This past week committee public hearings began on those bills introduced this session. There were 597 bills introduced this session and, when added to those introduced last session, brought us up to a total of 1,417 bills for the biennium. Due to a shorter session, there are more bills heard in a committee hearing than during a 90-day session. I serve on the Education and Revenue Committees. The Education Committee meets on Mondays and Tuesdays while the Revenue Committee meets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Education Committee has 82 bills to hear and 14 Gubernatorial appointments to approve in 7 hearing days. The Revenue Committee has 87 bills and 3 Gubernatorial appointments to approve in 18 hearing days. As you can see there is much work to be done in a short amount of time.

On Thursday, January 25th, we heard the State of the Judiciary address from Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican. He talked about the excellent judicial branch judges and support staff, problem-solving courts, probation, language interpreter services, the Office of Public Guardian, and their much needed technology upgrades. There are 100 vacancies statewide out of over 1,600 employees, but they now exceed pre-pandemic staffing levels. The turnover rate has dropped to just over 5% and the vacancy rate branch-wide is less than 8%. These are significant improvements as he noted the Legislature’s recent partnership to help address workforce shortages by funding salary increases for judicial branch staff. He talked about how Nebraska Probation and Problem-Solving Courts are the taxpayers’ friend as it saves the taxpayer money. The average cost of incarceration in Nebraska is $41,000 per person per year while the average cost of probation is $3,500 per person per year and the annual average cost of participants involved in a problem-solving court is approximately $4,400. He then talked about the Office of Public Guardian. The Legislature created the Office of Public Guardian and placed it in the Judicial Branch in 2015 because of the lack of guardians in Nebraska to serve vulnerable, incapacitated adults. These are mostly elderly, mentally ill and medically fragile individuals who lack cognitive capacity and are susceptible to financial exploitation and neglect. The Office of Public Guardian was created to serve as guardian of last resort for individuals when no one else is available. The demand for assistant public guardians far exceeds the current capacity to respond The Office of Public Guardian has had a waiting list since 2018. He finished his address by noting the need for self-contained IT infrastructure for the judicial branch to assist people who are hard of hearing and to address potential security threats. He mentioned the cyberattack that compromised sensitive personal information in the Kansas court system. “Kansas serves as a warning for the rest of us,” Heavican said. “If the Kansas Supreme Court fell victim to a sophisticated foreign cyberattack, without needed upgrades, we must consider ourselves equally vulnerable.” (Portions of this taken from: “Chief justice highlights judicial branch progress, challenges”. Unicameral Update. January 25, 2024. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=35087)

Governor Jim Pillen was in South Sioux City on Tuesday, January 23rd to host a town hall. He did share that he is focused on kids, taxes, agriculture and values in 2024. The main topic he covered was addressing property taxes. He has heard complaints from people about not being able to afford to stay in their homes because of the state’s high property tax rate. Governor Pillen is pushing a plan to reduce property taxes in Nebraska by 40 percent. I continue to work on the Governor’s Property Tax plan to help meet this goal. Many bills were introduced to help address this issue. We will look at all of them and come up with the best way to help all Nebraskans. (Portions of this taken from: McNett, Jared. “Pillen: ‘We have to fix property tax’”. Sioux City Journal. 25, January, 2024. https://shorturl.at/jsxV8)

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and GROW Nebraska Announce Statewide Availability of the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act Program, Invite Pre-Applications for Program Benefits. The DED, in collaboration with GROW Nebraska Foundation, is pleased to announce the statewide availability of the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act (NSBAA) Program. The purpose of this program is to support individuals looking to start a small business or seeking to expand a small business they opened within the past 5 years. Under the program, a small business is defined as a business with no more than five full-time equivalent employees based on hours worked (not including the business owner). The NSBAA Program provides two benefits to qualified individuals:

1. Funding to access professional services: These include services such as strategic planning, accounting and budgeting, tax return preparation, payroll processes, website development, or assistance setting up an LLC.
2. Grants for both new businesses and existing businesses: Grant funding can be used for eligible business purposes including, but not limited to: startup costs working capital, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, or purchase/renovation of a place of business

                a. Applicants for a new business grant could receive up to a $25,000 grant.
                b. Applicants for an existing business grant could receive up to a $12,500 grant.

