Infinity Pool Review, Eppley Extension, Pillen Tax Plan

AROUND OMAHA

Construction on the Eppley airfield expansion will continue in the coming months. In 2021, the airport entrance received a facelift, followed by a drop-off area. The upgrade of the domestic terminal will begin in late 2023 or early 2024, an airport spokesman said.

Two players on the Burke High School basketball team are suspended one game for volunteering in the Special Olympics. Jay Bellar, executive director of the Nebraska School Activities Association, says students participating in outdoor games after the season has started violate state rules.

The MAPA report says the most economical way to slow down traffic on the 2.5-mile stretch of North 30th Street that intersects with Highway 75 is to cut the four-lane street down to three. Other options include moving traffic to North 28th Street or building a bridge over the Missouri River. The City of Omaha says it is reviewing the results.

Nebraska lawmakers meet with city officials and lobbyists to discuss streetcar project. State Senator Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn says lawmakers were unaware of the project when the city announced it last January. She introduced legislation restricting the use of TIF and making it liable for utility costs, which the city and MUD have been fighting over for months.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Don’t forget to get an upgraded booster pack before heading to any of these events.

AROUND NEBRASKA

Governor Jim Pillen’s plan to cut personal and corporate income taxes would mean $1.5 billion in revenue cuts through June 2027. The plan offers tax cuts for the benefit of at least 50% of the people who file taxes in Nebraska, with the wealthiest benefiting the most. Critics say the top rate cut is leaving low- and middle-income Nebraskans behind.

Governor Pillan’s budget proposal includes $14 million from the Nebraska Environment Fund to the State Water Fund. Sandy Scofield, the Foundation’s president, says the transfer is brazen, and W. Don Nelson, a former government official, says the Foundation is meant to help environmental projects, not to be the “governor’s piggy bank.”

Nebraska lawmakers say no action is expected on a residency complaint filed against state senator Tom Brewer. But one senator anonymously tells the Nebraska Examiner that the Legislature should consider the constitutional issues raised in the complaint before risking the legitimacy of any bills. Brewer’s vote could be critical to passage.

Lincoln City Councilman Richard Meginnis will not run for re-election this spring after a single term on the council. Meginnis, the only Republican on the officially nonpartisan council and a former school board member, says he no longer works in the public service. His decision means that three of the four people elected in 2019 are no longer running.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Omaha City Council will vote to allocate an additional $19 million in emergency rental assistance, which could be the last round of funding the city will receive. The City Council will also discuss updating the agreement with Front Porch Investments to use COVID relief funds for housing development. Douglas County Council will vote on a resolution supporting bills introduced in the Nebraska Legislature.

Each week, Anton Johnson selects notable agenda items for the Omaha City Council and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. See the full City Council and Council of Commissioners agenda for Tuesday, January 31st and tune in here for the Council of Commissioners at 9:00 am and City Council at 2:00 pm.

FACT OF THE DAY

From the Harper index

Percentage of US tech workers who say they have been bullied at work: 4/5

Source: Workplace Bullying Institute (Clarkston, Washington).

DAILY FUNNY

Comics by Jeffrey Koterba. Support him on Patreon.

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