Hello, Nebraska!
Next week is the first week of committee hearings, and we’re doing things a bit differently this year. 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 will be all day, starting at 9:30 am. There will be a break from noon to 1:30 pm and then hearings will recommence in the afternoon.

On that note, several of my bills have already been scheduled for hearings next week. 

On Wednesday, the Government Military and Veteran’s Affairs Committee’s morning session kicks 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. When I introduced this resolution, 47 other senators cosigned, a nearly totally unprecedented level of support for something like this.

Also, on Wednesday morning, the Health and Human Services Committee is holding a hearing on LB476. The bill will use Nebraska’s existing Stroke System of Care 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.

Wednesday will be a busy day, as LB14, my Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist interstate compact will be heard starting at 1:30 in front of the Health and Human Services Committee. 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’re 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, I will have two bills in front of the Revenue Committee. The first is LB6, which better clarifies the military retirement bill, LB153. The mechanism 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 will be 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 as 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.

There have been some changes to the way hearings are carried out as well. 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. The Speaker also said his office is setting 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. He hopes to have this ready for the first hearings of the year on Monday, the 25th.

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 to be made part of the official record. Last year, the letters were needed by 5 pm the day before, so there is a smaller window of time this time around.

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.

State of the Judiciary

On Thursday, the Nebraska Supreme Court’s Chief Justice came to the Legislature to give his State of the Judiciary address. A great deal of his speech focused on the changes that had to be made in the way the courts carried out business over the last year.

Chief Justice Heavican talked about the technological adjustments they had to make to procedures because of the pandemic. He was quite proud, and so am I, that the courts remained open and adapted quickly to their new reality. He made clear that those who needed to avail themselves of the court system could do so.

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I just wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to one of this country’s great leaders. Among the many other accomplishments he had, he showed that someone could be a leader, even if they aren’t an elected official. I’d encourage every single man, woman, and child in my district to embody that spirit.

The one thing that has become clear to me, especially the way the world is right now, is that we have many people struggling in silence. People who rarely ask for help but will take it when offered. You can be that helping hand, you can be that person that helps remove what they may feel is an insurmountable hurdle.

Coronavirus Vaccine Signup
The website for Sarpy and Cass County Vaccine Signup actually went live last week, but I neglected to include it in my newsletter, so I’m pointing it out this week. At the moment, people who sign up on this website should be 65 or above.

To be clear, the vaccines are not being made available to the general public just yet, but various counties around the state are starting to get ready for when they will be, by offering websites like this. You can enter your contact information and they will contact you when it’s time to distribute the vaccine to more people.

Good morning, Nebraska! This past week marked the first full week of the legislative session. As always, the beginning of the session is spent on introducing new bills. Senators are able to introduce legislation during the first 10 days of the session only. This year, I introduced most of my bills on the first day, though I did drop three more bills this week and will introduce one more next week.

LB265 is a bill that will change provisions of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act. As of now, a city that does not take part in this program is required to write a letter to the Nebraska Legislature, stating that they are not using the program. My bill simply removes that step as it’s a waste of time for the city administrators and senators to create and receive such a letter. This bill does not change any other part of the PACE program.

LB476  will use Nebraska’s existing stroke system of care task force as a foundation to establish and implement an improvement plan for a more comprehensive stroke system for stroke response and treatment and also maintain a statewide stroke data registry using the ‘Get with the Guidelines’ stroke data set provided by the American Heart Association.

LB478 changes how pension and retirement benefits are offered to firefighters in first-class cities. This is a change that has been needed for years but hasn’t been able to be accomplished yet. It’s an uphill battle but a fight I’m willing to have for these men and women who should have peace of mind when they end a career protecting others.

Next week, I’ll be introducing another compact bill, this time that covers licensed counselors. We’d be the first in the country to adopt the compact if the bill passed, and it offers the same kinds of benefits and removes the same hurdles that my other compact bills do.

In addition to the bills I introduced myself, I’ve also cosponsored additional legislation. That includes LB290 from Senator Machaela Cavanaugh that would adopt the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, and LB261 from Senator Linehan that makes adjustments to how military grave markers are distributed.  Currently in order to get this special grave marker, the deceased has to have served as an active-duty soldier during a time of war. I support Senator Linehan’s bill because it would take away the requirement to serve during a war, as well as include reserves and the National Guard, as long as they served in the guard after 1973. As we know, our National Guard is often Nebraska’s first defense in times of floods, fires, riots and more. They often put their lives on the line on our behalf right here at home.

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

Governor’s State of the State
On Thursday, Governor Ricketts came to the legislature to deliver his annual State of the State Address. The governor talked about several different topics, including the way this state has dealt with the pandemic and I agree with him that when it comes to doing what has to be done, the state has been mostly united in fighting the virus and trying to flatten the curve.

