On Thursday, we went back in front of the Health and Human Services Committee one more time for a hearing on another compact bill, LB15. This legislation adopts the Occupational Therapy Interstate Compact, which, like the Audiologist compact will create better access for patients, offer telehealth alternatives, and remove hurdles for employment for professionals including military spouses and family members. This compact was just sent to states in November so Nebraska could be among the first to adopt.

Finally, on Friday, we had two bills in front of the Revenue Committee. The first was LB6, which better clarifies the military retirement bill, LB153. The mechanism originally used was based on 1099’s received from the Department of Defense. There are military retirees that do not receive form 1099 from the US DOD but receive it from The Office of Personnel Management. They are being told they’re not eligible under 153 and LB6 would make them eligible for the benefits under the recently revised Nebraska Statutes, ensuring all are included. 

Directly after that bill was LB10 which makes it so that “disabled veteran” when referred to in Nebraska State Statute has the same meaning as is used at the federal level in 5 U.S.C. 2108: “A disabled veteran means an individual who has served on active duty in the armed forces, (except as provided under section 2108a ) has been separated therefrom under honorable conditions, and has established the present existence of a service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension because of a public statute administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a military department.”

Current Nebraska statutes require amputation in order to qualify as a disabled veteran. This new definition will remove confusion when comparing state and federal definitions, and bring more equitable opportunities for our Veterans with disabilities.

Next week, we have another full slate of hearings, starting with LB265 on Tuesday, February 2. This bill is looking to create an exception for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act reports. Currently, cities and municipalities that don’t take advantage of PACE must send in a letter that state’s they aren’t doing so. My bill would simply amend the language so they no longer need to send in the letter if they aren’t participating. This will save both city governments and legislative staff previously wasted time. It’s another way we can remove unnecessary red tape.

On Friday, February 5, I’ll appear in front of the Judiciary committee for LB7 and in front of the Government Committee for LB11. LB7 makes sure that a victim of sex trafficking is protected from arrest if they are reporting a violent crime to law enforcement. It encourages cooperation with law enforcement by writing into state law what is already practiced by most agencies in order to foster that cooperation. LB11 creates a more uniform and accessible system for early voting, while still maintaining the safety and security of Nebraska’s election systems. It allows registered voters in Nebraska to request to be put on a list that says they always want to receive an early ballot. They can also request an early ballot from the Secretary of State’s office.

A reminder that if you want to participate in any of the hearings on my bills, there have been some changes to the way they are carried out this year. Because of the pandemic, Speaker Hilgers would prefer not to pack the room with testifiers but understands it’s a fundamental right to participate in the legislative hearings in Nebraska. To that end, only those who intend to testify on a bill will be allowed to sit in the hearing room. His office set up a system that will allow users to track the hearing online and enter comments on any bill being heard on the Legislature’s website. 

As always the committees are also accepting letters of support or opposition in lieu of testimony. Because of the added stressors that come from all-day hearings, those letters must now be submitted by noon the day before and they must be submitted to specially designated committee emails, rather than the clerk or the chairperson directly. 

In order to see exactly how you can participate in legislative hearings this year, you can go to this link.

For a full list and additional information about all the bills I’ve introduced and cosponsored, you can click the link here.

Meet Bill
Team Blood got a new addition this week. Bill is of course a busy little beaver. I encourage you to check-in on my social media early and often to see what Bill is up to. Like me, he’s always working for the people of District 3!

Step Up To Lead
I’ve talked often in the past about how people in my community can step up and lead even if they aren’t in an elected office. One example of doing that is our citizens joining the many boards and commissions the state has. These are all Governor appointed and there are literally dozens of openings he’s currently looking to fill.

There are so many that are looking for people to step up and help our communities that there’s almost sure to be a board or commission that is of interest to you. While some of the positions are highly specialized, there are also plenty that are just looking for people that want to get involved on an issue.

You can view what boards are available, as well as find out the process for submitting your application on the Governor’s website here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update
On Thursday, the Sarpy/Cass County Health Department issued an update on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. Starting next week, they will enter into Phase 1B where members of the public will begin getting vaccinated.

As is the case everywhere in the state at this point, the health department will start vaccinating the elderly first, with people 65 and older being the first cutoff. However, they will start vaccinating those who are 18 and over, if they have significant underlying health issues that would make them “high-risk” should they become infected. People such as teachers, and child care providers are also expected to be vaccinated during this next phase, which will likely run until mid-March.

In preparation for your name being called to get vaccinated, the department does offer a website where you can register to be notified when it’s your turn. You can sign up at this link. Keep in mind, they’ve already had 20,000 people register, so they have a long list to work through and review. Still, it’s better to register now and wait, than wait to get registered.