Join Senator Lydia Brasch for a Community Coffee!

Friday, May 3, 2013
9:00am – 10:00am
Right Next Door
409 S 13th Street, Tekamah

11am – 12pm
The Green Lantern Steakhouse
653 Broadway, Decatur

2pm – 3pm
Cafe O’ Specialty Coffeehouse
201 N. Oakland, Oakland

Monday, May 6, 2013
9am – 10am
Chef’s Corner West Point Coffee
243 S Lincoln St, West Point

10:30am – 11:30am
Beemer Cafe Coffee
218 Main St, Beemer

12pm – 1pm
Coachman Steakhouse & Lounge Townhall
507 E Ave East, Wisner

Questions? Call David Slattery at 402-471-2728.

Weekly Legislative Update

Day 68 of our 90-day long session starts this week. Things continue to move very quickly in our office even when lengthy ongoing debate on the floor of the legislature prevails. Even though topics such as state aid and retirement fund changes continue to absorb large amounts of time, the legislature was able to complete a second round of debate on consent calendar, including LB500 which I introduced to help clarify requirements for placing stop signs at school bus stops for the safety of our school children who rely on school bus transportation.

Debate over LB407, also known as state aid to schools, ground to a halt last week as rural senators tried to defend our tax dollars from flowing disproportionately towards urban districts. Unfortunately, several of our school districts do not receive state aid. Large school districts are the largest recipients of state aid, however, it is crucial that our small school districts continue to make the case for equalization aid. Senators temporarily came to an impasse after a couple of amendments failed to received the 25 votes they needed to pass. The bill was removed from the agenda so that additional adjustments could be made, and eventually passed the first round of debate by the end of the week.

We also completed general file debate on LB140 which redefines the term “airport hazard area” to include approach, operation, transition, and turning zones. This change is important because it precisely defines which areas surrounding an airport are subject to airport zoning regulations. Our original airport zoning laws which were passed in 1945 do not make accommodation for changes in technology and aircraft design, so this update is crucial for airports in our district, especially Blair, which has faced some challenges with current regulations based on the old statutes.

This week, the appropriations committee will likely advance a budget that the full body will begin to debate shortly. Right now, it looks like state spending will increase right around 5 percent. A few days ago, we received notice from the Department of Revenue that the state received a one-time bump of $125 million in additional tax receipts at the end of 2012. This very large, one time increase to net personal income tax estimates that is not a recurring event.

According to the Nebraska Department of Revenue: “Starting in mid-April, in conjunction with final tax payments for calendar 2012, it became apparent there would be a huge influx of revenue, most likely in relation to capital gains liabilities incurred in 2012.  You may recall that Congress acted very late on some tax related legislation, creating uncertainty as to continued (relatively low) preferential tax treatment of capital gains in 2012.  In all likelihood, it appears many taxpayers took gains to lock in the lower tax rate, rather than risk losing the tax advantage if Congress failed to act to extend the favorable tax treatment to 2013.” These tax dollars should be returned to the hard-working taxpayers of Nebraska or moved to the rainy day cash reserve fund for a time of future need.

In the next 10 days, I will be spending time in Burt and Cuming counties holding listening meeting town halls with constituents about issues of concern to them and to hear thoughts on pending legislation. If you have time, please join me at one or more of the following stops listed on this blog.

As always, if you are able to join me at one of my town halls or need more immediate assistance, please feel free to continue to contact me or my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

April showers continue to bless our agriculture producers with the hope of a productive year. Our work in the legislature goes on rain or shine. We continue to take up a variety of topics ranging from Medicaid expansion to less controversial subjects contained on our consent calendar which we debated last Friday.

Last week, floor debate on LB577, also know as Medicaid expansion, began here in Lincoln. As senators on both sides of the issue expressed their support and opposition, I provided my colleagues with feedback on the issue that I received from constituents via correspondence and during town hall meetings across the district. Many have raised concerns about the cost of this reform, both from at the federal and state levels. Even though the federal government would cover 90-100% of costs for the first years of the expansion, the state would still be responsible for millions in general fund spending that will compete with education and roads funding priorities.

