Say No to Bait and Switch

February, 2026

Lincoln — Today's Lincoln JournalStar features a letter to the editor regarding the Nebraska Environmental Trust that all Nebraskans should read and heed.  Here it is:

I love a quiet morning fishing with a pole, bobber and a nightcrawler. But at the Capitol, I'm seeing a different kind of angling — one that threatens conservation across Nebraska.

LB1072 is a bait and switch. Sections 124 and 125 would divert more than $40 million from the Nebraska Environmental Trust — funds meant for habitat restoration, clean water, wildlife conservation and community projects. Supporters claim it strengthens conservation, but it simply replaces withdrawn state dollars with trust dollars. LB1072 provides state agencies with funds that were never meant to be theirs, leaving local groups and community partners with fewer resources.

For nearly 30 years, the trust worked as voters designed it: independent, competitive and guided by citizen oversight. But political pressure has chipped away at that model, making the trust an easy target — especially after major tax cuts reduced general fund revenue.

That's why LR298CA matters. It would protect the trust's mission, independence and competitive grant structure by placing them in the state constitution.

Let's keep the trust true to its purpose and stop this legislative snag before it steals the whole stringer. Contact your state senator and urge them to oppose LB1072 and support LR298CA.

Dr. Russell Souchek, president,

Nebraska Wildlife Federation, Seward

LB 1072 is the worst kind of bait and switch bill. It is beneath the dignity of the state to enact it.  Thanks to Dr. Souchek for pointing this out. 

Many years ago I was director of administrative services for the State of Nebraska, required by bond and by oath to uphold the state constitution and its statutes.  I would never transfer funds or approve expenditures from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for purposes other than those for which it was created by voters in 1992 and 2004.

 

Senators Who Might Create an Independent Caucus

February, 2026

Washington — It was heartening yesterday to hear Robert Kagan, former Republican and current writer at The Atlantic, note that four Senate Republicans have it in their power to preserve American democracy.

"I would like to think that some Republicans - it only takes four in the Senate - might stand up for democracy and preserving the American system...."

This corresponds with my previous blog post, the most common response to which has been: who might they be?

One possible group of four Republicans would be those not running for re-election who could register and caucus as independent for the remainder of 2026, namely Senators Tillis, Ernst, McConnell, and Lummis, all of whom have been attacked by the president to one degree or another. They could be joined by four Democrats not running, namely Senators Smith, Durbin, Shaheen, and Peters, to form an independent caucus to vote as a group on questions of checks and balances.  (Noted: Senators King and Sanders are already independent.)

Another possible group could be eight women senators, four from each party, such as Ernst, Lummis, Murkowski, Collins, Shaheen, Smith, Rosen, and Cortez Masto.  Each has demonstrated an independent streak from time to time. They could be known henceforth as Eight Women Patriots Who Stepped Up to Save America, so to speak.  Others might want to join them.    

If an independent caucus of eight senators were now in place, it could be instrumental in asserting Congressional powers over ICE, currently much in dispute.  There is not a moment to lose.