Nebraska’s ballot process, state finances, public assistance and grain markets all saw fresh scrutiny: an updated investigation details petition-fraud risks, while new state findings target Douglas County spending and regulators resolve a major dealer complaint.
Update: Revenue forecast board faces divided reaction
October meeting will shape the next budget as lawmakers dispute the governor’s choices
New reporting finds Nebraska lawmakers divided over Gov. Jim Pillen’s three recent appointments to the Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, including former state senators Tom Briese and Lou Ann Linehan. The nine-member board is scheduled to meet Oct. 30 to revise projections that currently show about a $208 million shortfall through June 2027 and nearly $847 million by July 2029.
Why it matters: The forecast will help frame the 2027 legislative budget debate, making the board’s independence and projections consequential for spending decisions.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Update: Petition-fraud scrutiny expands across Nebraska ballot drives
New reporting details out-of-state labor, contractor networks and the cost of signature campaigns
An updated Flatwater Free Press investigation says Nebraska’s petition drives relied heavily on out-of-state workers, layered contractors and firms with prior fraud allegations. Campaign finance reports show statewide petition campaigns paid $2 million to $5 million to hire firms; seven people have been arrested, and all but one petition under investigation will appear on the ballot anyway.
Why it matters: The reporting adds pressure to a ballot-access system facing scrutiny over oversight, contractor accountability and the integrity of signatures voters will consider.
Read the full story: Flatwater Free Press
State auditor questions Douglas County’s assistance-program costs
Letter cites high administrative spending and weak controls on retailer gift cards
State Auditor Mike Foley’s Sept. 22 letter says Douglas County processed about 5,100 applications and provided nearly $9.4 million in aid from 2023 through 2025, while spending roughly $74 on administration for every $100 in aid. The review also found nearly 26,000 Dollar General gift cards worth about $760,000 and sampled purchases of unallowable items; county officials said they are evaluating changes.
Why it matters: The findings put a high-profile county safety-net program’s cost, controls and eligibility oversight under public review.
Read the full story: Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts letter
Nebraska regulators resolve grain-payment complaint against The Andersons
Ohio-based dealer keeps its Nebraska license after agreeing to a $5,000 fine
The Nebraska Public Service Commission dismissed a complaint Tuesday after Ohio-based The Andersons reached a stipulated agreement and agreed to pay a $5,000 administrative fine. The agency said the company had addressed payment problems involving 17 grain loads from a Nebraska producer; The Andersons will keep its Nebraska grain-dealer license and denies the alleged violations.
Why it matters: The decision closes a Nebraska grain-regulation dispute while documenting the state’s response to producer payment complaints.
Read the full story: KOLN/1011 Now
Around Nebraska
Watch Next
- Sept. 25, 11 a.m. CT: The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will hold a special meeting in Lincoln to consider four representatives for Nebraska Medicine’s new governing board.
- Oct. 30: The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board is scheduled to meet and revise the revenue projections that will shape the next state budget cycle.
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