(Lincoln, Neb.) Leaders of Nebraska’s three branches of government today announced that citizens now have expanded access to hearings and events happening at the State Capitol via an expanded menu of web streaming options.

The new coverage allows citizens to view online cases argued before the Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and Governor’s news conferences from the State Capitol. Equipment for streaming legislative floor debate and committee hearings has also been upgraded to provide improved streaming quality.

Links to live coverage from the State Capitol and schedules for upcoming events can be found on the state web portal, http://www.Nebraska.gov, as well as the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) Web site at http://www.netNebraska.org/capitol. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals begin live web streaming in February.

New cameras installed in the State Capitol provide a broadcast quality digital image and audio. DSL or cable-modem users can access a high bandwidth feed, and low bandwidth and audio only feeds are available for those using dial-up modems.

“This is a major step forward in government transparency,” Gov. Dave Heineman said. “Providing live coverage will allow Nebraskans and anyone with an Internet connection to know what’s going on at the seat of our government. It provides a new level of accountability to our citizens. I appreciate the work of everyone involved in the successful completion of this project.”

The Nebraska Legislature was one of the first in the nation to offer live web streaming of floor debate, and Nebraska was the first to create a closed circuit system for state offices. Nebraska’s web streaming project is believed to be one of the most comprehensive in U.S. statehouses, thanks to the collaboration that allows three branches of state government to use one system.

Nebraska Chief Justice Mike Heavican said, “The Judicial Branch is pleased to participate in the installation of permanent cameras in the State Capitol courtrooms. This project allows all citizens of the State of Nebraska to hear and see their appellate courts at work. The more the public knows about their courts, the stronger our society will be.”

Sen. John Wightman, Chairman of the Legislature’s Executive Board, said, “The opportunity for the citizens of Nebraska to observe their government in action has been greatly enhanced by this joint project. The Legislature is pleased to be a partner in making this possible.”

Partners include the Office of the Chief Information Officer, NET and the Office of the Capitol Commission. Initial planning started in 2006, with the installation of cameras, wiring and other equipment beginning last August. Funding for the web streaming project was accomplished within existing agency budgets. No new funding was appropriated to complete the project.

Web streaming provides a more efficient and affordable way for citizens in communities across the state to stay connected to events at the State Capitol. The current closed circuit television system will still be available to state employees in several offices, and NET will continue to broadcast live legislative coverage on NET2.

The live capitol coverage is part of NET's Public Media outreach program, which provides opportunities for direct communication between state agencies and the people of Nebraska.