Dear friends and neighbors,

Nancy Cyr, who is the Director of Research for the Nebraska Legislative Research Office compiled a list of resources available to help small businesses weather these tough economic times. They distributed the following graphic, which outlines resources available through the federal stimulus as well as from the state. You can click on the image to download a .pdf. Please distribute this if you think it will help anyone else you know.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

In the past weeks, I have received many emails, voicemails, and messages from public employees who have specific questions about their ability to take time off. I participated in a phone call with NAPE/ASCFME, the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, where Executive Director Jason Hubly explained the rights of state employees under the federal emergency paid sick leave and emergency family leave law that goes into effect April 2.

Click here to read the NAPE/AFSCME fact sheet about these leave benefits and how to access them.

You can also register for the next webinar on this topic which is April 1 by clicking the button below. I hope this is of some assistance to public employees in Nebraska, and if there are any other questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for what you do.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

Members of the Nebraska State Bar Association are eager to help individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal advice clinic for qualifying users to post civil legal questions at no cost.

Through this platform, lawyers can help you by providing information and basic legal advice without any expectation of long-term representation. You can ask civil legal questions which will be answered by Nebraska attorneys for free.

This is a resource designed for low-income Nebraskans, but it is also appropriate for people who are facing hardships due to COVID-19 and cannot afford an attorney.

Please share this resource as you see fit.

Many thanks,
Meg

Click to visit Nebraska Free Legal Answers

Dear friends and neighbors,

On March 3rd, when there were only 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the US, I called for the Legislature to take up paid sick leave, medicaid expansion, and urged us to get together and talk about what we can do in the Legislature to prepare for this public health crisis, because it was knocking on our door.

Today, 20 days later, we have over 32,000 confirmed cases and that number will continue to grow as we expand testing and tracking in the US.

Click to watch: March 3, 2020: Senator Hunt on COVID-19

Today your Nebraska Legislature is coming to order for one purpose: To pass emergency support funding for researchers, healthcare workers, public health departments, and first responders at the front lines fighting against the spread of COVID-19. The question we are voting on is to appropriate over $83 million dollars for researchers, healthcare workers, hospitals, public health departments, and technology to fight against the spread of this pandemic in Nebraska.

This is the first of what I hope will be many votes to bring relief to everyone in our state. We already know that many Nebraskans are slipping through the cracks, unable to access institutional support like Unemployment Insurance or Medicaid. Our plans must include them too.

Until we figure out how to convene remotely, I will be present to pass these emergency measures because I cannot ask Nebraskans who are first responders and healthcare providers to continue to work with dwindling PPE supplies if I am unwilling to simply go take a vote.

I am asking you to do your part by stopping the spread, doing all you can staying home, avoid crowds, and monitor your health. I also ask you to contact your elected officials and the Governor, and ask them to continue expanding aid for Nebraskans who feel stranded today. We need to help workers and small businesses now. Besides the health impacts of the Coronavirus, we know that the economic devastation will not only be lasting, but it will affect the health of Nebraskans as well. I believe a shelter-in-place order is needed in Nebraska, and that we need to be using all state resources at our disposal to support Nebraskans as we stop the spread.

Finally, request your vote by mail ballot if you haven’t done that yet. We are in this fight together, and I am here for you. Please reach out to my office at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if we can be of any assistance.

Many thanks,
Meg

Dear friends and neighbors,

On March 20th, a letter signed by 29 organizations was delivered to Mayor Jean Stothert, the Omaha City Council, the Douglas County Board, the Douglas County Sheriff, and Judge Lohaus in Douglas County calling on our community leaders to take immediate action to prevent evictions during this crisis.

Since all are being asked to remain in our homes to protect community health, it is critical that our leaders take action to ensure members of our community have homes in which to remain. As more workers are unable to safely go to work and with many low-income workers lacking access to any paid sick leave, this pandemic will directly impede the ability of our community’s residents to work and provide for their families. With disruptions in regular sources of income resulting from this crisis, this public health emergency will quickly become an economic one. In addition, evictions and resulting homelessness will be counterproductive to public health efforts to contain the virus and will dramatically impact the risks and spread of COVID-19.

With an average of 4,823 eviction actions filed annually in Douglas County – or approximately 92 per week – and 40 eviction hearings scheduled in Douglas County Courtroom 20 this Friday, March 20 alone, we must take immediate policy action to get ahead of the economic fallout and prevent homelessness during this critical time.