Other questions were raised by constituents. Some who already qualify for Medicaid raised concerns about the quality of services and delivery after expansion. Right now, many are experiencing lengthy waits for approval of assistance. Expanding Medicaid will add tens of thousands to our state plan’s enrollment, and the impact of this to our medical delivery system. During floor debate, Senator Mike Gloor, a former hospital CEO, shared similar concerns about the impact of Medicaid expansion during floor debate on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is especially concerning because no study has been conducted to study the impact of expansion on the quality and delivery of healthcare services. After 2 days of discussion, debate on LB577 ceased because its supporters were unable to garner the 33 votes they needed for cloture to advance the legislation. It is unlikely this bill will receive further debate this year.

This week, we start debating LB407 which provides for state aid to our school districts. The State of Nebraska provides state aid to school districts based on their needs and the amount of resources they have available. Changes to this formula have been made to try to equitably balance the interests of urban and rural school districts. This means, however, that rural school districts, like Arlington, will lose their equalization aid. Many schools in our district receive no equalization aid already. Other schools in our district will see changes made to their share.

As the session continues, I will continue to hold town halls as previously announced. I will be spending May 3rd and May 6th traveling Burt and Cuming Counties and holding listening sessions. I will announce times and locations in next week’s column. If you need timely assistance, or you hear about an issue or bill that concerns you and are unable to attend one of the town halls, please feel free to continue to contact me or my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

We continue to await the arrival of spring! As the legislature continues floor debate, discussion on many controversial topics has continued to extend the length of our work days. In the near future, the Unicameral will take up our consent calendar which is composed of a variety of non-controversial bills that will likely gain the full support of all members of the body.

Last week the legislature began discussion on a bill that would get rid of the current system of park fees and roll the park fee into the motor vehicle registration. Senator Bill Avery of Lincoln introduced and prioritized LB362. While some have raised important questions about attaching this registration fee, it is important to understand that Nebraska Game and Parks is on the verge of shuttering a number of state parks because of a large revenue shortfall. Nebraska parks are underutilized as family destinations because the many of the parks are in dire need of facility maintenance and improvements. To ensure our great parks remain competitive, they need adequate funding and revenue to attract visitors. Floor debate this week revealed that this legislation will need additional work to build consensus before the full legislature will approve it.

Proposals changing penalties for both adult and juvenile offenders have been advanced by the Judiciary Committee for debate by the full legislature. Later this session, the Unicameral will debate a perennial piece of legislation brought by Senator Chambers that would repeal the death penalty. Last week, senators debated LB44 which changed sentencing requirements for juvenile convicted of a Class IA felony. This legislation was introduced to bring Nebraska into compliance with the 2012 US Supreme Court ruling of Miller v. Alabama, which prohibited as a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the sentencing of juveniles to a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

It is important for our state to provide opportunities for our young farms and young Nebraskans who are interested in agriculture and agribusiness. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute brings together young Nebraskans to connect them with speakers from various sectors of the agriculture industry, help them learn about the different facets of agriculture, and network them with like-minded young Nebraskans. This year the NAYI will be hosted on the UNL-East Campus in Lincoln from July 8th to the 12th. NAYI is free, and applications are available online at www.agr.ne.gov/nayi.

As I mentioned last week, our office is planning coffees and town halls in Burt and Cuming Counties as I continue to travel the district to listen to your concerns about legislative issues this session. Until then, please feel free to continue to contact me or my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

This week the legislature extended floor debate hours as several pieces of legislation drew lengthy discussion. Most days, the Unicameral will work until 6:30pm at night, and in a couple weeks, we will begin “late nights” when debate will continue until 8, 9, or even 11:59pm, but not past midnight so we stay within that legislative day!

The legislature started its week with LB57 introduced by Senator Tyson Larson of O’Neill. LB57 requires the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to approve any purchase of real property made using NET funds given to a grant recipient either to purchase real property directly or through the use of a revolving fund. Some concerns have been raised that grant recipients have utilized NET funds to purchase property that has ended up in the hands of the federal government even though the funds were granted only for the organization’s use. Our state agencies and commissions need checks and balances to provide the transparency Nebraskans need to assure that their government is functioning openly and honestly.

During floor debate this week, senators also discussed LB637 which requires the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) to provide an economic impact statement for any regulation when considering the adoption of regulations imposing requirements different than federal regulations or increase costs on regulated persons and other entities. On the floor, I talked about a situation in our district where the NDEQ’s requirements exceeded those required by EPA regulations, and how it has severely impacted this person’s cattle operation. It is important for the future of all communities that regulatory costs remain contained.

Young people from our district are invited to participate in the Unicameral Youth Legislature program that will be held June 9th-12th in Lincoln. The Unicameral Youth Legislature is a four-day model legislature that allows students ages 14-17 to play the part of senators. During this simulation, students will get to experience many components of the legislative process by debating legislation and conducting committee hearings among other activities. Interested students can find more information by calling my office at the number listed below or online here at: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/education/unicamyouth.php.

My office continues to schedule town halls and coffees around the district. On Monday, April 15th, I will be spending the day in Washington County, and you are welcome to join me for any of the events listed here. My day will start in Arlington, where I will have coffee from 8:30-9:30am at the Arlington Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 305 N 3rd Street. From 10am-12noon, I will attend a coffee hosted at the Blair Chamber of Commerce, 1646 Washington Street in Blair. Finally, I will conclude my day in Ft. Calhoun from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Too Far North, 111 N. 14th Street. These are meetings will give me an opportunity to listen to your thoughts regarding legislation being heard on the floor this session.

During the week, we welcomed many outstanding FFA students from District 16 to our office. It is always a blessing to learn about all the amazing work they are doing! This weekend provided an opportunity to attend the Cuming County Feeders Association Banquet in West Point. It was an enjoyable evening with over 650 people attending. It was good to visit with several constituents in agriculture, from cattle feeders to the many other agribusiness men and women whose services are important to our feeders and community.

Events in Cuming and Burt counties will be announced shortly as I continue to travel the district to listen to your concerns about legislative issues this session. Until then, please feel free to continue to contact me or my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

Happy Easter to you and yours! I especially look forward to this time of the year as my family and other Christians around the world gather to celebrate our Risen Saviour. It is always a most wonderful time to share in our church services, and it is a joy to participate in the many celebrations that our district offers. From the sound of church bells ringing to the bountiful Easter Egg Hunts where children of all ages shout with glee as they discover colorful eggs and hidden surprises, we realize and count our blessings.

During this season, we must also remember and pray for our military who stand guard far from their homes, so we may feel secure and safe in ours as we gather to pray, play and work. Regardless of where you are, with family or perhaps alone in prayer, this holy weekend provides for a time of reflection and renewed faith. With the dawn of this spiritual new year, our work begins once again with renewed spirits.

Full days of debate started last Wednesday for our legislature, as committees concluded the many public hearings on new legislation. The legislature adjourned on Thursday as senators and staff returned home to their district to spend this holiday with their families, friends and communities.

As floor debate continued on senator priority bills, the legislature took up LB528 which allows for treatment of partners who have contracted sexually transmitted diseases without examination by a physician. In last week’s column, I raised some concern that this legislation does not provide protection for minors who may be in abusive relationships. During floor debate, I also raised concerns that this legislation did not provide civil immunity for medical providers, and that allowing doctors to prescribe medication for persons with whom they have no relationship has the potential to change the standard of care. Unfortunately, this bill passed the first round of debate, but several senators have ongoing concerns which will hopefully be addressed in the second round of discussion.

The legislature also debated LB97 which allows for the creation of land banks. Some municipalities in other states utilize land banks to purchase blighted and tax delinquent properties to help revitalize struggling neighborhoods. Some senators pointed out that a land bank could potentially compete with private investors who purchase tax liens. During floor debate, I discussed the importance of ensuring that revitalization efforts do not come at the expense of affordable housing for low-income Nebraskans.

