This has been an exciting week for announcements from Governor Pete Ricketts’ office. On November 1st, he issued Executive order 22-06 to provide emergency relief so that drivers can work extended hours to haul gasoline or gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane, and biodiesel. (https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-ricketts-temporarily-waives-regulations-truckers-hauling-critically-needed-fuels) This will help keep delays to a minimum and help with the supply chain.

As many of you know, I worked hard to create a Nebraska Higher Blend Tax Credit for Nebraska retail dealers in LB 596. It was amended into LB 1261 and signed into law by Governor Ricketts in April. On Tuesday, November 1st, Governor Ricketts released his weekly column and talked about how we are growing biofuels production right here in Nebraska. Ethanol saves money at the pump, leads to a cleaner environment, and strengthens Nebraska agriculture by providing opportunities for farm families. Nebraska continues to conduct research into the benefits of higher ethanol blends. In October, we received EPA approval to expand a study into the benefits of E30. (https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/leading-way-cleaner-more-affordable-american-made-fuel

I am proud to be a part of the Revenue Committee. On October 28th, the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board raised the State’s revenue forecast by $2.5 billion through fiscal year 2024-2025. “In Nebraska, we’ve built a record-high rainy day fund, and State revenues continue to exceed expectations,” said Gov. Ricketts. “Today’s action by the forecasting board reflects the steady growth we’ve seen across Nebraska. The State’s financial strength puts the 2023 Legislature in a great position to build on the historic tax relief we delivered to Nebraskans earlier this year.” This is exciting news for our state. (https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-ricketts-state%E2%80%99s-revenue-forecast-reflects-nebraska%E2%80%99s-strong-growth-sets-stage-more-tax)

This past week U. S. Senator Deb Fischer hosted a roundtable at Northeast Community College to discuss her Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act and precision agriculture. “There’s so much technology out there that would help make farmers and ranchers more efficient, much better stewards of the land, and conservationists,” Fischer said. “They can build on what they have already.” (https://northeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/47618381/us-senator-fischer-discusses-pal-act-during-roundtable-at-northeast-community-college) According to News Channel Nebraska the federal government is expected to give about $200 million to Nebraska to bring broadband to under- or non-served communities. She also talked about new opportunities for students as companies offer potential internships. “I mean how exciting for a young person to be able to know that they are going to be involved not just in the current technology but planning for the future,” said Senator Fischer. “That they are going to be involved in watching AI be able to work in a combine here in the state of Nebraska.” “When ag does well, the state of Nebraska does well,” Fischer said. I think this is a great opportunity for students in northeast Nebraska as well as others throughout the state. Encouraging students to attend a 2-year college or going into a field that offers hands on training such as linemen or plumbing is always a good alternative to attending a four year college or university.

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by contacting me by calling (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.