Gov. Jim Pillen’s changes to the state revenue-forecasting board bring budget credibility into focus, while 48 judicial-retention races and sharply higher diesel costs add election and economic stakes.
Pillen reshapes revenue-forecasting board as budget shortfall looms
Appointments of two former Republican senators and an accountant raise questions about the board’s independence before its October forecast
Gov. Jim Pillen replaced three members of the nine-person Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board with former state Sens. Lou Ann Linehan and Tom Briese and Omaha accountant Tim Wilson, the Nebraska Examiner reported Wednesday. The changes are the first time a governor has replaced one-third of the board at once; Nebraska is projected to face a $208 million deficit in 2027.
Why it matters: The board’s October forecast will inform the next budget proposal, making its composition consequential as lawmakers confront repeated shortfalls and tax-cut commitments.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
48 Nebraska judges face retention votes in November
The ballot includes one Court of Appeals judge, two Workers’ Compensation Court judges and 43 trial-court judges
Forty-eight Nebraska judges will face up-or-down retention votes Nov. 3, including Court of Appeals Judge Michael Pirtle, two statewide Workers’ Compensation Court judges, 23 district judges, two separate juvenile judges and 20 county judges. The Nebraska Examiner reported that current terms end Jan. 7, 2027; retained judges would serve through January 2033, and Douglas County voters will see the most judicial names.
Why it matters: Judicial-retention contests are one of the statewide ballot’s less visible decision points, with results affecting courts across multiple districts and the statewide workers’ compensation system.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
Record diesel prices squeeze Nebraska farmers heading into harvest
AAA’s Nebraska average reached $5.98 a gallon as producers weigh fuel, fertilizer and transportation costs
DTN reported Wednesday that Nebraska’s average retail diesel price reached a record $5.98 per gallon, up from $3.40 a year earlier, as farmers entered harvest. Colfax County producer Matt Jedlicka told the publication his supplier quoted $5.55 for farm diesel and $6 for highway diesel; Nebraska Farm Bureau leaders said the higher costs are eroding improved crop-price returns and adding trucking surcharges.
Why it matters: Higher fuel costs arrive alongside projected Nebraska losses of $759 million on corn and $266 million on soybeans, tightening margins before 2027 input decisions.
Read the full story: DTN
Around Nebraska
Watch Next
- Sept. 17, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.: The Nebraska Court of Appeals will hear arguments at the Nebraska Union at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for Constitution Day proceedings.
- Sept. 17, 5 p.m.: The Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors will meet at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center and via WebEx.
- Sept. 22, 5 p.m.: OPPD will hold the third Integrated System Plan workshop, focused on initial results and public feedback.
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