When it comes to my bills this year, they just keep moving right along. LB6 went from select file to final reading earlier this week. The bill allows military dependents that were accepted to a Nebraska college but then had to subsequently move out of the state with their family can still enroll at the college using in-state tuition rates. This is yet another part of the effort to make sure that Nebraska is getting graded as “Military Friendly”.

On that note, I also supported a bill brought by Senator Lindstrom that will go a long way towards protecting Offutt and the surrounding area, including the Papillion Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and another approximately 6,000 acres of land. LB177 advanced to Select file after a prolonged debate that required cloture and I believe it required cloture because there is a misunderstanding of what the NRD does and has been doing.

The bill extends the bonding authority of local NRDs from the end of this year, until December of 2024. By doing this we are continuing to allow the NRDs to do exactly what they are supposed to be doing, without having to overcome unnecessary hurdles.

The NRDs have been working tirelessly for almost eight years to make sure that the Missouri River Levee System R-613 & R-616 are repaired and rehabilitated. That’s the levee I referenced earlier, and it’s one that is vital to keeping the economy in Nebraska humming. It’s also a project that began so long ago, the initial $25 million estimate is out of date. Foot-dragging and some unforeseen problems have popped up during the nearly decade long project.

By extending the bonding authority, we are going to be saving taxpayers money. Effective flood control infrastructure saves taxpayer money in the future, not to mention protecting area homes and businesses.

The NRD works hard, they make the most of the funds they have and it only makes sense to expand their bonding authority to the point where they can safely complete the levee project and others that might arise.

Keeping Our Unicameral Non-Partisan
Many of you have reached out to me this week about my comments on the floor regarding the importance of keeping our body moving forward in a non-partisan fashion. I am not afraid to share my views when it comes to protecting this noble institution.

In order to serve the public to the best of our ability, we must stand up and speak when party politics enters our doors to try and influence Nebraska Senators, or when there are attempts to discredit those serving in opposing parties by spinning the truth or being outright cruel.

The bottom line is that Nebraska has a unique system that has worked well for decades. This isn’t Washington DC and our job is to get things done in a timely fashion, not play party politics with filibusters and bad behavior. We must rise above those shenanigans and stay focused on what is important…serving the residents of Nebraska.