Lincoln, NE – Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello (District 5) issued the following statement on the announcement that United States Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) would be retiring from public office at the conclusion of his current Senate term:

“Nebraskans can be thankful for the many years of selfless public service Senator Ben Nelson gave Nebraska. First as Governor and then as our United States Senator, Senator Nelson has always put the best interests of Nebraska ahead of partisan politics, and in this era of polarization his centrist leadership will be greatly missed.

“As a former staff member for Senator Nelson, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to learn from one of Nebraska’s finest public servants. While it is with great sadness that we see Senator Nelson retire from the U.S. Senate, I wish Senator Nelson and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”

For Immediate Release
December 27, 2011

For More Information:
Senator Heath Mello, (402) 471-2710

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska State Senators Heath Mello (District 5, Omaha) and Jeremy Nordquist (District 7, Omaha) called Friday for reforms to the budget process used for the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). This call was in direct response to the release of a report by State Auditor Mike Foley on Wednesday which revealed that ongoing privatization of the state’s child welfare system had increased costs by 27% in just two years.

“In the past year, there have been multiple occasions where DHHS simply ‘found’ additional money to support privatization efforts,” said Mello, “Nebraskans deserve to know what other vital HHS programs are suffering as a result of these transfers, and it’s long past time for the DHHS budget to face a greater level of scrutiny than what our current budget process provides.”

Nordquist joined Mello in calling for the DHHS budget process to transition to what is commonly referred to as “performance-based budgeting” to provide for more fiscal oversight.

“The initial findings of fiscal mismanagement in the Auditor’s report are beyond
alarming, especially when you consider that this is how our state is caring for our most vulnerable children.” said Senator Nordquist, “If this is how our Governor chooses to manage one of the largest portions of our state budget, it is clear that the Legislature must take action to submit agency budgets to the ‘sunshine test’ and give Nebraska taxpayers the transparency they deserve.”

Last session, Mello introduced legislation (LB 491) which would have begun the process of transitioning Nebraska’s entire budget process to performance-based budgeting byrequiring all state agencies to develop biennial strategic plans and performance benchmarks that were available to the public. While the Legislation was not advanced by the Appropriations Committee, Mello cited the Auditor’s report as a “shining example” of why such performance benchmarks were necessary for larger agencies like DHHS.

“Simply put, an executive branch agency shouldn’t be able to make such wholesale changes without first obtaining the authorization of the Legislature,” said Mello. “Every aspect of the DHHS budget needs to see the light of day, and moving to a performance based budgeting system that questions every bureaucratic assumption is the first step towards saving this sinking ship.”

For Immediate Release
September 9, 2011

For More Information:
Senator Heath Mello, (402) 471-2710
Senator Jeremy Nordquist, (402) 471-2721

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello (District 5) issued the following statement on the news that nearly one-third of public schools statewide had submitted the basic information needed to be eligible for an investment-grade energy audit through the Nebraska Public School Energy Efficiency Project:

“It is exciting to see this project finally moving forward, as it will help public school districts identify the most efficient ways to save energy, ultimate saving taxpayer dollars at the local level. I sincerely hope that every school district in Nebraska will take advantage of this opportunity, and will use the information from the initial assessments to conserve energy and save money.”

The Nebraska Public School Energy Efficiency Project is a three-stage effort through the Nebraska Energy Office which will help schools use analytical tools to find potential energy and resource savings. The project is paid for using funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and would not have been possible without Senator Mello’s inclusion of language requiring federal stimulus funds to be used for public school energy efficiency projects in the 2010 mainline budget bill, LB 935.

“Providing local governments with the tools to identify where taxpayer dollars are going to waste due to leaking windows, inefficient lighting, and out-dated heating and cooling systems is one of the first steps towards developing an energy-efficient economy in the State of Nebraska.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2011

For More Information:
Trevor Fitzgerald, Legislative Aide
(402) 471-2710
tfitzgerald@leg.ne.gov

LINCOLN, NE — Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello (District 5) announced plans earlier today to introduce legislation that bans the designer drug commonly known as “bath salts” when the Nebraska Legislature convenes in January 2012.  Already banned in at least 25 states according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the synthetic stimulants can cause severe side effects, including paranoia, hallucinations and sometimes violent behavior.

The main ingredients in the designer drug known as “bath salts” are man-made chemicals such as mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), also known as substituted cathinones.  The drug is typically labeled “not for human consumption”, which allows it to escape federal law banning any substance which is “substantially similar” to a banned drug if it is intended for consumption.  In addition to convenience stores and head shops, “bath salts” are readily available for purchase over the Internet.

