Public Affairs Commons^™

Nebraskans And Educational Pluralism, Helen A. Moore

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Equality of educational opportunity continues to be a goal of public education and of the communities served. To meet the diverse needs of racial and ethnic minorities and female students, policy makers must untangle layers of government guidelines, while attending to the goals of local constituents.

The under-representation of minorities among public school graduates, and gender and race inequality in school teaching and administrative staffs, are discussed in this chapter. Community attitudes toward pluralistic goals and integration in education are highlighted, and suggestions are made for coordinating the diverse needs of all students.

Education And Rural Revitalization: A Study Of The Link Between Education And Economic Development, Miles T. Bryant

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Rural Nebraska faces economic uncertainties that perplex state leadership. The public school system is an important part of any community or state effort directed at improving rural life. This chapter analyzes the relationship of Nebraska's schools to rural economic development.

Early Childhood Special Education In The Next Decade: The Impact Of Public Law 99-457 In Nebraska, Deana Finkler, Cordelia Robinson

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Nebraska has served handicapped children from birth to age 21 through special education and other services since 1978. But in 1991 Public Law 99-457 will include federal funding for preschool services and incentive grants for infants and toddlers. Because Nebraska has already been serving these populations, it will not receive new funds under the new law. States that will be taking advantage of the incentive funds will be looking to Nebraska-and other states with experience in serving handicapped infants and preschoolers-for precedence. Although under P.L. 99-457 policy has been set at the federal level, key state policy considerations remain. These …

At-Risk Youth In Suburban Nebraska, John W. Hill

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

For the greatest part, Nebraska's students are succeeding in school. However, there are students who experience early school failure and early school refusal, students who are "at risk" for leaving school before receiving their high school diplomas. Data from a school district were analyzed as a critical case example to uncover characteristics, achievement, and cognitive skills of identified students at risk in order to answer questions about these perplexing youth. Policy initiatives are discussed.

Improving Life Chances For Children In Nebraska, Mary Mcmanus Kluender, Robert L. Egbert

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

To a great extent, the potential of a child's future is determined by his or her earliest experiences, including education. The life chances of children, both those who are presumed to be at risk and those who are presumed to have a wide range of opportunities, are examined and discussed in this chapter. Factors that help or hinder life chances are described, and data that serve as indicators of life chances are addressed. National and state data about children considered to be at risk of school failure are reviewed. These data indicate that educators, administrators and policy makers should work …

Local Control Of Education, Donald Uerling, Robert O'Reilly

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

The theory of educational control holds that schools are best served by local boards of education. In practice, however, these local boards are subject to numerous constraints, especially at the state level, and often at the federal level. The social, political, legal and judicial climate has great bearing on what school boards mayor may not do, and how they mayor may not do it.

In Nebraska, equitable allocation of resources and recognition of the value of local control can help school districts better achieve the state's educational goals.

School/Business Partnerships, James Dick, James Marlin

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Business involvement in Nebraska schools has increased in recent years. This chapter compares types of school/business partnerships, explores their applications, and identifies models appropriate to Nebraska school districts and communities.

Images, Art And Education, Michael Gillespie

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Art education has traditionally been of low priority in Nebraska's-and the nation's -schools. Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE) is a new approach that integrates the various facets of art education throughout the general curriculum. DBAE attempts to teach students critical reasoning skills so they may learn to make their own judgments rather than be manipulated through "technological image management." It also enhances the traditional art curriculum through multicultural study. Nebraska's Prairie Visions project can serve as a model to other states, which are increasingly recognizing the value of DBAE.

Nebraska Policy Choices (1989): Preface, Miles T. Bryant, Christine M. Reed, Patricia O'Connell

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

The eight chapters in Nebraska Policy Choices: Education represent the work of University of Nebraska faculty from both the Lincoln and Omaha campuses, as well as the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These authors participated in a unique effort jointly sponsored by the University of Nebraska Central Administration, College of Education (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Teachers College (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), and Center for Public Affairs Research (University of Nebraska at Omaha). Unlike earlier volumes of Nebraska Policy Choices, the focus of this volume is on one critically important area: education policy.

