In Nebraska’s Panhandle, where one out of five young people has considered suicide, members of the Panhandle Public Health District have been ramping up their suicide prevention efforts over the last six years.
Gov. Pillen gives his annual State of the State speech in the legislative chamber in Lincoln on Jan. 15. Under Pillen’s current budget proposal, there are dozens of cuts to resources like affordable housing, small-business assistance and early childhood education.
State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha speaks Jan. 8, the first day of Nebraska’s 2025 legislative session. Cavanaugh said recently that for the past several years, her colleagues have been focused on “shortsighted solutions” to cut taxes in exchange for political points.
Jessica Davies, health director at the Panhandle Public Health District, poses for a portrait in Hemingford, Neb., on Tuesday. Under the pending two-year state budget, $4.5 million could be cut from various local health departments, which would mark a 38% reduction in the district’s state-appropriated funding.
The back cover from the Panhandle Public Health District’s annual report highlighting its CredibleMind program, a digital platform that provides mental health and self-care resources.
Use: Dollars are distributed to counties, which are then allocated as credits to taxpayers based on their property value.
Funding sources: General fund transfers, 70% of casino gaming tax revenue, accrued interest
School District Property Tax Relief Cash Fund
Created: 2024 special session
Use: Dollars are distributed to counties based on the ratio of property taxes levied by their school districts. Counties then distribute the money to taxpayers as tax credits.
Funding sources: General fund transfers, excess general fund receipts
Education Future Fund
Created: 2023
Use: $1,500 in foundation aid per student, special education reimbursements, educator support
Funding sources: General fund transfers, cash fund transfers, interest
Community College Future Fund
Created: 2023
Use: Reimburses community colleges after the Legislature limited their levying authority.
Gov. Pillen gives his annual State of the State speech in the legislative chamber in Lincoln on Jan. 15. Under Pillen’s current budget proposal, there are dozens of cuts to resources like affordable housing, small-business assistance and early childhood education.
State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha speaks Jan. 8, the first day of Nebraska’s 2025 legislative session. Cavanaugh said recently that for the past several years, her colleagues have been focused on “shortsighted solutions” to cut taxes in exchange for political points.
Jessica Davies, health director at the Panhandle Public Health District, poses for a portrait in Hemingford, Neb., on Tuesday. Under the pending two-year state budget, $4.5 million could be cut from various local health departments, which would mark a 38% reduction in the district’s state-appropriated funding.
The back cover from the Panhandle Public Health District’s annual report highlighting its CredibleMind program, a digital platform that provides mental health and self-care resources.
