that wasn’t accepted when he didn’t attend his hearing, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst changed course and plans to fight the allegation against him.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Reposted by Erin Bamer
HISTORIC VOTE: Faculty leaders at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln passed a "no confidence" resolution Tuesday in Chancellor Rodney Bennett. It's the first such measure to pass in UNL’s nearly 157-year history.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/USWLxFP
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/USWLxFP
UNL faculty overwhelmingly pass historic ‘no confidence’ vote against chancellor • Nebraska Examiner
Faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln overwhelmingly passed a resolution expressing “no confidence” in Chancellor Rodney Bennett.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:50 AM
HISTORIC VOTE: Faculty leaders at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln passed a "no confidence" resolution Tuesday in Chancellor Rodney Bennett. It's the first such measure to pass in UNL’s nearly 157-year history.
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/USWLxFP
From Zach Wendling:
buff.ly/USWLxFP
Reposted by Erin Bamer
NE-02 QUESTIONS: In an off-year election when Dems might win the NE-02 race for Congress, some worry about the risks of narrowing the party’s thin margin for statehouse filibusters if State Sen. John Cavanaugh wins.
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
State Sen. John Cavanaugh defends U.S. House bid against risks to state filibuster • Nebraska Examiner
The Omaha lawmaker called the criticisms a “loser mentality” and said he plans to run a campaign that raises “all boats."
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM
NE-02 QUESTIONS: In an off-year election when Dems might win the NE-02 race for Congress, some worry about the risks of narrowing the party’s thin margin for statehouse filibusters if State Sen. John Cavanaugh wins.
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
First in the Examiner from Juan Salinas II:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/19/s...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
NEW TODAY: State Sen. Dan McKeon apologized in a a July letter to the woman accusing him of having groped her at a party. But this week, he sought to clarify what he was apologizing for, and her lawyer defended the investigation.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/UYjTefU
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/UYjTefU
Accused Nebraska lawmaker’s statements allude to ‘joke’ in incident during party • Nebraska Examiner
Statements and a letter from State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst reveal his perspective about an alleged groping of a woman at legislative party.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:04 PM
NEW TODAY: State Sen. Dan McKeon apologized in a a July letter to the woman accusing him of having groped her at a party. But this week, he sought to clarify what he was apologizing for, and her lawyer defended the investigation.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/UYjTefU
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/UYjTefU
Reposted by Erin Bamer
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen requests state senator resign amidst groping allegation via @erinbamer.bsky.social
“Pillen said the accusations against McKeon refer to a “serious” and “unacceptable” offense.”
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/g...
“Pillen said the accusations against McKeon refer to a “serious” and “unacceptable” offense.”
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/g...
Gov. Jim Pillen requests state senator resign amidst groping allegation • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen says he has requested Sen. Dan McKeon's resignation in light of allegations that he groped a woman at a lawmaker party.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen requests state senator resign amidst groping allegation via @erinbamer.bsky.social
“Pillen said the accusations against McKeon refer to a “serious” and “unacceptable” offense.”
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/g...
“Pillen said the accusations against McKeon refer to a “serious” and “unacceptable” offense.”
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/03/g...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
BUDGET HOLE GROWS: Nebraska's lawmakers and Gov. Jim Pillen know they're going to have to adjust the state budget, and the latest meeting of the Economic Forecasting Board shows why.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/wyv0Wi9
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/wyv0Wi9
Nebraska’s projected budget deficit grows to $451 million after new forecasts • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska's projected budget deficit ballooned to about $451 million after new estimates from the state's Economic Forecasting Advisory Board.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:57 PM
BUDGET HOLE GROWS: Nebraska's lawmakers and Gov. Jim Pillen know they're going to have to adjust the state budget, and the latest meeting of the Economic Forecasting Board shows why.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/wyv0Wi9
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/wyv0Wi9
Reposted by Erin Bamer
Tune in to this developing story in Nebraska.
This is exclusive to @nebraskaexaminer.com and features relentless reporting from @erinbamer.bsky.social.
This is exclusive to @nebraskaexaminer.com and features relentless reporting from @erinbamer.bsky.social.
EXCLUSIVE: Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon has been cited for public indecency after a woman alleged that he grabbed her buttocks at a post-legislative session party often attended by staff and family of legislators.
