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July has treated the ag community with favor in rains and how much the crops have grown. This past week saw a shift in the weather with many heat advisories issued. I hope that the cattle survived the heat wave. Next week is the Dakota-Thurston County Fair and I look forward to a change in the weather with more moderate temperatures for those participating.
This week I would like to go over a portion of the Education Committee priority bill LB705 which provides, changes, transfers, and eliminates provisions relating to education. Current law sets aside a portion of state lottery proceeds for education. This bill will allocate those funds to various education programs over the next several years and amended over 20 other bills into it throughout the debate process.
This week Governor Pillen announced a new working group that will examine property valuations in Nebraska. I have been invited to be on this working group due to my introduction of Legislative Resolution 186 which is an interim study to examine issues raised in LB820, 2023, relating to valuation of land in Nebraska. “Valuation increases in Nebraska have become an unbearable burden for homeowners, businesses, and agriculture producers across our state,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “We will find a solution that will reduce the burden of insurmountable valuation growth in recent years. It is our job to make sure Nebraska continues to be the best place to live and reckless valuation increases on home and property hinders that commitment to Nebraskans.” I look forward to working with the Governor and the other members of this group to find a possible solution to high property taxes in the state. (“Governor Pillen Announces Valuations Reform Working Group”. July 24, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-announces-valuations-reform-working-group)
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.
This week I will finish telling you about the bills in the omnibus Revenue Committee bill LB727–Change provisions relating to revenue and taxation.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTH SIOUX CITY AND DAKOTA COUNTY
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dakota County for topping the Nation’s Economic Development by finishing third in all counties nationally per capita. The results tabulated by Sites Selection Magazine of Peachtree Corners, Georgia was labeled as America’s Best Counties projects per capita. This list included all U. S. counties with populations with at least 10,000 residents.
Pat Boeshart, president and owner of LiteForm Technologies in South Sioux City, likes doing business in Dakota County and the greater tri-state Siouxland region because of the quality of life, attention to safety, ease of getting around, location, and access to Class I rail service.
Congratulations on this honor! (“Heroes of the Heartland”. July, 2023. https://siteselection.com/issues/2023/july/heroes-of-the-heartland-cover.cfm)
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.
It has been nice to finally receive rain. Prayers were answered and the crops are looking great. Good luck to those participating in the Dakota-Thurston County Fair and the Wayne County Fair coming up in a few weeks. I am looking forward to watching our grandkids, friends, and neighbors as they participate in this year’s events.
This week I would like to continue going through bills included in the omnibus Revenue Committee bill LB727. Next week I will finish going through LB727.
LB727–Change provisions relating to revenue and taxation–This bill was one of the Revenue Committee’s priority bills. This bill amends Nebraska Revised Statute 77-2704.15 to clarify a sales and use tax exemption for governmental expenditures towards a project if the voters of such governmental districts have approved such expenditures.
(Portions taken from “Revenue omnibus bill that includes retail tax break advances”. Unicameral Update. May 17, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34348)
NDOT State Highway Construction and Detour report for Northeast Nebraska
I receive reports from the Nebraska Department of Transportation on Interstate and State Highway Construction and Detours currently happening. Call 511 or visit www.511.nebraska.gov for the most current information. Here are the projects going on in District 17.
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.
This past session there were many omnibus packages passed and I would like to go through several of these and share information about what was amended into the overarching bill. I plan to do this over the course of the next several newsletters. This week I would like to begin with LB727.
LB727–Change provisions relating to revenue and taxation–This bill was one of the Revenue Committee’s priority bills. This bill amends Nebraska Revised Statute 77-2704.15 to clarify a sales and use tax exemption for governmental expenditures towards a project if the voters of such governmental districts have approved such expenditures. This bill was one of the many omnibus packages put together this past session. I would like to highlight a few of the bills amended into LB727 that may be important to our district.
Due to the way we passed omnibus package bills, I will continue to break them into smaller parts so that you understand what was passed into law this session. Next week I will continue to go over the bills amended into LB727.
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.
