Legislative UpdateGood morning, Nebraska!

This week we were able to move forward several of my bills. First and foremost, LB14, my priority bill for this session was signed by the governor on Wednesday and will now officially become law. This is my Audiology and Speech-Language Pathologist Interstate Compact. Now that it’s passed, it will create better access for patients, offer telehealth alternatives, and remove hurdles for employment for professionals including military spouses and their family members. We are now the tenth state to join the compact.

LB476, my Stroke Heart Bill is currently on its way to the governor after passing with overwhelming support on Final Reading on Thursday. This bill establishes the stroke system of care act to provide Nebraska patients with the highest quality of care and to ensure a seamless transition with all medical personnel involved in the care of those patients.

LB5, the Purple Star School Program bill, was placed on what’s known as the Consent Calendar and advanced to select file for a potential second round of debate. The Consent Calendar is stocked with bills that had no opposition of any kind. This means they did not have any letters or testifiers who opposed the bill during the committee hearing and then advanced out of their respective committees without any senators voting no on it. As a general rule, Consent Calendar bills are put on that list because the speaker doesn’t expect any other senators in the legislature to have a problem with them passing when they come up for debate. This was certainly the case with LB5.

The Purple Star Program encourages but doesn’t require every school in the state to appoint a “military liaison” who will then create programming for students who might be recent transfers into the school district after moving here with their military family. The liaison may also set up a website that demonstrates how to establish a “military-friendly” atmosphere at the school. Choosing to participate in the programming would then designate the school as a “Purple Star” school.

LB9, my annexation bill also advanced from general to select file this week. This bill changes annexation requirements and property tax special valuation provisions for cities that might encompass or be built near a military installation. The way state law is currently written, annexation has to include contiguous or adjacent land, but that’s impossible for cities like Bellevue which have federally owned land in the middle of a potential annexation area. This would allow those cities to “cross” over Federal land. The special valuation provisions make it so landowners who are being annexed in aren’t “punished” by the annexation.

In addition to my own bills moving closer to becoming law, I was happy to see some pieces of legislation I cosponsored that are specifically geared towards making schools safer for our students, advance. Those include LB639, which is a bill that sets up training of school employees to better deal with students who might be subject to seizures. Another bill I was proud to cosponsor was LB322 which requires the Department of Education to establish a statewide, anonymous reporting system enabling students, parents, school personnel, and community members to report threats or concerns of possible harm. Both of those bills advanced with quite a bit of support from the body as a whole.

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

Signing Ceremony For LB389

On Wednesday I was privileged to attend the signing ceremony for LB389, another bill I cosponsored, which establishes an alternative path for military spouses to receive a teaching certificate or permit in Nebraska. The certificate shall be valid for at least three years and shall include the same or similar endorsements to teach in all subjects they were certified for in another state. I have previously worked with the Nebraska Department of Education on similar rules and regulations, but this bill will expand out the period of time a teacher can have a temporary license before they need to get a permanent one. I’m very happy Governor Ricketts supported and endorsed this piece of legislation.

Meet Jordan!Jordan Smith joined our office this spring as an intern. Jordan is currently a junior Political Science and Philosophy and Religion major at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Over the course of her college career she has been an intern on several campaigns. In her free time Jordan is an active member of Willard Sorority where she once served as Vice President and a member of the University’s Student Conduct Board. Now approaching her senior year, Jordan plans to study abroad through the CHIP program in Washington D.C. in Spring of 2022. “I have passions for both public policy and political strategy, and while in D.C. would love to find an internship that emphasizes these interests,” Jordan said.. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a graduate degree in public policy and hopes to be able to visit various different countries for her field. “I am so grateful to be an intern for Senator Blood. Not only is it an opportunity to be involved in Nebraska’s legislature, but Senator Blood is so welcoming and a joy to work with.”

Bellevue Rocks!

The Bellevue Community Foundation and the City of Bellevue have some big plans this summer. That includes the first ever Bellevue Rocks Riverfront Festival. Announced this week, the festival is slated to take place Friday, August 13th and Saturday, August 14th at American Heroes Park. It is going to replace the annual Riverfest Celebration that has been held in Bellevue for many years.

Bellevue Rocks! will feature two evenings of music, highlighted by two nationally known touring groups making appearances and performing right here in Bellevue. Friday night will be a Country Night while Saturday is reserved for those of you that prefer some Rock ‘N’ Roll. More details about who exactly is appearing is coming at a later date. The festival will also offer a full carnival, a large beer garden, a VIP area, numerous vendors and much more. I’m hoping this can be carried out safely and that I’ll be able to see many of you there.