Selling Nebraska's Water: Water Sales, Transfers And Exports, J. David Aiken

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Historically, western states have been free to prohibit water exports, and most states have done so. This changed abruptly in 1982, when the U.S. Supreme Court in its Sporhase decision invalidated Nebraska's groundwater export statute. After Sporhase, states could no longer simply prohibit the export of water, so the likelihood that water could be purchased or appropriated for export increased. In 1987 legislation was introduced to aggressively seek interstate buyers for Nebraska water. In the face of stormy opposition, the legislation was successfully recast as a study of water exports and transfers. The water exports study, however, contained the …

Prison Overcrowding In Nebraska: The Feasibility Of Intensive Supervision Probation, Dennis Hoffman, Vincent J. Webb

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

This chapter analyzes the magnitude and causes of Nebraska's prison overcrowding problem. Nebraska's response to this problem has been to expand prison capacity and to implement programs to decrease length of stay. Another policy option - reducing prison admissions through intensive supervision probation - is examined in this chapter. Data from Nebraska Parole Board files indicate there is a category of current prison inmates that are not sufficiently dangerous to require imprisonment. Many of these nonviolent offenders with marginal criminal histories could be diverted into intensive probation programs that are more cost·effective than incarceration.

The Importance Of Interstate Highways To Economic Development In Nebraska, David M. Ambrose, Louis G. Pol

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

This chapter focuses on one aspect of economic growth: the post-construction effect of interstate highways on income and sales expansion. Using data for all Nebraska and Iowa counties, interstate highways are found to have the most positive economic impact on areas with larger populations; small areas are not likely to experience much more than short-term gains. This finding has significant implications for the planned construction of a north-south, four-lane highway in Nebraska. The route of such a highway should be selected only after a careful look at the ability of local areas to capitalize on highway-induced growth impulses.

Rural-Urban Linkages: An Assessment Of State Government Revenue And Expenditure Patterns, Jerome A. Deichert

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Taxing and spending decisions made by Nebraska's policy makers have different impacts on Nebraska's metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties, even though these impacts may be unintended. Furthermore, Nebraska's counties are linked through the operation of state government. Through their fiscal actions policy makers can strengthen these links or cause them to deteriorate. Policy makers should begin to incorporate the geographic dimensions of their decisions into their decision making processes, especially as they are faced with issues concerning property tax relief and rural development. A data set describing the geographic distribution of Nebraska state government taxes and expenditures is offered here for …

Nebraska Policy Choices (1988): Preface, Russell L. Smith

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

The six chapters in Nebraska Policy Choices: 1988 contain the work of eight faculty from the University of Nebraska's Omaha and Lincoln campuses. These faculty, like the twenty-five faculty who wrote chapters for the previous two annual volumes, are some of the leading experts in Nebraska in their respective areas of interest.

Child Day Care Policy Issues In Nebraska, Christine M. Reed

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

This chapter looks at the Nebraska child day care market. A review of the day care arrangements made by working parents for their preschoolers indicates that the majority use home day care - in the home of a relative, friend, neighbor, or family day care home proprietor. This predominance, together with evidence that sixty percent of all day care is informal, unregulated care, suggests three policy strategies for improving the quality of home day care in Nebraska: strengthening and expanding family day care rules; subsidizing quality home day care for the working poor; and expanding specialized training for home day …

Appendix A- Nebraska State Government Revenue And Expenditure Pattern Data Set, Excluding Lancaster County, 1985

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Because of the major presence of state government activities in the Lincoln area, it is useful to look at tax and expenditure information for the rest of the state alone. The tables in this appendix are similar to tables 2 and 3 in the chapter text, except for the deletion of Lancaster County.