I hope you had a wonderful and safe 4th of July celebration this past week. The Fourth of July–also known as Independence Day or July 4th–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. (“Fourth of July–Independence Day”. History.com. June 14, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th)
I would like to share more information on the Education Future Fund Investments in Schools from Governor Pillen’s office. The previous charts I shared with you came from the Legislative Research Office’s School Districts at-a-Glance from 2022. I want you to know that we are not keeping funding from public schools. We are just providing more options for parents and students.
Education is something that is very important to the Governor. “This legislation is a historic step forward for the state of Nebraska,” said Governor Pillen. “Our kids are our future, and we all believe that every Nebraska kid should have the opportunity to have their educational needs met, whether they live in Omaha or Scottsbluff. This law ensures that we are funding students, not systems.”
I will continue to share information on the steps being taken to fund education in the state of Nebraska. This week’s chart shows how the $1,500 Foundation Aid, 80% SPED Reimbursement, and Year 3 60% Foundation Counted in Resources will affect school districts through Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
School Districts/3 Year Outlook | FY 2023-24 Cert. TEEOSA State Aid |
TEEOSA Aid Change |
SPED Funding Increase |
TEEOSA Change + SPED Increase |
State Aid + Additional SPED |
BANCROFT-ROSALIE COMM SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $807,767 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $807,767 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $807,767 | $316,081 | $193,708 | $509,789 | $1,317,556 |
FY 2024-25 | $807,767 | $316,081 | $193,708 | $509,789 | $1,317,556 |
FY 2025-26 | $807,767 | $271,801 | $193,708 | $465,509 | $1,273,276 |
BANCROFT-ROSALIE COMM SCHOOLS TOTAL | $3,231,068 | $903,963 | $581,124 | $1,485,087 | $4,716,155 |
EMERSON-HUBBARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $39,279 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $39,279 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $39,279 | $371,923 | $205,033 | $576,956 | $616,235 |
FY 2024-25 | $39,279 | $371,923 | $205,033 | $576,956 | $616,235 |
FY 2025-26 | $39,279 | $371,923 | $205,033 | $576,956 | $616,235 |
EMERSON-HUBBARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTALS | $157,116 | $1,115,769 | $615,099 | $1,730,868 | $1,887,984 |
HOMER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $1,862,889 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,862,889 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $1,862,889 | $0 | $285,234 | $285,234 | $2,148,123 |
FY 2024-25 | $1,862,889 | $0 | $285,234 | $285,234 | $2,148,123 |
FY 2025-26 | $1,862,889 | ($55, 193) | $285,234 | $230,041 | $2,092,930 |
HOME COMMUNITY SCHOOLS TOTAL | $7,451,556 | ($55, 193) | $855,702 | $800,509 | $8,252,065 |
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $648,649 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $648,649 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $648,649 | $518,417 | $289,370 | $807,787 | $1,456,436 |
FY 2024-25 | $648,649 | $518,417 | $289,370 | $807,787 | $1,456,436 |
FY 2025-26 | $648,649 | $484,892 | $289,370 | $774,262 | $1,422,911 |
PENDER PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTAL | $2,594,596 | $1,521,726 | $868,110 | $2,389,836 | $4,984,432 |
SO. SIOUX CITY COMM. SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $28,389,905 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $28,389,905 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $28,389,905 | $0 | $2,869,751 | $2,869,751 | $31,259,656 |
FY 2024-25 | $28,389,905 | $0 | $2,869,751 | $2,869,751 | $31,259,656 |
FY 2025-26 | $28,389,905 | ($76,556) | $2,869,751 | $2,793,195 | $31,183,100 |
SO. SIOUX CITY COMM. SCHOOLS TOTAL | $113,559,620 | ($76,556) | $8,609,253 | $8,532,697 | $122,092,317 |
UMO N HO N NATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $7,315,603 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $7,315,603 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $7,315,603 | $0 | $204,196 | $204,196 | $7,519,799 |
FY 2024-25 | $7,315,603 | $0 | $204,196 | $204,196 | $7,519,799 |
FY 2025-26 | $7,315,603 | ($67,058) | $204,196 | $137,138 | $7,452,741 |
UMO N HO N NATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTAL | $29,262,412 | ($67,058) | $612,588 | $545,530 | $29,807,942 |
WAKEFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $2,680,968 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,680,968 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $2,680,968 | $0 | $305,136 | $305,136 | $2,986,104 |
FY 2024-25 | $2,680,968 | $0 | $305,136 | $305,136 | $2,986,104 |
FY 2025-26 | $2,680,968 | ($58,333) | $305,136 | $246,803 | $2,927,771 |
WAKEFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTAL | $10,723,872 | ($58,333) | $915,408 | $857,075 | $11,580,947 |
WALTHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $3,601,381 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $3,601,381 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $3,601,381 | $0 | $461,315 | $461,315 | $4,062,696 |
FY 2024-25 | $3,601,381 | $0 | $461,315 | $461,315 | $4,062,696 |
FY 2025-26 | $3,601,381 | ($48,515) | $461,315 | $412,800 | $4,014,181 |
WALTHILL PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTAL | $14,405,524 | ($48,515) | $1,383,945 | $1,335,430 | $15,740,954 |
WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $578,751 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $578,751 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $578,751 | $1,135,164 | $569,546 | $1,704,710 | $2,283,461 |
FY 2024-25 | $578,751 | $1,135,164 | $569,546 | $1,704,710 | $2,283,461 |
FY 2025-26 | $578,751 | $1,126,942 | $569,546 | $1,696,488 | $2,275,239 |
WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS TOTAL | $2,315,004 | $3,397,279 | $1,708,638 | $5,105,908 | $7,420,912 |
WINNEBAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $7,535,796 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $7,535,796 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $7,535,796 | $0 | $1,111,293 | $1,111,293 | $8,647,089 |
FY 2024-25 | $7,535,796 | $0 | $1,111,293 | $1,111,293 | $8,647,089 |
FY 2025-26 | $7,535,796 | ($42,620) | $1,111,293 | $1,068,673 | $8,604,469 |
WINNEBAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTAL | $30,143,184 | ($42,620) | $3,333,879 | $3,291,259 | $33,434,443 |
WINSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS | |||||
FY 2023-24 Certified | $659,314 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $659,314 |
FY 2023-24 Revised | $659,314 | $257,928 | $108,731 | $366,659 | $1,025,973 |
FY 2024-25 | $659,314 | $257,928 | $108,731 | $366,659 | $1,025,973 |
FY 2025-26 | $659,314 | $221,873 | $108,731 | $330,604 | $989,918 |
WINSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOTAL | $2,637,256 | $737,729 | $326,193 | $1,063,922 | $3,701,178 |
News from the Governor’s office
On June 27, Governor Pillen announced his appointment of Patrick Haggerty as the state’s first broadband director. Haggerty will lead the Nebraska Broadband Office established by Executive Order No 23-02 and LB683 which will coordinate broadband deployment across the state.
“Patrick’s many years of executive level experience in the telecommunications and government relations fields uniquely positions him to lead our efforts to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet to all Nebraskans,” said Gov. Jim Pillen. “The Broadband Office will connect Nebraska, coordinating efforts across state and federal programs to ensure there is an innovative vision and execution capable of bringing broadband services to our rural communities.”
The Nebraska Broadband Office will oversee the roughly $405 million awarded to Nebraska through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The office, supported by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (DOT), is currently collecting public input for the five-year action plan that will inform Nebraska’s proposal for the execution of BEAD funds. (“Governor Pillen Announces Broadband Director and July 6 Fly Around”. Governor Jim Pillen press releases. June 27, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-announces-broadband-director-july-6-fly-around)
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.
Happy official first days of summer. The Summer Solstice took place this past week on June 21st. June has been busy throughout District 17 with the many celebrations taking place such as Emerson’s Tri-County Days; Pender’s Pender Celebration; and Wayne’s upcoming Chicken Show. I hope you have been able to get out and enjoy the different celebrations taking place.
LB562–Adopt the E-15 Access Standard Act and change provisions of the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Act, the Nebraska Higher Blend Tax Credit Act, and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Act, and the Nebraska Pure Food Act–This was Senator Myron Dorn’s priority bill this session. This bill is intended to increase consumer access to E-15 in Nebraska. This bill requires motor fuel retail dealers in Nebraska to advertise and sell E-15 from at least 50% of their qualifying dispensers if they build a new retail motor fuel site or replace more than 80% of the motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure at an existing site beginning in 2024. (“E-15 requirement for retailers approved”. Unicameral Update. May 30, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34498).
This bill was amended to include portions of Senator Tom Brandt’s bill, LB116. This proposal is intended to help more farmers and ranchers qualify for benefits under the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Act, which provides tax exemptions and credits for beginning farmers and livestock producers and for owners of certain agricultural assets who rent those assets to them. The amendment would repeal a minimum acreage requirement and extend the deadline for applications under the act from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2027. A farmer or livestock producer could qualify for the program if they have a net worth of no more than $750,000 and they would have to be of legal age to enter into and be legally responsible for a binding contract or lease. The credits would be capped at $2 million each year. (“E-15 proposal expanded, advanced to final round”. Unicameral Update. May 10, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=34303)
This bill also amended Senator Tony Vargas’s LB720 which simplifies the permitting process for food trucks.
LB562 was signed into law on June 1, 2023. During the signing event, Governor Pillen hosted a food truck from Norfolk that ran on E-15. “This is a great day for agriculture in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pillen. “It gives drivers more choices as to what fuel they buy, improves a program to help new farmers and provides clarification for a growing industry that is catching fire across communities large and small – food trucks.” (“E15 Food Truck Serves Guests, as Governor Pillen Signs LB562”. Governor Pillen Press Release. June 1, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/e15-food-truck-serves-guests-governor-pillen-signs-lb562)
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.
I would like to take this opportunity to address the petition going around by Support Our Schools to put school choice on the ballot in November 2024. There is a lot of information being put out there that is just not true. I love public schools, but they shouldn’t take away the choice for parents to choose the best education for their child(ren).
Parents are the first educators in their child’s life. They help make decisions for them based on what they think is best. Choosing where to have their child educated is one of those decisions. Parents should be able to know who is teaching their child and what curriculum is being taught.
The data below (as of 2022) shows the current state aid that is being given to each school district in Legislative District 17 plus the per pupil cost in each school district. As you can see there is a lot of money being given to each school district from the state.
School District Name | State Aid (TEEOSA) | Other State Receipts | Total State Receipts | Per Pupil Cost |
Bancroft-Rosalie | $ 611,532.00 | $ 562,482.00 | $ 1,174,014.00 | $ 17,449.00 |
Emerson-Hubbard | $ 29,219.00 | $ 686,296.00 | $ 715,515.00 | $ 22,857.00 |
Homer | $ 2,087,990.00 | $ 642,660.00 | $ 2,730,650.00 | $ 16,042.00 |
Pender | $ 537,912.00 | $ 813,061.00 | $ 1,350,973.00 | $ 17,123.00 |
South Sioux City | $ 28,921,917.00 | $ 5,082,008.00 | $ 34,003,925.00 | $ 14,531.00 |
UMOnHOn Nation | $ 6,443,079.00 | $ 1,132,765.00 | $ 7,575,844.00 | $ 34,449.00 |
Wakefield | $ 1,534,615.00 | $ 1,076,463.00 | $ 2,611,078.00 | $ 15,985.00 |
Walthill | $ 3,473,163.00 | $ 731,668.00 | $ 4,204,831.00 | $ 25,659.00 |
Wayne | $ 304,830.00 | $ 1,547,762.00 | $ 1,852,592.00 | $ 13,426.00 |
Winnebago | $ 6,384,854.00 | $ 1,835,447.00 | $ 8,220,301.00 | $ 29,420.00 |
Winside | $ 411,473.00 | $ 727,291.00 | $ 1,138,764.00 | $ 19,828.00 |
Total | $ 50,740,584.00 | $ 14,837,903.00 | $ 65,578,487.00 |
The chart below gives you an idea of how Governor Pillen’s plan of giving $1500 per student will help each school district.