COVID-19 Vaccines Update
The Sarpy/Cass County Health Department recently issued an update on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. 

The department is now officially vaccinating all those who are involved in Phase 1A and 1B. In addition, Sarpy/Cass residents who are 50 or older are eligible to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination. The Department also continues to vaccinate all K-12 educators.

However, earlier this week, the Biden Administration removed the barriers for pharmacies to vaccinate an even bigger portion of the population. Anyone who is 18 or older can now be vaccinated at any pharmacy participating in the federal program. In Bellevue, this includes the Bellevue Medical Center Pharmacy. In Papillion it includes Hy-vee. There are also several Hy-Vee branches, and Walmart Pharmacies around the state taking part in this program. Because this is part of a federal effort you do not need to be a resident of a particular county in order to get your shot at a pharmacy.

You do however, still need to make an appointment. I would highly recommend checking in early and often to make sure that a pharmacy is offering vaccinations to people 18 and over and has appointments available. Some of these pharmacies do allow people to schedule vaccination appointments online, while others require you to call.

You can look for area Hy-Vee pharmacy appointments on their website and you can look for area Walmart vaccination appointments using theirs.

In addition to that rather good news, Governor Ricketts announced on Wednesday that the state is going to be reducing the age requirements to get the vaccine from county health departments to age 16 and over on April 5. He did caution that some county health departments may not be ready to make that jump. For now, that includes the Sarpy/Cass Health Department. However, I’d encourage everyone to keep checking this website to review the department’s latest vaccination rules and regulations.

If you do have any questions there is a number you can call to get assistance. 402-339-4334 and press option 1. 

In preparation for your name being called to get vaccinated, the state does offer a website where you can register to be notified when it’s your turn. You can sign up at this link.

Legislative Update

Good morning, Nebraska!

This week saw several of my bills advance to the next and final round of debate as they wing their way to the governor’s office and becoming law. LB14,my personal priority bill this session, is the Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology Interstate Compact bill. This passed on Final Reading and is now on Governor Ricketts’ desk awaiting his signature.

LB6, also advanced to final reading as part of LB387. Both bills will make all military retirement pay tax exempt in Nebraska. LB6 caught those who were left out of the original military retirement tax exemption bill passed last session and who had served in the military for decades and finished their career as a civilian federal employee.

LB20 was another bill of mine that advanced to final reading as an amendment. The bill, which was also amended in committee, was attached to LB100. The intent of LB20 is to create more consistent prescription access to contraception, by allowing a patient to get a three-month prescription after their first doctor visit and six-month prescriptions after that. This piece of legislation would not force a company that doesn’t already cover contraception to cover it. It also allows for insurance companies to opt out if they can prove offering six months worth of prescriptions at a time would prove too costly. Health equity is an important goal for my office. For women in rural areas, the doctor and/or pharmacy can be hours away and for women who travel for their careers, students who travel abroad, women who lack transportation and other known hurdles to access, this bill will be a relief for many.

Finally, LB476 also advanced to Final Reading with overwhelming support. This bill establishes the stroke system of care act to provide Nebraska patients with the highest quality of care and to ensure a seamless transition with all medical personnel involved in the care of those patients. Some find it surprising to learn that strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in our state and it is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Revisiting our protocol for stroke victims and updating the process can also benefit our insurance rates as the fewer people in need of this type of critical care means the potential of fewer claims to an insurance company.

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

The T-Birds Big Accomplishment
Last week it was Bellevue East, this weekend it was the Bellevue West Forensics team with a spectacular showing at NSAA State Speech Championships. The team finished third, marking the first time in school history that the T-birds have placed 3rd at State.

In addition to that finish, students in five events advanced to final rounds, the first state finalists for Bellevue West since 2014. Congratulations to all of them. Their hard work and dedication truly did pay off and will continue to pay off.

Gear Up For Bellevue Christian’s Easter Scramble
Easter is coming up fast, and Bellevue Christian’s Easter Scramble is coming as well. The scramble will be a bit different this year, as it will start out in any one of five different parks.  (Everett, Stonecroft, Swanson, McCann, Russ Thompson). Those taking part will receive a basket to look for eggs filled with goodies.

Participants will also get the first clue for the Easter Scavenger hunt. They will then receive the next clue at that location. Any child who completes the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing to win a free PS5! The scramble is open to all children up to age 12 and begins on April 3 at 10:30am.

Seizure Safe Schools Act
While we unfortunately weren’t able to debate LB639 this week, I still wanted to show my support for this very important piece of legislation. That’s why I stood with several colleagues, including the bill’s introducer, Senator Day, during her recent press conference. I am also a co-sponsor on this important bill.

LB639 trains school personnel on seizure detection and response, implements seizure planning
and personalized plans for students diagnosed with epilepsy, or seizure disorders, and ensures
access to FDA approved seizure drugs in schools.

It was on the agenda for debate on Wednesday, but we weren’t able to get to it and the schedule was shuffled for the remainder of the week. I am hopeful Speaker Hilgers will bring this back to the floor soon.

American Foundation For Suicide Prevention
The Nebraska chapter of the AFSP has set up a series of displays on the first floor this week that provide information for people who are looking to support someone and offer help if they are struggling with mental health.

I’d encourage anyone who is going to be in Lincoln soon to come and check it out.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The Sarpy/Cass County Health Department recently issued an update on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. 

The department is now officially vaccinating all those who are involved in Phase 1A and 1B (pictured above). In addition, Sarpy/Cass residents who are 55 or older are eligible to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination.

You do not need the Sarpy/Cass Health Department to schedule this appointment for you. Please visit this website to view all the vaccine clinic options in our communities. Select the clinic that works best for you, and click or call that individual clinic to schedule your appointment.

If you do have any questions there is a number you can call to get assistance. 402-339-4334 and press option 1. 

In preparation for your name being called to get vaccinated, the state does offer a website where you can register to be notified when it’s your turn. You can sign up at this link.
__________________________________________________

Contact our Office
District 3
Room #1021
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2627
cblood@leg.ne.gov

Committee Assignments
Urban Affairs
Business and Labor-Vice Chair
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs

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Legislative Update

Good morning, Nebraska!

This week, we continued floor debate in earnest and took up two of my bills on select file. LB14 my personal priority bill this session, is the Audiologist and Speech Pathologist Compact bill. The other was my military retirement fix, LB6. was advanced as part of the broader military retirement bill which I also co-sponsored, LB387.

LB6 was designed to fix an unintended oversight with last year’s military retirement bill, but with the expansion it will also apply to this year’s bill. Right now, there is a population of military retirees in Nebraska who receive their 1099’s from the office of Personnel Management rather than the Department of Defense, because they first retired from the military and then worked on the civilian side, though still for the federal government. That means that the tax exemption in these military retirement bills do not apply to them as is. The language from LB 6 would make this group of Nebraska military retirees eligible for the benefits, ensuring no one is left behind and that everyone is treated fairly. Finally, it will help to further support Governor Ricketts’s goals by helping to retain and attract veterans to Nebraska.

LB9  has been selected by Speaker Hilgers as one of his Speaker Priority bills. This guarantees that the bill will be debated on the floor in the near future and I expect it to advance, pass and become law this year.

LB9 changes annexation requirements and property tax special valuation provisions for cities that might encompass or be built near a military installation. The way state law is currently written, annexation has to include contiguous or adjacent land, but that’s impossible for cities like Bellevue which have federally owned land in the middle of a potential annexation area. This would allow those cities to “cross” over Federal land. The special valuation provisions make it so landowners who are being annexed in aren’t “punished” by the annexation.

When Bellevue looks to expand and grow, it is in fact, hampered several different ways. Offutt and Rising View Military Housing create particular hurdles. Offutt AFB causes Bellevue to be “landlocked” to the South, the Missouri River is to our east, Omaha to our north and Papillion and La Vista to our West. Our only option for growth is to move south and that’s what we hope will happen with the passing of LB9.

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

Bellevue East With The Big Win
Congratulations to Bellevue East as the overall State Champion and Large School State Champion at the Academic Decathlon State Finals. This is the first time the team has won this particular event in the history of the school!

In addition to the overall team win, several students won individual honors. I want to send out my heartfelt congratulations to the entire group. Clearly their hard work and dedication paid off.

What Drives You?
The Nebraska State Highway Commission will conduct a virtual meeting via WebEx on March 26 at 8:30 am. This event is open to the public. An audio feed will be available by dialing 1-415-655-0003. When prompted, enter meeting number 145 060 5666 to connect to the call. If attendees would prefer an access link for computer or mobile viewing, please contact Sarah Soula at 402-479-4871 or sarah.soula@nebraska.gov.

Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions about anything going on that are related to highways in our area. Just FYI, District 2 includes the counties of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The Sarpy/Cass County Health Department recently issued an update on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. 

While still in Phase 1B they have been able to lower the age requirements for those who can schedule an appointment for a vaccination. 

Sarpy/Cass residents born in 1956 or before are eligible to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination. Any K-12 educator is also now eligible to be vaccinated.

