This past week we had our first full week of Special Session. There were 81 legislative bills (LB) introduced and 24 legislative resolutions proposing constitutional amendments (LRCA) for a total of 105 bills, setting a record for number of bills introduced during a special session. Rule 9, which governs special sessions, indicated that all public hearings during a special session must be held within 5 calendar days after the date the bill, resolution, or gubernatorial appointment has been referred to the committee. Pursuant to this rule, committees had to complete their public hearings by Sunday, August 4th. The Revenue Committee had 68 bills referenced to them and we had to meet on Saturday in order to complete public hearings on all 68 bills.

Governor Pillen called this special session because he realizes this is a critical time for Nebraska and is bringing transformative property tax relief to all Nebraskans. This has been the number one issue in the state for the past 50 years and needs to be addressed now before it is too late. “Since the last legislative session, I have toured the state and held 26 townhalls to hear directly from Nebraskans. The message is clear, Nebraskans are struggling to balance a checkbook and continue to afford these tax increases,” said Governor Pillen. (Strimple, Laura and Urlis, Allan, 2024)

Over the past week we have listened to many ideas of how to address this issue including a bill on the EPIC option where there were only two opponents testifying in the hearing. We heard ways to address the issues with education funding where our main goal is taking care of teachers and educating our children. We are taking what we have learned in our committee hearings and are trying to enhance what Governor Pillen put in The Nebraska Plan to Cut Property Taxes, the Playbook. There is much more to come as we work together to address this important issue.

Monday and Tuesday the Revenue Committee, of which I am a member, regrouped and put together a package for consideration by the full Legislature. Wednesday, we convened at 1:00 p.m. and took up the gubernatorial confirmation reports that were advanced by their respective committees. Thursday, August 8th, debate begins on the property tax package from the Revenue Committee and the funding components from the Appropriations Committee. Late nights are scheduled for Thursday and Friday evenings with the potential to work a full day on Saturday.

News from the Governor’s Office
From July 15-24, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and a 20-plus member team traveled to Indonesia for a trade mission. Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, the world’s fourth-most populous country, and offers substantial market opportunities for Nebraska products. Indonesia is one of the top 10 export markets for Nebraska at $139 million and has a rapidly rising GDP (gross domestic product) and growing population. Top exports from Nebraska include soybeans/soybean meal, corn, wheat, and beef.

The group’s robust 10-day itinerary included meetings with the U. S. Grains Council, beef import associations and visits to a feed mill, a fueling station that utilizes ethanol and a tempeh factory. Tempeh is a very popular dish in Indonesia and representatives of the Nebraska Soybean Board said they were excited to explore opportunities to increase exports.

“Importers are very interested to know about how our products are grown and raised. They value family connections and sustainability–all things that are important in Nebraska agriculture–and makes our state a standout in the food products we have to offer,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. With that in mind, he and Director Sherry Vinton from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture spoke frequently about the quality of family farming operations and the pride that goes into raising the best Nebraska products possible.

Lt. Gov. Kelly said all aspects of the trade mission were productive, with plenty of opportunities for Nebraska, considering Indonesia’s growing population of 270 million people.

“Nebraska helps to feed the world and their customers are demanding higher quality meat products, which is where we fit right in,” said Lt. Gov. Kelly. (Strimple, Laura and Urlis, Allan. Press Release. “Lt. Governor Kelly & Delegation Tout Opportunities from Trade Mission”. 31 July, 2024. https://shorturl.at/VZLhf)

Dakota Thurston County Fair
The Dakota Thurston County Fair Parade on Thursday, August 1st was a great success. It was so nice to have great weather to watch or participate in the parade. Turnout for the parade was incredible. Hats off to those who organized the parade and helped it run smoothly.

I was honored to stand with generations of Albrechts at the Extreme Bull Riding event on August 3rd as they received the Aksarben Farm Family Award, in partnership with the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Aksarben Association of Fair Managers, celebrating Nebraska’s agricultural heritage by awarding the Albrecht family with the Pioneer Award for owning land in Thurston County for 100 years.

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