I join the undersigned organizations in urging our community to take decisive action to protect the safety and stability of our citizens by enacting an eviction moratorium. I am committed to working with all state and local leaders on this effort during this extraordinary time of crisis for our community and our state.

Neighbors, please assist in this effort by contacting your city leaders, as well as the governor, and asking them to place a moratorium on evictions.

Many thanks,
Meg

Click to read the letter from the following 29 community organizations: 

• Coalition for a Strong Nebraska
• College Possible
• COVID-19 Community Response Task Force
• Family Housing Advisory Services
• Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
• Heartland Workers Center
• I Be Black Girl
• League of Women Voters Greater Omaha
• Legal Aid of Nebraska Metro Area
• Continuum of Care for the Homeless
• Nebraska Appleseed
• Nebraska Civic Engagement Table
• Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
• Nebraska Housing Developers Association
• New Leaders Council Omaha
• North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance
• Omaha Together One Community
• Planned Parenthood North Central States
• Policy, Research & Innovation
• Restoring Dignity
• Rise
• South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance
• Spark CDI
• Survivors Rising
• Together
• University of Nebraska- College of Law, Civil Clinical Law Program, Tenants’ Rights Project
• Voices for Children in Nebraska
• Women’s Fund of Omaha
• Young Black & Influential

Dear friends and neighbors, 

There are a lot of questions about those unable to work during the current crisis. I want to thank State Senator Matt Hansen and his staff on the Business and Labor Committee who have taken the lead on gathering the below information to help businesses and workers. Senator Hansen has been available around the clock to me personally as I have relayed many constituent questions through his office via phone and text. I also want to thank the Nebraska Department of Labor and the Governor for their quick response to the pandemic.

Below are resources available for those unable to work or working reduced hours.

Many thanks,
Meg 

Short-Time Compensation
https://dol.nebraska.gov/stc

• Employers can apply for this program.
• For those still working but limited hours during the pandemic period.
• The Short-Time Compensation program allows employers to uniformly reduce affected employees’ hours by 10 to 60 percent while permitting the employees to receive a prorated unemployment benefit.

Unemployment Insurance
https://dol.nebraska.gov/uibenefits

• For those who are not able to work and not receiving a paycheck during the pandemic period. (If you are working from home or using sick or vacation leave then this does not apply to you)
• Under the executive order signed by Governor Ricketts, starting March 22 through May 2 the following will be in place for unemployment insurance:
  • The waiting week for benefits has been waived
  • Benefits will begin immediately and not with the usual first week unpaid.
  • The work search requirements will be waived.
  • Individuals will not have to apply to jobs in order to receive benefits. It will be assumed that they will be able to return to their jobs after the crisis is over.
  • Benefits will not be charged against individual employers accounts.
• Money will be paid out of the general Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund as the job losses are not the fault of individual employers.
• Nebraska’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is well-funded and is expected to be able handle the increased number of applications.

Nebraskans, you should expect long wait times when calling the Department of Labor. This is due both to the increased demand and due to the fact that the Department is internally dealing with the same issues as all employers. If you cannot get through to speak to someone, it is best to leave a message. You will be called back.

Currently these programs do not apply to contractors or self-employed individuals, as they do not participate in the unemployment system. There may be coming Federal action to help these individuals. Please contact your Federal representatives at this time, and be looking for possible future guidance from the Governor.

We are aware that the situation is changing rapidly. The Department of Labor, and the Governor with his emergency powers, can respond quickly as needed. We have been in close contact with the Department of Labor and will keep you updated.

For questions about *this* issue, contact: Tom Green
Legal Counsel Business and Labor Committee
Cell: 402-580-3341
Email: tgreen@leg.ne.gov

Dear friends and neighbors,

My staff has helped put together this list of resources for people impacted by closures, illness, and disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It goes without saying that this is not exhaustive. These are just some resources we could find today that can be of some help. We are sure there are more to come as funds and resources continue to develop.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Omaha

Barring any public health emergency, high school students are invited to take on the role of state senators at the Unicameral Youth Legislature June 7-10. At the State Capitol, student senators will sponsor bills, conduct committee hearings, debate legislation and discover the unique process of the nation’s only unicameral.

The Unicameral Youth Legislature gives behind-the-scenes access to students who have an interest in public office, government, politics, law, public policy, debate or public speaking. Students will learn about the inner workings of the Legislature directly from senators and staff.

“Civic engagement means a lot of things,” Senator Hunt said. “From volunteering at a phone bank and canvassing neighbors on important issues to census counts and running for office, the range of opportunities to participate in our community is immense. I have no doubt that during student’s time in the Unicameral Youth Legislature, students will learn how to expand their influence and effect on the systems of government that are ultimately here to serve them.”

Registrants are encouraged to apply for a Greg Adams Civic Scholarship award, which covers the full cost of admission. Applicants must submit a short essay. Other $100 scholarships are also available.

The Office of the Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature coordinates the Unicameral Youth Legislature. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Extension 4-H Youth Development Office coordinates housing and recreational activities as part of the Big Red Summer Camps program.

To learn more about the program, go to www.NebraskaLegislature.gov/uyl or call (402) 471-2788. The deadline for registration is May 15.

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For more information, please contact Kate Heltzel at (402) 471-2788 or kheltzel@leg.ne.gov

YRTC Update

The Health and Human Services Committee (HHS) introduced LB 1140 to address long-overdue reforms to the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers (YRTC) in Nebraska. This bill emerged from a joint interim study and a report conducted by the HHS Committee.

The increased oversight and changes are a response to worsening violence, escapes, and inhumane living conditions found at these facilities. This issue is currently being debated on the floor, and you can watch the live coverage here.

LB 1140 is composed of five other bills to address vital changes and updates to the YRTCs. Below are the proposed changes:

• Defines YRTCs, their purposes, and their services
• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop a five-year operations plan for the YRTCs by November 15, 2020
• Requires DHHS to create an emergency plan for each YRTC facility
• Requires DHHS to contract for a cost study and needs assessment for an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit
• Requires DHHS’s policies on transporting youth to and from the YRTCs to apply to the private contractors providing transportation for YRTC youth

The Department of Health and Human Services indicated they would need to construct additional buildings at the YRTC in Geneva for “appropriate physical separation and segregation of juveniles based on gender.”

Danette Smith, CEO of DHHS, made a statement that has promised to strengthen existing protocols. They also started a committee called the “Future State Planning Committee for Nebraska’s Youth Care System” which includes discussions on the YRTC.

LB 1144 is brought by the HHS Committee as a package to provide legislative oversight to the YRTCs. It will require annual facility reviews of YRTCs and creates a YRTC Legislative Oversight Committee.

LB 1188 is a package of bills to provide for YRTC education and programming. It includes LB 1147 and LB 1149, introduced by Senator Vargas.

LB 1148 creates YRTC judicial oversight by combining LB 458, LB 906, LB 969, and LB975. These bills clarify access to information, records, and reports relating to juvenile court. It also requires monthly updates to be provided to a court when a juvenile is placed at a YRTC.

Priority Bills

The Legislature has passed the mid-point of this year’s session. Committee hearings concluded on February 27th and the Legislature moved to all-day debate on March 3rd. To allow the Legislature to debate more bills, we will enter into late nights on March 18th. Below are just a few of my colleagues’ priority bills I want to highlight.

Senator Patty Pansing Brooks prioritized LB 627 which prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation and identity. This bill addresses the systemic discrimination against people in the LGBTQ+ community. Together we can move Nebraska forward by embracing all Nebraskans. LB 627 will help keep local talent in our state. The diversity of thought, perspective, skills, and strengths enhances Nebraska’s economy. We must embrace inclusion and do the right thing. This bill will be heard in the coming days on General File.

Senator Kate Bolz prioritized LB 43, which adopts the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act. This bill is currently on Select File. It provides for certain rights for victims of sexual assault-related to physical examinations, interviews, or depositions arising out of the assault. We have a duty to protect these people by ensuring they have an advocate and giving them the tools to move forward. In an article by the Omaha World-Herald, Angie Lauritsen said, “If we truly want to curb sexual assault and trafficking in our state by bringing perpetrators of these crimes to justice, we must support LB 43. When survivors of sexual assault feel safe and supported throughout their interaction with medical and legal processes, they are more likely to report their assaults, and we, as a state, are more likely to hold perpetrators accountable while achieving safety for our communities and justice for survivors.”

