UNICAMERAL UPDATE
Senator Dave Bloomfield
March 2, 2012

Child welfare, voter identification, and truancy are three topics discussed during the first week of all day session. With the advancement of five bills dealing with child welfare, the Legislature is putting into place the major changes recommended by the Health and Human Services Committee after its year-long study. A very brief summary of the bills is as follows: LB 821 creates a state agency to oversee all programs providing services to children and creates the Nebraska Children’s Commission; LB 1160 provides for legislative oversight of the Nebraska child welfare system through an improved data collection system that integrates child welfare information into one system to more effectively manage, track, and share information, especially in case management; LB 949 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to describe the main purpose or purposes of each program within the division and provide performance measures, benchmarks and time-frames for meeting them; LB 820 would require the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal funds under Title IV-E of the Federal Social Security Act, as amended, to invest in services to improve child safety and family stability as they move from foster care to safe, permanent homes; and LB 961 requires case management to be provided by DHHS. This bill was amended during round one to allow Nebraska Families Collaborative to provide case management in the Omaha area. More information on these bills (and all proposed legislation) can be found at: www.nebraskalegislature.gov .

Any and all of these proposed changes in the above child welfare bills must survive the legislative process. They have come out of the committee process unanimously and have survived the first round of debate “on the floor”. Some will have amendments attached and will be modified, others will still need to pass the remaining two rounds of debate. It is possible that some could face a challenge from the Governor and a possible veto. There has been a lot of effort put into what we believe will set us on the right path forward with state wards and the foster children of Nebraska. I think we will see significant progress in the next few years toward correcting problems that have plagued the State for decades.

A voter identification bill was also discussed this week. LB 239 would require voters to provide “government-issued” ID at a polling place before they are allowed to vote. Proponents of the bill say Nebraska is one of only 19 states that does not require any proof of identity at the polling place. This bill is designed to ensure the “integrity and reliability” of the voting process in Nebraska. Opponents believe the bill will discourage the poor, elderly, disabled and minorities – groups less likely to have driver’s licenses or approved identification – from voting. Opponents also argue that voter fraud has not been a problem in Nebraska to date, and LB 239 is not needed. I am a cosigner of this bill, and believe voting is a right that men and women have fought and died to protect. I do not believe it is asking too much of voters to prove they are who they say they are when they exercise this right and responsibility.

A compromise on the issue of school truancy was a big step forward on a divisive issue in the Legislature. Last year, a bill was passed that required students to be reported to the county attorney’s office after missing more than 20 days of school for any reason. It is up to county attorneys to decide how to handle the reports. LB 933 was introduced and amended to read that schools are no longer required to report students who miss more than 20 days of school because of illness or other excused absences. (Schools are still required to report students who miss more than 20 days and have at least one unexcused absence.) This is a major change and a good change to a law that was well-intentioned but went too far. We must focus our attention and resources on at-risk children with unexcused absences. There may still be more amendments added to this bill as it works its way through “the process.”

I was in Wayne Friday morning, along with Speaker Flood and Senators Brasch, Sullivan and Adams, to attend a “Senators Forum.” These are good events where people can get better acquainted with elected officials. I would like to thank my colleagues for attending.

UNICAMERAL UPDATE
Senator Dave Bloomfield
February 24, 2012

The final week of committee hearings has ended, and now we move forward with all day session. We were able to discuss several senator priority bills. The first bill discussed was LB 996, which is a bill introduced to address the problem of high school drop outs. This bill would raise the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18. Parents would no longer be allowed to sign and notarize a release allowing students to end their enrollment at school once they turned 16 years of age. In 2009 – 2010, the Nebraska Department of Education reported that 1,911 kids who were 16 or older dropped out of school. (This is 0.006% or about 1 out of 170 students.) While no one wants to see kids drop out of school and face a future that could be negatively impacted by this action, I opposed the bill because some kids who are just not good students are still able to succeed in society. There is also something to be said about kids who disrupt class because they do not want to be there, interfering with the learning of those who do want to be in class. I do not like to see increased government involvement in family decisions. Once again, we are forcing someone to do something they and their family think is not in their best interest. The “State” does not always know what is best. The bill advanced on a 29-17 vote (25 votes were required). I will continue to oppose it.