Farm Income And Government Payments To Agriculture In Nebraska, James R. Schmidt

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Farm income in Nebraska reached a record level of $2,117 million in 1987, of which $1,275 million (or sixty percent) was received in the form of direct government payments. This chapter traces the recent history of farm income and direct government payments and describes the elements of the farm program that have had significant influence upon the Nebraska economy. The sensitivity of the Nebraska economy to movements in the farm sector is analyzed. Results from an econometric simulation analysis indicate that relatively strong multiplier effects occur in the state economy as a result of movements in farm income.

The Nebraska Legislature: Policy Implications Of Its Organization And Operation, Robert Sittig

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

The adoption of a nonpartisan unicameral legislature by Nebraska voters in 1934 increased the opportunity for distinctive policymaking in the state. This reform moved Nebraska to the forefront on many measures of legislative capability, such as structural simplicity, open deliberative process, and level of staff assistance. Yet, the Unicameral lags behind other states on other measures of legislative effectiveness and modernization. This is illustrated by inadequate compensation for legislators, insufficient winnowing if bills prior to floor consideration, and modest restraint of interest group activity. The uniqueness of the Unicameral continues to bring Nebraska attention. Although its organization and operation receive …

The Confinement Of Juveniles In Nebraska Jails And Lockups, Lorie A. Fridell, Vincent J. Webb

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Using adult jails and lockups for confining youths is a major issue in juvenile justice. Proponents of removing children from these facilities are concerned with the conditions of confinement, the .ate of suicide among youths held in adult facilities, the excessive use of secure confinement for youths, and the legal liability of jurisdictions that hold juveniles in adult facilities. Nebraska has made significant progress in reducing the number of youths confined in adult jails and lockups, but has yet to pass legislation or develop programs and facilities to complete the task. Policy options for reducing the use of secure confinement …

Community Banking Issues In Nebraska, Alfonso J. Garza, William R. Hosek

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

During the 1980s, community banks in Nebraska have been challenged by a weak agricultural economy and by deregulation of the financial services industry. Bank profits have fallen and many banks have failed. Of the two problems, deregulation may have more far reaching consequences as it increases the competition faced by community banks. Community banks will have to take advantage of new technology, new marketing strategies, and new sources of income to remain viable. Public policy should aim at removing regulatory and tax barriers that constrain community banks.

Financing Public Elementary And Secondary Schools In Nebraska, C. Cale Hudson, Katherine Lewellan Kasten

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Nebraska's system for funding public schools is deteriorating. Shifts in population, variations in tax capacity, and changes in the mission defined for public schools make the current system inadequate and inequitable. Funding problems are compounded by the large number of school districts which divide human and financial resources in the state unequally. Problems in the finance system are described, and suggestions for determining the minimum education program to be funded, the most cost-effective organization of school districts, measures for fair acquisition of funds, and procedures for equitable allocation of state aid to public schools are discussed.

Nebraska's Small Towns And Their Capacity For Economic Development, David F. Paulsen, Burton J. Reed

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Small Nebraska towns have declined in population and wealth. while facing increasing demands, higher costs, and more problems. For them, economic development may be a way out. We found that participation was related to inplace governmental capacities and physical facilities. In turn, these capacities were related to the size and wealth of the communities. However, some smaller and poorer communities did participate, against the odds, suggesting that commitment is required. Federal, state, and other agencies offer help in development, apparently on demand. Rather, help should be directed to those small towns with a demonstrated capacity and commitment, given limited resources. …

Groundwater Quality And Policy Options In Nebraska, Mary E. Exner, Roy F. Spalding

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Potential contaminants and the occurrence of groundwater contamination in Nebraska are discussed. An overview of Nebraska's policy response to groundwater quality reveals that the policy has been fragmentary and generally reactive. Although a comprehensive groundwater quality protection strategy is needed if the groundwater is to be protected from potential point and nonpoint sources of contamination, it must recognize the site-specific nature of most groundwater contamination. The Nebraska Chemigation Act and the Petroleum Products and Hazardous Substances Storage and Handling Act passed in 1986 were the first comprehensive legislation addressing prevention of point source contamination. Proactive policies for the prevention of …

Nebraska Policy Choices (1987): Preface, Russell L. Smith

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Research was undertaken during 1987 concerning prison overcrowding and displaced workers; the results are planned for publication in the 1988 edition of Nebraska Policy Choices.

