Dear Constituents:

I am writing to give you an update on important progress to strengthen public health in Nebraska. I have made supporting and strengthening your public health system a top priority. This year is no different.

Taking advantage of, and building upon, our previous investments in a strong, dynamic, and adaptable public health system provides a real opportunity to slow the growth in the health care budget and improve quality of life. Two proposals I introduced this year are set to become law. One would enable dental professionals to serve thousands in need of basic, preventative dental care in public health centers. Another will empower local public health districts across the state to address specific needs within their districts.

By adopting my proposals, the Legislature will address the severe lack of access to dental care for low-income Nebraskans and recognize the importance of dental care to overall health and productivity. There is a real need for this access to basic, preventative dental care and staffing public health clinics with dental professionals is a real solution.

Additionally, I advocate to empower Nebraska’s 18 local public health departments to address specific needs of their service areas through preventative health programs. These preventative health programs are designed to address the specific public health needs of each of our communities. My proposal is targeted to improve access to medical homes and dental homes, increasing work site wellness initiatives and assuring preventative health services are available to all Nebraskans.

Investments in preventative health measures save money in the long-term. Building on our state’s public health system and providing access to dental care will improve overall health, well-being and productivity in our community.

Thank you all for your interest and input this legislative session. As always, it is an honor to represent you.

Very Truly Yours,

Senator Tanya D. Cook
Legislative District 13

Dear Constituents:

I am writing to give you all an update about exciting progress to bring innovation and accountability to education in Nebraska.

I chose LB366 as my personal priority bill this legislative session. LB366 will help ensure that Nebraskans in need of GED training and testing achieve that important life goal. Metropolitan Community College provides the critical training and testing that helps get our neighbors on track for a prosperous career. LB366 will, for the first time, create a state-wide system for the funding of GED training and testing. Importantly, state funding for this critical training will support Metropolitan Community College and the other community colleges in the state in their mission while reducing pressures on property tax.

With LB366, those in need of basic remedial education and GED certification through Metropolitan Community College deserve support that will help ensure that they are ready for career training.

Additionally, I am proud to announce the passage of LB262. This legislation will give accurate and innovative tools to policymakers and community organizations interested in closing the achievement gap between thriving and struggling students, thriving schools and struggling schools. While Nebraska makes funding education a priority, there are no reliable mechanisms to judge the effectiveness of our investments.

For the first time in Nebraska we will have consistent, state-wide information about how are kids’ schools are serving them. As law, LB262 makes accountability in education a priority in Nebraska.

Innovation and accountability in Nebraska’s investment in education is my commitment. Prioritization of LB366 and passage of LB262 show that this commitment is paying off.

Very Truly Yours,

State Senator Tanya D. Cook
Legislative District 13

Dear Constituents:

I am writing to give you each an update about my priorities this 2013 legislative session. My priorities invest in the real needs of our district and state will help build a stronger community.

Accountability in Education
Those in need of basic remedial education and GED certification through Metropolitan Community College deserve support that will help ensure that they are ready for career training. LB366 and LB367 will achieve this end while reducing property tax burdens on homeowners.

LB 626 will give accurate and innovative tools to policymakers and community organizations interested in closing the achievement gap between the thriving and struggling students, thriving schools and struggling schools. While Nebraska makes funding education a priority, there are no reliable mechanisms to judge the effectiveness of our investments.

Removing Barriers to Success
In my time in office I have consistently looked to remove institutional barriers to success. LB 539 will give continuing access to quality, safe, and affordable childcare while encouraging career growth for the working poor.

I introduced LB 492, which will continue the Youth Conservation Program, a successful initiative that empowers at-risk youth with meaningful jobs and training through the Nebraska Game and Parks.

An Ounce of Prevention
Nebraska has a very strong public health infrastructure. This strong infrastructure shows even greater potential. LB 157 makes sure Nebraskans will have access to dental care services by equipping public health clinics throughout the state with dental professionals.

Additionally, when public health clinics are able to meet the specific needs of the community we are a healthier and more productive state. LB 119 will empower local public health districts to address real needs in the community like never before by adequately funding targeted prevention efforts.

I am proud of these proposals and am working tirelessly towards their passage. If you have any questions about these bills or any others before the Legislature please contact me. It is an honor to represent you.

Very truly yours,

Senator Tanya D. Cook

Dear Constituents:

I am writing to give you an update on the great progress made by the Legislature this year to reform Nebraska’s child welfare system and behavioral health system. I am proud to let you know that the passage of my priority legislation, The Children’s Health and Treatment Act (2012), seeks to end the tragic and longstanding practice of Medicaid wrongly denying behavioral health treatment to Nebraska’s youth.

For decades, the denial of behavioral healthcare for Nebraskan children lead to this tragedy: A doctor’s diagnosis and recommended treatment is denied by Medicaid and the family is placed in the untenable position of having to make their child a ward of the state. Can you imagine giving up custody of your child so that he or she can receive the care they require, the care prescribed by their physician?

The Children’s Health and Treatment Act will help end this practice by requiring that the definition of “medical necessity,” which is currently used as a means to deny care, be made using a transparent, public process. This new law will provide continued oversight and accountability when Medicaid denies prescribed care. Parents, doctors, and the Legislature will now be informed about the exact reasons that a child’s care has been denied.

This law and others passed this year make needed reforms to ensure that your government works. Thank you all for your input during this legislative session. I appreciate your engagement in the lawmaking process and, as always, it is an honor to represent you.

Very Truly Yours,

State Senator Tanya D. Cook

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION:  Property Tax Relief for Seniors 

I am writing with important information about property tax relief for seniors.  I want to make sure you are all aware of the advantages of the Homestead Exemption, as well as the June 30 deadline to apply.  In these tough economic times it is important that every eligible senior take advantage of this opportunity.  I encourage you to determine your eligibility and to apply.  

If you are already taking advantage of this exemption you know that this is real relief. The Homestead Exemption excludes all or part of the value of your home and the land it sits upon from property tax. 

Time is running out to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption this year, but it is not too late.  Again, the deadline for application for the Homestead Exemption is June 30. 

Do you qualify?  Homeowners age 65 and over who have an income below $31,301 for an individual or $36,801 in combined income for a couple may qualify for this benefit.  Additionally, certain physically disabled individuals, including certain disabled veterans and their widows or widowers, may qualify to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption. 

Keep in mind that medical expenses that are greater than four percent of your household income may be deducted in determining your eligibility. 

For help determining if you are eligible for the exemption and to apply, please contact your Douglas County Assessor, Roger F. Morrissey.  The county Homestead Exemption Helpline is 402-597-6659.  The Assessors website is www.dcassessor.org. 

I truly hope you take advantage of this opportunity to save your hard-earned money.  Also, please tell your friends and neighbors if you think that they could benefit from this real relief.  If I can be of any further assistance, on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office.