Increasing the number of terms that State Senators can serve was another issue debated this week. Senator Tom Carlson of Holdrege introduced and prioritized LR 358 CA, a constitutional amendment to increase the number of consecutive legislative terms that can be served by a Senator from two to three terms (or from eight to twelve years). The measure advanced the first round of debate on a 30-12 vote. It would require voter approval this November if it is passed this session. I opposed the resolution because I believe the people have already told us that they want term limits and they want State Senators to serve only two consecutive terms. I believe any changes to term limit laws should come from the people, not from the State Senators. I will also continue to oppose this attempt to overturn the expressed will of the people of Nebraska.

I was pleased to support Senator Lydia Brasch’s priority bill, LB 830. This bill updates and clarifies Nebraska’s tax code to reflect new innovations in the animal production industry. LB 830 clarifies that biochips used for the genetic and/or protein analysis of production livestock, commercially produced plants, companion animals, and research animals are not subject to state or local sales and use tax. There is a company called GeneSeek, that is a Nebraska success story. It began in 1998 with a few employees, and today has an economic impact of $41.2 million and employes 45 people. I believe Nebraska must continue to compete with other states and keep prosperous businesses (especially those that favorably impact agriculture) within our borders.

I would like to acknowledge two more business success stories. Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company of Pender, Nebraska and Thurston Manufacturing Company of Thurston, Nebraska, were both recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development – as successful businesses in rural America. Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company produces products primarily for the recreational vehicle industry under the name of Blue Ox. Thurston Manufacturing Company is a leading manufacturer of farm equipment and side dump semi-trailers. Congratulations to both of these businesses, and their employees, on receiving this honor.

UNICAMERAL UPDATE
Senator Dave Bloomfield
February 17, 2012

Priority bills were the main topic of discussion this week. Senators and committees were given until the end of the week to select their priorities for the rest of the session. Each Senator may choose one priority bill, and committees select two priorities. Speaker Mike Flood will also pick twenty-five bills as speaker priority bills. With thirty-one days left in this legislative session, our focus now will be on these 100 priority bills as well as the budget. This process helps eliminate a lot of bills that are not ready for “prime time” and brings forward the bills that each Senator feels are most important. Unfortunately, some good bills also disappear in the process. Every bill that is introduced has a hearing and is discussed in the committee process. There is simply not enough time to debate “on the floor” all bills that come out of committee, hence the “priority bill.”

LB 907 is my personal priority bill for this session. This bill, introduced by Senator Tom Carlson of Holdrege, through the Agriculture committee, would change provisions relating to agricultural tractor permitting and a sales tax exemption. Currently, under Nebraska law, tractors sold in Nebraska must be tested at any Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test station and be “permitted.” Nebraska is the only state in the nation with a tractor testing lab affiliation with this organization. With some exception, only permitted tractors may be sold in this state. Currently, tractors under 40 horsepower are not required to be tested. If LB 907 would pass, there would be voluntary permitting on tractors under 100 horsepower. All tractors over 100 horsepower sold in Nebraska would still require a permit. There are still a few adjustments to be made to LB 907, which we will take care of Tuesday during executive session of the Ag Committee.

For years, Nebraska equipment dealers have been at an economic disadvantage, compared to out of state dealers, because of tractor permitting requirements in this state. It is my hope that LB 907 will help to even the playing field for those Nebraska businesses by generating more equipment sales within the borders of our own State of Nebraska. There are a number of laws on the Nebraska books that impose burdens on Nebraska people and businesses and give an advantage to non-Nebraskans. I intend to change that.

I believe this bill will also be one that will not negatively affect the Nebraska Tractor Testing Lab, which is located on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. The Agriculture Committee had the opportunity to tour this lab last October as part of an interim study resolution that I introduced. It is an amazing facility, which is totally self-funded through the testing performed at the lab. I would not want to see a change in statute that would hurt this facility and its ability to continue testing tractors. When we finish with LB 907 in Ag Committee, I will report to you, in this column, in a more detailed fashion, what it does and does not do.

The last full week of February will also be the last week of committee hearings in the afternoons. Two of my three committees (General Affairs and Agriculture) have completed their hearings on bills for this session. Beginning February 27th, the Legislature will begin all day floor debate until our sixty day session ends on April 12th. I think probably there will be a lot of late night sessions. There is a lot that has to be done, particularly with Health and Human Services, and not a lot of time left in the “short” session.

Enjoy President’s Day, and say a prayer for all those who serve us away from home.

UNICAMERAL UPDATE
Senator Dave Bloomfield
February 10, 2012

More money for family planning services was the topic of the day on Monday and Tuesday in the Nebraska Legislature. LB 540 was the bill up for discussion. It would increase the number of women who are eligible for family planning services through Medicaid. LB 540 was written, according to it’s sponsors, to provide more women with preventive health care, which could hopefully result in fewer unintended pregnancies, fewer abortions and cost savings to the State. An amendment, which I supported, was adopted during the first round of debate to hopefully ensure that none of the family planning money would go to organizations that perform or promote elective abortions or affiliates with one that does. Due to the fact that part of this money could find it’s way to those who choose to support taking the life of the unborn, I voted against the bill. I voted against LB540 when it was in the Health Committee, where it survived on a 4 to 3 vote. I voted against its advancement on the legislative floor. I will continue to oppose this bill and any other “back door” attempts to fund abortion with your money! The bill must survive two more rounds of debate before it would pass and move over to the Governor for his signature or veto.

I had two bills up for hearings in the Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday, February 9. LB 1083 would clarify that licensed nurses would be able to stay at home and take care of family members and receive payment for those services instead of hiring a nurse from outside of the home. My office was made aware of a situation concerning a private duty nurse who takes care of her son in her home. She has been receiving compensation for these services for the past five years, then changes in her son’s program, not his needs, took place. She has continued to care for her son, who requires nurse provided care 24 hours a day, for the last five months without pay, and I think that is a disgrace. The State should applaud and assist family members who have the credentials, the ability, and the desire to provide medical care for family members in their homes, especially when it saves the state money.

The second bill of mine before the Health Committee is LB 1122. The bill was drafted in response to the Director of the State’s Medicaid division proposing cuts to home health care services. The bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to make cuts in all other areas of Medicaid before looking for cuts in home health cares services provided by private duty nurses. There was testimony given on both of these bills about two very unique family situations. Both households have children over the age of twenty-one who cannot live around other people for a variety of medical reasons. Home health services are sometimes the only way in which we can keep some of our most vulnerable citizens alive. It is my intent, with this bill, to demonstrate the Legislature’s support for funding home health care and the many dedicated nurses who provide medical care for these very special patients. I will remind you it is cheaper, in most cases, for the state to keep these folks in their homes than it would be to put them in institutions.

We are quickly approaching the half-way point of this year’s legislative session. State Senators and legislative committees must choose priority bills prior to adjournment (around noon) on Thursday, February 16th. I have several possibilities in mind, and will let you know of my final decision in the next newsletter.

UNICAMERAL UPDATE
Senator Dave Bloomfield
February 3, 2012

The threat of a major snowstorm caused the leaders of the Nebraska Legislature to change the schedule for legislative hearings this week. Hearings for Friday afternoon (2/03/12) were canceled, and the morning session began an hour early so state senators could go home early for the week. Speaker Mike Flood and several committee chairs rescheduled the February 3rd afternoon hearings on Monday, February 13th, 2012, at 9:30 am. I missed my first legislative day Friday because I attended a Department of Health and Human Services hearing in Dakota County. The change in the committee schedule really worked to my advantage in this case, and I only missed two hours of floor debate in the morning. Sometimes, Senators must choose between issues in the district versus legislative business. I feel the hearing in Dakota City was important enough to justify my absence from the floor debate.

The first priority bill of the year, selected by the Education Committee, was debated twice this week. (It advanced from both round one and two, and currently awaits a vote on the third round, or Final Reading.) LB 946 would settle a three-year funding fight between Nebraska’s six community colleges. Metro Community College had asked for a larger portion of the state aid provided because they have a higher enrollment growth rate compared to the other five community colleges. LB 946 would distribute the first $87.9 million in state aid to the six colleges under the existing funding formula. Any funding above the $87.9 million would be distributed based on a new formula that factors in enrollment numbers, faculty growth, and course selection The bill also allows the colleges to use tax dollars for revenue bonds to construct campus buildings.

A constitutional resolution was also debated for several hours this week. LR 40 CA would change Nebraska’s Constitution to include protection of the right to hunt and fish. The purpose of this resolution, according to State Senator Pete Pirsch of Omaha, is to protect hunting, fishing, and trapping from attacks by outside animal welfare groups. Opponents offered questions about the state’s ability to require permits from Game and Parks if a person’s rights to hunt, trap and fish are guaranteed by the constitution. Questions were also raised about the ability to limit people from using one’s property to participate in these activities if they are constitutionally guaranteed. I have been assured that the rights of landowners to prohibit hunting on private property are secure. After several hours of debate, LR 40 CA advanced to Final Reading. Supporters of the bill must have thirty votes in support of this resolution in order for it to pass and be placed on the ballot for voter approval.

On Saturday, January 28th, I had the pleasure of joining Congressman Lee Terry, Governor Dave Heineman, Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy and other constitutional officers, as well as legislative colleagues, in speaking at the Walk for Life in Lincoln. Over 5,000 pro-life supporters were in attendance at this event. This was my first Walk for Life since my appointment as a state senator. The issue of life is one of the most important subjects debated in the Nebraska Legislature. I am proud of the pro-life stance that so many leaders in our great State hold, and felt truly honored to participate in this event.

UNICAMERAL UPDATE
Senator Dave Bloomfield
January 27, 2012

Another week has gone by, with a variety of issues coming before the Nebraska Legislature. Several bills came before the Legislature during morning debates, and did not receive enough votes to advance further in the process. After eight hours of debate, sponsors of LB 418, a bill that would have changed provisions relating to robocalls (automated phone calls with a pre-recorded messages), did not receive the 33 votes needed to stop debate, which resulted in the bill being pulled from the agenda probably for the rest of the year. Senator Amanda McGill’s LB 304, a bill that would have allowed physicians to dispense medication (with immunity) to people who have sexually transmitted diseases AND their partners without ever seeing the partner or partners, failed to gather the necessary votes to advance to round two of debate. Senators spent time at the end of the week listening to debate on LB 276, the bill that would eliminate the death penalty and make the punishment for such crimes to be life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. I opposed LB 276 and in good conscience support the use of capital punishment when warranted. LB 276 did not advance after round one debate, and was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request.

The Health and Human Services Committee held a seven hour hearing (starting at 1:30 pm) on Thursday, January 26th. LB 961 would place all case management of child welfare services with the State of Nebraska, the entity who I believe has the legal responsibility for the children in its custody, and away from private entities who have this authority in certain parts of the state. The Health Committee introduced this bill after conducting interim hearings in locations throughout the state last year. Another bill (LB 957) was heard the same day. This bill would create the position of Inspector General to monitor all aspects of Nebraska’s child welfare system. I believe Nebraska’s current child welfare program has failed miserably, and that changes must be made to save the lives of the children in this system. Families of these children (both biological and foster) also deserve to be treated in a more timely and respectful way. These two bills are just part of a package of bills introduced by the Health and Human Services Committee in an attempt to change the child welfare system in Nebraska.

Days are sometimes long while the Legislature is in session, but they are usually busy and go by quickly. The day begins with meetings with groups and constituents between 7:00 – 9:00 am, then the Legislature usually convenes at 9:00 am and stays in session until noon. After lunch meetings with various groups or constituents, committee hearings begin daily at 1:30 pm. Committee hearings vary in length, but senators are encouraged stay and listen to testimony of any bill scheduled for hearings before their committees on that particular day. (Senators are also busy introducing bills in front of other committees holding hearings at the same time.) I have attended hearings under one hour in length, compared to this week’s Health Committee Hearing that lasted seven hours. At night, various groups schedule receptions and/or dinners, and try to meet with senators on various issues. Later in the session, when the hearings are completed, we will meet in the Legislative Chamber both morning and afternoon, and sometimes into the night.

On a personal note, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Henry Trysla, who passed away on January 22nd. Henry loved his family and his community. He was an instrumental part of so many accomplishments in the South Sioux City area. Citizens of Northeast Nebraska owe Henry our gratitude for his many achievements as well as the example he provided by the way he lived his life. I will be introducing a Legislative Resolution to honor Henry Trysla’s life and acknowledge his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Henry’s family and friends.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
January 20, 2012

It is good to live in Nebraska! While the rest of the nation struggles with unemployment in the range of 8.6%, we are blessed to be at about 4.2%.  While other states are considering tax increases, we are actually talking about possible tax cuts!  GO BIG RED!!! 

The first full week of morning debate and afternoon hearings has ended. Every session, the tenth day of that session is the last day for State Senators to introduce bills. A total of 468 (too many) bills were introduced this year. The first filibuster of the session is under way as well. The full Legislature has heard hours of debate on LB 418, nicknamed the robocall bill. LB 418, introduced by Senator John Nelson of Omaha, would change state regulations on robocalls.  (Robocalls are those automatically generated calls with a recorded message that we all get.) Currently, the Public Service Commission and the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission regulate these calls by requiring the sponsors to identify themselves and submit a script within 24 hours of placing a call. LB 418 would remove oversight by the Public Services Commission and leave the calls totally under the authority of the Accountability and Disclosure Commission.  Proponents claim that the current laws are burdensome and hard to follow because of the need to contact two different agencies with in the  government. Opponents of the bill say the current regulations are not burdensome and do not limit speech; the laws simply make people accountable for what they are saying. The debate will continue into next week.  I don’t know anyone who likes the robocalls, but they are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 

I introduced one of my three new bills on Wednesday before the Health and Human Services Committee. LB 723 was brought to me the the Department of Health and Human Services. It is a technical bill that brings Nebraska statutes back in line with federal law concerning the Nebraska Safe Drinking Water Act. It changes the term “small system” in the Act to “public water system serving fewer than 10,000 persons.” The Chief Medical Officer of the State (Dr. Joann Schaefer) testified in favor of the bill, and was the only other person offering testimony of LB 723. The Health Committee took no action on this bill to date.  My two other bills are concerned with issues pertaining to the Health and Human Services Department.

President Barack Obama announced a major decision that directly affects Nebraska this week. The Department of State, with the backing of the President, denied TransCanada’s request for a permit to build the Keystone Pipeline. In a written statement, the President said a February 21st deadline placed upon his Administration prevented a full assessment of the pipeline’s impact on the health and safety of the American people as well as our environment. TransCanada has said that it will submit a new permit application and will continue to work with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to find an alternative route through Nebraska. The Company has also said they still hope to have a pipeline in place and in service by 2014. I am personally disappointed that the Keystone Pipeline was not given a permit. This issue has become and remains a “political football”, it is too bad that presidential politics has gotten in the way of job creation and an increased supply of crude oil.  There is still hope, however, that Nebraska will not miss out totally on this opportunity.  The pipeline though delayed, is not necessarily completely dead.  

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
January 13, 2012

The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited on a weekly basis in the Nebraska Legislative Chamber. I was honored to be the first State Senator to lead my colleagues in saying this oath last Monday. Last year, I asked the leadership of the Legislature if we could begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance. Nothing was decided during session, so I asked again during the interim to consider this request. An agreement was reached to begin each legislative week with the Pledge of Allegiance and then make a decision on whether to keep saying the oath on a weekly basis, change to a daily basis, or stop it all together. My colleagues, including Speaker Mike Flood, have been supportive of this change in our weekly schedule. I am hopeful that it will become a daily event next year, and appreciate the opportunity to make this important change. (On a similar note, Senator Tony Fulton of Lincoln, who will lead the Pledge on Tuesday, January 20th, introduced LB 990, which would require public schools to display the flag of the United States, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day school is open and in session. I support this legislation.)

This week consisted of bill introduction, discussion of legislative rules, and the Governor’s State of the State Address. Two hundred ninety bills have been introduced so far this year, and there are three more days of bill introduction this session. At the beginning of each year, members are given an opportunity to change our rules that govern legislative procedures. One of the major changes debated last week was whether State Senators should be allowed to use their laptops during legislative hearings. Many senators spoke against this proposal, saying they did not want Nebraska citizens to feel as if they were not heard when they testified on legislation. No vote was taken on this change, as it was withdrawn after a lengthy discussion.

Governor Dave Heineman gave his State of the State Address to the Nebraska Legislature. This is the Governor’s opportunity to outline some of the key legislation that he would like to see passed during the upcoming session. It is also an opportunity for him to discuss his budget proposals. The Governor has proposed a number of tax cuts to be implemented this session. I am hopeful that we can accomplish many of them.

One important bill that was just introduced is LB 968. Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton introduced the bill, which would eliminate sales and use taxes on the sale, lease or rental of repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery or equipment used in commercial agriculture. I believe this is an important change, and I will be a co-signer of this legislation. For too many years, Nebraska agriculture producers and implement dealers have had a disadvantage compared to surrounding states who do not have to deal with this tax. I will keep you informed on any progress made on this bill.

You will also find my name attached to several bills coming out of the Health and Human Services Committee.  We are attempting to improve a system that has for too long been “out of whack.”  I will be mentioning these bills as the year progresses. These are, I think, the most important decisions that will be made by your legislators this year.  These will deal not just with the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens, but in some cases the very difference between life and death.  This is not an area where we can make decisions based on just saving tax dollars.  I unashamedly ask for your prayers for wisdom not only for me, but for all of us, as we deal with this vital issue.

Next week, legislative hearings begin in the afternoons at 1:30 pm every day. Mornings consist of debate on the Legislative floor. You can find information on the Legislature, committees, proposed bills, and even watch morning debate and committee hearings on-line. The websites with this information are:  www.nebraskalegislature.gov and http://www.netnebraska.org/publicmedia/capitol.html .

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
January 6, 2012

The Nebraska Legislature is back in session. Forty-eight (Senator Utter’s untimely death leaves not only a vacant chair, but also a huge hole in the heart of your legislature) state senators met in Lincoln on Wednesday, January 4th, to introduce bills, and prepare for legislative hearings and floor debate. During the first three days of the session, 173 bills were introduced. All of these bills will be assigned to legislative committees and each will be given a public hearing. Committees than have the option of (1) advancing a bill to the floor for further debate, (2) killing a bill, or (3) taking no action on a bill and holding it in committee.

I have introduced one bill so far. The Nebraska Department of Health asked me to introduce a bill on their behalf. Their bill, LB 723, alters the Nebraska Safe Drinking Water Act by changing a definition of small (water) system. The federal government no longer uses the words “small system” for water systems serving fewer than ten thousand people The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) calls such systems “public water systems.” LB 723, if passed, would put Nebraska statutes back in line with federal law by using the same terminology for the same water systems. I do not anticipate much, if any, controversy over this bill.  I am not a big believer in introducing bills just to say that I introduced one.  I have always thought that there were too many bills introduced each year.  I haven’t seen anything yet to change my mind.

The legislative process is important because it affects everyone’s life through the bills that are passed and become laws. I encourage each of you to watch floor debate when possible, either on-line http://www.netnebraska.org/publicmedia/capitol.html or through Nebraska Educational Television. Committee hearings, which occur in the afternoons during the first half of the session, are also broadcast at the above on-line site.

After one full year as your representative in the Nebraska Legislature, I can tell you that it is a steep learning curve to understand the way in which an idea becomes a bill and then moves from the committee hearing to the floor, and through three rounds of debate before passage. Information on legislative bills can be found at: www.nebraskalegislature.gov . I welcome your thoughts on proposals as they first move to the various committees. I only have a vote on the following three committees on which I am a member: General Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services. My contact information is:dbloomfield@leg.ne.gov . My phone number is: 402 – 471 – 2716. My mailing address is: Senator Dave Bloomfield, District #17, State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 – 4604. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
December 29, 2011

I am saddened to report to all of you that Nebraska has lost a good and loyal friend. As you have probably heard, State Senator Dennis Utter from District 33 at Hastings passed away on Tuesday, December 27. Dennis was a senator that all of us were proud to serve with. His loyalty was to the people of Nebraska. Senator Utter was a valuable source of information and common sense, and he was always willing to share both. Dennis Utter will be missed by the Nebraska Legislature. Governor Heineman, by statute, has 45 days to appoint someone to complete Senator Utter’s term. The Governor will be hard-pressed to find someone to “fill the shoes” of this wise and gentle man.

The Nebraska Legislature reconvenes on January 4, 2012. This year will be a “short” session or a 60 day session. (Every year, the legislative session lasts either 60 or 90 days.) According to the Nebraska Constitution, the Legislature meets on the first Wednesday after the first Monday every January. It is worded this way so that the first day of the session does not occur on January 1st, a federal holiday. After the first day of the session, it is up to the Speaker of the Legislature to create a calendar for the rest of the session. Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk has planned the 2012 calendar, with the last day of session occurring on April 12th.

State Senators and their staff members are currently busy preparing legislation and scheduling appointments and events for 2012. Generally speaking, between 400 and 600 bills will be introduced during the short sessions (700 – 900 during the long sessions). There are also “carryover” bills, which are bills introduced last year that have not been passed or indefinitely postponed (killed). At the end of the 2012 session, all of the bills introduced in 2011 and 2012 that are awaiting action will be killed, so that a new biennium with new legislators can begin in 2013.

I would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year. Please feel free to contact my legislative office if you want to share your thoughts on pending legislation or if there is anything that my staff or I can do so assist you. You can reach me at 402 – 471 – 2716. My email address is dbloomfield@leg.ne.gov . My mailing address is Senator Dave Bloomfield, District 17, State Capitol, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4604.