You do not need the Sarpy/Cass Health Department to schedule this appointment for you. Please visit this website to view all the vaccine clinic options in our communities. Select the clinic that works best for you, and click or call that individual clinic to schedule your appointment.

Please keep in mind that scheduling at this time is limited to those residents 65 or older, or those who are K-12 educators.

If you do have any questions there is a number you can call to get assistance. 402-339-4334 and press option 1. 

In preparation for your name being called to get vaccinated, the state does offer a website where you can register to be notified when it’s your turn. You can sign up at this link. .

Preschool Screenings
If you’re in the Papillion La Vista school district and your child is going to turn four-years-old by July 31, 2021 then it’s officially time to call and schedule a screening.

If your family fits this criteria please call 402-524-3243 today and set up an appointment. Again, you must reside in the Papillion La Vista community schools district in order to use this number for the screenings.

March OPPD Efficiency Tip
Every month, OPPD offers a couple of helpful tips to be more energy-efficient and lower your electricity bill. This month, the focus is on furnace filters. You may not believe they aren’t that important in the broader scheme, but in fact, filters protect the internal compacts of your HVAC system and keep it running smoothly.

Furnace filters, like many other things, have ratings that tell you a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. Most furnace filters have a MERV rating (3M has MPR and The Home Depot has FPR, but have equivalents to the MERV rating). The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles that can be trapped when the system is running.

OPPD suggests you get a furnace filter that has a MERV rating of between 8 and 11.

Legislative UpdateGood morning, Nebraska!

This week, we began floor debate in earnest and took up three of my bills with LB14 my personal priority bill this session, the Audiologist and Speech Pathologist Compact bill, first up on Tuesday morning. That bill ended up advancing to Select File with a very bipartisan 43-0 vote. I look forward to it continue moving forward and becoming law.

Another bill that advanced to select file with overwhelming support was LB476. This bill establishes the stroke system of care act to provide Nebraska patients with the highest quality of care and to ensure a seamless transition with all medical personnel involved in the care of those patients. Some find it surprising to learn that strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in our state and it is the leading cause of disability in the United States. This is also about people’s health but it’s also about rising insurance costs that will be spread amongst everyone.

As part of this plan, the Department of Health and Human Services will maintain a statewide stroke data registry that utilizes the American Heart Association’s ‘Get with the Guidelines’ initiative. I’m hopeful this can make a real difference in detecting and dealing with strokes in Nebraska.

Finally, my military retirement fix, LB6 was amended into the broader military retirement bill, LB387. LB6 was originally meant to fix an unintended oversight with last year’s military retirement bill, LB153 but will also apply to this year’s. Right now, there is a population of military retirees in Nebraska who receive their 1099’s from the office of Personnel Management rather than the Department of Defense, because they first retired from the military and then worked on the civilian side, though still for the federal government. That means that the exemption in these military retirement bills do not apply to them. The language from LB 6 would make military retirees eligible for the benefits, ensuring no one is left behind and that everyone is treated fairly. Finally, it will help to further support Governor Ricketts’s goals by helping to retain and attract veterans to Nebraska.

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

Conversation with Leonard Lawrence Elementary
Earlier this week I had the very real pleasure of visiting with a class from Leonard Lawrence Elementary. We got to visit over zoom and I was so encouraged and energized by the interest and intelligence these young people showed. I don’t get to do something fun like this as much as I’d like because of my busy schedule but this was time very well spent. I thought you might like to read some of the comments from those students.”Thank you for that zoom. It was nice that you did it. I enjoyed every second of it. I thought you said what you did very well. You also were very inspiring about how you wanted to be a senator when you were young. I thought being a senator would be boring but you made me now think that it’s fun.” – Henry

“Thank you for teaching me about you being a senator and what it’s like. It was interesting hearing about how many bills you have passed and the bills you are working on right now. I think it was pretty cool that you wanted to be a senator ever since you were in 4th grade.  I am so happy that you took time out of your day to teach us about your job and what you do and maybe I will grow up and become a senator.  I will be a leader at my school by doing random acts of kindness like holding the door and giving someone a compliment.” -Paige

There were many more wonderful comments from so many of the children. I am so thankful I was able to participate in this online meeting and I hope to do more in the future. I’m especially looking forward to a time when we can do this sort of thing in person again.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The Sarpy/Cass County Health Department recently issued an update on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine.

While still in Phase 1B they have been able to lower the age requirements for those who can schedule an appointment for a vaccination.