A vital part of the process of producing each volume of Nebraska Policy Choices is the use of external academic and layperson reviewers. This year, 18 reviewers assisted in the process. (A list of reviewers is included at the end of the volume.) As with any review process, the reviewers did not always like what the authors were saying or how they were approaching the topic. Likewise, the authors did not always agree with …

Nebraska Settlements: Status, Trends, And Policy Choices, David R. Dimartino, Russell L. Smith

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

This chapter looks at historical and contemporary trends in Nebraska's system of incorporated places. Particular attention is given to changes in the number and proportion of places in different population size categories, the movement of places between different size categories, and what Nebraska's settlement system is likely to look like in the future. A review of past and recent trends, together with forecasts about the future, indicates a likely increase in the number of very small places, major shifts for middle-sized places, and continued growth in the number of places over 5,000 population. Based upon these trends, three separate needs …

The Macroeconomics Of Nebraska's Competitiveness World Agricultural Markets, Frank Zahn

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Nebraska faces a cyclical and a secular decline in its competitiveness in world agricultural markets. Economic instability and technological advances account for much of the decline, along with unfair trade practices and counterproductive government intervention. The short-term forecasts for the U.S. economy are fairly bright, but the farm economy, particularly in Nebraska, is gloomy. Because it is unlikely that government price and income supports will continue at current levels, Nebraska must take some bold steps to provide a healthier farm sector. Policy choices for state action include supporting federal policies that promote domestic and international economic stability, fair international trade, …

Small Business And Economic Development For Nebraska, Bruce A. Kirchhoff

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Economic theory and research data suggest that Nebraska policymakers should redirect economic development efforts toward the formation and growth of small businesses. A mechanism is presented for categorizing small businesses into sectors which are most likely to provide the economic growth so necessary to the state. Recommendations for implementing a search and screening process to identify businesses with high-growth potential in the state are discussed. Finally, recommendations for changing policies and programs to increase the formation and growth of small businesses in Nebraska are presented.

Nebraska's Economic Structure, Charles L. Bare, Jerome A. Deichert, Donald E. Pursell

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Nebraska's economy is in transition from a goods producing economy to a service producing economy. In a sense, this economic transition is a well established megatrend more than 100 years in the making, that has intensified during the last 5 years. From the mid- 1960s to 1979, the rate of growth in nonagricultural employment and income in Nebraska nearly matched that of the nation. Nebraskans must recognize that their economy is influenced largely by external forces, for example, national farm policy and monetary policy. Nebraskans should pursue policies that recognize the transition in the economy and direct state efforts toward …

Child Poverty And Child Welfare In Nebraska, Ann Coyne, Herb Grandbois

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Children represent the fastest growing group of poor people in the United States today. An increase in the number of children living with one parent, an increase in unwed teenage pregnancy, a lack of child support, lower wages and benefits for women than for men, the cost of child care, and unemployment and underemployment in two-parent families contribute to child poverty. Policy options ranging from changing eligibility requirements for assistance programs to establishing state funded health insurance programs are presented. Methods of responding to abused and neglected children have changed dramatically. The effect of PI 96-272 on the child welfare …

The Changing Structure Of Agriculture In Nebraska, Bruce B. Johnson

Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO): Publications

Production agriculture in Nebraska is undergoing profound change. Longrun structural trends have emerged during the financially stressed 1980's. Increasingly, fewer farms account for most of the production volume, while thousands of smaller farms exist by combining nonfarm income with modest farm receipts. By the year 2000, Nebraska may have less than 30,000 farms, half the current number. These trends, in combination with the likelihood of continued economic stress for U.S. agriculture, pose considerable policy challenges to a state whose economy remains heavily interrelated with agriculture. Bold institutional measures need to be made to ease the transition and to position the …