NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE
The official site of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature
Sen. Carol Blood
District 3
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May 17th, 2019
SINCE LAST WEEK…
One of the most important things we are tasked with as State Senators and really the only thing we are constitutionally required to do is to pass the state budget. Not only must we pass the budget, but our constitution requires it to be a balanced budget. Last week, we got through the first round of debate fairly unscathed.
This week, LBs 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, and 299 came to the floor for the second round of debate. After several hours of discussion, they all advanced to final reading. These bills are incredibly comprehensive as they deal with making sure that state employees are paid, that funding for various infrastructure projects are funded, and the first steps towards getting real, tangible property tax relief are taken.
On the idea of property tax relief, the legislature is still going to have to hammer out some of the details, but it does appear there will be some coming in the very near future. How much and in what form is still going to take some tweaks and just how we arrive at the final numbers was once again a hot topic in the second round of debate. I expect even more debate before the session is over, but I will fight to get as much tax relief as is feasible when working under the budget constraints the state finds itself in.
All of the budget bills are slated for final debate next Tuesday as the legislature is on recess Friday and Monday. I expect come Tuesday night, the legislature will have officially adopted a budget and sent it to the Governor for his signature.
Sarpy County Legislative Breakfast
This morning I joined fellow State Senators to speak with, and listen to the concerns of citizens on events shaping this 2019 Legislative Session. The breakfast was held and hosted by Hillcrest Grand Lodge and the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. A big thank you to Hillcrest and the Sarpy Chamber for the invitation.
Going Beyond That Which Divides Us – Day of Unity
Friends, please take a moment and review the information below. I’m hosting the ONLY showing of this movie in Nebraska.
It’s a small theater and there are only 60 seats left. An individual ticket is only $13.38 each. The event will be held at Village Pointe Cinema located at 304 N. 174th St on June 12th @ 6:30 p.m ONLY!
You MUST order your tickets in advance. After the movie, we will have a live discussion from Washington DC with other participants across the US on this ONE DAY ONLY nationwide screening of the film. We will have handout materials after the film. NOTE: Fun fact, a woman from Norfolk, Nebraska was one of the travelers.
About the film:
Seeking to build a bridge of mutual understanding and friendship, a Canadian-Egyptian entrepreneur living in Switzerland decides to reach out to the very people who fear him. He travels across the United States to find Americans concerned about an Islamic threat and makes them an intriguing offer: a Free Trip to Egypt. Seeking to build a bridge of mutual understanding and friendship, a Canadian-Egyptian entrepreneur living in Switzerland decides to reach out to the very people who fear him. He travels across the United States to find Americans concerned about an Islamic threat and makes them an intriguing offer: a Free Trip to Egypt.
Peace Officers Memorial Day 2019 at the Capitol
On Wednesday, May 15th, the Governor announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags were to flown at half-staff to honor fallen peace officers during Peace Officers Memorial Day. Flags were flown at half-staff until sunset. During this past week, visitors to the first floor rotunda were able to view a beautiful memorial display to honor the fallen.
Breaking Flood Assistance News
The deadline for government entities to submit a request for public assistance (RPA) has been extended to June 20. Officials can submit an RPA via the Grants Portal. Call 402-429-3389 if you have not received an email for the Grants Portal. http://ow.ly/6XTc50ug5WN #nebraskaflood
FEMA just extended the deadline for affected Nebraska residents to for disaster assistance. Don”t wait to apply!
To Apply: go to DisasterAssistance.gov or Call FEMA at 800-621-3362; (call 800-462-7585 TTY)
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week
Dodge and Sarpy Counties Disaster Centers Will Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers
The Disaster Recovery Centers in Fremont and Bellevue, operated by the State of Nebraska and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will close at 6 p.m. May 17, and reopen Monday, May 20, as Disaster Loan Outreach Centers operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Sarpy County location will remain at:
3802 Raynor Parkway, (Suite 201) – Bellevue, NE 68123
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m
Fremont City Auditorium – Community Room
925 N Broad Street – Fremont, NE 68025
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m
SBA customer service representatives will be available at the centers to meet individually with business, homeowners and renters to answer their questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program, help complete applications and close approved loans.
Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
For questions or information, visit sba.gov/disaster. Help is also available by sending an email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or contacting the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
Help following a Disaster Recovery Center Closure
After a Disaster Recovery Center closes, survivors can still get help by contacting FEMA in these ways:
• By phone, call FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).
• Online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• On a smart phone, download the FEMA app and click on “disaster resources,” then “apply for assistance online.”
For more information on Nebraska disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4420.
The Nebraska Family HELPLINE
Learn more here.
NOTE: Hearing & Speech-impaired callers may utilize telecommunications relay services by calling 7-1-1 or through your own personal relay service. #TeamBlood #HelpisHere
Public participation in government is at the heart of democracy, I encourage those who have a desire to shape policy, to be involved and give something back to our communities, would like to donate ones professional skills or would like to fulfill their civic responsibility to consider serving.
The full list, including past unfilled positions, as well as new openings for July to December 2019 can be found on Governor Ricketts’ website Here. Applying for one of these positions is easier than ever as it can be done online, printed and mailed or a PDF version of the application can be downloaded, filled out and emailed.
For additional information please contact Dee in my office at 402-471-2627 or via email at daustin@leg.ne.gov
MEET OUR TEAM
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide
Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide
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Sen. Carol Blood
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2627
Email: cblood@leg.ne.gov
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