Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
January 13, 2012

The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited on a weekly basis in the Nebraska Legislative Chamber. I was honored to be the first State Senator to lead my colleagues in saying this oath last Monday. Last year, I asked the leadership of the Legislature if we could begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance. Nothing was decided during session, so I asked again during the interim to consider this request. An agreement was reached to begin each legislative week with the Pledge of Allegiance and then make a decision on whether to keep saying the oath on a weekly basis, change to a daily basis, or stop it all together. My colleagues, including Speaker Mike Flood, have been supportive of this change in our weekly schedule. I am hopeful that it will become a daily event next year, and appreciate the opportunity to make this important change. (On a similar note, Senator Tony Fulton of Lincoln, who will lead the Pledge on Tuesday, January 20th, introduced LB 990, which would require public schools to display the flag of the United States, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day school is open and in session. I support this legislation.)

This week consisted of bill introduction, discussion of legislative rules, and the Governor’s State of the State Address. Two hundred ninety bills have been introduced so far this year, and there are three more days of bill introduction this session. At the beginning of each year, members are given an opportunity to change our rules that govern legislative procedures. One of the major changes debated last week was whether State Senators should be allowed to use their laptops during legislative hearings. Many senators spoke against this proposal, saying they did not want Nebraska citizens to feel as if they were not heard when they testified on legislation. No vote was taken on this change, as it was withdrawn after a lengthy discussion.

Governor Dave Heineman gave his State of the State Address to the Nebraska Legislature. This is the Governor’s opportunity to outline some of the key legislation that he would like to see passed during the upcoming session. It is also an opportunity for him to discuss his budget proposals. The Governor has proposed a number of tax cuts to be implemented this session. I am hopeful that we can accomplish many of them.

One important bill that was just introduced is LB 968. Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton introduced the bill, which would eliminate sales and use taxes on the sale, lease or rental of repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery or equipment used in commercial agriculture. I believe this is an important change, and I will be a co-signer of this legislation. For too many years, Nebraska agriculture producers and implement dealers have had a disadvantage compared to surrounding states who do not have to deal with this tax. I will keep you informed on any progress made on this bill.

You will also find my name attached to several bills coming out of the Health and Human Services Committee.  We are attempting to improve a system that has for too long been “out of whack.”  I will be mentioning these bills as the year progresses. These are, I think, the most important decisions that will be made by your legislators this year.  These will deal not just with the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens, but in some cases the very difference between life and death.  This is not an area where we can make decisions based on just saving tax dollars.  I unashamedly ask for your prayers for wisdom not only for me, but for all of us, as we deal with this vital issue.

Next week, legislative hearings begin in the afternoons at 1:30 pm every day. Mornings consist of debate on the Legislative floor. You can find information on the Legislature, committees, proposed bills, and even watch morning debate and committee hearings on-line. The websites with this information are:  www.nebraskalegislature.gov and http://www.netnebraska.org/publicmedia/capitol.html .