On Thursday, the full Unicameral debated LB517 which creates the Water Sustainability Project Task Force to study the needs of all Nebraska’s water users during the interim. Water is one of our state’s most precious resources, and with many demands on this highly demanded resource, it is important for Nebraska to look at ways to ensure the longevity and abundance of our water supply. As this task force looks at the future of Nebraska’s water usage, it is important that the Unicameral preserve the local control of our Natural Resource Districts over water management. Nebraska’s NRD system is unique, and provides a voice for local water users statewide.

Visitors this week to the office included chambers of commerce from our district that co-hosted Northeast Nebraska Day. I had the pleasure of visiting with representatives from the West Point Chamber and the Blair Area Chamber of Commerce about legislative priorities important to their members. U.S. Senator Mike Johanns also paid us a visit to hear our concerns as state elected officials.

On April 15, I will visit Blair for coffee from 10AM-12Noon at the Blair Chamber of Commerce, 1646 Washington Street. Our office is working on community coffees around the district and will announce those in next week’s column once the places and times are confirmed. As priority bills continue to receive debate, please continue to provide feedback. You can contact me or either my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

Even though last week marked the first day of spring, winter continues to linger. Hopefully warmer weather and rain comes quickly! Last week, the Unicameral passed the halfway mark for the session as hearings concluded. This week, full days of debate start as the legislature continues to discuss priorities designated by senators and committees.

As hearings concluded, the Judiciary Committee heard almost a dozen bills related to the use of guns. Many of these bills sought to protect our 2nd Amendment rights. Senator Kintner introduced his priority bill, LB293, to prohibit the disclosure of any applicant or permit holder information regarding firearms registration or sale. This legislation was introduced after a newspaper in New York published information disclosing the identity of gun owners, raising concerns that gun owners would become targets of crime.

Medicaid expansion continues to be a topic of heated discussion as legislative debate on the subject draws closer. Our District 16 hospitals and healthcare facilities deliver high quality, affordable healthcare, and help administer the state Medicaid program which provides access to healthcare for those in need. Currently, Nebraska’s Medicaid program costs $1.6 billion a year including $576 million in state general fund.

Obamacare already imposes and additional $227 million in direct costs to Nebraska’s Medicaid program meaning that the entire Medicaid program will cost Nebraska $770 million by 2020 without expanding coverage. Currently, about 242,000 Nebraskans are enrolled in Medicaid, and that number will likely grow by almost 50,000 in 2020. If LB577 passes and Medcaid coverage is expanded, this would cost the State of Nebraska another $116 million in general funds, bringing the total cost of Medicaid to $2.7 billion by 2020.

Many who support this expansion argue that Nebraska should not turn down federal funds that have been offered under Obamacare to support this expansion. During the first few years, federal funds would cover over 90% of the costs associated with expansion. In my view, this expansion poses two major concerns. First, these federal funds do not represent actual tax revenue, but rather additional deficit spending. Second, after the federal government’s commitment to the state ends in a few years, Nebraska taxpayers may be obligated to pick up the cost, potentially at the expense of other important budget priorities. We often say here in Nebraska, “we don’t spend money that we don’t have.”

As session continues, this column continues to highlight legislation that impacts Nebraska families. LB528 would allow for treatment of partners who have contracted sexually transmitted diseases without examination by a physician. Under this legislation, doctors would be able to prescribe antibiotics to patients and their partners with chlamydia and gonorrhea. Concerns have been raised that this legislation does not provide protection for minors that have been subject to abuse, and does not provide any protection for unexamined patients that may be taking additional medication.

In Lincoln this week, I had the honor of attending events hosted by the Nebraska Legislative Sportsmen’s Forum and the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance. On Friday, I spent the morning of our recess day at Wayne State speaking to the Northeast Nebraska Legislative Forum about issues of concern to people who live in our corner of the state. Even though hearings have concluded, I still want to hear your feedback on pending legislation as issues arise. Please contact either my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471 2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov with your concerns.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day! I had the pleasure of walking in the Wisner St. Patrick’s Day parade this past weekend. It was a cold and very brisk day, but the sun was shining and with the first day of spring almost here, we can hope that even better weather will arrive shortly.

Senators designated their priorities bills this past week as the legislature closed in on the halfway mark for this year’s session. Each senator is allowed to select one piece of legislation as their priority each year. My priority this year, LB296, doubles the deduction limits for contributions made to the Nebraska College Savings Program. This legislation is important because it provides additional tax relief to hard-working Nebraskans who save for their child’s college education. This program can also be used for tuition to our vital vocational and technical colleges as well.

On Thursday, our office had two final hearings in the Judiciary Committee on LB498 and LR42 that ran into the evening. As I mentioned in last week’s column, LB498 provides an additional protection against the practice of libel tourism. Bob Evnen of Lincoln testified in support of the legislation, arguing that the bill would provide a much-needed update to Nebraska’s libel statutes. The Judiciary Committee wrapped up a very long day by hearing LR42 which calls on Congress to pass the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Family First and the Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association both testified in support of LR42 and in support of reaffirming the fundamental status of parental rights by adding specific language to the U.S. Constitution.

Last week in this column I highlighted LB380, legislation that would provide for adoption by two adult persons jointly, and expressed concerns I have about the legislation’s impact on our families. This week, I will focus on LB619 introduced by Senator Ken Haar of Malcolm which requires mandatory comprehensive sex education. Currently, the content of sex education curriculum is largely determined by individual school districts and their respective school boards. LB619 gives authority over this subject area to the Nebraska State Board of Education, centralizing control over curriculum standards for sex education away from school districts and removes local control. Additionally, I also have several technical concerns about the bill, including the failure of the legislation to define the term “comprehensive,” leaving this open to interpretation by bureaucrats.

This week, I was honored to be appointed to the Transportation Public Policy Committee of the Council of State Governments (CSG). My appointment follows Senator Deb Fischer’s tenure on the committee. CSG is a national policy forum with regional divisions that provides networking and development opportunities to lawmakers and leaders to share ideas on a variety of public policy initiatives. This appointment will complement my work with the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee in the Unicameral, allowing me to collaborate with other legislators nationally on transportation issues and solutions.

On Sunday, I attended a Young Americans Performance at Blair High School. It was an uplifting and enjoyable evening of spectacular singing and dancing by talented students from grades four through twelve who participated in a two-day workshop at the school under the direction and motivation of The Young Americans, a traveling national and international musical troupe. If you have community events in your town that you would like to share with our office, please contact either my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future!

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

The snow keeps coming even though the first day of spring is less than a week away! We are certainly grateful for this much-needed moisture, however, I am looking forward to the gentle April showers.

Last week the Unicameral completed its thirty-ninth day of this ninety day session and finished out the week with a recess day to allowing senators from rural districts to spend time home with constituents. As scheduled hearings are near their end, committees continue to hear important legislation, including a law that would require voters to present identification at their polling place to vote. This continues to be a highly contentious debate despite the fact that we are required to produce identification for many purposes in day-to-day life. Committee hearings will continue through next week until every bill introduced for the session has had a public hearing.

In the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee last week, we heard several pieces of legislation to allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to honor our veterans. LB383 introduced by Senator Charlie Janssen of Fremont provides for approved specialty license plates that honor branches of the military. Senator Annette Dubas of Fullterton introduced LB93 which would provide for notation of veteran status on drivers’ licenses.

The Transportation Committee also heard LB393 introduced by Senator Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins which repeals a requirement that motorcyclists over the age of 21 wear a helmet and replaces it with a new requirement that riders wear eye protection. As I listened carefully to opposing views on our helmet law during my first 2 years in office, I heard many concerns on both sides of this issue. I believe riders over the age of 21 should have the freedom to make their own decisions about their own safety gear. Our country was founded upon principles of self-government. It is important to preserve these individual freedoms, particularly where these freedoms do not come at the expense or safety of others.

As the session continues, this column will continue to highlight legislation I believe is important to our district as well as legislation that is cause for concern. One such bill is LB380 which provides for the adoption of a minor child by two adult persons jointly. Traditionally, joint adoptions have only occurred between married couples, but this bill would allow any two adults, regardless of their relationship–financial, legal, or otherwise–to adopt. Should the legislature chose to make this policy change, I believe that it could ultimately place our vulnerable children in unstable or fragmented households. Policies like these undermine the nuclear family which has formed the foundation of Nebraska households for generations.

This week, my last bill and a legislative resolution that our office introduced this session will be heard in the Judiciary Committee on Thursday. First, LB498 provides an additional protection against the practice of libel tourism. Libel tourism occurs when a plaintiff files a lawsuit in a jurisdiction that provides few protections for persons who may not have the means to defend their reputation in an overseas foreign court. Second, LR42 calls on the U.S. Congress to pass the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would ensure that parental rights are treated as a fundamental right by our courts. Recent court decisions have raised some concern that the traditional rights of the parent may not be viewed with due deference in matters of education, health care, religion and others family life decision making.

This past week, State Treasurer Don Stenberg published the 2013 Unclaimed Property Report. If you would like to obtain a copy of the report, you may contact the treasurer’s office at 402-471-2455 or you can check for unclaimed property at any time online at www.treasurer.org. The treasurer’s office currently holds more than $125 million in unclaimed property. If you have any questions, my office
continues to work diligently to answer your questions or comments on bills before us this session. You can reach either my administrative aide, David Slattery, or legislative aide, Taylor Gage, at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov. We hope to hear from you soon!

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

Weekly Legislative Update

With this past week, the Unicameral completed about a third of this ninety-day session. It was another week full of filibusters and floor speeches on a variety of bills. Committees heard legislation ranging from a proposed expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare, to conscience protection for licensed physicians who could decline to perform certain procedures to which they morally object.

Committees heard three of my bills this week. I brought LB244 at the request of electrical instructors at Northeast Community College to provide a requirement for continuing education courses for apprentice electricians. Typically, apprentices who sit for their qualifying exam do so with little or no exposure to the National Electrical Code book, which is a regionally adopted standard for electricians. This puts the apprentice in a position to fail the exam as nearly half fail one or more times. If they have a knowledge of basic electricity and the National Electrical Code Book from these offered courses they’re in a position to more readily pass an exam. Courses offered only cost between $92 to $120 a year to meet the requirement.

LB500 was introduced in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee at the request of the Nebraska Association of School Boards and Lincoln Public Schools to provide an exception to a provision contained in LB1039 that I introduced last year. LB500 provides an exemption for school districts from the sign requirement for school buses making a stop without four hundred feet of clear vision in either direction. The exemption is limited to school buses stopping to load or unload pupils inside the corporate limits of any city or village, except on any part of the state highway system within the limits of a city or village. Many of these stops addressed are curbside for students with special needs and are essential for their safety and well being.

On Thursday, I introduced LB145 in the Revenue Committee at the request of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and agricultural land property owners in our district and also from testimony expressed statewide at our hearing . As Nebraska conducts a wellness check on its tax code, it is my belief that this discussion should look at all components of our tax structure, especially property taxes which have not been a part of the discussion to this point. Every day, I hear from constituents about the burden that property taxes place on their families, businesses, and way of life. Nebraska is the only state to tax property the way we do because we levy property tax by real estate value and because several subdivisions of government have overlapping taxing authority.

The downward slide in Nebraska’s rural population has continued even as property taxes on agricultural land have continued to increase. Senators in the Unicameral have introduced several policy proposals over the years to attempt to stop the population decline and grow our tax base in rural communities. Meaningful property tax relief for agricultural producers would be a first step towards creating a more tax friendly atmosphere for the young agricultural producers we need to attract.

Another constituent from our district was nominated for an appointment to a state commission. Helen Feller of Wisner was nominated again by Governor Heineman to the State Racing Commission, and the General Affairs Committee held a hearing on her nomination last week. Her nomination was advanced by the committee on an 8-0 vote.

This past weekend, I enjoyed the honor to serve as a judge for the Youth Engaged Award Project at the Fort Calhoun High School. These student presentations visionary in how they presented plans to keep and attract young individuals and families to Washington County. My office is planning coffees as town halls around the district if you or your community have an interest in participating, please let us know. We welcome questions or comments on bills before us this session. Please contact me at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to keep the good life growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch