This past week has been a busy one as we have spent that time in full floor debate on many different bills. Things move quickly as we see time getting shorter and shorter with a 60 day session.

Congratulations
Congratulations go out to Pender High School senior Caleb Kelly on his perfect 36 on the ACT and on becoming the first President’s Scholarship recipient along the way. “This is awesome to see–homegrown Nebraska talent staying right here in Nebraska,” Pillen said in a statement. “I’m proud that we competed to keep Caleb here.” Along with covering the full cost of attendance–tuition fees and room and board–at NU’s campus in Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney, the President’s Scholarship also provides students with a $5,000 annual stipend. (Dunker, Chris. “1st President’s Scholarship signed”. Lincoln Journal Star. 7 March, 2024 p. A3)

Congratulations to the Pender Pendragons Girls Basketball Team on their back-to-back wins at the state basketball tournament. Last year they won against Oakland-Craig in Class C-2 and this year they won against Southern Valley in Class D-1. Congratulations on your accomplishment of winning state.

Bill Updates
LB637–Open Meetings Act–was amended into LB43 this past week and voted to E & R Initial on its way to Select File. LB43 would direct hearing officers and judges not to rely on a state agency’s interpretation of state laws or regulations in contest cases under the Administrative Procedures Act. Senator Tom Brewer offered an amendment during select file debate to remove the attestation requirement. He said the provision would have required county clerks in rural areas to drive long distances to have an attestation notarized. The Brewer amendment would make a number of technical changes and add the provisions of my bill, LB637. These provisions would require a public body to allow members of the public an opportunity to speak at every meeting except for closed sessions related to personnel matters, investigations regarding allegations of criminal conduct or other purposes already exempt under state law. Following adoption of the Brewer amendment, senators advanced LB43 to final reading by voice vote. (“Government reform bill amended, advanced”. Unicameral Update. 4 March, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35828)

LB605–Art Therapy Bill–was passed on Final Reading 44-0 and sent to the Governor for his signature. This bill was brought to me by a constituent and I have been working on this bill for the past 7 years. It feels good to have a bill go through the entire process and successfully get signed into law by the Governor. I am grateful for those that helped behind the scenes to make this bill happen.

Upcoming Highway Projects in District 17
Here are some upcoming highway projects beginning this year or have work resuming that was not completed in 2023.

• Highway 9–two Bridges replaced–Pender South Bridges
• Highway 9–Pender to Emerson–resurfacing
• Highway 77–N94-Winnebago–resurfacing and grade raise
• Highway 77–Lyons to Walthill–resurfacing

News from the Governor’s Office
Governor Jim Pillen has announced a new scholarship program for Nebraska students aimed at growing the number of veterinarians serving livestock producers across the state. The Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program provides financial support to Nebraska students pursuing degrees in animal science or veterinary science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). March 1st is the first day that applications were being accepted for the first cohort of students. “The need for production animal veterinarians is undeniable. It’s an issue for Nebraska and other states as well,” said Governor Pillen, “Through this collaboration with UNL, Nebraska will be a leader in boosting the number of graduates in this field.” Up to 25 first-time freshmen will receive the Nebraska Aspiring Animal Production Veterinarians Program Scholarship, which covers 50% of their tuition for the first two years of their study in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL, After the second year, up to 13 of the original 25 scholarship recipients will be awarded a continuation scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition for their third and fourth years of study at UNL. Ultimately, 11 students will be selected as part of the Elite 11. Those students will receive 100% of tuition and fees for UNL”s professional program in veterinary medicine, in which students complete the first two years of veterinary school at UNL, followed by two more years of schooling at the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. Students selected into the program will also receive mentoring and professional development throughout their studies. (Strimple, Laura. Press Release. “Gov Jim Pillen & University Leaders Announce Food Animal Veterinary Scholarship Program”. 01 March, 2024. https://shorturl.at/krKW8)

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.