Swing Left Nebraska

Latest Episodes:

Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 13 Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

We have a packed agenda today. We will start by reviewing some key bills from last week, including the highly debated minimum wage restriction bill.
Then, we'll shift our focus to the week ahead. We'll preview the upcoming legislative agenda, with a special focus on the contentious "winner-take-all" bill. We'll explore its implications, the differing viewpoints surrounding it, and the potential outcomes.
Of course, we'll also touch on other important bills that are on the docket for next week, giving you a comprehensive overview of what's happening in the unicameral.

⁠⁠nebraskalegislature.gov/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 12 Mar 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we'll start by delving into a topic from the federal level, which is a unique approach compared to our usual format. We'll analyze its implications and potential impact on the local level. Additionally, we'll provide an update on some significant bills discussed in hearings last week, giving you insights into their progress and potential outcomes. We'll also preview what's on the legislative agenda for next week so you can stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the political landscape

⁠⁠nebraskalegislature.gov/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 11 Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

We have a recap of some key bills from last week. One that has sparked significant debate aims to restrict public postsecondary educational institutions from establishing or maintaining dedicated offices for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Next, we'll focus on the upcoming week and highlight a few bills that deserve your attention. One such bill is Legislative Bill 706, introduced by Senator McKinney. This bill would mandate that adult protective services social workers accompany law enforcement officers during specific investigations or interventions. We'll delve into the details of this bill and explore its potential impact on vulnerable adults and the agencies tasked with protecting them. We'll analyze these bills and many others, providing you with the information you need to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process.

⁠⁠nebraskalegislature.gov/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 10 Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

A few things we discuss, we'll delve into a recent update from last week concerning a bill proposing a pay raise for state legislators.

We'll explore a bill aimed at providing comprehensive support and early intervention for families and juveniles who are at risk of or already involved in the juvenile justice system.

Additionally, we'll provide updates on several key bills that we've covered in previous episodes, keeping you informed about their progress and any significant changes.

Finally, we'll look ahead to next week's legislative agenda, highlighting some of the bills that are scheduled for discussion.

⁠nebraskalegislature.gov/⁠⁠

⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 9 Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

We have a jam-packed show planned for you today. We'll dive deep into the whirlwind of activity last week within the unicameral, dissecting the key events, decisions, and debates that shaped the legislative landscape.

But that's not all! We'll also be looking ahead to the coming week, giving you a sneak peek at the critical issues and bills on the docket. We'll discuss what's at stake, who's taking a stand, and what you can expect to see unfold in the coming days.

nebraskalegislature.gov/⁠⁠

⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 8 Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

First, we touched on some of the bills that had hearings last week. One bill proposes allowing chaplains to serve in public schools, while another seeks to display the Ten Commandments in all schools. Additionally, a bill was introduced that proposes to increase the salaries of state senators in the legislature.

We also previewed some of the bills that have hearings next week. One bill aims to remove the lifetime ban on individuals with drug convictions from accessing SNAP benefits. Additionally, a hearing will be held to address the issue of medical cannabis, potentially paving the way for its legalization in the state.

Stay tuned to hear more about these bills and other legislative updates.

nebraskalegislature.gov/⁠

⁠swingleftnebraska.com/⁠

⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 7 Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

This week's legislative highlights include Senator Lippincott's controversial comments on DEI initiatives, a hearing on three bills affecting citizen-initiated ballot initiatives, and LB 655, which allows healthcare providers to refuse services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. In addition to these key issues, we touch upon various other developments that unfolded last week, providing a comprehensive overview of legislative activity. We wrap up the episode by previewing what's on the horizon for the upcoming week, highlighting anticipated bills and hearings.Sen. Loren Lippincott's Contact Info

nebraskalegislature.gov/

swingleftnebraska.com/

nelegislativestudygroup.com/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week6 Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

Looking back at last week, we're diving into LB299, which proposes allowing certain authorized immigrant workers to access unemployment insurance benefits. We'll also explore LB 303, focused on reforming Nebraska's school finance formula, and LB 22, aiming to expand the Nebraska Prenatal Plus Program established in 2024.

Additionally, we'll examine LB512, which proposes new "safety" measures for women using abortion pills by requiring additional doctor visits and testing.

Looking at what's coming up next week, we'll discuss appropriations and LB 579, which proposes eliminating fees for public records requests directed at legislators. We'll also look at LB223 and LB224, which aim to expand state employee benefits and family support, as well as a bill to establish a new division dedicated to bill management and tracking.

nebraskalegislature.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 5 Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Cindy Maxwell Osdiek and I discuss the important legislative activities from last week. We will recap the bills that had hearings and offer a preview of what we anticipate will be on the legislative agenda in the upcoming week.

nebraskalegislature.gov⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com

neappleseed.org/

Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 4 Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

This is the fourth week of the legislative session, and we have a packed episode for you. First, we'll touch briefly on the federal spending freeze that took place on Monday. Then, we'll unpack a few key bills that had hearings last week, including the controversial "winner take all" proposal, a significant marriage equality bill, and a couple of bills surrounding the death penalty. Finally, we'll look ahead to next week and highlight some important bills to keep an eye on, including an anti-trans bill that's set to be introduced on Friday.

nebraskalegislature.gov⁠⁠

⁠⁠swingleftnebraska.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠nelegislativestudygroup.com

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