Nebraska voters passed Initiative 427 to expand eligibility for Medicaid services from the State. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been working hard to implement the expanded coverage, which will be called Heritage Health Adult. Thanks to the team’s focus and effective management, enrollment will open as planned on August 1st and services will begin on October 1st.
Weekly Columns
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Understanding Medicaid Expansion
July 27, 2020 -
Back to Business
July 21, 2020This week, State Senators return to Lincoln to finish the remaining days of the 2020 legislative session. As they get back to business, there are a handful of key issues that will command much of the Legislature’s attention in the limited time remaining. As I wrote about last week, Nebraska’s top priority for this session is property tax relief. The property tax issue along with a few others will dominate the waning days of the session, which are sure to move at a fast pace. Here’s a ... read more
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Nebraska’s Top Priority
July 13, 2020As Nebraska emerges from pandemic restrictions related to coronavirus, the Legislature is preparing to return to Lincoln to complete the last 17 days of the legislative session for the year. There are several priorities they will consider in the short time remaining, but one looms large: property tax relief.
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Explore Nebraska
July 07, 2020If you live in Nebraska, you know we have a beautiful state. While people from the coasts may think we’re “flyover country,” folks who take the time to visit love to come back. Whether it’s our wide open spaces, the white sand beaches at Lake Mac, or our world-renowned Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, there’s an incredible variety of great recreational opportunities here. There’s never been a better time than right now for us as Nebraskans to explore the Good Life. As you map out the ... read more
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Keeping People Safe
June 30, 2020Prisons play a crucial role in protecting the safety of our communities. They provide a secure environment where inmates can prepare to successfully reenter society as productive citizens. Over 93 percent of the inmates who enter our state prison system will return to our communities. In Nebraska’s correctional facilities inmates participate in pro-social activities, gain new skills, work toward degrees, and earn their diplomas. These tools and opportunities give them a second chance to ... read more
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Opening for Business
June 18, 2020June is usually the month when summer hits full swing in Nebraska. In a typical year, Omaha would be hosting the College World Series right now. The Swedish Festival in Stromsburg, Polish Days in Loup City, and numerous other community celebrations would occur this month. NEBRASKAland Days would be underway in North Platte. Communities like Seward, Central City, and Ralston would be readying plans for Fourth of July celebrations.
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Let’s Get Nebraska Agriculture Growing
June 12, 2020Here in Nebraska, June is both Renewable Fuels Month and Dairy Month, so it’s a fitting time to talk about how we’re working to get Nebraska agriculture growing. 2020 has been another challenging year for our state’s largest industry. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted commodity prices and caused significant changes to the nation’s food supply chain. Through it all, our farmers, ranchers, and food processor workers have delivered the food our nation and the world need.
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Let’s Get Nebraska Growing
June 08, 2020Last year, Nebraskans came together in the wake of unprecedented flooding to prove the meaning of “Nebraska Strong.” After experiencing the most widespread natural disaster in state history during the spring of 2019, Nebraskans worked to rebuild bigger and better than before. The recovery was remarkable. By the last quarter of 2019, Nebraska had the fastest-growing economy in the Midwest.
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Reopening Prudently
May 29, 2020Over the past three months, Nebraskans have once again shown the world how our grit, determination, and spirit of working together can help us overcome any challenge. Faced with the greatest public health crisis in over a century, Nebraskans have responded by slowing the spread of the virus, protecting our healthcare system, and taking care of our neighbors.
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Stay Connected During Coronavirus
May 22, 2020It’s hard to believe we’ve been battling coronavirus in Nebraska for over two months now. I applaud Nebraskans for working together and successfully slowing the spread of the virus. The impact of the virus has been much less severe here than in many other states. That’s due in part to Nebraskans staying informed, following the rules, and practicing good hygiene and physical distancing.