Senator Ernie Chambers prioritized LB 924, which changes provisions relating to racial profiling and requires law enforcement training on this issue. This bill is currently on Final Reading. It requires certified law enforcement officers to complete a minimum of two hours of “anti-bias or implicit bias training” per year. LB 924 addresses our implicit biases that have been woven into the fabric of our society since it formed. These biases and stereotypes can turn minor encounters with law enforcement officers into dangerous and potentially deadly ones. We must train our officers to protect and serve all of us.

Senator Adam Morfeld prioritized LB 997, which adopts the Out-of-Network Emergency Medical Care Act. This bill is currently on Final Reading. The purpose of this bill is to avoid consumers being subjected to “surprise billing” in emergency situations by out-of-network providers or facilities. Our country’s healthcare is the world’s most expensive. The United States spends twice as much on healthcare as 10 other high-income nations. Health care is a human right and must be accessible and affordable to everyone.

Senator Machaela Cavanaugh prioritized LB 1060, which includes hair textures and protective hairstyles within the definition of race under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act. This bill is currently on Select File. The purpose of this bill is to expand the definition of race for the purposes of employment discrimination to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and styles (braids, locks, etc.). It addresses how professionalism is tied to European standards and that restrictive grooming policies have unfairly targeted black workers and students more than any other group.

UNO Women’s Policy Forum

On March 2nd, I joined my colleagues at the UNO Women’s Policy Forum to discuss the impact electing women has on our communities and our laws. I was joined by several other women in the Legislature.

Many elected officials vote on issues from a position of their own experience, and many people, because of their experience, forget to consider how issues affect not only women but people of color, incarcerated people, children. In my experience, speaking generally, women are the ones who tend to think more about these groups of people, because we come from a place of inclusion, we’re used to supporting people in our communities, and that has been my experience with working with these women in the Legislature. Grateful to UNO for elevating the women of the Legislature and facilitating a conversation about women in leadership.

Student Visit

On March 9th, I met a bright and engaged group of students from Lincoln who took time from their spring break to come to the Capitol and learn about the Unicameral! We talked about climate change, non-discrimination, and answered a lot of questions about our lawmaking process. The days that I get to talk to kids are my favorites.

Connect with Me

• Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to stay up to date with my latest activities.
• I invite you to visit my office in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Capitol, in room 1523. Call my office to coordinate. (402) 471-2722
• You can watch the Legislature live on NET TV or find NET’s live stream here.
• Newsletters, press releases, and other information can be found on my legislative blog at news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08/.

Legislative Update

As the 2020 legislative session reaches its halfway point, below is an update on bills Senator Hunt has introduced. You can get more information on each bill by clicking on the bill number.

• LB 734 – Provide for regulation of charter bus services and licensure of special party buses under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
  • Signed into law on February 19th
• LB 872 – Repeal LB209
  • The committee hearing was held on February 21st and has yet to be voted on.
• LB 935 – Allow officeholders to use campaign funds for childcare services related to official duties.
  • The committee hearing was held on February 21st and has yet to be voted on.
• LB 936 – Allow officeholders to use campaign funds for travel expenses for a child, related to official duties.
  • The committee hearing was held on February 21st and has yet to be voted on.
• LB 942 – Provide for Support the Arts license plates
  • Seeking Speaker Priority
• LB 943 – Establish creative districts under the Nebraska Arts Council.
  • Seeking Committee Priority
• LB 962 – Adopt the Nebraska Fair Pay to Play Act
  • Senator Hunt has designated this as her priority bill.
  • Advanced to Select File on February 25th
• LB 1037 – Disqualify only the head of a household (HoH) from receiving SNAP benefits if requirements are not met.
  • Health and Human Services Committee will vote on this bill on February 25th.
• LB 1038 – Allow individuals with prior drug convictions to receive SNAP benefits
  • Health and Human Services Committee will vote on this bill on February 25th.
• LB 1068 – Adopt the Interior Design Voluntary Registration Act
  • Seeking Speaker Priority
• LB1177 – Eliminate the required oath for teachers and other
  • The committee hearing will be held on February 25th.

Note From Senator Hunt

In this session, 481 new bills were introduced as well as 15 substantive resolutions/constitutional amendments. Besides this new legislation, bills from the last session that were not acted upon do carry over to this session. In January, as people worked to select their priorities for 2020, floor debate mainly centered on bills from last year. In February, we began debating priority bills and other legislation introduced this session. On March 3rd, the legislature will begin full-day floor debate and no more committee hearings will be held.

Each senator is allowed to designate one bill as a personal priority bill and each committee can designate two committee priority bills. The Speaker designates another 25 priority bills. This session, I have prioritized LB 962, a bill that will allow student-athletes in college to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness rights. This will allow students to participate in the free market and earn money for their talents, just like every other student is currently allowed to do.

We only have 30 days left in the session with many difficult issues to debate. I hope that you will continue to stay in touch with me on any issue that is of importance to you.

February in Review

On February 4th, Senator Megan Hunt introduced LB 962. This bill would allow athletes at Nebraska’s colleges to earn money from their name, image, and likeness rights, or athletic reputation, over objections from the NCAA.

The bill advanced from committee to general file on February 13th, and has shown enough potential to be Senator Hunt’s priority bill for this session.

———-

On February 18th, Senator Megan Hunt attended the opening of the Black and Pink organization’s, “Lydon House”. The Lydon House will operate as a transitional living home for members of the LGBTQA+ community that are coming out of the correctional system.

“To be an urban city, to be a city that welcomes everyone, we need these kinds of services and these are the kind of organizations that we need.”

———-

Senator Megan Hunt has continued to make her rounds throughout the schools in Nebraska. This month, she has visited 5 different classrooms within Rosehill and Dundee Elementary to teach about the three branches of government and democracy.

Upcoming District 8 Events

February 27-19th – Omaha Jazz Festival
Held at the Holland Performing Arts Center Scott Recital Hall

February 29th – February Food Pantry Day
Held at Benson Baptist Church

March 6th – Benson First Friday
Two indoor artist markets will be held at Masonic Lodge and Citylight Arts Project. Petshop, Envy Tequila Bar, Lion’s Mane Vintage, Mercer Masonic Lodge, B-Side Theatre, and Infusion Brewing Company will all be participating from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.

March 7th – Soup Walk – 5k and 10k
Held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

March 10th – Precinct Advisory Meeting
Held at the NW Precinct (10245 Wiesman Drive) from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. The meeting provides you with information on crime, apprehensions, statistics, and an opportunity to report your concerns to the police or an official who works at the Mayor’s office. 

March 13th – Better Benson 2020
Held at Citylight Benson Church at 7:00 am

March 26th – Healing Arts Concert
Held at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at 12:00 pm

March 30th – Benson Neighborhood Association Meeting
Held at Benson Baptist Church
Senator Hunt will be speaking at this meeting

May 14-17th – Annual Garage Sale Weekend
Hosted by the Dundee Memorial Park Association 

May 16th – Spring Honors Walk
A walk where we honor the memory of those who lost the battle against breast cancer and celebrate those who are still thriving. Held at Benson Park.

July 27-28th – Benson Days 
Family-friendly summer festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s creative culture.

Our Office in the News

KETV 7 Omaha – Formerly incarcerated man opens transitional home for LGBTQ persons

Lincoln Journal Star – Editorial, 1/26: Schools are making cash; their athletes should be, too

The Gateway – OPINION: Fight against food insecurity

Omaha World-Herald – Editorial: Nebraska expands opportunity through occupational licensing reform

NTV – Nebraska Legislature hears bill allowing gender neutral designations on driver’s licenses

Lincoln Journal Star – Former Huskers support bill allowing college athletes to profit from name, likeness

The Gateway – OPINION: Omaha needs to recognize the importance of local art on a larger scale

KMTV – The debate of paying college athletes in Nebraska

NET News – College Athletes Compensation Heard; Partisanship Alleged On Bridge Bill

The Reader – The Legislative Balancing Act

Lincoln Journal Star – College athletes pay bill advances from committee for debate

Omaha World-Herald – Capitol Digest: Bill to cut property taxes clears committee, heads to the full Legislature

Norfolk Daily News – Norfolk chamber supports arts bill

KMTV News Omaha – Nebraska lawmakers pass ‘Party Bus Bill’

NET News – Bill Requiring Continuous Witnessing Of Executions Advances; Student Athlete Measure Headed For Debate

Omaha World-Herald – Ricketts, state senators condemn white supremacist comments made during hearing on gun control bills

Omaha World-Herald – Nebraska state senators target treasurer’s TV ads, no-bid contracts during legislative hearing

The Neighbor – Gun rights advocates show up by hundreds to bill hearing on proposed gun restrictions

KMTV News – Controversy over testimony at Unicameral