This column covers legislative days 13 through 17.

Thank you to all the many constituents who’ve reached out to me with comments about bills, concerns in the district, and words of support.  It took some adjustment, but at this point in the session, I’m close to confident that I could find my way around the Capitol without a map and I’m 100% confident I know which elevator gives me the easiest route to my office.  I appreciate those who’ve visited so far.  Everyone in District 16 should feel welcome to contact me or visit my office in the Capitol.

As of February 1^st, eight bills that could affect property tax rates in some way have been heard in the Revenue Committee.  As the intent and potential impact of these bills are discussed in the committee hearings, conversations between senators have started to take shape too.  It’s possible a package of bills may be needed to fully bring about the level of relief needed by Nebraskans.  Each of the eight bills heard in committee so far addresses the problem of high property taxes in a different way.  It’s my hope the members of the Revenue Committee will send us many options for discussion and debate on the floor by all senators.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll use this column to write about some of the more high profile property tax bills.  This will be beneficial to you in the district, but will also help me work through some of the details in each bill.  As I write about them, I will not be endorsing any of the bills but will be considering how to discuss them if they came up on the floor for debate.

My bill, LB321 introduced on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, was heard in committee this week.  The bill would allow for more efficient use of department resources when inspecting weights and measuring devices across the state.  I was excited to present my first bill in committee and I’m working with the other members to bring the bill to the floor.

In the Business and Labor Committee, we heard testimony on five bills; and the Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on three bills; the Agriculture Committee heard testimony on two bills.  One of the more surprising hearings was that of LB 243 introduced by Senator Gragert to create a healthy soils task force.  In addition to receiving comments from constituents on this bill, the hearing was filled with many experienced farmers, ranchers, and researchers on both sides of the issue.  I was impressed by the number of people who showed up and the knowledge they had about Nebraska’s soil.  It really showcased what makes Nebraska so unique and the fact that generations of farming can be just as educational as any college degree.

You’re welcome to contact our office at (402)-471-2728 to speak with my Administrative Assistant, Ellie Stangl; or my Legislative Aide, Jacob Campbell.  You can also email me at bhansen@leg.ne.gov.  To follow along with the session please visit nebraskalegislature.gov or you may watch the live stream when available at netnebraska.org

Senator Hansen’s second column covers legislative days 9 through 12.

The third week of your 2019 Unicameral Legislature saw an uptick in activity as senators finalized bill introduction and committee hearings began.  At the end of January 23^rd, 739 bills and 15 legislative resolutions had been introduced – all during the first 10 days of the session.  Each of these bills will be routed to one of 14 standing committees and receive a public hearing where stakeholders will testify as proponents, opponents, or in a neutral capacity.  Public hearings are an extremely important part of the work we do in the Legislature.  Without input from our constituents, we will not have all of the information necessary to make the best decisions possible for our state.  I encourage you to track bills of interest and to testify at the public hearings.  If you need information about how or when to do so, please contact my staff using the information at the end of this column.

When not debating rules of the session on the floor or in committee hearings, my schedule was full of meetings with constituents, government officials, and other individuals who will be resources as I represent everyone in District 16.  As a member of the Agriculture Committee and Health and Human Services Committee, I listened to testimony on 10 different bills and informational briefings.  The HHS Committee has a challenging task ahead of us as we make decisions incorporating the voter-approved Medicaid Expansion project in Nebraska.

I am also pleased to announce I am the only freshmen senator appointed as a member of the Legislative Performance Audit Committee.  This is a special committee tasked with determining state programs’ effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with legislative intent.  On this committee, I’ll be able to ensure the state abides by sound policy implementation standards and the fiscal responsibility Nebraskans deserve because I believe one of my primary duties as your representative is to be a good steward of taxpayer money.  The constituents of District 16 are well served with their representative on this important committee.

As I look ahead to next week, I’ll continue preparation for the public hearing of my LB 321 in the Agriculture Committee on January 29^th. This bill will streamline the efficiency of government resources by allowing risk-based inspections of scales rather than the mandatory annual inspections required currently.  The other four bills I’ve introduced have not yet been scheduled for committee hearings.

I continue to discuss property tax relief with other senators as some bills have been heard in the Revenue Committee.  I’m looking forward to debating these on the floor once the Revenue Committee votes them out of committee.

You’re welcome to contact our office at (402)-471-2728 to speak with my Administrative Assistant, Ellie Stangl; or my Legislative Aide, Jacob Campbell.  You can also email me at bhansen@leg.ne.gov.  To follow along with the session please visit nebraskalegislature.gov or you may watch the live stream when available at netnebraska.org

This column covers legislative days 1 through 8.

Greetings to all of you in District 16.  I want to first take this opportunity to again express my gratitude for electing me as your senator for District 16.  I am honored and eager to represent the many thoughts and needs of everyone in the district.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with feedback, requests, or information that may be helpful in making “The Good Life” even better.

We began the first session of the 106^th Legislature on January 9^th.  My wife and daughter, as well as other family members, were there to support me as I took the oath of office.  Fourteen senators were immediately elected as chairs for each of the fourteen standing committees and committee assignments were decided upon. I’ll be serving on the Health and Human Services Committee, the Agricultural Committee, and have the pleasure of serving as Vice Chair of the Business and Labor Committee, a rare opportunity for first-year senators.  As a physician and business owner with family roots in agriculture, I believe I can best serve the district by utilizing my strengths in each of these areas.

An important thing to note if you plan on visiting the Capitol over the next few years is the long-term HVAC and window project taking place.  Many of the usual senators’ offices are closed for renovations, so the tower of the Capitol is being used in the meantime.  For at least two days my staff and I did not have an office or access to computers or phones.  I apologize if you attempted to contact us during that time.

All legislative bills are introduced during the first ten days of the legislative session and as senators have settled in we’ve also been laying the groundwork for this ninety-day session.  My introduced bills this session include streamlining government by eliminating overregulation, encouraging rural economic development opportunities, and protecting the civil liberties and freedoms of all Nebraskans.  Throughout the session, I’ll be co-sponsoring bills introduced by other senators including a pro-life bill introduced by Senator Albrecht of District 17.

The most important effort in Legislature this session is one I am heavily involved in – property taxes.  Property owners have needed relief for too long.  Rural senators have carried the water for property taxes in the past, including multiple proposals by former District 16 senator Lydia Brasch, but I’m hopeful the tide may have finally turned and the entire Legislature feels the same sense of urgency.

Property tax relief is my top priority and I’m excited about continuing conversations with other senators who’ve made it theirs too.  As of adjournment on January 18^th, 478 bills had been introduced – including 11 proposals related to property taxes.

You’re welcome to contact our office at (402)-471-2728 to speak with my Administrative Assistant, Elizabeth Stangl; or my Legislative Aide, Jacob Campbell.  You can also email me at bhansen@leg.ne.gov.  To follow along with the session please visit nebraskalegislature.gov or you may watch the live stream when available at netnebraska.org.