First in the Examiner by Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/jHUNtdq
First in the Examiner by Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/jHUNtdq
Nebraska state senator cited for 'public indecency' during session-ending party • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon was cited for misdemeanor public indecency for an incident alleged at lawmakers' sine die party this year.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Tune in to this developing story in Nebraska.
This is exclusive to @nebraskaexaminer.com and features relentless reporting from @erinbamer.bsky.social.
This is exclusive to @nebraskaexaminer.com and features relentless reporting from @erinbamer.bsky.social.
Reposted by Erin Bamer
START YOUR FRIDAY: With questions about whether a banner post on the @NEDHHS website crossed a line into political action using state resources.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/GO0n7ia
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/GO0n7ia
Nebraska DHHS post questioned for political message on public agency website • Nebraska Examiner
State law prohibits public resources from being used for political purposes; DHHS says Gov. Jim Pillen can issue partisan statements.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:05 PM
START YOUR FRIDAY: With questions about whether a banner post on the @NEDHHS website crossed a line into political action using state resources.
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/GO0n7ia
From Juan Salinas II:
buff.ly/GO0n7ia
Reposted by Erin Bamer
ICYMI: The future of the McCook Work Ethic Camp as a state-run federal immigration detention center could hang in the balance in a lawsuit that was argued Friday in Red Willow County District Court.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/24/f...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/24/f...
Fate of McCook Work Ethic Camp up in the air as judge weighs temporary injunction • Nebraska Examiner
The process of converting a state prison in McCook into an immigration detention facility is still underway as a judge considers a temporary injunction motion filed by McCook residents and a former…
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:23 PM
ICYMI: The future of the McCook Work Ethic Camp as a state-run federal immigration detention center could hang in the balance in a lawsuit that was argued Friday in Red Willow County District Court.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/24/f...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/24/f...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
CEMETERY FIGHT: A local dispute over whether a board that once cared for rural cemeteries should be doing more has spilled into a political discussion about how to make sure the resting places are treated with proper respect and care.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/OOctpHC
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/OOctpHC
Dispute over maintenance of rural cemeteries in Tekamah may spur creation of new cemetery board • Nebraska Examiner
In Tekamah, a months-long dispute over maintenance of rural cemeteries in the region may spur the creation of a new local cemetery board.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 6, 2025 at 3:42 PM
CEMETERY FIGHT: A local dispute over whether a board that once cared for rural cemeteries should be doing more has spilled into a political discussion about how to make sure the resting places are treated with proper respect and care.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/OOctpHC
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/OOctpHC
Reposted by Erin Bamer
State senators are renewing a push to reduce unfunded mandates on Nebraska counties in hopes of reducing local reliance on property taxes.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/03/n...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/03/n...
Nebraska lawmakers consider cutting unfunded local mandates to ease property tax burden • Nebraska Examiner
A push to limit unfunded state mandates remains alive in the Nebraska Legislature through an interim study on the impacts on county budgets.
nebraskaexaminer.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:58 PM
State senators are renewing a push to reduce unfunded mandates on Nebraska counties in hopes of reducing local reliance on property taxes.
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/03/n...
From Erin Bamer:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/03/n...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
PETITION DRIVE: Property taxpayers would foot less of the bill for local K-12 teachers under a petition that organizers say is aimed at lifting the base salary of Nebraska public school teachers and having the state pay.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/JnWd9U0
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/JnWd9U0
New Nebraska property tax relief petition adds push for $50K base salary for public school teachers • Nebraska Examiner
A nonprofit launched a third petition for the 2026 ballot. This one seeks a state-funded base salary of $50,000 for Nebraska public school teachers.
nebraskaexaminer.com
September 29, 2025 at 9:13 PM
PETITION DRIVE: Property taxpayers would foot less of the bill for local K-12 teachers under a petition that organizers say is aimed at lifting the base salary of Nebraska public school teachers and having the state pay.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/JnWd9U0
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/JnWd9U0
Reposted by Erin Bamer
BLAIR AFTER DANA: Losing a college is a gut punch to the local economy. But Blair after the loss of Dana College is one of the few communities to bounce back. Let Erin Bamer and Rebecca Gratz take you to campus, where foster kids aging out of the system find help.