As with legislation passed earlier this year to ban the synthetic marijuana products “K2” and “Spice”, Senator Mello has drafted the legislation to cover the entire class of chemicals used to produce the synthetic drug, thus ensuring that producers will not be able to skirt the proposed ban.

“Based on the experiences of other states and so far in Nebraska, these ‘bath salts’ drugs can be just as dangerous as Schedule I drugs like heroin, ecstasy, and PCP,” said Senator Mello.  “The Legislature must continue to act before the use of these highly dangerous chemicals become a bigger problem for our communities.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2011

For More Information:
Trevor Fitzgerald, Legislative Aide
(402) 471-2710
tfitzgerald@leg.ne.gov

LINCOLN, NE — Nebraska State Senators Amanda McGill (District 26, Lincoln), Heath Mello (District 5, Omaha), and Jeremy Nordquist (District 7, Omaha) will travel to Washington D.C. this Friday to meet with members of the Obama Administration and attend an intimate reception with the President.

Senators McGill, Mello, and Nordquist are three of a small number of members of the Young Elected Officials Network, a network of young progressive-minded leaders in elected office, who were invited to the White House to discuss important issues facing states and localities.

“It is an honor and privilege to be able to represent Nebraska at this White House event,” said Senator Amanda McGill.  “I applaud the President and his administration for wanting to meet with younger public officials to discuss the important policy decisions facing our country.”

“Creating good-paying jobs that can support a family in South Omaha is a priority for both me and the President,” said Senator Heath Mello.  “I look forward to having a candid dialogue with President Obama and his administration about how we can work more closely to help those who want to start a small business or help existing business to expand operations in the area.”

“It’s important to discuss with President Obama and his administration the needs of our state and the impact Washington is having on state and local services,” said Senator Jeremy Nordquist.  “Whether it’s rewriting No Child Left Behind or implementing health care reform, Nebraska has unique priorities that need to be heard and addressed by the President.”

The Young Elected Official Network provides support and training for over 600 progressive-minded state, county, and city elected officials from all 50 states.

“This is an opportunity for Senator Mello, Nordquist, and myself to discuss with the President the challenges our communities face and how we need to strengthen the partnership between all levels of government,” said Senator McGill.

For Immediate Release
June 16, 2011

For More Information, Contact:
Sen. Amanda McGill, (402) 471-2610
Sen. Heath Mello, (402) 471-2710
Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, (402) 471-2721

LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello (District 5) issued the following statement on the bracketing of LB 682, which would have provided a turn-back style financing mechanism to help fund the City of Omaha’s upcoming $1.6 billion sewer separation project:

“While I believe that LB 682 will ease the burden facing Omaha families and businesses with the upcoming combined sewer overflow (CSO) project, it is clear to me that the legislation currently lacks sufficient votes to override a potential governor’s veto.  As written, the City of Plattsmouth could apply next year and the City of Omaha could not apply for assistance until 2013, but as I’ve stated multiple times on this floor I have a strong desire to see LB 682 provide assistance for a greater number of communities statewide.  Holding this bill over until next year gives supporters the chance to refine the legislation over the interim and garner additional support.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2011

For More Information:
Trevor Fitzgerald, Legislative Aide
(402) 471-2710
tfitzgerald@leg.ne.gov

LINCOLN, NE — In response to the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) announcement of the construction of two new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations in Omaha, State Senator Heath Mello (District 5, Omaha) released the following statement:

“As someone who supports the increased use of alternative fuel sources, I applaud the recent MUD announcement of two new CNG refueling stations in Omaha.  The station at 54^th and L Streets in South Omaha will be a welcome addition to the community.  This development will create jobs and provide another lower cost fuel to area residents.

CNG is an alternative fuel which is cleaner for our environment and presents consumers with a less expensive alternative to regular gasoline.  I hope the opening of this CNG Station, easily accessible from all parts of Omaha, will encourage more citizens to consider the long-term savings involved in purchasing a vehicle that runs on CNG.

The opening of this station also sets a benchmark for area businesses.  The commitment of MUD and Happy Cab to create fleets of CNG vehicles should be a starting point for other businesses to take similar actions, creating long-term savings for their companies while also taking steps to improve the air quality in South Omaha.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2011

For More Information:
Trevor Fitzgerald, Legislative Aide
(402) 471-2710
tfitzgerald@leg.ne.gov

Bill would provide assistance to communities facing infrastructure mandates

LINCOLN, NE - State Senator Heath Mello introduced legislation Wednesday that would ease the burden facing Omaha families and businesses with the upcoming $1.6 billion sewer separation project. In addition to addressing the Omaha project, LB 682 would create a long-term financing mechanism to help all Nebraska communities finance major sewer, gas, and water infrastructure replacement projects.