He and I agree that the fight isn’t over, even with vaccines starting to get distributed. Please don’t relax yet. Make sure you’re protecting others and we’ll get through this together.

Legislatively, the governor, Senator Sanders and I are teaming up on a bill that attempts to help military spouses who were teachers in other states and move here, obtain their license more quickly. This bill is similar to measures I’d already worked out with the Department of Education a few years ago, but it puts the measure into state statute rather than an agency rule and goes just a little further in cutting more red tape in this area.

Hearing Schedule Update
On Friday morning, Speaker Hilgers announced there is going to be a change to the way the Legislature carries out its committee hearings. Normally, at the beginning of the session, the day is usually split between floor debate in the morning and hearings in the afternoon.

This year. starting the week of January 25, committee hearings will start in the morning and run all day. The speaker is still working on the policies on how these hearings will be carried out and how testifying will work, in regards to making sure everyone has their voice heard while still being careful about keeping everyone as safe as possible in regards to COVID-19. He has promised to provide more details next week and in turn, I will share those details with you.

If you believe you’re interested in testifying or sending a letter in support or opposition to a bill this year, make sure to keep an eye on this as when hearings start and end may not be the only procedure that changes this year.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Sunday, January 9th was Law Enforcement Appreciation day and night and I just wanted to take a moment to once again express my gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line all over the country in order to protect us. After the events of the last few weeks, it seems especially important to point out the great service they provide.

I’m also privileged to represent District 3 and Sarpy County. It truly has the most well-trained & collaborative officers around, who continue to keep us safe. They are absolutely the best of the best.

Bellevue Food Pantry Hours Expanded
As we enter the new year, the Bellevue Food Pantry has expanded the hours in which it will distribute food. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, food distribution will take place from 9 am to noon and then from 1 pm to 4 pm. On Wednesdays, distribution will be the same in the morning but will last until 7 pm.

The expanded hours include distribution from 9 am to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month. As this Saturday is indeed the third Saturday of the month, they will begin those expanded hours.

In order to receive a food pantry, all you need to do is prove you’re a resident of Bellevue with a current ID and proof of address

Good morning, Nebraska! Wednesday was the first day of the 2021 Legislative Session. I wanted to share the bills we will be working on this year from district 3.

LB5: Purple Star Program
It 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.

LB6: Military Retirement Tweak
Changes provisions relating to the taxation of military retirement benefits. This is a bit of a tweak from last year’s military retirement bill, LB153. However, that bill was based on 1099’s received from the DOD. 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 last year’s bill.

LB7: Sex Trafficking Good Samaritan Law
This bill 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.

LB8: Electioneering
There are gaps in Nebraska’s current statute that enable “dark money” special interest groups to place influential ads that may sway voters during elections without knowing who is behind them. This would seek to fill in those gaps by requiring anyone who makes an advertisement or other kind of “electioneering communication” that costs more than $1,000 to file a form offering specific information with the election commission.

LB9: Annexation
This 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 or NRD land in the middle of a potential annexation area. This would allow those cities to “cross” over NRD or Federal land. The special valuation provisions make it so landowners who are being annexed in aren’t “punished” by the annexation.

LB10: Definition of Disabled Veteran
This Changes motor vehicle and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans by changing the definition to exactly match the federal definition under 5 U.S.C. 2108. It no longer requires an amputation, allows more disabled veterans to take advantage of services, and removes confusion caused by clashing state and federal definitions.

LB11: Early Voting Bill
This 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.

LB12: Commuter Rail
This bill would task the Department of Transportation to study the effectiveness, cost, and need for a commuter rail line between Lincoln and Omaha. It would then submit a report on the study to the legislature.

LB13: Protection Order Statute Change
This bill addresses protection orders from another state when that protection order relates to domestic or family abuse. Currently, certain prohibitions are already in place for Nebraska but we want to harmonize the language to include orders that might be issued in other states and jurisdictions as there have been examples where these individuals have fallen through the cracks.

LB14: Speech Language Pathologist And Audiologist Compact
Adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact in order to create better access for patients, offer telehealth alternatives, and remove hurdles for employment for professionals including military spouses and family members. Currently, there are six states that have enacted this compact and at least another six that are considering it. The compact goes into effect when 10 states join.

LB15: Occupational Therapy Compact
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 the first, or among the first to adopt.

LB20: Birth Control Bill
This will reduce interruptions in birth control, helping to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion in Nebraska by having public and private insurers cover the quantity of contraceptives dispensed in accordance with the prescription—up to 12 months of contraceptives at a time but it won’t require a 12-month supply on the first pickup under private insurance, allowing an initial 3-month prescription to make sure it is safe for that consumer to use prior to expanding it. The intent is to close health inequities in rural Nebraska, those reliant on public transportation, and women who must travel for work or abroad.

This list does not include the many bills I’m also planning on cosponsoring this legislative session.

New License Plates
Starting on January 1, the DMV issued several new license plate designs for Nebraska service members and veterans, as well as options for the public to show support and help fund veteran-related programs. Many are plates that were requested by area Veterans/Veteran’s Organizations in my district and across the state.

I

I was not a huge fan of the “Support Our Troops” plate design the DMV picked out for the plate. But t is an opportunity to show your support for the brave men and women in our armed forces. The funds also go to a very good cause as they will be used for a Veteran’s Employment Program here in Nebraska.

New Military Campaign plates will be available for recipients of:

• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Southwest Asia Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal

Alphanumeric service medal plates are $5 a piece and $40 for ones with a personalized message.

The Support Our Troops plates are $5 for the alphanumeric plates and $70 for those with a custom message.

Back To School
Both Bellevue and Papillion-LaVista schools went back into session this past week after the longer than usual winter break. Both school districts are still offering options to attend class in person for students or to attend class remotely if families don’t feel as though it’s safe to be among big crowds during the pandemic.

You can read the more in-depth Return to School plans for Bellevue on the school’s website and the plan for Papillion-LaVista on theirs if you have any questions or concerns about their approach moving forward. With five more months to go in this school year and vaccines on the way, it’s my great hope that there will be no more disruptions to our children’s education and that we can return to business as usual next fall.

Your Legislative Update

The legislature was back for a second week after a four-month absence as we march towards the official Sine Die for the 2020 session. On Friday, two of my bills, LB751 and LB755, returned to the agenda. LB755 is technically on Final Reading. One of the bills included in the omnibus amendment generated a small fiscal note; it now has an appropriations bill or an “A-Bill” meaning before 755 could pass and make its way to the governor’s desk for a signature, the A-Bill must catch up to the original. That A-Bill passed on general file and is now headed to select file.

LB751 adds mental health to the list of illnesses recognized when a collaborative plan is present between a school district and parents, to help a child improve school absence records. This will become law soon as it passed on final reading with a 48-0 vote, it is now on its way to the governor’s desk for final approval.

LB803 is a bill I was proud to co-sponsor since I sit on the Agriculture Committee and have a special place in my heart for rural Nebraska. It creates the Pulse Crop Resources Act. The act is intended to create a checkoff for pulse crops, which include field peas, lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans. It is important to continue to find ways to help our Nebraska farmers feed the world.

Additionally, I co-sponsored LB850, which authorizes the placement of a monument to the First Regiment Nebraska Volunteer Infantry at Fort Donelson National Battlefield. It also establishes the commission that will oversee creation of the monument.

One last bill with a final reading last week was LB911; this legislation amending the state veteran cemetery system by requiring the acquisition of the former Nebraska Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Grand Island.

One bill we attempted to take up last week that the body ultimately decided against giving the time it deserved was REQ6234, Senator Vargas’ motion to suspend the rules to allow a hearing on a new piece of legislation, rules state that legislation must be introduced during the first 10 days of a session. Senator Vargas felt the bill he wanted to introduce was important and its topic timely. His bill would mean the enactment of workplace health and safety protections at meatpacking and food processing plants during the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, his attempt to suspend the rules was voted down, but he is going to be trying to bring the bill back as an amendment to LB667 which will have a hearing on Thursday, August 6^th at the state capitol.

National Korean War Armistice Day

This year marks the 70-year anniversary of the start of the Korean War and last week marked the 67th anniversary of the armistice ending that relatively short, but still very consequential war. On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we paused to remember the uncommon courage and sacrifice of ordinary Americans who fought to defend freedom and protect the values we hold dear.

When that conflict broke out, the country was still rebuilding and regrouping from World War II. Despite that, when we saw freedom and democracy threatened, more than two million people signed up to fight. Far too many were never able to return. In total, more than 36,000 Americans gave their lives in the Korean War, more than 103,000 wounded, and nearly 8,000 went missing in action.

Medicaid Expansion Program

Beginning on August 1, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services will begin accepting applications from Nebraskans who will be eligible for the Heritage Health Adult Medicaid expansion program. Eligible adults are Nebraska residents ages 19-64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level (about $17,000 per individual). In the past, lower income adults eligible for Medicaid either had to have children or special medical needs. Expanded Medicaid will launch at the beginning of October 2020. Individuals can apply online at dhhs.ne.gov, by phone at 855-632-7633 or at their local DHHS office.

Early Voting Applications Coming Next Week

 The Sarpy County Election Commission announced last Thursday that it would be sending out vote by mail applications starting on August 3. Applications will be sent to all registered, eligible voters in the county. Anyone wishing to receive a vote by mail ballot should complete and return the application by October 23. The election commission has offered several different ways you can return applications, including scanning or emailing a photo of the completed application to earlyvote@sarpy.com. Additionally, there are four-drop boxes available where completed applications may be deposited.  For more information or to have your questions answered, you can reach election commission staff at 402-593-2167.  Once your applications have been returned to the election commission, they expect to begin sending early voting ballots to voters on September 28.

Stand and Be Counted

Over the last few months, the United States government has been counting citizens for the census, and we are coming closer to a very important date – the date the government will begin sending census takers door-to-door in order to get information from homes that have yet to submit their information.

If you received a census form and have yet to return it, make sure to do so soon!  You are also able to submit the information online at the official census bureau website.  It will only take a few minutes and it is vitally important to our country. In order to make sure you and your community are being accurately represented everyone needs to do his or her part.

Bellevue Farmer’s Market Fresh Produce Drive

This past Saturday, August 1, the Bellevue Farmer’s Market held a fresh fruit & produce drive to help the Bellevue Food Pantry stock up their inventory. Generous market-goers purchased lots of tasty fruits and vegetables from our market attendees to donate to the pantry. We are sincerely grateful for the generosity!

As always, the market is open from 8 am to noon on Saturday’s, with the first hour reserved for pregnant mothers, senior citizens, and area residents with autoimmune diseases or other chronic health issues. You are encouraged to please wear a mask while shopping the market.

Rain or shine at Washington Park located in Bellevue at 20th & Franklin Streets!

Bellevue’s St. Bernadette Catholic School Visits the Capitol 

A Meeting of Great Minds

This week I invited other Nebraska Senators to meet with Brigadier General (Ret) Paul Cohen, Colonel (Ret.) Jeff Mikesell from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce (pictured above) and Colonel (Ret.) Dan Donovan from the Heartland Chapter of the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) to discuss how we can continue to pool resources and work together as a body to make Nebraska the most welcoming state in the US to our Military Families and Veterans. There is always more to be done and we need to continue to move forward in this area.

More Bill News   
LB15 was on the agenda this week for debate in front of the full legislature, but time constraints didn’t allow us to get to it yet. I’m thankful that the speaker decided to make it one of his limited priority bills and am confident that we can get it passed next week. The children of Nebraska need to be able to get hearing aids if they need them and this bill will go a long way towards helping them do that.

Protect YOUR Good Life

From the Nebraska Attorney General – While compassion and support are customary in the aftermath of a natural disaster, some individuals and businesses may use this opportunity to prey on those in need. Before having repairs made to your damaged home, gather the best information you need to protect yourself.

• Before allowing anyone to repair your home, verify his or her credentials.
• Check with the Nebraska Department of Labor to find whether your contractor is properly registered and insured. You can check their website above, or call 402-471-2239. Never sign any document or pay any contractor before verifying license and registration.
• Get three written estimates, make sure each contractor bids on exactly the same work. Talk with neighbors about who they are using and what they are being charged.
• Negotiate a reasonable down payment, and only pay in full when the work is done to your satisfaction.
• Pay by check or credit card and keep all receipts.
• Write down the contractor’s vehicle information (make, model and license plate) even drivers license number, if possible.
• Know your cancellation rights. You have the right to cancel within three days if you signed it at your home or at a contractor’s temporary location, like a convention center or restaurant.

Those who suspect a home improvement scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Divisionat https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov or 800-727-6432.

Have Your Voice Heard
As we get closer to the final third of the legislative session, I’m already beginning to work on what topics and what bills I want to bring next session. If there is something you feel we can, and should work on, please don’t hesitate to contact my office and talk to us about it. I always like to get an early start so we have plenty of time to research and perfect, the bills we bring forward. Now is the time to get started on the next session, please don’t wait until October or November to give your input. Seize the moment!

Unicameral Youth Legislature

If you know a high school student you think would be interested in taking on the role of a state senator at the Unicameral Youth Legislature this June 10-13, please have them call 402-471-2788, or visit here. Scholarships are available!  The deadline to register is May 15, 2019

APPLY FOR A BOARD OR COMMISSION
It’s that time of year again when there are all kinds of boards and commissions in the state that are looking for dedicated citizens to serve. These positions are appointed by the governor and range in topics from Juvenile Justice to Geology. 

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please visit the Governor’s website here. You will be able to find a listing of every board that has an opening, as well as a brief synopsis of what is involved. You can also find an application here.  Our state is a better place to live and raise our families when our citizens step up and get involved.

MEET OUR TEAM
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide