On Tuesday, March 22 the Legislature began all day floor debate on priority bills.  LB 698, introduced by Senator Christensen, was debated first.  LB 698, with the Agriculture Committee’s amendment, repeals labeling requirements for gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol. This change is compelling because of Ethanol’s 30+ year sound track record as a “green” and “ag friendly” fuel at our pumps, the estimated 80% of consumers currently fill up with Ethanol, and supportive testimony from the Ethanol Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers and Nebraska Grain and Feed Association stating a need for new marketing. As your rural senator, it’s also my view that given Nebraska’s strong agriculture roots and economic reliance on the industry, ethanol should be considered the norm in our state when it comes to fueling our vehicles. It is time we label what is NOT ethanol. Understood, it is also important to meet the consumer need to have an identifier at the pumps for different gasoline options, just like the Diesel pumps. An amendment will be considered to reverse current labeling requirements and require displaying a label at pumps containing no ethanol.  LB 698 is on Select File.

The major focus of debate last week was LB 84, introduced by Senator Fischer, to ensure that roads funding is a priority for our state for safe infrastructure and economic development.  LB 84 creates the Build Nebraska Act and designates a half cent of existing sales tax for roads construction beginning in 2013 for the next twenty years.  I have heard from many of you supporting this, especially to offer some hope for an expressway promised 23 years ago.  Although a number of amendments have yet to be considered during debate, I do support LB 84, recognizing that safe and accessible roads are a priority in our state, as well as education and providing essential services to citizens in need.  Good roads are important for safety and a strong economy.  A strong economy is vital for schools and funding critical programs.       

I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify LB 385 from last week, which eliminates the Low Income Home Energy Conservation Act.  This is not administered by the Nebraska Energy Office (NEO), but the Department of Revenue with certain local utilities.  The basis for eliminating the program is duplication of services.  NEO has stimulus funds remaining and receives annual federal funding for a similar program, the Low Energy Weatherization Program, administered in a collaborative effort with Local Community Action Agencies.  Information is available at www.neo.ne.gov. 

Last Wednesday, three students visited from West Point-Beemer High School who are taking a stand against smoking.  It’s good to see our youth involved and making wise choices.  Wednesday evening the Northeast Nebraska Legislative Day reception provided an opportunity to visit with several area chambers of commerce and economic development professionals. 

Thursday evening I enjoyed conversations with broadcasters from our district at the Nebraska Broadcasters Association event.  Over the weekend I relaxed at the Oakland Spring Fling Craft Show.  As always, it is wonderful to come home; it gives us an opportunity to visit on legislative issues and learn what’s news on our Main Streets. 

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

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Week of March 14, 2011

Our legislative committees concluded public hearings this past week.  However, certain legislative resolutions or appointments may constitute an additional committee hearing, and the Redistricting Committee will hear testimony going forward on redistricting proposals as we begin this process.  The committee has already held a hearing on LR 102, introduced by Senator Langemeier, to establish guidelines for the process.  All day floor debate begins on Tuesday, March 22.  We will continue to debate senator and committee priority bills and then tackle the budget in the coming weeks. 

 Although the budget bills are not on the agenda just yet, we spent a significant amount of time debating a bill aimed at saving the state money.  LB 385, introduced by Senator Utter, also at the request of the governor, ends the Low Income Home Energy Conservation Act established by 2008 legislation.  The sales tax dollars designated for the program would be transferred to the General Fund.  The program is administered by the Nebraska Energy Office, and although not widely utilized in its early stages, eliminating the program spurred opposition.  The bill advanced, but we may see amendments at the next round of debate for continuation of the energy efficiency program.

The Legislature also debated and advanced LB 230, introduced by Senator Sullivan.  With the objective of protecting public safety and property, this bill allows public records to be withheld on public utility infrastructure specifications, design drawings, and maps, unless otherwise provided by state or federal law.  A public utility may also withhold personally identified private citizen customer use information.  LB 230 is on the second round of debate.

LB 100, introduced by Senator Coash, was also advanced to Select File by the Legislature.  The bill, with a Judiciary Committee amendment, will prevent a defendant from using temporary insanity as a defense for committing a crime when he/she made a conscious decision to get drunk or high.

 A number of District 16 constituents visited the Capitol, including optometrists, hospital administrators, and residents of Thurston County.  It was nice to see you in Lincoln, and thank you for participating in our legislative process. 

 I’d like to draw attention to a couple of opportunities that allow our youth to engage in state government.  Each year the Clerk of the Legislature assists with hosting the “Unicameral Youth Legislature” to give students an opportunity to take on the role of a lawmaker.  Students meet at the Capitol June 12-15 for a legislative simulation sponsored by UNL Extension 4-H Youth Development.  Interested youth may go to www.nebraskalegislature.gov/education/unicamyouth.php for more information.

Also, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI).  Students interested in participating and educating children about the agriculture industry may fill out an application at http://www.agr.state.ne.us/nayi/nayi.htm.  The application deadline is April 15^th. 

Over the weekend, I had a wonderful time once again taking part in the Wisner St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  So many warm hearts helped fend off the winds and coolness of the day.  It was fun to walk in the parade and see all of your familiar faces in our district.     

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

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Week of March 7, 2011

The Legislature advanced a number of proposals covering a wide array.  We moved to select file, LB 260, introduced by Senator Lathrop, to adopt the Concussion Awareness Act.  The act provides schools and organizations with information and training about concussions.  It recognizes the instances of student-athlete concussions and the importance of identifying and treating head injuries to prevent more serious, long-term harm.

LB 421, introduced and prioritized by Senator Pankonin on behalf of the Game and Parks Commission, was also advanced to Select File.  It increases park permit fees to address concerns with continuing maintenance and operations.  Annual park entry permit fees for residents are posed to increase from $20 to $25, while temporary park entry permits increase from $4 to $5.  The increase is considered necessary as Game and Parks has significantly cut back on employees and has delayed $34 million of maintenance at our parks. 

The public hearing on LB 690, a bill I introduced, was held Wednesday, March 9 before the Judiciary Committee.  LB 690 requires a minor seeking an abortion to obtain parental consent, a move forward from current law requiring only parental notification.  As I stated in my testimony, I wholeheartedly believe requiring parental consent is best for the safety, health, well-being, and peace of mind for young women.  I am pro-life and believe such requirement would help a minor.  She should not find herself alone to decide, but have family there to care for her and her baby as needed.  Twenty five states currently have parental consent requirements.  I designated LB 690 as my priority bill.

Several bills were passed on Final Reading, including my first bill, LB 368.  LB 368 states that political parties are prohibited from nominating a candidate for office at a state post-primary convention if the party didn’t nominate a candidate at the primary election.  The Legislature also passed:

LB 81 – Municipal wheel taxes can be levied only on city residents; motor vehicle taxes for those living in an extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of a city or village are phased out.

LB 399 – Sets nomination petition signatures for nonpartisan offices to at least 10% of the registered voters voting for Governor or President in the last election, not to exceed 2000 signatures. For statewide partisan offices, at least 4000 signatures are required, and at least 750 signatures will be obtained in each congressional district. The distribution requirement for the Board of Regents is eliminated.

LB 284 – Increases the minimum distance required for picketing funerals from 300 to 500 feet.

LB 333 – Due to budget cuts, LB 333 removes the statutory requirement for schools to have a student achievement coordinator and transfers funds to the lottery fund to support several programs.

It was good to come home and visit with many of you in person.  With a recess day on March 11, visits started at 6 a.m. at a pancake feed in Oakland, coffee shops, a nursing home, and church.  I also appreciated the opportunity to visit with our county extension staff.

Congratulations to our District 16 team from West Point Central Catholic for winning the D-1 State Basketball Championship!  We are proud of your great accomplishment! 

I always appreciate hearing from you and can be reached at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.  

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

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

March 1^st marks the 144^th birthday of our great state!  In recognition of this special day, I was fortunate to attend a statehood celebration at our State Capitol.  Among many of Nebraska’s outstanding citizens in attendance from our district were Tom & Michele Kelly.  It was also inspiring to see several Nebraska celebrities, including Miss America, Teresa Scanlan; Astronaut, Clayton Anderson; and Olympic Gold Medalist, Curt Tomasevicz.    

The Legislature spent a great deal of time debating LB 22, introduced by Senator McCoy.  Federal health care reform legislation allows for states to determine whether or not they permit abortion coverage under the act as part of a qualified health insurance exchange.  LB 22 opts out of allowing health insurance plans in the exchange to cover abortions, and thus, ensures that taxpayer dollars are not used for abortions.  Furthermore, private health insurance policies in Nebraska may not provide abortion coverage except as a rider, paid for only by the insured individual.  After considering several amendments, the bill advanced to Select File, the second stage of the debate process.  I do support LB 22.

One highly publicized and contentious bill that had a public hearing this week was LB 48.  LB 48, introduced by Senator Janssen is essentially an “Arizona-style” approach to address illegal immigration at the state level.  As previously indicated, I am a co-sponsor of LB 48 because as a first generation American I believe everyone must respect our laws and come to our country through the legal process.  Ed Hernandez, a respected citizen of West Point came to testify in support of LB 48 at the public hearing before the Judiciary Committee.  The committee has not acted on the proposal, moving the bill to the floor for debate.

The Legislature passed more than thirty bills on Final Reading on Friday, March 4.  Nebraska joined 48 other states by passage of LB 197, introduced by Senator Dubas, a bill that makes clear a woman’s right to breastfeed her child in a public place where she is authorized to be.  Another bill passed, LB 274, introduced by Senator Gloor, allows Nebraska pharmacies to participate in a nationwide program allowing citizens to return unused prescription medications to a pharmacy for disposal.   

On Thursday, March 3, we had the pleasure of listening to students from West Point-Beemer as part of the “Take 4” vocal quartet.  They sang beautifully in the Capitol rotunda as part of Music Education Week at the Capitol. 

During the girls’ state basketball tournament I sat and cheered among District fans supporting our West Point Central Catholic Lady Bluejays and Pender High School Pendragons.  Both teams played fantastic, and it was great to see our talented youth represent their schools and our legislative district so well!

Prior to the start of session each morning, a prayer is offered by a chaplain.  The volunteer chaplains are from across our state and serve various denominations.  If any pastors in are interested in volunteering as part of the Legislature’s “Chaplain of the Day” program to represent District 16, please contact my office at (402) 471-2728 or e-mail me at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov for more information.

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

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16