I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It can be such a heartwarming time of year as we consider the people and life experiences we can be thankful for. It also brings a change in expectations for the days ahead. Even before Thanksgiving was over, people were decorating for the Christmas holiday. Certainly, once Thanksgiving passed and Christmas shopping began online and in stores, more and more store and home decorations went up. This is usually a very festive time for most. At the same time, it is a difficult time for many who have lost a loved one in the past year, or who have lost a loved one at holiday time, or maybe who are frustrated at travel and other restrictions that are keeping them from the joyous gatherings of family and friends. Still, we move through it together. Be sure to be kind to one another as we are all experiencing a Christmas season like no other.

COVID-19 remains in our thoughts, of course.
There is good news on the horizon for COVID-19 vaccines as more than one company has applied to the federal government for approval of a vaccine to be made available as quickly as possible. The number of hospitalizations have decreased steadily over the past few days, even as the number of positive tests continue to add up. While we definitely mourn many who have died from the virus and continue to pray for their families, there are also many who have had the virus and who now find themselves immune—reportedly unable to catch it and unable to pass it on.

At the press briefing Monday, November 30, Governor Ricketts briefed the public on the State’s response to the COVID-19 virus. The Governor is currently holding the briefings every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. His briefings are broadcast on NETV and related press releases can be reviewed at governor.nebraska.gov

As of Monday, November 30, 2020, the Nebraska Risk Dial remains in the Orange Zone and hospitalization being monitored showed a week over week decline for the first time in weeks, with 896 individuals hospitalized throughout Nebraska. He explained that the state never hit the red zone and that the decrease in hospital beds available at some points was in part attributed to the hospitals reporting only “staffed” hospital beds as available beds, a number that is subject to variations. The Governor also reported that as of Monday’s report:
32% of hospital beds available
36% of ICU beds are available
68% ventilators available

Did you know that over 1 million tests have been completed in Nebraska through TestNebraska? Testing is still available and encouraged. The TestNebraska lab has been processing tests all of the holiday weekend, though testing sites were not operational.

The Governor reiterated that the administration is putting together and implementing a plan that is specific to confer benefits on the State itself. The Governor indicated that he expects vaccines to begin to be available by mid-December. He stressed; however, that to keep a balanced approach that considers the interests of individuals, the most vulnerable, and the economic realities of businesses throughout the State, residents need to remain vigilant about healthy choices. The Governor gave kudos to Nebraska schools that have done such a great job of putting measures in place that have made schools safer and allowed them to remain open. Current Directed Health Measures (DHM) are extended through December 31, 2020.

John Hilgert, Director of Veterans Affairs joined the Governor in the Monday press briefing. We have four Veterans’ homes in Nebraska. Director Hilgert urged folks to be careful, recognizing that while you and your younger aged friends may be healthy, some may work in a caregiver profession. Many times when positive tests have occurred in Veterans’ homes, younger teammates—caregivers have tested positive despite being asymptomatic.

Both the Governor and Director Hilgert urged residents of every age to continue to use the tools identified along the way to slow the spread and to avoid infecting the most vulnerable. Tools include avoiding the 3 “C”s – close contact, crowds, and confined spaces. Wash hands frequently, sanitize hands and surfaces, social distance, and wear a mask when around others.

The Director asked for everyone’s help to keep safe our neighbors in long term care facilities, including those who reside in our Veterans’ homes. Currently, the Department is testing teammates at the facilities weekly and all four Veterans’ homes are limiting visitation. The Director stressed that the residents deeply appreciate tele-visits from friends and family.

The Governor will be holding future press briefings on Wed. Dec. 2, and Friday, December 4. The briefings can be viewed live on many channels, including NET TV, as well as on Facebook and other social media sites. Summaries can be found at the Governor’s website.

Remember, we can all help keep ourselves, our families, and our neighbors safer by using good habits such as frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and social distancing. If you are ill, stay home. If you are able to, wear a mask when in public spaces where you cannot maintain a 6 foot distance from others. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, quarantine away from others. People experience different levels of illness when contracting the virus, so be certain to do all you can to protect the most vulnerable amongst you.

COVID-19 in District 17
The number of positive tests reported for the periods November 20, and November 27, 2020 in District 17 are as follow:
Dakota County: +89 (3142)
Thurston County: +49 (680)
Wayne County: +64 (777)

Legislative Look ahead: We are starting to receive letters from Senators who wish to chair various committees when the Legislature reconvenes. The process of actually electing committee chairpersons does not actually take place until after we reconvene.

As a reminder, the Legislature is scheduled to reconvene at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. The 2021 Session is a ninety-day session, with the days that the Legislature is actually in session being the days counted towards that ninety day number. Certainly subject to change, the tentative schedule currently indicates the final day of the 2021 Legislature will be June 10.

Interim studies proposed by Senators enable legislators and the public to assess whether legislation is warranted in different areas. They therefore, may give some indication of legislation that can be expected to be introduced during the first ten days of the Session. In November, there were hearings in various committees either related to annual reports or interim studies. In November, there were hearings in the Retirement Systems Committee, the Agriculture, Business and Labor, Urban Affairs, and Revenue Committee. Of specific interest to District 17 residents may be the following:
• Agricultural Committee heard LR380, introduced by Senator Brewer to examine the feasibility of creating a state meat packing inspection program;
• Revenue Committee heard LR415, brought by Senator Clements to examine the state inheritance tax, its current structure, and recommendations on whether it should be amended, replaced, or repealed.

Additionally, my office is currently reviewing a report and recommendations regarding recommendations to enhance the ethanol industry in Nebraska. Once we have reviewed the recommendations and considered whether and how to address them, I will keep District 17 residents updated through this newsletter update.

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by phone at 402-471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov