107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 66

RODEO WEEK

On Monday, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed Rodeo Week in Nebraska while on horseback in front of the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln. This week, the University of Nebraska Rodeo Association is hosting the 2021 Nebraska Cornhusker College Rodeo on Friday and Saturday (April 23-24) at the Lancaster Event Center.  The Governor encouraged Nebraskans to attend.  He also highlighted other notable rodeos scheduled to take place this summer in Nebraska.  They include:

•       The Nebraska High School Finals Rodeo, June 17-19 in Hastings.
•       The 2021 National High School Finals Rodeo, July 18-24 in Lincoln.
•       Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, July 28-31 in Burwell.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, which Nebraska Tourism honored as the state’s “Outstanding In-Person Event” of 2020.

LEGISLATURE APPROVES 2021 BUDGET

The Legislature gave final approval to the state’s $9.7 billion biennium budget package. The package includes a number of appropriations and transfers. The governor has until Monday, to sign, veto or line-item veto appropriations within the budget bills.

BILLS THAT IMPACT LANDOWNERS 

LB2 works toward addressing the tax burden inequity on agricultural landowners for taxes used to service school bond debt. LB2 encourages accountability at the voting booth by more closely linking voters’ decisions with their responsibilities for school bond taxes. Agricultural and horticultural land is valued at 75 percent of its actual value for purposes of property taxation under current law. Under LB2 it would be valued at 50 percent of its actual value for purposes of school district taxes levied to pay the principal and interest on bonds issued on or after Jan. 1, 2022. 

REVENUE BILLS EARLY NEXT WEEK

My bill, LB595 will be the lead Revenue Committee Priority Bill. It will come up early next week. The purpose of LB595 is to provide a sales and use tax exemption for certain products used in the process of manufacturing ethanol, to harmonize provisions with other states and industries. As it is, ethanol producers are paying a tax that is not consistent with other industries and state regulations for inputs.

Ethanol production is vital to our agricultural economy as the 25 plants throughout the State of Nebraska process nearly 500 million bushels of corn every year. Let me put this in perspective for you: 500 million bushels is the equivalent of one out of every four rows of corn grown in every cornfield in Nebraska. Combined, these plants produce more than 2.2 billion gallons of Ethanol every year, the second most per state in the country, behind Iowa. This bill simply exempts sales taxes on inputs used in the production or “manufacturing” of Ethanol.

The other bills being carried under LB595 include:

LB182- would clarify the tax treatment of tower leases for purposes of providing internet

access to make clear such leases are exempt from sales and use tax. 

LB672- creates a new definition for agricultural machinery and equipment to clarify the sales tax exemption on such equipment.

LB502- allows taxpayers with existing agreements, or who have filed applications under the Nebraska Advantage Act prior to the sunset of the Act, the same sales and use tax exemptions that are now provided to taxpayers under the ImagiNE Act.

LB350- would extend the sunset date from October 1, 2022, to October 1, 2027, for the distribution of sales and use tax to the Game and Parks Commission Capital Maintenance Fund from the state of motor boats, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and utility-type vehicles.

NEBRASKA  DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HEALTH STANDARDS

Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. 

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods April 15, 2021 to April 23, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +22 (4072)

Thurston County: +3 (1161)

Wayne County: +20 (1140)

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 62

MEDAL OF HONOR HIGHWAY

Last year Beverly Neel and I had the privilege of joining other residents of District 17 to celebrate the completion of the newly named Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway (U.S.20). On May 11th, Ken Hanel and Daryl Harrison will join others to walk across the Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway in an event called, Walk the Walk. There will also be a motorcycle convoy participating in the festivities. You are invited to join the motorcycles, Walk the Walk with Ken and Daryl, or you may wish to simply attend the christening of the highway on May 22 at 5:30 pm in Siouxland Freedom Park.  It will be a patriotic day to remember. Medal of Honor Recipient James C. McCloughan of Michigan will sing the National Anthem.  Governor Ricketts has been invited to introduce James McCloughan and Charles Hagemeister, one of only two living Nebraska Medal of Honor Recipients.   Both Medal of Honor Recipients will be speaking and then will christen the Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway. For more information contact Nebraska Medal of Honor Foundation, President Daryl Harrison at (402)922-1329 Pheasant55@harrisonwoc.com.

IMPROVEMENT ON US HIGHWAY 77 

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is planning to improve approximately 5.57 miles of US-Highway 77 (US-77) located in Thurston County. The proposed project,  identified as N-94- Winnebago, would be constructed primarily under traffic with lane closures controlled by appropriate traffic control devices; however, a detour would be required for the construction of two bridge-size culverts. 

The proposed project would begin approximately 0.18 miles north of the junction of US-77 and Nebraska Highway 94 (N-94) at about mile marker (MM) 163.91, and extend north to MM 169.48, approximately 0.06 miles south of the junction of US-77 and US-75. 

Proposed improvements on US-77 would consist of milling and resurfacing the roadway and surfaced shoulders with asphalt, bridge repairs and removing and replacing guardrail. Improvements to the bridge-size box culverts over unnamed streams at MM 165.41, 166.71 and 169.45 would consist of replacing the existing structure with a concrete box culvert, removing existing guardrail, grading, and full-depth pavement as needed where the existing structure is removed. 

Construction could begin as early as Spring of 2023 and could be completed by Winter of 2024. Any questions or comments or further information regarding the project may also be found by visiting the4 NDOT website at http:dot.nebraska.gov/projects/future-projects/ and clicking on the “N-94-Winnebago”.

NEBRASKA-  A “SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY STATE”

On April 14th, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he had signed a proclamation designating Nebraska as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary State.”  The proclamation is symbolic, and reaffirms Nebraska’s support for the right to bear arms. “The White House and U.S. Congress have announced their intention to pursue measures that would infringe on the right to keep and bear arms,” says Governor Ricketts’ proclamation.  “Nebraska will stand up against federal overreach and attempts to regulate gun ownership and use in the Good Life.” 

 Governor Ricketts’ proclamation comes as over 50 Nebraska counties have passed resolutions of support for the Second Amendment that declare themselves as Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties. Dakota County currently has it on their agenda to discuss. More information can be found at https://www.nebraskafirearms.org/.

SCHOOL BONDING AUTHORITY

This week the Revenue Committee sent my bill, LB523, School Bonding Authority, to the Floor. We continue to be “inundated” as elected officials by citizens concerned over high property taxes. One way this body can assist taxpayers is to assure, when possible, they are directly included in decisions of major spending when tax increases are necessary. Historically in Nebraska, when a necessity was deemed by a local school board to build new school structure or expand existing structures, we have held elections to fund those projects. When I vote for a local school board member, I have always believed I was giving that person the authority to make policy, hire staff, purchase supplies, pay utilities through the general fund, and maintain the existing school structure through use of depreciation funds included in their reserves. I have never believed that I was giving that individual the authority to build new school structures without my approval through an election. The intent in bringing this LB523 was simple. I wanted to give the citizens a vote on major local tax decisions.

RURAL-BASED BROADBAND FUNDING ADVANCED

LB338, which would give rural customers more input on their broadband carriers, was advanced from Select File this week. To qualify for consideration by the Public Service Commission (PSC), a rural-based plan must include an eligible telecommunications company. The plan would be judged on the company’s history and service capability in the area, as well as local support, partnerships with local public power and wireless internet service providers and cooperation by the incumbent local exchange carrier that has lost support from the commission.

A plan approved under the provisions of LB338 by the PSC would include a deployment timeline to include periodic milestones and reporting requirements from the telecommunications company. The bill would require any recipient of ongoing high-cost financial support from the universal service fund to submit to broadband service speed tests by the PSC. Any universal service funds distributed for new broadband infrastructure construction would be directed to projects that provide service scalable to 100 Mbps or greater of upload speed. Additionally, any political subdivision that receives federal funding for broadband service enhancement would be required to provide service scalable to 100 Mbps or greater for both upload and download speed.

The bill would ensure no federal funding could be used to expand broadband service in locations already capable of 100 Mbps or greater for both upload and download speed. Following the 36-0 adoption, Senators advanced the bill to Final Reading on a voice vote.

NEBRASKA  DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HEALTH STANDARDS

Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. 

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods April 8, 2021 to April 15, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +19 (4017) 

Thurston County: +1 (1158) 

Wayne County: +5 (1120) 

I want to thank several of our District 17 Constituents who either contacted my office, or took the time to answer important questions that enabled me to bring accurate information to the floor debate this week. Your input and perspective helps shape legislation in this state and I really appreciate each of you. As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 58

I greatly appreciate Chairman John Sinner and the Appropriations Committee for creating a biennium budget that I, and many of my colleagues, believe will help us to steward Nebraska well over the next two years. I am proud of how the State of Nebraska has always placed a high value on maintaining a Rainy Day Fund that is sufficiently funded. This has given Nebraska the financial strength to be able to handle unforeseen situations like the flooding in recent years, until the Federal funding reached our communities. 

BUDGET FOCUS ON THE FLOOR

Over the past three months the Appropriations Committee has held numerous hearings, briefings and executive sessions to develop their proposed budget. The main focus of the proposal is:

Replenish the Cash Reserve Fund – In the committee proposal the Cash Reserve Fund (CRF) balance would increase from $412 million to $763 million, a total of $351 million. Automatic transfers per current law accounts for $301 million of this increase but the committee proposal allows for this to replenish the balance by only using the CRF for reserving funds as an incentive to attract the US Spacecom project ($50 million) offset by a $100 million transfer from the General Fund. 

Service Provider rate increases – The single largest increase in the budget was to provide a 2% per year increase in Department of Health and Human Services and juvenile service providers amounting to an $83.5 million increase over the two years.

Property tax relief – With a very small increase in TEEOSA funding under the current law formula, the committee included an increase in the Property Tax Credit amounting to $63 million over the two year period. Although not accounted for as a General Fund expenditure, this would be the second largest increase item in the budget.

Job training and economic development – The committee proposal includes a total of $32 million over the two year period for Nebraska Career Scholarships ($17 million) and the Business Innovation Act ($15 million).

Available for Legislation – After the items listed above, the Committee proposal results in a budget that is $211 million above the minimum reserve. In other words this leaves a maximum of $211 million available for legislation pending before the Legislature.

You can see the proposed budget in its entirety on the Nebraska Legislature website homepage, under Appropriations Committee Proposed Budget (4/1/2021).

A CHANCE TO WEIGH IN ON YOUR TAXES

Senator Ben Hansen introduced a bill on the Floor this week that I wholeheartedly stand behind because it will keep all of us more informed about what is happening with our personal property taxes. LB 644 will adopt the Property Tax Request Act for the purpose of increased transparency for impacted political subdivisions to raise their property tax levies. LB644 recommends public notifications and hearings for the public whenever the need for justification is necessary to raise the property tax over the previous years. It also requires a postcard be mailed to all constituents in relation to the political subdivisions request for higher levy rates than cannot exceed the previous year’s request. To put it simply, you will receive a postcard in the mail informing you of what local boards, i.e. school, city, county, ESU, NRD, etc., taxes may be raised and why, and giving us a chance to weigh in. 

A LETTER FROM THE LEGISLATURE TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

My office has received numerous phone calls and emails from Constituents who are concerned about the content of the new Health Standard Standards that the Nebraska Department of Education introduced last month. That is why I spearheaded a letter from the Nebraska Legislature to the Department of Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt and the State Board of Education asking that all sex education and other ideologically motivated content be removed from the Nebraska Health Standards. My colleagues who joined me in signing the letter  included Senator Julia Slama (LD 1), Senator Robert Clements (LD 2), Senator Robert Hilkemann (LD 4), Senator Mike McDonnell (LD 5) Senator John Arch (LO 14), Senator Ben Hansen (LD 16), Senator Brett Lindstrom (LD 18), Speaker Mike Hilgers (LD 21), Senator Mike Moser (LD 22), Senator Bruce Bostelman (LD 23), Senator Suzanne Geist (LO 25), Senator Myron Dorn (LD 30), Senator Tom Brandt (LD 32), Senator Steve Halloran (LD 33), Senator Curt Friesen (LD 34), Senator Ray Aguilar (LD 35), Senator John Lowe (LD 37), Senator Dave Murman (LO 38), Senator Lou Ann Linehan (LD 39), Senator Tim Gragert (LD 40), Senator Tom Briese (LD 41), Senator Mike Groene (LD 42), Senator Tom Brewer (LD 43), Senator Dan Hughes (LD 44), Senator Rita Sanders (LD 45), Senator Steve Erdman (LD 47), and Senator John Stinner (LD 48). 

NEBRASKA  DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HEALTH STANDARDS

Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. 

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods April 2, 2021, and April 9, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +19 (4017) 

Thurston County: +5 (1157) 

Wayne County: +12 (1115) 

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 54

Happy Easter! I enjoy spending time with my family hunting Easter eggs with my grandchildren, seeing trees and flowers beginning to bloom and the hope of new life brings the sweetest things of life together. I hope that you experience a new joy and hope this Easter Season!

RURAL NEBRASKA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

Having resided in both urban and rural communities in Nebraska, one of the factors that I enjoy the most about living in a rural area is the familiarity and camaraderie that is shared among its people. It makes it a great place to come home to. That is why when I came across this survey of how rural citizens of Nebraska feel about their communities, I thought it would be valuable to share with you. According to Nebraska Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources, more than six in ten Nebraskans who responded to the Rural Poll, which was sent to 7,000 rural households across the state in April 2020, said they agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements: People in my community help each other (82%); I believe in the ability of my community to overcome an emergency situation (76%); people in my community work together to improve the community (69%); I can depend on people in my community to come to my assistance in a crisis (68%); my community keeps people informed about issues that are relevant to them (65%); and there is trust among the residents of my community (63%). (Segments from an article by Becky Vogt)

POTENTIAL RELIEF FROM THE STORM OF 2021

I have been keeping in close contact with community officials in District 17 whose communities suffered enormous financial loss due to severe weather February 15-20th. My first hand understanding of their situations causes me to strongly support  LB 549. This bill would set aside $10M in the State budget for municipalities who own natural gas systems to be eligible to apply for a State grant which may be used to cover up to 90% of the extraordinary costs incurred from extreme weather. I want to thank those of you who have reached out to my office with concerns for your community, or people you know who are struggling in response to the unexpected financial stress. It is so important that we stand together to get through tough times like this. LB 549 has not come to the floor as of yet, I will keep you informed to its status as the Session proceeds.

SCHOOL FUNDING AND PROPERTY TAXES AID

Last year LB1107 was introduced which should have provided approximately $12M in additional  funding to District 17’s schools. Because it failed,  I am standing in strong support of LB 454, which would create a School Property Tax Stabilization Program which would direct State aid to School Districts whose property taxes and formula needs ratio qualify them for aid. . It also reduces the assessed value of agricultural land for purposes of funding schools over a two-year period. This bill would provide from $1.4M to $3.8M in property tax relief to District 17. For those reasons I will be giving LB 454 a green light.

ADVANCING BROADBAND

There are more than 80,000 households in Nebraska who lack adequate internet speed, most of them in rural areas. LB 388 is one of the broadband bills this year that looks to bridge the gap in Nebraska. LB 388 creates the “Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act” which provides $20 million in each of the next two years to increase broadband across Nebraska. That could help 30,000 households get better access to the internet. It is evident that we are not going to be able to get the coverage we eventually hope to see in every Nebraska home this year, but we will be able to launch some important endeavors that will aid new business and bring in commerce, which in turn helps all Nebraskans. 

Another important bill playing a part in expansion of broadband this Session is LB 338, which allows a community to have more input on who will be providing them broadband services after NUSF funding has been withheld from the old carrier due to not providing the minimum speeds of 25/3. Together, the broadband bills introduced this year will help ensure available funds are properly used to develop broadband at speeds that will serve Nebraskans into the future.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROPOSED FOR K-12

Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. Keep in mind State Standards are simply a guideline that individual School Districts can follow. The number one step is for the parents to weigh in. What is being taught in our districts is ultimately up to our local administrators.

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods March 27, 2021, and March 31, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +21 (3998) 

Thurston County: +7 (1152) 

Wayne County: +5 (1103) 

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 50

April showers bring May flowers! Spring is my favorite season of the year. I love seeing the flowers bloom and new baby calves entering the world. The rain brings the blessing of moisture as we anticipate planting our crops soon. There is so much to be thankful for. 

HAPPY AG WEEK

In celebration of National AG Week, March 21-27, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced the winners of this year’s annual poster contest. More than 1,700 students in grades 1-6 from all over the state entered NDA’s annual contest by highlighting Nebraska agriculture, our state’s number one industry. The NDA announced the winners of its annual poster contest during National AG Week to highlight the diversity of agriculture and celebrate the food, feed and fuel that farmers and ranchers provide every day. The winning posters and the names of the schools submitting entries are on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. The posters, depicting this year’s theme of “Nebraska Agriculture: Straight from the Good Life.”We are so proud of our granddaughter, Kylie Fischer, a 3rd grader at St. Paul Lutheran School in West Point, who has placed for the second time in this contest. This year she won 3rd place in her division. I love to see the value and appreciation for agriculture instilled in our children, what a great way to do it. 

BILLS THAT ADVANCED THIS WEEK

LB281, my Senator Priority Bill, advanced to Select File this week with a vote of 32-0. The purpose of this bill is to require that public schools provide four hours of avoiding child sexual abuse training to students in K-12, and teacher training as a preventative method for helping reduce incidents of child sexual abuse. The State Department of Education will provide a framework for policies and standards which will train teachers, involve parents and teach children through age-appropriate, evidence based curriculum. The goal is that children who are being abused will find a voice, and a place where they can safely learn what to do if they need help.

LB113, was a bill I carried for the Department of Motor Vehicles Bill which will change important provisions relating to motor vehicles titling, licensing, registration, and fees and operators’ licenses and permits and authorize a new motor vehicle carrier services system, passed on Final Reading. One of the reasons this bill is vital is to keep the trucking industry across the state on the road, giving them the required resources, empowering them to deliver goods across Nebraska. LB113 is on its way to the Governor’s desk for a final signature. 

FIRST RESPONDER COMPENSATION

I was a lone “no” vote on LB255 – Adopt the In the Line of Duty Compensation Act. It is not often I stand alone on a vote, and though I am not afraid to do it,  it is important to me that I share with you the reason for my vote. 

I hold First Responders of all kinds in very high regard. This is the fifth time this bill has come to the floor and it has failed to pass. I voted “No” on LB255 because I continue to have some significant unanswered questions. What do paid law enforcement and first responders receive from their Cities, Counties and the State? My staff went to great lengths this week to find answers to those questions, and here is some of what we have found:

                                      Fed Funding                           Life Ins         Other                   Totals

NE State Patrol        $370,376          66-75%       $6000          $10-40,000        $386,376

SSC                               $330,000         50%             $25,000                                     $355,000

Dakota County         $338,000        50%              $4000          $4000                   $346,000

                         *All amounts are estimates based on ages and numbers of family members.

I love and respect our first responders, but many people in numerous professions risk their lives and health for the benefit of others. Consider our soldiers who serve our country, teachers, doctors and nurses, railroad workers and truck drivers who all stood in the gap, some losing their lives during the Covid outbreak. I will continue to research and carefully consider LB255 before I give it my green light.

KENO HEARING

Last week I shared with you my concerns regarding LB561, which expands gaming through KENO and Sports Betting in the State. As I mentioned, I understand that Nebraskans said yes to gaming on the ballot last November, but I believe as Legislators, we need to make certain that things get started off right, and I want to do everything in my power to make sure the letter of the law is followed in this process. Because proper protocol was not followed me must have a hearing on the floor.  There will be a public hearing on the KENO aspect of the bill on  Monday, March 29, 12:00 noon in Room 1510. I welcome anyone who would like an opportunity for their voice to be heard about adding KENO to LB561 before it advances, to come to the Capitol on Monday and testify in the hearing.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROPOSED FOR K-12

Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. Keep in mind State Standards are simply a guideline that individual School Districts can follow. The number one step is for the parents to weigh in. What is being taught in our districts is ultimately up to our local administrators.

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods March 20, 2021, and March 26, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +26 (3977) 

Thurston County: +7 (1145) 

Wayne County: +14 (1098) 

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 47

This week marked the final week for Committee Exec Sessions of the 107th Legislature, and all Senator Priority Bills and Speaker Priority Bills have been selected. I would encourage everyone to take a look at the bills advancing to the floor this Session at nebraskalegislature.gov.  It is an excellent website providing all Nebraska’s with the tools to stay informed and involved in the Unicameral. The website also gives you a link to tune in and watch the floor debate. The “Live Video Streaming” button can easily be found on the top right hand side of the homepage.

BILLS I STOOD AGAINST

First of all, I have made a commitment this year to vote on every bill that comes to the floor. It is not a rare occurrence for Senators to vote “Present, not Voting” if they wish not to declare their position. But I personally do not think that is the best method of carrying out the role of a Legislator. My people have voted me in to weigh in on all that is put before me in the Capitol, and I strive to serve you the best way I can every step of the way. That being said,  I was a lone “no” vote on LB255 – Adopt the In the Line of Duty Compensation Act. It is not often I stand alone on a vote, and though I am not afraid to do it,  it is important to me that I share with you the reason for my vote. 

I hold First Responders of all kinds in very high regard. My father was a volunteer firefighter for years, and the men and women who risk their lives to keep our society safe are valuable beyond words to me. But this is the fifth time since I have been in the Legislature that LB255 has come to the floor in this form and it has failed to pass. I voted “No” on LB255 because I continue to have some significant unanswered questions. What do paid law enforcement and first responders receive from their Cities, Counties and the State? I know there is already a double indemnity included in their benefits, but I wonder what a fallen first responder receives from their Worker’s Compensation Benefit package. It is my understanding that their spouse receives 66-75% of their wages for life, or until remarried. I just feel it is very important as State Senators to be very conscious about all of the places we allocate monies, and what is already being spent in each of those realms. I am certain it is much more than the $50,000 they would receive as a result of this legislation.

I want you to know how much I love and respect our first responders, but many people in numerous professions risk their lives and health for the benefit of others. Consider teachers, doctors and nurses, railroad workers and truck drivers who all stood in the gap during the Covid outbreak . I look forward to getting more of my questions answered in Select File before I give LB255 my green light.

I also voted against LB561-which expands gaming through KENO and Sports Betting in the State. I understand that Nebraskans said yes to gaming on the ballot last May, but I believe as Legislators, we need to make certain that things get started off right, and  I want to do everything in my power to make sure the letter of the law is followed in this process. For instance proper protocol was not followed to have a hearing on KENO before the Bill was introduced on the floor. They have now agreed to hold a hearing for KENO between now and when the bill goes to Select File, and I am sure there will be a spirited debate when it comes back to the floor. Overall, I am very concerned that when gaming becomes more accessible, more and more Nebraskans and their families will be hurt. 

Lastly, I gave a red light to LB88, which changes the authority of who decides what can be published in the local school media, from the administration to the students. This bill would essentially create a public forum out of our school media that, I believe, creates an environment for students to be easily coerced by an adult influencer who has a specific agenda. Here is an excerpt from a Lincoln Journal Star article about the floor debate this week. “Sen. Adam Morfeld’s bill preventing Nebraska student journalists from being censored by administrators survived a filibuster before advancing to second-round consideration Thursday. Discussions on the bill (LB88) stretched across three days this week, as opponents used up the full time allotted for first-round debate. Opponents argued that by preventing administrators from having the final say, student publications would become more like a social media website, where freewheeling opinions could be posted without any influence from adults. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston said many Nebraskans did not want to see their school administrators lose the ability to censor student publications they may disagree with. ‘It means too much to the students in our state to be protected from what they may write today that they may have to explain later in life,’ Albrecht said. Albrecht then introduced an amendment that would strike the ability of students to be responsible for the advertising content of the school publications, which she said would allow organizations such as Planned Parenthood to purchase space in a student newspaper. ‘We’re putting ourselves out there, folks, to have some major problems,’ Albrecht said, but her amendment also failed, on a 25-15 vote.”

STAY INFORMED ABOUT WHAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS PROPOSING

Last week the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. Keep in mind State Standards are simply a guideline that individual School Districts can follow. The number one step is for the parents to weigh in. What is being taught in our districts is ultimately up to our local administrators.

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods March 12, 2021, and March 19, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +51 (3951) 

Thurston County: +7 (1138) 

Wayne County: +8 (1084) 

Every Spring I have a heightened awareness that more farm implements might be on our roads. The beautiful rolling hills in our agricultural area can create a prime environment for danger. It is so common to come up over a hill and meet a tractor. Please take extra precaution to stay safe this season.

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 42

NEBRASKA IN U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT “BEST STATES” RANKING

Nebraska is ranked #6, a jump of three spots from Nebraska’s 2019 ranking of #9. “This is Nebraska’s highest ranking in recent years in the ‘Best States’ report,” said Governor Ricketts.  “We are helping to set the bar in key areas such as infrastructure, affordability, and how we conserve our natural resources.” In overall rankings, Nebraska scored highly in education (#9), infrastructure (#6), opportunity (#10), and natural environment rankings (#6). 

PRIORITY BILLS

This week I designated LB281 as my Senator Priority Bill. The purpose of this Bill is to require that public schools provide four hours of body awareness training to students in K-12, and teacher training as a preventative method for helping reduce incidents of child sexual abuse. The State Department of Education will provide a framework for policies which will train teachers, involve parents and teach children through age-appropriate, evidence based curriculum. The goal is that children who are being abused will find a voice, a place where they could safely learn what to do if they need help.

I also requested Speaker Hilgers to consider LB325 as my Speaker Priority Bill. It is designed to provide Nebraskans with the best possible care and protect the welfare of vulnerable populations by certifying they are receiving professional, art-based therapeutic treatment. Also, to delineate the professional title of “Art Therapist” as a distinct and separate mental health and behavioral profession, credentialed by the Department of Health and Human Services. 

DISTRICT 17 HIGHWAY PROJECTS

The Nebraska Department of Transportation provided me with a list of highway projects falling within Legislative District 17 beginning in 2021 or that will resume work not completed in 2020 in District 3. District Engineer, Kevin Domogalla let me know that his staff is pleased to assist District 17 Constituents with any highway related concerns they may have. Please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Transportation at dot.nebraska.gov, 402-370-3470 or contactus@nebraska gov. 

Highway            Project No.             Project Location                   Type of Work 

35                        STP-35-4(125)      Hubbard Southwest             Resurface, Structure 

57                        STPD-D3(107)      Norfolk Northeast                Bridges 

75                        NH-75-4(112)       Winnebago                          Reconstruct 

129                      NH-1:                   South Sioux City                   Bridges 

NDE SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT ON DRAFT HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARDS

The Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards this week and is seeking input from the public. I feel it is vital to be informed and contribute to the education of our children. The information collected will be used as part of the standards review and revision process.

State law requires updates to the standards for reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies every seven years. The NDE is expanding that effort to review and update standards for each subject area, including health education, every seven years. Once approved by the State Board of Education the standards create the framework for health education in Nebraska. Input from health educators, higher education, and community organizations was used to develop the current draft. Approval for the standards is expected in the fall of 2021.

Nebraska content area standards reflect the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn in a given content area. By setting clear benchmarks for learning, content area standards provide guidance to teachers as they develop learning experiences for students. Standards do not prescribe particular curriculum, lessons, teaching techniques, or activities. Decisions about curriculum and instruction are made locally by individual school districts and classroom teachers.

The draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can contribute your feedback at:

https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R

Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods March 5, 2021, and March 11, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +17 (3900) 

Thurston County: +26 (1131) 

Wayne County: +8 (1076) 

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 38

What a beautiful week it was to be outside and enjoy the sunshine. My husband Mike, is a farmer who also works cattle. As we look forward to calving season beginning soon, these milder days are sure welcomed.

There was a significant shift in our Legislative time schedule this week as hearings are beginning to wrap up and we spend more in Executive Sessions. I am finding myself deeply appreciative of my colleagues who I see working so hard to make wise, strategic decisions for our great State. We will be setting all of our Priority Bills next week as well as deciding which Bills will come out of Committees.

This is my third year on the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee and expanding broadband internet service in rural areas has become one of the top issues in that Committee this year. Governor Pete Ricketts said he has heard too many stories of families having to drive their kids to libraries in town, parking lots near schools or high hills near their ranch to access adequate internet service to do homework. Businesses won’t locate or expand in rural areas unless they have high-speed internet. “We’ve got to have this infrastructure. It’s basic,” the Governor said. “This investment will allow all of Nebraska to be able to grow.” I am supportive of the Governor’s Legislative Bill 388, Adopt the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act, which is one of 11 bills being considered this year to boost expansion of broadband. It is evident that we are not going to be able to get the coverage we eventually hope to see in every Nebraska home this year, but we will be able to launch some important endeavors that will aid new business and bring in commerce, which in turn helps all Nebraskans. The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee will exec this week, and broadband will remain a high priority for me. I will keep you up to date with the latest developments.

Another key topic in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee this week is railroad safety. The Committee heard a bill raising the question of how many people should be on a crew, and whether one person is sufficient to safely operate the train. Senator Lynne Walz introduced LB539 which would provide for a limit on the length of a train. There are places in Nebraska that have been developed long after railways were well established in the area. Often those residents then find the continual pattern of waiting on trains an inconvenience. Her bill is meant to address that issue.

I greatly appreciate Jeff Davis and the great team at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad that so faithfully provides service in District 17. Their presence significantly helps our commerce and I am proud to have them here. Annually, BNSF moves nearly 170,000 carloads of corn, wheat and other agricultural products from Nebraska to plants around the country for domestic use and to ports for export abroad. They are helping Nebraska farmers reach new markets by providing a vital transportation link for the state’s emerging ethanol industry. If you have any questions or concerns about a rail or the company, the BNSF Emergency Hotline is 1‐800‐832‐5452.

Union Pacific is another significant railway in Nebraska. I visited with Kelli O’Brien, from Union Pacific this week about new legislation being introduced. Kelli told me that for over 150 years, Union Pacific has been committed to Building America, serving as an economic engine and improving the standard of life for millions across the country. Building upon this heritage, they are launching the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program. The program is a grand opportunity to build safe, prosperous, and vibrant communities by investing in high-quality nonprofits and programs in the cities and towns in which we operate and our employees live and work. The application submission period is April 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021. If you or someone you know is interested, you can find more information at UP Community Ties Giving Program. To report grade crossing blockages or damage, please call Union Pacific at 1-800-848-8715. 

I began signing on to other Senator’s LBs this week:

LB4 Briese Tuition Credit for Armed Forces

LB40 Groene Adopt the Nebraska Rural Projects Act

LB310 Clements Change Inheritance Tax Rates and Exemption

LB387 Brewer/Gragert Change Taxation of Military Retirement

LB454 Friesen School Property Tax Stabilization Program

LB581 B Hansen Change Motorcycle Helmet Provisions

LR11CA Erdman Enactment of a Consumption Tax 

LR3CA Slama Verification of Voter ID

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods February 26, 2021, and March 4, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +16 (3883) 

Thurston County: +6 (1105) 

Wayne County: +19 (1068) 

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 34

It has been an especially productive week at the Legislature this week. We were able to go into Executive Sessions this week in Committees, which means the process is progressing and decisions are being made to see what LBs will be going to the Floor this Session. With just one week left to complete all Committee hearings, we will have our first Floor debate on Tuesday morning, March 2nd. I introduced five of my Bills to the perspective Committees this week:

LB111- First Responders and Public Protection Bill– Beginning in late May of 2020 and stretching throughout this past summer, I was disturbed by peaceful protests turned into violent riots, by vandalism and property damage, and by injuries sustained by men and women serving to protect our communities. I started discussions toward this LB in South Sioux City last Fall with State Patrol, Police Departments, representatives from the County Attorney’s office and a judge from District 17. There I met and visited with not only local law enforcement, but also with members of law enforcement that were called in to help protect the good people of Lincoln on May 30, 2020. I cannot state strongly enough the respect and admiration I hold for those who serve us in this capacity. I’ve felt heart sick, hearing stories about liquid gasoline and fireworks being thrown at first responders, blinding laser lights directed in their eyes and shots being fired at them and into public buildings they are called to protect.  Also disturbing are reports that people from other states have incited violence and riots in Nebraska and outside groups have offered to post bail for those put in jail for their actions against our cities and the police.  This is simply not acceptable and we must make this type of behavior as unattractive as possible to people from other states.

Under this LB111, rioting is defined.  Inciting, recruiting for, or participating in a riot is a punishable offense.  Interrupting services, meetings, blocking public roads or destroying government property are likewise addressed.  Graffiti of government buildings is discouraged through higher penalties than other graffiti crimes, and most importantly, assault on our first responders, whether with fists, with harmful liquids, or with laser pointers rightfully triggers stiffer penalties. Read the Lincoln Journal Star’s article on LB111.

LB281- Erin’s Law– I was asked by someone in District 17 to carry this Bill. It will require public schools to provide four hours of body awareness training to students in K-12, and teacher training as a preventative method for helping reduce incidents of child sexual abuse. The State Department of Education will provide a framework for policies which will train teachers, inform and involve parents and teach children through age-appropriate, evidence based curriculum. The goal is that children who are being abused will find a voice, a place where they could safely learn what to do if they need help. I greatly appreciated the participation of the testifiers, one driving seven hours and several taking personal time off of work to help protect our children in this way. Channel 7 in Omaha covered Erin’s Law.

LB282- Repeal Obscenity Exemption– Currently it is against the law for anyone in Nebraska to present materials to children considered obscene or harmful … except in schools or libraries. This bill simply continues to close the loophole prosecuting any adult in a K-12 or library setting who seeks to groom a child through the use of obscenity. LB 282 just says the same obscenity standard applies to everyone in Nebraska – no exceptions.

LB523- School Bonding Authority– We continue to be “inundated” as elected officials by citizens concerned over high property taxes. One way this body can assist taxpayers is to assure, when possible, they are directly included in decisions of major spending decisions when tax increases are necessary. Historically in Nebraska, when a necessity was deemed by a local school board to build new school structures or expand existing structures, we have held elections to fund those projects. When I vote for a local school board member, I have always believed I was giving that person the authority to make policy, hire staff, purchase supplies, pay utilities through the general fund, and maintain the existing school structure through use of depreciation funds included in their reserves. I have never believed that I was giving that individual the authority to build new school structures without my approval through an election. The intent in bringing this LB523 was simple. I wanted to give the citizens a vote on major local tax decisions.

LB595- Ethanol Sales and Uses Tax Exempt– Because of the large numbers of people who are involved in the agriculture industry in our District, I make every effort to advance the causes that further agri-business in Nebraska. LB595 provides a sales and use tax exemption for certain products used in the process of manufacturing ethanol, to harmonize provisions with other states and industries. As it is, ethanol producers are paying an input tax that is not consistent with other industries and state regulations.

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19

The number of positive tests reported for the periods February 19, 2021, and February 26, 2021 in District 17 are as follow:

Dakota County +26 (3867)

Thurston County: +9 (1099)

Wayne County: +18 (1049)

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 29 

A BAKER’S DOZEN

The timing was perfect for Mike and I to welcome our 13th grandchild into the world!

My daughter and son-in-law, Michaela and Lee Kortus, are celebrating the arrival of their third daughter, Berkley Grace. Berkley arrived between hearing days, while I was not in session. I had the joy of staying with Berkley’s big sisters, McKynlee and Landrie, and we had a delightful time. I am blessed beyond measure.

ENERGY IN NEBRASKA

With the extreme weather conditions, it seems like the subjects of electricity and energy are being discussed from coffee shops to Capitals across the nation. I had a chance this week to sit down with James Dukesherer, from the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, to discuss what District 17 residents and Nebraskans as a whole can expect when the Nation’s energy resources are drained. I came away from our conversation very thankful for the hard work NREA does to provide excellent service and customer relationships with the people of our District. 

THANK YOU TRUCKING INDUSTRY 

When the weather gets as cold as it did this week, additional commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers are called on to transport fuel to meet the increased energy needs. In response, Governor Pete Ricketts signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency, facilitating the granting of a waiver that allowed motor vehicles and carriers to operate for extended hours effective February 15-19. I want to say a special “thank you” to those in the trucking industry in District 17 and across this great State, for their hard work and extraordinary efforts. Similar to this summer when Covid hit us so hard, truckers across Nebraska are carrying the supplies needed for our citizens to be able to thrive. Thank you for your amazing fortitude and diligence. We appreciate you! 

INHERITANCE TAX RELIEF BILL

This has been an intense week in the Revenue Committee hearing bills relating to Nebraska’s inheritance taxes. Nebraska currently has the nation’s top inheritance tax rate, 18%, on remote relatives and non-related heirs. Of the six states that currently impose inheritance taxes, only two states, Nebraska and Pennsylvania, have chosen to tax lineal heirs (children and grandchildren), while the others exempt these relatives. Inheritance Taxes have changed significantly in the state since 2007.

Senator Robert Clements of Elmwood is introducing LB310 which would cut state inheritance tax rates while increasing the amount of property value that is exempt from the tax. Nebraska is one of only six states that impose an inheritance tax. Inheritance tax revenue, which is collected by counties, has increased by approximately 5 percent per year for the past 27 years, much faster than inflation. This  bill would cut rates in half on each of the three classes of beneficiaries subject to the tax over three years while allowing exemptions to increase at a rate close to inflation. LB310, would modernize Nebraska’s tax code. Most states repealed their inheritance and estate taxes after a federal tax change in the early 2000’s.

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods February 11, 2021, and February 18, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +14 (3841) 

Thurston County: +4 (1090) 

Wayne County: +10 (1031) 

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.