Sarpy/Cass residents born in 1956 or before are eligible to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination. Any K-12 educator is also now eligible to be vaccinated.

You do not need the Sarpy/Cass Health Department to schedule this appointment for you. Please visit this website to view all the vaccine clinic options in our communities. Select the clinic that works best for you, and click or call that individual clinic to schedule your appointment.

Please keep in mind that scheduling at this time is limited to those residents 65 or older, or those who are K-12 educators.

If you do have any questions there is a number you can call to get assistance. 402-339-4334 and press option 1.

In preparation for your name being called to get vaccinated, the state does offer a website where you can register to be notified when it’s your turn. You can sign up at this link.

A Little Luck of the Irish
Members of the Bellevue Community Foundation gathered Wednesday evening to participate in the annual painting of a giant Shamrock in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day. The large shamrock is right in the middle of Olde Towne at the intersection of Mission Avenue and Franklin Street.

This year the Shamrock is dedicated and painted in honor of Frank Kumor and Al Sullivan who were two longtime Bellevue residents and business owners who unfortunately passed away recently. Both were dedicated to serving their communities and will be missed.

Bellevue Little Theater Back In Action
Perhaps as a sign of our community beginning to return to normal, the Bellevue Little Theater kicked off its 2021 season with a production of “Dial M For Murder.”

While I’ve heard the production is very good, and you can read a review in the Omaha World-Herald here, I’m mostly just delighted that this important piece of Bellevue Culture is still going strong.

These particular performances started on March 5 and will run through March 21.

March OPPD Efficiency Tip
Every month, OPPD offers a couple of helpful tips to be more energy-efficient and lower your electricity bill. This month, This month, the focus is on furnace filters. Some may believe these aren’t that important in the broader scheme, but in fact, they protect the internal compacts of your HVAC system and keep it running smoothly.

Furnace filters, like many other things, have ratings that tell you a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. Most furnace filters have a MERV rating (3M has MPR and The Home Depot has FPR, but have equivalents to the MERV rating). The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles that can be trapped when the system is running.

OPPD suggests you get a furnace filter that has a MERV rating of between 8 and 11.
__________________________________________________

Contact our Office
District 3
Room #1021
P.O. Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2627
cblood@leg.ne.govCommittee Assignments
Urban Affairs
Business and Labor-Vice Chair
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs

Follow Us On Facebook
Follow Us On Twitter
Follow Us On Instagram

Legislative UpdateGood morning, Nebraska!
This week was the first week of committee hearings, and it was quite the busy week, with six of my bills and resolutions scheduled.  Typically, we would have debate in the legislative chambers in the morning and committee hearings in the afternoon. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Speaker Hilgers decided to change how we do things this year. At least for the foreseeable future, the hearings are all-day, starting at 9:30 am, with a break at noon and then returning to hearings at 1:30 pm.On Wednesday, the Government Military and Veteran’s Affairs Committee’s morning session kicked off with my LR1. This resolution lays out the benefits of having the US Space Command brought back to Offutt Air Force Base and makes an official request of the Biden administration to take those benefits into account when choosing a new home starting in 2023. Since introduction, all 48 other senators signed on, an unprecedented sign of bipartisanship in this legislature. Right after the hearing the committee advanced it to the floor and it’s already been adopted, and is well on its way to the President and Vice President of the United States, Nebraska’s congressional delegation in Washington, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, and the Secretary of Defense to help make our case for why Offutt should once again become the home of US Space Command.Also, on Wednesday morning, the Health and Human Services Committee held hearings on both LB476, and LB14, LB476 uses Nebraska’s existing Stroke System of Care program as a foundation to establish and implement an improvement plan for a more comprehensive system for stroke response and treatment. The bill also requires DHHS to collaborate with the task force to maintain a statewide stroke data registry using the ‘Get with the Guidelines’ stroke data set provided by the American Heart Association. Having this data available for our health professionals and research community will prove to be an invaluable tool in helping to save lives and prevent strokes here in Nebraska.LB14 is my Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist interstate compact, which I plan to make my priority bill this year.  This bill will create better access for patients, offer telehealth alternatives, and remove hurdles for employment for professionals, including military spouses and family members. Six states have currently enacted this compact, and at least another six are considering it. The compact goes into effect when 10 states join. As you know, I have had several other bills passed for compacts for things like psychology, physical therapists, and others. The compacts have more flexibility than just reciprocity because the licensed person will not only be able to practice here in Nebraska but other states in the compact as well. It also creates exceptional consumer protections as part of the compact. These compacts are supported by the Military Families Office at the Pentagon and I’m proud to continue to bring these forward.

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.