LB 682, which has the support of both the City of Omaha and Metropolitan Utilities District, utilizes a sales tax turnback mechanism similar to legislation that helped fund the Qwest Center and other major projects. Under the bill, the portion of sales taxes levied on increased sewer fees for infrastructure replacement projects would be returned to the municipality or utility undertaking the project. The municipality or utility would then be required to use funds from the sales tax turnback to finance the project, reducing the necessary increase in sewer fees.

“If left unchecked, sewer rate increases necessary to pay for this project will result in a state sales tax windfall of over $48 million by 2024,” said Marty Grate, Environmental Services Manager for the City of Omaha. “These tax revenues are not in the state’s revenue projections, and we believe that the sales tax on the cost associated with the unfunded sewer mandate should be turned back to Omaha to mitigate sewer rate increases for all metro area ratepayers.”

Doug Clark, President of Metropolitan Utilities District, echoed Grate’s comments. “The citizens of Omaha are facing large increase in their utility charges, and turning back the sales tax on these fees will help speed construction of the project and put these sales tax dollars back into our local economy,” Clark said. “LB 682 isn’t just in the best interests of Omaha taxpayers, it’s in the best interest of the entire state.”

Mello, who supported previous efforts to repeal the sales tax on increased sewer fess related to the Omaha sewer separation project, said that his proposal is a truly statewide solution to an increasing problem for many Nebraska communities. “Unfortunately, Omaha is just the first of many Nebraska cities that will  be forced to comply with these  unfunded federal mandates to upgrade their sewer and  stormwater systems,” said Mello. “LB 682 provides not only a means of helping Omaha today, but of helping communities throughout the state deal with an aging infrastructure without taxpayers bearing the brunt of this increasingly heavy burden.”

Mello also introduced LB 683 on Wednesday, a bill that would create a commission to study the economic impacts of financing mechanisms available to fund sewer separation projects. “As we go forward, we have to ensure that the impact of these unfunded federal mandates are not unduly burdensome on businesses and taxpayers in the affected communities.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2011

For More Information:
Trevor Fitzgerald, Legislative Aide
(402) 471-2710
tfitzgerald@leg.ne.gov

Bills would promote growth of Nebraska’s recycling industry

LINCOLN, NE – State Senator Heath Mello introduced legislation Wednesday that would create both short and long-term green jobs by enhancing the state’s recycling infrastructure.

“Building the clean energy economy starts today,” said Senator Mello “There is a tremendous potential for growth in Nebraska’s clean energy and recycling industries, and these initiatives will help create good-paying jobs that can grow our economy.”

The Remanufacturing and Job Creation Ace (LB 627) would redirect existing funding sources currently being used to promote recycling, setting aside a portion of these funds to provide tax  credits for businesses, non-profits, and political subdivisions that improve their recycling methods. Tax credits under the bill are directly tied to the amount of waste that is recycled or composted by the applicant , and are based upon the cost of that same waste being discarded in  a landfill.

“LB 627 is going to create jobs and improve access to recycling programs for Nebraskans, all while reducing the amount of waste going into our landfills,” Mello said. “The Remanufacturing and Job Creation Act is an innovative new approach to promote recycling and create private sector green jobs, and the entire state will benefit from its passage.”

Mello also introduced the Electronics Recycling and Job Creation Act (LB 626) on Wednesday, a bill that would  require manufacturers of electronics to help pay for the proper disposal of computers, televisions, and other electronic devices.

“Unfortunately, Nebraska consumes are already paying the cost of electronics recycling programs that have been enacted in other states as part of the purchase price of these goods,” Mello said. “LD 626 will ensure that Nebraskans receive the benefits of such programs as well, and help us access an untapped market in the recycling industry.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2011

For More Information:
Trevor Fitzgerald, Legislative Aide
(402) 471-2710
tfitzgerald@leg.ne.gov

On November 30th, The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF)
announced that 44 emerging American leaders from 16 states and the District of Columbia had been awarded the prestigious Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) for 2011.  Senator Health Mello was one of two elected officials, and the only Nebraska resident,  selected to participate in this prestigious program.

Please see the attached document for a full press release about the German Marshall Fund and the 44 American Marshall Memorial Fellows.

AMMF 2011 Press Release