School District Name | Student Enrollment | $1500/student | Total Funded |
Bancroft-Rosalie | 298 | 1,500.00 | $447,000.00 |
Emerson-Hubbard | 215 | 1,500.00 | $322,500.00 |
Homer | 432 | 1,500.00 | $648,000.00 |
Pender | 406 | 1,500.00 | $609,000.00 |
South Sioux City | 3734 | 1,500.00 | $5,601,000.00 |
UMOnHOn Nation | 543 | 1,500.00 | $814,500.00 |
Wakefield | 551 | 1,500.00 | $826,500.00 |
Walthill | 318 | 1,500.00 | $477,000.00 |
Wayne | 952 | 1,500.00 | $1,428,000.00 |
Winnebago | 608 | 1,500.00 | $912,000.00 |
Winside | 241 | 1,500.00 | $361,500.00 |
Total | $12,447,000.00 |
This doesn’t include the 80% Special Education funding that will be given to each school district from the passage of LB583.
We as a state are fiscally conservative with our money. Governor Pillen has set aside an initial investment of $1,000,000,000 plus $250 million in future years for the Education Future Fund to support ALL students in Nebraska. Education is being well supported in Nebraska and will always be funded.
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.
This week has been a good week of catching up with my yard work and spending time with the grandkids. I have even been able to help their parents by taking them to their various summer activities.
Last weekend, I attended the Cattlemen’s Ball in Pender, NE. A big shout out to the Weborg family and all of the volunteers for making the 25th anniversary a resounding success. I appreciated the opportunity to talk to so many people from Nebraska. It was a wonderful event and touched my heart in a different way this year as I was diagnosed with cancer in April. I want to thank the many people who have come out to support finding a cure for cancer over the past 25 years in support of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art cancer research and treatment center in Omaha. It was good to see Dr. Gold and Dr. Cowan speak to the crowd on Friday and Saturday evenings. At the top of my list was the style show on Saturday. The stories behind each survivor was touching and encouraging to those in attendance. The dinner and the Josh Turner concert held a close second.
Bill Updates
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the fathers in my district a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday, June 18th. The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. (June 6, 2023. History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/fathers-day)
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.
This week was the last week of this 90 day session. We finished business on Thursday, June 1st. It has been a long session, but much has been accomplished. It has been an honor to serve you and be able to deliver many historical bills for Nebraska.
Flag Day is coming up on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the Red, White and Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. (“Flag Day Celebrated–June 14, 1777”. May 31, 2023. https://rb.gy/u93d1)
Bill Updates
News from the Governor’s office
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.
Summer is upon us. School is officially out all over the district and students are now on to their summer activities. There are 5 days remaining in this Legislative Session. I look forward to working around my house, going to my grandchildren’s activities, and preparing for my final session as a State Senator.
On Monday, May 22nd at 12:30 p.m. Governor Jim Pillen signed LB574 into law. Part of his column states “The passage of LB574 marked an historic day for the state of Nebraska. This legislation, which had the support of 33 senators, sent a clear message that Nebraskans are united in providing protections for our children, born and unborn, so they may have a brighter and promising future. LB574 protects kids, and demonstrates that Nebraskans care about the future welfare of our state. Only through the tireless and dedicated work of dozens of senators and conservative leaders was passage of this legislation possible.” (“Governor’s Column: LB574 Protects Life and Love”. May 24, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governors-column-lb574-protects-life-and-love.)
Bill Updates
News from the Governor’s office
More detailed information regarding the Governor’s budget recommendations may be found in the 2023-2025 Biennium Executive Budget Recommendations, which may be viewed on the Department of Administrative Services State Budget Division’s website at https://das.nebraska.gov/budget/publications.html.
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.
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