Shuttered Dana College campus revived as space for young adults aging out of foster care • Nebraska Examiner
The former Dana College campus in Blair has transformed into Dana Village, housing young adults aging out of Nebraska's foster care system.
buff.ly
September 22, 2025 at 2:20 PM
BLAIR AFTER DANA: Losing a college is a gut punch to the local economy. But Blair after the loss of Dana College is one of the few communities to bounce back. Let Erin Bamer and Rebecca Gratz take you to campus, where foster kids aging out of the system find help.
Reposted by Erin Bamer
ICE JAIL: Some new details about the Nebraska prison in McCook headed for use as a federal immigration jail emerged in a briefing Gov. Jim Pillen's staff attended for members of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/z2TvX3P
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/z2TvX3P
Unanswered questions remain about Nebraska-ICE jail after private legislative briefing • Nebraska Examiner
State lawmakers say Nebraska was the one to initiate conversations about repurposing McCook's Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention center.
nebraskaexaminer.com
September 5, 2025 at 1:32 AM
ICE JAIL: Some new details about the Nebraska prison in McCook headed for use as a federal immigration jail emerged in a briefing Gov. Jim Pillen's staff attended for members of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/z2TvX3P
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/z2TvX3P
Nebraska's July tax receipts were $20 million above projections, but it's up for debate how that will impact the state's new budget deficit.
Read more here:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/n...
Read more here:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/n...
Nebraska tax revenues $20 million above projections for July • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska's July tax receipts were $20 million above forecasts, but it may not be the sign of change some state officials were hoping for.
nebraskaexaminer.com
August 19, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Nebraska's July tax receipts were $20 million above projections, but it's up for debate how that will impact the state's new budget deficit.
Read more here:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/n...
Read more here:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/19/n...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
K-12 FUND RUNNING OUT? The Education Future Fund, Nebraska's billion-dollar initial investment and yearly additions paying a baseline of state aid and a higher share of special ed costs, is on track for depletion.
First in the Examiner from @ErinBamer:
First in the Examiner from @ErinBamer:
Nebraska’s Education Future Fund on track to depletion within five years • Nebraska Examiner
Created in 2023, Nebraska's Education Future Fund could deplete within five years of its creation if lawmakers don't find new revenues to support it.
buff.ly
August 18, 2025 at 11:27 AM
K-12 FUND RUNNING OUT? The Education Future Fund, Nebraska's billion-dollar initial investment and yearly additions paying a baseline of state aid and a higher share of special ed costs, is on track for depletion.
First in the Examiner from @ErinBamer:
First in the Examiner from @ErinBamer:
Reposted by Erin Bamer
CHILD ABUSE REVIEW: The Inspector General of Child Welfare dug into how Nebraska DHHS used a program meant to keep kids suspected of being abused or neglected at home longer and out of foster care.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Inspector probes Nebraska DHHS review process for suspected child abuse • Nebraska Examiner
A new OIG report questions how Nebraska DHHS is using a family intervention program in cases of potential child abuse or neglect.
buff.ly
August 11, 2025 at 11:21 AM
CHILD ABUSE REVIEW: The Inspector General of Child Welfare dug into how Nebraska DHHS used a program meant to keep kids suspected of being abused or neglected at home longer and out of foster care.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Reposted by Erin Bamer
ALL ABOARD? A Nebraska state senator is traveling the state soon to seek public input on the possibility of the Legislature proposing to improve passenger rail service.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Lawmaker seeks statewide input on Nebraska passenger rail possibilities • Nebraska Examiner
A Nebraska lawmaker is hosting town halls across state to seek public opinion on improving passenger rail service options.
buff.ly
August 11, 2025 at 1:45 PM
ALL ABOARD? A Nebraska state senator is traveling the state soon to seek public input on the possibility of the Legislature proposing to improve passenger rail service.
From Cindy Gonzalez:
From Cindy Gonzalez:
Reposted by Erin Bamer
WARNING SIGNS: Nebraska's GDP shrunk by a nation-leading 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Only Iowa lost as much, based on federal statistics. Tough times in agriculture led the way, which could signal trouble.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Feds say Nebraska GDP shrunk more than 6% in first quarter of 2025, led by ag • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska tied with Iowa for the largest losses of Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2025, of 6.1%, according to federal report.
buff.ly
July 30, 2025 at 11:49 AM
WARNING SIGNS: Nebraska's GDP shrunk by a nation-leading 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Only Iowa lost as much, based on federal statistics. Tough times in agriculture led the way, which could signal trouble.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Since 2022, the Nebraska Democratic Party has outraised the Nebraska GOP, both at the state and federal level. But it doesn't seem to have made much of a difference in elections. We break it down here @nebraskaexaminer.com:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/29/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/29/n...
Nebraska Democrats have outraised the Nebraska GOP since 2022. Does it matter? • Nebraska Examiner
After its 2022 convention, donations to the Nebraska GOP fell, but the decline hasn't made much of an impact on elections in the years since.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 29, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Since 2022, the Nebraska Democratic Party has outraised the Nebraska GOP, both at the state and federal level. But it doesn't seem to have made much of a difference in elections. We break it down here @nebraskaexaminer.com:
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/29/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/29/n...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
FALLING BACK: It’s official. Nebraska is back in the big red, a projected deficit of about $95 million after tax revenues for the year came in below forecasts.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Nebraska is back in a projected deficit of $95 million due to lower tax revenues • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska is back in a projected budget deficit of roughly $95 million after tax revenues fell below projections.
buff.ly
July 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
FALLING BACK: It’s official. Nebraska is back in the big red, a projected deficit of about $95 million after tax revenues for the year came in below forecasts.
From Erin Bamer:
From Erin Bamer:
Nebraska is officially back in a projected deficit of about $95 million due to tax revenues falling below projections. #neleg
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/24/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/24/n...
Nebraska is back in a projected deficit of $95 million due to lower tax revenues • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska is back in a projected budget deficit of roughly $95 million after tax revenues fell below projections.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Nebraska is officially back in a projected deficit of about $95 million due to tax revenues falling below projections. #neleg
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/24/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/24/n...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
Crystal Rhoades jumps into crowded Nebraska 2nd District field
Now, six Democrats are campaigning to be the nominee to be in a position of being the first Democrat to represent the state in about a decade.
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/21/d...
Now, six Democrats are campaigning to be the nominee to be in a position of being the first Democrat to represent the state in about a decade.
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/21/d...
Crystal Rhoades jumps into crowded Nebraska 2nd District field • Nebraska Examiner
Crystal Rhoades joins five other Democrats trying to replace U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb. She describes herself as a “unique candidate."
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Crystal Rhoades jumps into crowded Nebraska 2nd District field
Now, six Democrats are campaigning to be the nominee to be in a position of being the first Democrat to represent the state in about a decade.
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/21/d...
Now, six Democrats are campaigning to be the nominee to be in a position of being the first Democrat to represent the state in about a decade.
My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/21/d...
New favorite Pillen quote just dropped:
"When anybody is talking about meat and it does not come from a live critter, a four-legged critter, it ain’t meat."
Poultry and fish industry, you have 24 hours to respond.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/17/g...
"When anybody is talking about meat and it does not come from a live critter, a four-legged critter, it ain’t meat."
Poultry and fish industry, you have 24 hours to respond.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/17/g...
Gov. Jim Pillen celebrates Nebraska ban on lab-grown meat at O’Neill butcher shop • Nebraska Examiner
Gov. Jim Pillen celebrates a win over lab-grown meat, ceremonially signing a bill in O'Neill banning the sale and production of the products.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
New favorite Pillen quote just dropped:
"When anybody is talking about meat and it does not come from a live critter, a four-legged critter, it ain’t meat."
Poultry and fish industry, you have 24 hours to respond.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/17/g...
"When anybody is talking about meat and it does not come from a live critter, a four-legged critter, it ain’t meat."
Poultry and fish industry, you have 24 hours to respond.
nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/07/17/g...
Reposted by Erin Bamer
CLEANING THE CLOSETS? Gov. Jim Pillen ceremonially signed four bills Wednesday that he said would increase government efficiencies, previewing his intent to tighten Nebraska’s belt by another $500 million.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/IT1U0VD
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/IT1U0VD
Gov. Jim Pillen touts new efficiencies as he seeks $500 million in budget cuts • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen praises passed government efficiency bills as he seeks 10% cut to state's general fund budget.
nebraskaexaminer.com
July 16, 2025 at 8:26 PM
CLEANING THE CLOSETS? Gov. Jim Pillen ceremonially signed four bills Wednesday that he said would increase government efficiencies, previewing his intent to tighten Nebraska’s belt by another $500 million.
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/IT1U0VD
From Erin Bamer:
buff.ly/IT1U0VD