Four bills were voted on to become law not withstanding the governor’s veto and all were debated again in an effort to garner support or sustain the veto. Thirty votes are required to override a veto, and two bills became law. In review, the four bills included:

• LB 806 authorizes wagering on historic horseraces. The veto override failed 28-20-1.
• LB 357 allows cities to increase sales tax with voter approval. LB 357 passed on a 30-17-2 vote to override the veto.
• LB 1020 provides grant funding for school-based health centers. The veto of LB 1020 was not overridden on a 27-21-1 vote.
• LB 599 provides for pre-natal services for low-income women, regardless of immigration status. The veto override was successful with a vote of 30-16-3.

Looking back, we worked tirelessly on significant issues and passed substantial legislation, particularly for a short 60 day session. This session is remembered for urgent child welfare reform, including creation of the Nebraska Children’s Commission and Inspector General for child welfare (LB 821), increases to foster care payments (LB 820), changes to case management and service contracts (LB 961), and development of a statewide child welfare information system (LB 1160).

Also memorable are economic development bills for a research and development tax credit (LB 983), including biochips as an agriculture input for a tax exemption (my priority bill, LB 830), data center tax incentives (LB 1118), and a tax exemption for non-profit health clinics (LB 40). Tax legislation was passed to provide a tax cut to low and middle income Nebraskans (LB 970), and limitations were placed on the occupation tax (LB 745).

Significant mid-biennium budget changes were approved, appropriating funds for child welfare case load management, special education, reinstatement of medicaid provider rates, and construction of a veterinary diagnostic center at the University of Nebraska, to mention several expenditures under LB 968. Additionally, with LB 969, funding is designated for a cancer research center and nursing school through the University of Nebraska Medical Center, as well as renovation projects at state colleges. Also passing by overriding a line-item veto of LB 1072 is payment to subcontractors of Boys & Girls Home per a DHHS contract.

We successfully passed my bill, LB 1039, to change school bus provisions and increase penalties for violating school bus laws. An amended version of my bill, LB 930, was passed with LB 1155 to allow golf carts on city streets adjacent to a golf course with approval of the governing body. Including the first session of the 102^nd Legislature, five bills I introduced were passed, also including:

• LB 342, changes election hours for drainage districts;
• LB 368, clarifies political parties may nominate candidates for a vacancy on the ballot or in the case of a special election; and
• LB 690, requires parental consent for minors seeking an abortion.

In addition, I worked with the Department of Administrative Services to enact provisions of LB 691 to incorporate purchasing of biobased products.

It was a pleasure to serve with and learn from the nine senators leaving the Legislature. Their leadership is an asset and speaks to great accomplishments and extraordinary service. It was an honor to work alongside these senators for the past two sessions. Farewell to Senators Abbie Cornett, Deb Fischer, Mike Flood, Tony Fulton, Lavon Heidemann, Gwen Howard, Chris Langemeier, LeRoy Louden, and Rich Pahls.

I toured OLean Energy April 21, spanning Colfax and Cuming counties. Congratulations to OLean Energy for innovation to produce fuel and electrical energy from recovered methane, an important agriculture and renewable energy accomplishment. During the legislative interim, I look forward to visiting towns across our district. Please keep informing me of community events as I enjoy the opportunity to attend meetings, events, etc. and celebrate District 16′s work to keep the good life growing. For scheduling and discussing legislative issues, I can be reached at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov and 402-471-2728.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to Keep the Good Life Growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

District 16

One bill is LB 599, to provide Medicaid coverage for prenatal care for pregnant woman, regardless of her immigration status. The bill passed 31 to 15, but the Governor has indicated that he will veto the legislation.

LB 1161 also passed on a 44 to 5 vote. This bill builds upon legislation pertaining to oil pipelines passed during our special session with regards to the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline. Given that the pipeline permit was denied by the President, LB 1161 allows the State of Nebraska to work expeditiously and thoroughly on determining the safety of a new route through the state outside of our sandhills. The key provisions of this approved legislation are:

• A pipeline carrier must apply for approval from the governor to construct a major oil pipeline in Nebraska. The governor may approve the application or refer it to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for further review;
• Limits a pipeline carrier’s eminent domain rights to two years after approval of a pipeline application;
• PSC must make public any documents or records relating to a major oil pipeline unless prohibited by federal law ;
• Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is required to hold at least one public hearing on an application under review by the department; and
• A pipeline carrier is required to reimburse DEQ for evaluation costs of the pipeline route.

When the Legislature reconvenes for the final session day, we will take up motions to override gubernatorial vetoes. In order to override the governor’s veto, 30 votes are required. The previously mentioned LB 599 will be among the vetoed bills of which an override will be sought. Additionally, LB 357 will be considered for a veto override. Upon voter approval, LB 357 allows cities to raise the local option sales tax to 1.75 or 2 percent as opposed to current law, which permits cities to impose only 0.5, 1, or 1.5 percent with voter approval. The Governor’s message explaining his veto of LB 357 expresses concerns with the state authorizing a sales tax increase up to 33% more in already difficult economic times. The bill passed on April 5, 30 to 15, without my support.

LB 806 is another bill vetoed by Governor Heineman that passed in the Legislature 26 to 18. Four more senators must vote for the bill to override the governor’s veto. In his veto message, the governor raises constitutional questions of betting on past races, suggests improper legislative authority by tying together this new form of gambling and determinations of the State Racing Commission, and expansion of gambling deviating from live racing.

These three bills with motions to override the Governor’s vetoes will be the last votes taken for the 102^nd Legislature, and it will be the final votes for nine state senators leaving the body due to term limits. Their leadership and expertise will certainly be missed.

I enjoyed company of constituents at the Cuming County Feeders Association Annual Banquet on April 14. Additionally, 4^th graders from Fort Calhoun visited the State Capitol on April 11. I will have an opportunity to visit their class in person on April 16. Thank you to everyone in the District for your phone calls, e-mails, and visits throughout the session. Even with only days remaining this session, please continue to communicate with me on legislative issues of importance to you at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov or (402) 471-2728.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to Keep the Good Life Growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

District 16

First, the Governor did sign into law all budget bills as presented to him by the Legislature. However, he did line-item veto the payment to child-welfare subcontractors under the Boys and Girls Home Corporation as contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services. The payment was passed by the Legislature as part of LB 1072, the state claims bill. Governor Heineman issued the veto claiming unconstitutionality. One of the most frequently asked questions I received this week included an explanation of my position on the veto override. I abstained from voting based primarily on conversations with several other concerned senators and attorneys familiar with Nebraska Constitutional Law. Initially, I voted to support LB 1072 with my heart. While I am in favor of helping reimburse subcontractors who the service provider failed to pay, the reason for the veto from the Governor should not be disregarded. The Governor referenced Article III, Section 18 of the Nebraska Constitution in his veto message. In spite of veto, the bill passed in whole and the veto was overridden, receiving 31 of the necessary 30 votes.

Also among the week’s frequently asked questions was my vote on the highly sensitive and controversial LB 599, a bill to restore Medicaid coverage for prenatal care for unborn children, regardless of the mother’s immigration status. First, there is no wavering on my stance as a pro-life supporter. My perspective on LB 599 is primarily as a first generation American. Having lived in the United States only a short time, my Ukrainian parents had very little and were still mastering learning English, eager to become American Citizens. Following my birth, my parents received a bill, and they gratefully paid a little at a time until their debt was paid in full. They were happy to pay as they knew the consequences of socialism and hardships that accompany that past life with no hope and promise of a Good Life, freedom, or a bright future as in America, and especially in our great state. After debating LB 599 beyond 10:00 p.m. two consecutive days, the bill advanced to Final Reading.

With adjournment nearing, we passed a number of bills on Final Reading. Among the bills passed were:

LB 970, introduced by Senator Cornett – Reduces income tax rates and changes income tax brackets over the next two years

LB 830, introduced by Senator Hadley – Provides a sales and use tax exemption for biochips (My priority bill this session).

The Legislature also had an opportunity to take up debate on the usage of golf cars on streets per my bill, LB 930. LB 930 was advanced by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee with an amendment I offered to very narrowly provide for circumstances by which golf carts may be driven on city streets or county roads. With legislative support, the revised bill, AM 2699 was amended on to LB 1155, introduced by Senator Lathrop. Having heard from District 16 citizens in Tekamah and others in our state, the amendment addresses driving a golf cart when the streets run alongside or intersect with a golf course. Thus, a golf cart may be driven when the streets are “adjacent and contiguous” to a golf course and upon the local governing body adopting a resolution allowing such use of golf carts. The driver must have a driver’s license and the owner must carry liability insurance on the golf cart. As amended, LB 1155 was passed by the Legislature on Final Reading.

I will share with you next week the latest debate and votes, as well as a session recap.

Thank you to Washington County Leadership for visiting the State Capitol and your District 16 office. Hoping you all had a blessed Easter celebration and feel renewed by the promise and hope of new life this spring.

Serving You in the Nebraska Legislature to Keep the Good Life Growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

District 16

LB 968 passed on a 45-2 vote. Major appropriations as part of LB 968 include:
• $17 million to the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for child welfare reform;
• $10 million to state aid to K-12 special education;
• $9.7 million to reinstate 1.5 percent of a 2.5 percent cut in Medicaid provider rates;
• $6.1 million to fund a veterinary diagnostic center at the University of Nebraska; and
• $4 million to reduce the state’s developmental disability waiting list.

LB 969 passed 44-3, providing for various transfers, including:

• up to $3.8 million to the Ethanol Production Incentive Cash (EPIC) Fund;
• reduce the amount transferred to the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund;
• create the State Colleges Sport Facilities Cash Fund
• transfer $99,600 from the state Department of Administrative Services State Insurance Fund to the Roads Operations Cash Fund; and
• create the World Day on the Mall Cash Fund.

LB 131 passed on a 43-1 vote to allow for cash fund transfers, including:

• $50 million for a cancer research center at the UNMC;
• $15 million for the UNMC College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska in Kearney;
• $7.5 million for improvements to the Oak Bowl at Peru State College;
• $6.7 million for renovation of the Armstrong Gymnasium at Chadron State College; and
• $800,000 for the Centennial Mall renovation project in Lincoln.

I supported passage of LR 40CA, to amend the Nebraska Constitution to declare fishing, hunting, and trapping to be preserved rights in our state. The bill will be on this November’s general election ballot for a vote of the people.

We resumed debate on LB 239, requiring voter ID. After a filibuster on the bill, the necessary 33 votes could not be achieved to invoke cloture and take a vote on advancement of LB 239. I do not expect this bill to be taken up again this session.

LB 1050, introduced by Senator Cornett, was debated on General File to allow the state tax commissioner to contract with procurement processing companies.  Upon approval by the Governor, incentives are offered to companies for locating procurement operations in Nebraska.  I believet his relatively new idea is important for our state, providing an opportunity for growth and new jobs.

We also debated LB 745, introduced by Senator Fischer, to limit the occupation tax. As introduced, LB 745 would have required that any proposed occupation tax be subject to a vote of the people, have a specific purpose and a sunset date. The bill was diluted after a compromise, and a proposed occupation tax is subject to a public vote if the projected revenue exceeded:
• $6 million for cities of the metropolitan class;
• $3 million for cities of the primary class;
• $700,000 for cities of the first class; and
• $300,000 for cities of the second class and villages.

LB 745 advanced to Select File.

The Legislature debated LB 1161, introduced by Senator Smith, regarding regulation of oil pipelines. With the Natural Resources Committee amendment, LB 1161 advanced to Select File 35-2. The bill makes revisions to LB 1, passed during the Special Session last fall. The bill broadens DEQ’s authority to study proposed pipeline routes to determine the route of an oil pipeline within the state for inclusion in an application to federal agencies. LB 1161 is effective for pipelines proposed after January 1, 2013.

On March 30, LB 1039, a bill I introduced to increase penalties for violating school bus stop laws passed unanimously on Final Reading. Thanks to the support, particularly from Washington County, for seeking additional awareness and protection for our children.

Thanks also to fourth graders from Arlington who visited the Capitol and were even greeted by Governor Heineman. With only six days remaining in this session, we will have to buckle down and work late into the evening, and make difficult decisions.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to Keep the Good Life Growing,

Senator Lydia Brasch

District 16

LB 1114, introduced and prioritized by Speaker Flood, addresses inequity in the Municipal Equalization Qualify (MEF).  Currently, the formula provides an incentive for municipalities with below average property tax levies to raise their levies to receive more MEF aid.  With the adopted Revenue Committee
compromise amendment, cities may qualify for 20% of their original equalization aid without complying with the minimum levy provisions of current law.  The legislation addresses the perceived unfairness in the formula; municipalities should not have to raise taxes in order to receive aid.  This debate prompted
comparisons to our state aid to education formula and whether this strays from our needs assessments.  I made the decision to support LB 1114 and determined the majority of District 16 towns will benefit.  LB 1114 moved to the second round of debate.

Of much controversy this session is LB 970, introduced by Senator Cornett and prioritized by Senator McCoy, including the Governor’s proposed tax cuts.  A scaled down compromise amendment was offered, and AM 2572 widens income tax brackets, taxing a greater percentage of income at a new lower bracket.  This provides modest tax relief, particularly to low and middle income Nebraskans.  As amended, LB 970 advanced to Select File 36 – 6.

LB 959, introduced by Senator Janssen and prioritized by Senator Coash, provides civil immunity to a current or former employer who provides certain information to a prospective employer upon written consent of the prospective employee.  With the Business and Labor Committee amendment, information that may be provided includes: employment date and duration, pay rate and wage history, job description and duties, most recent written performance evaluation, attendance information, drug and alcohol test results, threatening or harassing behavior, and whether the employee is eligible for rehire.  LB 959 advanced to the second round of debate.

The issue of human trafficking is addressed in LB 1145, introduced by Senator McGill, establishes a new penalty for pandering of persons under the age of 18, increases offenses, and penalties for subsequent offenses.  Currently a misdemeanor, this change is significant to addressing an alarming problem happening in Nebraska and worldwide.  LB 1145 creates a task force to investigate human trafficking and requires posting at strip clubs and rest stops where a person can seek help and encourages voluntary posting at other appropriate facilities. LB 1145 moved to Select File.

Ag Committee bills to change wheat and corn check offs passed the first round of debate as Committee Priority Bills.  LB 905 changes wheat assessment to a percentage of value.  LB 1057 increases the promotional corn check off from the current 1/4 cent per bushel to 1/2 cent per bushel, starting October 2012.

March 22^nd debate included bills on Consent Calendar, which requires unanimous advancement from a committee with no opposition testimony.  Only 15 minutes of debate is permitted on each bill.  Among the bills advanced were:

• LB 1038, requiring lead testing for children residing in certain zip codes known to have high lead
  levels; and
• LB 819, allows military medals to be classified as unclaimed property and delivered to the state
  treasurer’s office.

I enjoyed students visiting from Lyons-Decatur Northeast and West Point on March 20.  It is inspiring to have eager students visit our Capitol to see their Legislature at work. On March 23, a beautiful Legislative Recess Day, I appreciated coffees held in Decatur, Tekamah and Herman. It’s important to hear
what’s on the minds and thoughts of constituents.  I also enjoyed a meeting in Blair, learning more about post flooding challenges, and for some families, the financing difficulties for repair work due to dramatically reduced property values.  Saturday morning in Blair with work gloves and a rake, I joined over 30 volunteers helping families with flooding clean up.  It was a good weekend that offered much insight, renewed energy and strength for the Legislative Days ahead.

Serving you in the Nebraska Legislature to Keep the Good Life Growing,

Lydia Brasch

Senator, District 16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2012 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ami Johnson

Nebraska Legislature

Unicameral Information Office

(402) 471-2420

ajohnson@leg.ne.gov

Sen. Lydia Brasch invites students to participate in youth legislature

High school students are invited to take on the role of state senators at the Unicameral Youth Legislature June 10-13.  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.

Senator Brasch encourages District 16 students to apply, stating, “The Unicameral Youth Legislature is an opportunity to engage and educate our future leaders in their state government and policy process.”

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Extension 4-H Youth Development Office coordinates housing and recreational activities for the youth legislature as part of the Big Red Summer Camps program. To learn more about the program, go to http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/education/unicamyouth.phpeducation/unicamyouth.php or call (402)471-2420.  The deadline for registration is May 15.

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• $2.4 million – the Convention Center Support Fund;
• $6.7 million – gymnasium reconstruction at Chadron State College;
• $7.5 million – renovations to the Peru State College stadium;
• $15 million – construction of School of Nursing at Kearney;
• $50 million – construction of UNMC Cancer Research Tower; and
• $800,000 – Centennial Mall Revitalization.

We continue to debate the budget bills in conjunction with proposed tax cuts as advanced by our Revenue Committee and proposed by Governor Heineman.  Spending bills, LB 968 and 969 are on Select File for debate March 19.  We must consider what is best for citizens of our state as we weigh out spending
priorities, provide cuts for taxpayers, and operate a fiscally conservative budget.

Alongside the budget debate, we addressed LB 1072, payments of claims against the State of Nebraska.  LB 1072 includes claims approved by the State Claims Board or settled and court ordered claims.  With AM 2358, offered by the Business and Labor Committee, LB 1072 includes payment to subcontractors who
performed services for wards of the state and families, often ordered by the court.  These providers were not paid when Boys and Girls Home stopped providing services as contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services.  The responsibility of the state and obligation to pay was a particularly laden issue before our Legislature.  Boys and Girls Home went through the claims process, whereas KVC, whose contract also ended, went to the  Appropriations Committee, both seeking payment for services provided.  Ultimately, I believe it came down doing the right thing and paying providers for their work on behalf of children and families.  LB 1072 advanced to Select File after debate on March 15.

LB 870, introduced by Senator Adams, requires the State Board of Education to establish an accountability system to measure the performance of public schools effective at the start of the 2012-13 school year . The performance measures include graduation rates and student growth and student improvement on
required assessments.  LB 870 also includes provisions of LB 1114, allowing school districts to establish Career Academies for grades 7-12, focusing on mathematics, science and technology, and preparing students for the workforce.  LB 870 advanced to Select File.

We are beginning to see road construction as a result of passage of LB 84 last session.  Residents of Washington County are pleased that work is beginning on expanding Highway 133 with construction scheduled between 2013 and 2015 as part of the 10 year LB 84 plan.  In Cuming County, I continue to stay apprised of plans for Highway 275 and seek construction.

To our District 16 high school students:  Registration is open for the 2012 Unicameral Youth Legislature to experience a four-day simulation of the Legislature at our State Capitol!  Further information and registration is available at www.nebraskalegislature.gov/education/unicamyouth.php.

I continue listening sessions in our district on Friday, March 23 and hope you will join me at 8:00 a.m. at Betty’s in Decatur, 10:00 a.m. in Tekamah at Right Next Door Cafe, and 3:00 p.m. at Petersen Bar 75 in Herman.

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

Senator Lydia Brasch

District 16

Another gambling measure was debated on General File; LB 806, introduced by Senator Lautenbaugh, allows for pari-mutuel waging on historic horse races, which are past races wagered upon through a gaming machine similar to casino type devices.  Many consider this expanded gambling, likening this to slot machines, although debate focused on assistance to the horse racing industry.  While I am sympathetic to the industry and want to see economic development, I am not convinced that this legislation can save live horse racing and capture greater attendance after experiencing a decline.  We will
continue debate of LB 806 in the days ahead.

Among the speaker priority bills debated this past week was LB 1039, a bill I introduced.  LB 1039 increases the penalties for drivers violating school bus passing laws.  The penalty remains a Class IV misdemeanor, but the fine is a mandatory $500, and three points are assessed on a driver’s license for passing a school bus with the stop arm extended.  Advanced by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee with an amendment I offered, the bill also includes “clean-up” language of current school bus statutes and their operation.  LB 1039 was well-received on the floor and advanced to Select File on March 6.  While the increased penalties are a significant step to addressing the seriousness of this traffic violation, one other aspect important to address is educating the public to stop for school buses.  Fortunately, our Nebraska Safety Center has expressed their interest in this important child safety issue and will emphasize this in their driver education curriculum.

We debated and advanced LB 863, introduced by Senator Coash, to provide incentives for film production in Nebraska.  Having heard directly from those in the industry, LB 863 is seen as an economic development boost because of the incentive program specific to our state to encourage consideration of Nebraska as a filming site.

LB 998, introduced by Senator Krist, eliminates the Foster Care Review Board and establishes a Foster Care Review Office, a non-code agency in the executive
branch.  Additionally, the Foster Care Advisory Committee is created, and members of the advisory committee may not have financial interest in the foster care system.  The objective of LB 998 is to achieve necessary oversight of the foster care system in our state as originally intended when the board was created 30 years ago.  LB 998 advanced to Select File.

The Legislature will resume debate at a future time on LB 996, introduced by Senator Wightman.  LB 996 is on Select File with proposed amendments and requires students to stay in school until the age of 18, rather than the current age of 16.  In speaking to parents and educators, there is a mutual agreement that
every effort should be made to keep students in school to earn a diploma, and this is precisely what is taking place today in our schools.  However, this is also viewed as a family decision and not a government decision, and a proposed amendment to allow a student to leave school under the age of 18 for financial hardship, illness, or an order of the court is not widely favored in our district.

With a limited 20 days ahead of us, the budget, tax cuts, and everything in between will be at the forefront of debate.  Thank you for all the feedback on legislative issues before us.  I will be in the district again to visit with you, so please join me on Friday, March 23 in Decatur at Betty’s at 8:00 a.m., Right Next Door Cafe in Tekamah at 10:00 a.m., and at Petersen Bar 75 in Herman at 3:30 p.m.

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

Lydia Brasch

Senator, District 16

Of particular importance was debate on a prime issue this session: child welfare.  Five bills were debated and advanced to Select File to reform the child welfare system that has fallen short of meeting needs and expectations for our children.  The Health and Human Services Committee and Performance Audit
Committee have worked extensively on this troubling issue, and we are moving forward on their recommendations and proposals in an effort to bring about necessary changes.  LB 821 establishes the Nebraska Children’s Commission and Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare.

• LB 1160 sets requirements for report sharing with the Health and Human Services Committee and establishes a statewide child welfare information system to improve the child welfare system’s management, tracking, and information sharing.
• LB 949 requires the Children and Family Services Division to include in its budget requests a strategic plan, including performance measures, benchmarks and time-frames.
• LB 820 requires theDepartment of Health and Human Services to  apply for a federal Title IV-E waiver for a demonstration project that permits foster care maintenance payments to be made under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act. The bill also requires a foster care compensation minimum base rate be set and all foster parents belicensed, except those related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
• LB 961 requires a reduction in caseloads and allows Nebraska Families Cooperative, the only remaining private contractor, to continue case management in the Omaha area as a pilot project.

LB 727, introduced by Senator Cornett and prioritized by the Revenue Committee, includes changes brought bythe Department of Revenue and was amended to exempt fees and admissions for youth sport events or leagues from sales tax as under LB 903.  LB 727 advanced to Select File.

We also debated LB 933, introduced by Senator Ashford and prioritized by Senator Langemeier, to make changes to truancy laws passed recently.  Many parents raised concerns about the overreach of the law that put their children and families in the legal system because of excused absences.  The amendments adopted acknowledge the importance of children attending school on a regular basis, but respect the responsibility of parents to excuse their children for absences; after twenty absences, it is not mandatory  for schools to pass a name on to county attorney if the absences are excused.  As amended, LB 933 advanced to Select File.

On February 23, approximately 30 bills were voted on Final Reading before being sent to the Governor for his signature.  Among the bills passed were:

• LB 771 to incorporate provisions of the 2009 food code, federal law, into the Nebraska Pure Food Act
• LB 507 amends the Welfare Reform Act to allow applicants 21 or older or heads of households to qualify for benefits for education pursuits averaging 20 hours per week, such as at a secondary school, a general education development (GED) program,or education directly related to employment
• LR19CA, a constitutional amendment to change the constitution to provide that a civil officer will be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office or for any misdemeanor in pursuit of an office
• LB 1118 to amend the Nebraska Advantage Act for tax incentives for large data center projects with a $200 million investment and at least 30 new employees

Also on February 23, we began debatingLB 1067, introduced by Senator Karpisek, to shorten the wait time between keno games.  The General Affairs Committee amendment would allow the wait time to move from five minutes to three minutes. Senator Karpisek has offered another amendment stating that governing bodies may submit the time change for a vote of the people.  I votedagainst advancing the bill out of committee and will continue to oppose this change because I believe it is an expansion of gambling, allowing for people to lose more money by playing more frequently, thus potentially leading to gambling addiction.  Debate will continue when the Legislature reconvenes on March 5.

I was visited at the Capitol by Washington County constituents from our libraries, insurance and financial advisors, as well as beverage distributors.  I also enjoyed lunch with several towns from District 16 visiting as part of the League of Municipalities event.  I continue to be appreciative of the information and views shared with me on important happenings in the district and legislative issues.

Continuing meetings in our district, I hope you will join me on Friday, March 9 at 8:30 a.m. at Memories Cafe in Oakland or at 3:00 p.m. in Lyons at the Highway Cafe.

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

Senator Lydia Brasch

District 16

Revenue Committee hearings included testimony on significant and complex proposals affecting tax policy.  On February 22, Senator Avery brought LB 753, excluding soft drinks from the sales tax exemption on food and directing revenue to new funds addressing obesity.  Also before the committee, LB 888, introduced by Senator Cornett, would adopt the Historic Property Restoration and Reuse Act, providing a 25% credit against state income tax for developers who rehabilitate and place into service historically significant properties.  Testimony was also heard on LB 1114, introduced by Speaker Flood, to change provisions of the Municipal Equalization Fund (MEF) by eliminating the 3% administrative fee for the collection of sales and use tax; MEF would apply only to second class cities and villages.  All proposals remain in committee.

The remainder of the session we will have all day debate.  This past week we debated my priority bill, LB 830, introduced by Senator Hadley.  As I explained last week, LB 830 provides a sales and use tax exemption for biochips, recognizing biochips as an agriculture input, which it was considered to be, until a Revenue Dept. ruling in 2010.  The bill directly impacts a Nebraska-based company; I believe we need to work on retaining, expanding, and recruiting businesses to complement our ag economy.  Support was expressed for the company and the bill, but senators were anxious to hear the revenue forecast before a final vote.  LB 830 advanced to Select File.

LB 882, introduced by Senator Nordquist, to require insurance coverage of oral cancer treatments was debated on General File on February 24.  We debated potential escalated costs and the need for treatment options in pill form, particularly if that’s the patient’s preferred treatment, so citizens are not hindered by cost.  LB 882 advanced to the second round of debate.

Regarding the revenue forecast, the Nebraska Forecasting Advisory Board met on February 24 and projected we are holding steady with an unchanged budget forecast from last October, which estimates additional revenue of nearly $52 million by the end of this fiscal year, June 30, and $62 million in the following fiscal year.  With these projections in mind, bills with additional expenses will be further scrutinized, and we will focus on setting a sound and conservative budget.

Visitors to the Capitol included District 16 residents representing the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners, Nebraska Rural Communities School Association, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association.  Thanks to all who visited, e-mailed, and called about legislation.

Please join me for coffee on Friday, March 2^nd at the Wisner Care Center at 1:45 p.m. and Saturday, March 3^rd at The Country Pub in Bancroft at 9:30 a.m. More events will take place in our district in the coming weeks.

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

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16