Given strong interest in the program, priority will be given to individuals with developed business concepts that 1) clearly identify targeted customer markets and 2) forecast revenues for three years, providing detailed projections of sales in year one. Additional information on the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act Program is available on DED’s website: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/sbaa/. (Ellingson, Kate. “DED and GROW Nebraska Announce Statewide Availability of the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act Program, Invite Pre-Applications for Program Benefits”. Department of Economic Development News Release. 25 January, 2024. https://shorturl.at/gFGMU)

On Friday, January 26th, I attended the Nebraska Right to Life Gala in Lincoln. At this event, I was awarded the Julie Schmit-Albin Leadership Award for my work on pro-life legislation over the past 7 years in the Nebraska Legislature. I am honored to receive this award. Julie worked tirelessly with me on my first pro-life bill and was right by my side every step of the way. When I arrived at the Nebraska Legislature in 2017, I thought I was coming to deal with property taxes. Little did I know that I had been called to work on pro-life issues. I have been pro-life my entire life and I feel honored to carry the title of Pro-Life Senator. I may be done serving as a State Senator, but I will never stop fighting for the unborn.

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

I hope you are staying safe and warm as we are in the midst of a very cold and snowy January. Again, I would like to thank the Emergency Managers, first responders, law enforcement, and road workers for all their hard work during this cold and snowy few weeks.

On Thursday, January 18th, Governor Pillen gave his State of the State Address to the Legislative body. He talked about the winter weather we have had and how Nebraskans stepped up to help other Nebraskans as has been done before. State troopers, sheriff’s deputies, police officers, other first responders, and snow fighters from across the state moved swiftly to rescue those trapped by the storms, clear roads, and dig out our communities and agriculture. He then reminded us of the many good things that took place during his first year as Governor. He reminded us that our kids are our future and we never ever give up on our kids. With that in mind, we took major steps to make sure the state meets its school funding promises to every kid in every district by investing $1 billion into the Education Future Fund to support K-12 education. This included a critical step forward in foundation aid of $1500 per student and overdue increases in special education funding. We passed the Opportunity Scholarships Act which will ensure that needy students from every corner of our state have a chance at a good education at a school that will be the best fit for them. We took a big first step toward addressing mental health challenges with the unanimous creation of certified community behavioral health clinics. We agreed that state government was spending too much and taxing its people too much. We passed a historic fiscal conservative budget with only 2% growth. We agreed that taxing our seniors’ social security is not the Nebraska way and ended it. We finally made our income tax codes competitive with our neighbors by reducing income tax rates to 3.99% by 2027. We supported value-added agriculture by increasing consumer ethanol access. We created and strengthened the Nebraska Broadband Office, which will leverage once-in-a-generation resources to ensure rural Nebraska businesses and farms can connect to a global economy. We defended the unborn by restricting abortions beyond 12 weeks. We will continue to embrace life here in Nebraska with the launch of a yearlong “Culture of Life and Love Initiative”. It will provide resources to expecting moms, especially those in crisis and who need support more than ever. We Nebraskans are a people grounded in values: faith, family, freedom, life, and love. We are a place of rich opportunity and one of the safest places to live in the world to raise a family. We have the gift of belief. Among our greatest strengths is that we believe we can compete with anyone, anywhere in the world and we can. (Strimple, Laura and Schafer, Jacy. “Governor Pillen 2024 State of State Address”. 18 January, 2024. https://shorturl.at/aqFN3)

News from Governor Pillen’s Office
Governor Pillen issued Executive Order 24-2 to produce and preserve electricity in the face of energy demands resulting from the recent snow storm and subzero temperatures. Power providers are permitted to take steps necessary to meet ongoing demands. At the same time, entities with an ability to generate electricity are asked to take actions that will ensure preservation of the electrical grid. The Governor’s order is effective immediately and will remain in effect through February 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (Strimple, Laura and Schafer, Jacy. “Gov. Pillen Temporarily Waves Regulations on Nebraska’s Power Providers’ Ability to Produce Electricity”. Governor Pillen Press Release. 16 January, 2024. https://shorturl.at/boAQ8)

Two bills were introduced this past week aimed at pushing back against foreign adversarial influence in Nebraska. Senator Barry DeKay (District 40) introduced legislation to modernize laws related to foreign-owned agriculture land (LB1301). This bill will continue the state’s prohibition on foreign persons or foreign-owned companies from owning agricultural land. It tightens existing exemptions on industrial use and ownership by foreign adversaries in areas near critical military installations. This bill directs the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to review land purchases and sets forth a process for divestment of entities determined to be violating the law. Senator Bostar (District 29) introduced legislation requiring the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to audit all critical procurements of the state to determine what affect a conflict in the Pacific would have on state supply chains (LB1300). This proposed measure also restricts public entities from contracting with companies owned by foreign adversaries with specific regard to communication technologies. “I am proud to work with a bipartisan group of senators on both of these priorities to help protect Nebraskans against our foreign adversaries,” added Governor Pillen. (Strimple, Laura and Schafer, Jacy. “Governor Pillen & Senators Push Back Against Foreign Adversaries”. Governor Pillen Press Release. 16 January, 2024. https://shorturl.at/qvBCD)

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

Winter has once again reared its head with two winter storms back to back in the same week. A huge thank you goes out to the road crews that go out to clear county roads and highways so those who need to travel can get where they need to safely. Another thank you goes out to the Emergency Managers in District 17 that keep us informed and stay on top of changing weather patterns to keep the public abreast of the changes. I would like to thank the police officers and first responders for all their work to help those in need and for their work during cold and snowy weather. Your work does not go unnoticed. I want to remind you that if it is recommended that you stay home and off the roads, you should heed the warnings so you and others can go home safely to your families. Just a few reminders as winter continues in the coming months:

• The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) recommends checking 511, the state’s travel information system, before traveling. Details include road conditions and traffic cameras, in addition to weather radar and more.
• Have an emergency preparedness kit for each vehicle.
• The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) reminds motorists to maintain speed in accordance with road conditions, allowing for extra stopping distance between vehicles and adding extra driving time. Give snowplows plenty of room, especially when they are actively clearing snow or spreading salt and sand. Motorists in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555. That number is answered 24 hours a day.

Rules
On Monday, January 8th, the Rules Committee held their public hearing on the proposed rules. The Committee then voted out 17 potential rule changes to be debated on the floor. Due to weather delays, we didn’t begin debating the rules until Thursday, January 11th. During the six hours of debate, we did adopt two less controversial changes in hopes of restricting tactics that many senators portrayed as stifling meaningful debate. Of the two rules passed, one would prohibit a second vote on the same day on a priority motion to kill a bill or recommit it to committee if such a motion had already come to a vote. Another change would allow cloture votes–to cut off debate–on legislative motions, instead of just bills. Rules debate will take place again on Tuesday, January 16th. Speaker Arch has set a deadline of January 19th to complete deliberations over rules changes. Time is limited this session as we only have 60 short days to consider dozens of bills. As of Friday, January 12th, there have been 379 bills introduced and bill introduction will finish on Wednesday, January 17th. (Hammel, P. (11 January, 2024). “Debate over legislative rules moves slowly on mostly noncontroversial changes”. Nebraska Examiner. https://shorturl.at/eopBJ.)

News from Governor Pillen’s office
Governor Pillen has declared January as ‘Human Trafficking Awareness Month’. The governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and State Patrol Superintendent Colonel John Bolduc for the proclamation signing. The event highlighted Nebraska’s efforts in the last year to combat human trafficking in Nebraska including the adoption of a new human trafficking hotline. “Together through all these efforts, we can uncover and stop human trafficking in our state and protect the dignity of human life. I would ask everyone to join me, Attorney General Hilgers, and Colonel Bolduc in this fight by becoming more informed, staying vigilant, and telling law enforcement when you see signs of human trafficking,” said Governor Pillen. Following the proclamation signing, Attorney General Hilgers highlighted the following from the newly published report by the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force (NHTTF):

• 2,700 people trained across a spectrum of agencies and organizations to recognize human trafficking and its impacts
• In 2022 alone, 13 defendants were convicted of sex trafficking charges\
• In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB1246, which includes a confidentiality provision for victims as well as a requirement for those convicted to register as sex offenders
  The new hotline number has been very effective in producing tips about human trafficking, an average of 12 calls per month since it went into effect.

The hotline number is 1-833-PLS-LOOK or 1-833-757-5665. It is manned 24 hours a day by a highly trained dispatcher. To learn more, go to https://ago.nebraska.gov/nebraska-human-trafficking-task-force. (Strimple, Laura and Gage, John. “Governor Pillen Declares January ‘Human Trafficking Awareness Month’. Governor Pillen Press Release. 10 January, 2023. https://shorturl.at/mntuP)

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

Happy New Year from Lincoln, NE. As I begin my final session as your representative, I am looking forward to the upcoming legislative session. I am humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to represent you for the past 7 years at the Nebraska Legislature.  It has been an amazing privilege for me to represent District 17 in Northeast Nebraska. I so appreciate those of you who have supported me and made this an awesome experience and having the opportunity to make Nebraska a better place to call home.

As I reflect on being in public service for the past 20 years–8 years on City Council, 4 years on County Board, and 8 years as a State Senator– I look fondly over serving the public who voted me into these various offices. Whether I represent the public or I am home on the farm, I will always care about life from conception to natural death, have a passion for children and families, and respect for businesses in rural and urban communities. When I came to the State Legislature 7 years ago, I came prepared to work on property taxes and less regulations. Little did I know I would become the pro-life Senator and work on pro-life legislation throughout my 8 years as a State Senator. 

Over the past three months, I have been a member of Governor Pillen’s Property Tax Working Group. This group has met regularly to discuss different ideas on how to address the high property taxes in Nebraska. We looked at a lot of options, including eliminating some current sales tax exemptions. Governor Pillen has proposed to raise the state sales tax rate by 2 cents, from 5.5 cents to 7.5 cents. Revenue from the 36% hike in sales taxes would be used to help lower local property taxes. Under the proposal, groceries would continue to be tax-exempt in the state, but the cost of other goods, such as automobiles, clothes and supplies such as diapers, would see a jump. The 2-cent increase is just the starting point and it could be amended lower. (Hammel, P (3 January, 2024). “Gov. Pillen loads up pitch to raise state sales tax by 2 cents, to shift taxes away from property”. Nebraska Examiner. https://shorturl.at/ejmnI.) Governor Pillen’s property tax reform proposal is not necessarily the finished product. Changes will be coming. We will meet again on January 11th. Property Tax relief is coming, but I am not sure what formula will get us there. Stay tuned as there is more to come before property tax reform is complete.

The first 10 days of the Legislative Session are spent introducing new potential legislation. In the first three days, 216 new bills were introduced ranging from bills regarding housing, child care, farming, K9 care, prescriptions, poverty, petitions, and postpartum coverage. More bills will be introduced until Day 10 on Wednesday, January 17th. We will begin rules debate on Wednesday, January 10th. I will be sharing more of our activities in coming weeks.

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

There are only a few days left in 2023 before looking forward to a brand new year in 2024. I hope you enjoy celebrating with family or friends. I always enjoy new beginnings and look forward to the year ahead. From our office to you and your family–Happy New Year!

Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millenia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year, and watching fireworks displays. (History.com editors. “New Year’s”. History.com. 28 November, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/new-years)

Upcoming 2024 Session preview
Last week I shared with you some of the bills I have introduced and they have the ability to be voted out of committee and onto the floor for full and fair debate. This week I would like to share the rest of the bills to be considered.

• LB440–Change provisions relating to certain school taxes and special funds–This bill clarifies that the special tax (building fund) under §79-10,120, could not be used to build a new school building, add additional footage to an existing school building, or purchase sites upon which new buildings will be located. School districts looking to use the building fund to build new buildings, add additional square footage to an existing school building, or purchase land for the site of a new building, must receive approval through a vote of its citizens at a general or special election under §79-1098.
• LB441–Change provisions relating to obscenity–This bill repeals the exemption for those in educational institutions providing obscenity to minors in grades K-12.
• LB635–Provide requirements regarding access to digital and online resources provided for students by school districts, schools, and the Nebraska Library Commission–This bill would ensure that vendors and providers of digital and online resources (databases) to school children in K-12 grades filter and block materials illegally obscene and harmful to minors and verify to the schools or Nebraska Library Commission that they have done so and to cause the Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Department of Education to submit an annual report.

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

Thank you for visiting my website. It is an honor to represent the people of the 17th legislative district in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature.

You’ll find my contact information on the right side of this page, as well as a list of the bills I’ve introduced this session and the committees on which I serve. Please feel free to contact me and my staff about proposed legislation or any other issues you would like to address.

Sincerely,
Sen. Joni Albrecht

Christmas is quickly approaching and I hope your home is decorated, your gift shopping done, Christmas cards written, and your goodie baking finished. I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. (History.com editors. “History of Christmas”. History.com. 21 December, 2022. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas)

Upcoming 2024 Session preview
The 2024 session begins on Wednesday, January 3rd. Last year 820 bills were introduced and many of those were carried over to this session as they were still in committee or were ready for floor debate. I introduced 13 bills last session and all of them have had their public hearings. I would like to go over the bills that were carried over. Knowing that this session is my final session, I have carried several of these bills in previous sessions. My hope is that many would be apart of this next session’s agenda or committee priority bills. I would like to see them come to the floor for full and fair debate.

• LB606–Adopt the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act and provide tax credits–The purpose of this bill is to provide greater support to pregnant and parenting women in need. Pregnancy Help Organizations serve under-supported pregnant women by providing services to them at no cost that include pregnancy testing, pregnancy and prenatal care education, counseling, food, clothing, housing, transportation, parenting and life skills classes, child care, licensed medical care, referrals to additional community services and material help, personal relationships, and strong local support networks, all of which are crucial for their physical, emotional and familial well-being. This bill encourages increased private contributions to pregnancy help organizations in Nebraska through the creation of a tax credit.
• LB442–State intent to transfer funds to the Livestock Growth Act Cash Fund–This proposed legislation would allocate $2 million dollars from the general fund to the Livestock Growth Act Cash Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture to provide funding to counties who participate in the Livestock Friendly County Program. The Director of Agriculture shall use such funding to administer the grant program as set forth in §54-2803.
• LB605–Change provision of the Mental Health Practice Act to include protections and requirements for certified art therapists–This bill will amend sections of the Uniform Credentialing Act and Mental Health Practice Act to provide for licensing of qualified art therapists as Licensed Mental Health Practitioners and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioners with a credential as a Certified Art Therapist. The bill provides for the certification to be administered by the Mental Health Practice Board.
• LB637–Require members of the public to be allowed to speak at each meeting subject to the Open Meetings Act–This bill will require, under Nebraska Revised Statute, Sec. 84-1412, that members of the public be afforded opportunity to speak at any public meeting subject to the Open Meetings Act.
• LB636–Prohibit political subdivisions from restricting certain energy services–The purpose of this bill is to allow Nebraskans to continue to choose the fuel of their choice. Cities and counties would be prohibited from enacting or implementing any ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, or policy that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting, the connection or reconnection of any natural gas utility; a natural gas transmission company; or a retail marketer or dispenser of propane, electric, natural gas, propane, or other energy utility service.

News from Governor Pillen’s office
On December 10, 2023 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations put out a global roadmap on how agrifood systems transformation through accelerated climate actions will help achieve food security and nutrition, today and tomorrow. Following their report, Representative Mike Flood submitted a House Resolution disapproving of recommendations by the United Nations to reduce meat consumption in the United States. In part it says “Whereas meat is a nutrient-rich source of protein that is enjoyed by many people in the United States and efficiently delivers calories and vitamins, greatly contributing to the world’s food security; Whereas the United States is the largest producer of beef; Whereas according to the Foreign Agriculture Service, in 2022, the United States exported 1,000,000 metric tons of beef valued $11.71 billion”. There is more in his resolution and you can read more at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dxie2vqo1wc41sq7p8dd4/FLOOD_Meat-Resolution.pdf?rlkey=ylnjpjbv5htf411ps9n37jbwk&dl=.
Governor Pillen then put out a statement on December 11th stating “I appreciate Congressman Flood’s leadership on this very important issue. The United Nations’ radical attack on agriculture undermines the livelihoods of Nebraska farmers and ranchers, as well as those in other states where agriculture is an economic driver. Anti-agriculture activism damages the world’s food system and hurts the hungry. In Nebraska, our farmers and ranchers raise their products using sustainable methods, designed to protect the land and resources on which they rely. I urge the House of Representatives to pass Congressman Flood’s resolution, recognizing Nebraska’s collective role in feeding the world and saving the planet.” (Strimple, Laura and Schafer, Jacy. “Governor Pillen Statement in Response to the United Nations Food Strategy”. Governor Pillen Press Release. 11 December, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-statement-response-united-nations-food-strategy)

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

Hanukkah or Chanukah begins December 7 and ends on December 15, 2023. This eight day Jewish celebration commemorates the rededication during the second century B. C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. (History.com authors. “Hanukkah”. History.com. 27 November, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah) I would like to wish those who celebrate this holiday a Happy Hanukkah.

As part of a statewide study of nitrate pollution in Nebraska aquifers, the state is asking owners of private drinking water wells to conduct a free test of their water. Widespread public participation in the free sampling program is key to ensuring that the nitrate study accurately encompasses private drinking water wells in the state, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). The free sample kits and lab analyses are offered to all Nebraskans with a private drinking water well. The free nitrate sample kits are available until January 31st by accessing the website https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Lab-Price-List.aspx or by calling NDEE at (402) 471-2186. The kits come with sampling instructions and prepaid return postage.
If a private well’s results are above 10 parts per million of nitrate, owners may be eligible for up to $4,000 in rebates to obtain a reverse osmosis treatment system. Applications for the rebates must be submitted by June 30, 2024. Learn more about the Reverse Osmosis (RO) Rebate Program on NDEE’s website http://dee.ne.gov/Publica.nsf/pages/22-051. The NDEE accepts and reviews RO rebate applications on a month-to-month basis. (Hammel, Paul. “State asks owners of private wells to test their water, to help with statewide study of nitrate in aquifers”. Nebraska Examiner. 4 December, 2023. https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-asks-owners-of-private-wells-to-test-their-water-to-help-with-statewide-study-of-nitrate-in-aquifers/ Accessed 6 December, 2023)

I am excited to announce that the state-approved scholarship granting organization, Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska (OSN), is now available to families at www.nebraska opportunity.org. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit helps implement the Opportunity Scholarships Act (LB753). They do this by empowering parents to choose the best educational setting for their child(ren) through awarding nonpublic school tuition scholarships and providing access to school options. OSN serves students and families statewide.
In January, OSN will begin accepting contributions which will be used for scholarship funds to be awarded for the 2024-2025 school year. Taxpayers can apply for tax credit contributions in January 2024. If you would like to apply for a tax credit contribution, contact OSN at info@nebraskaopportunity.org or visit https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/giving to hold your place in line. OSN will get in touch when it’s time to apply.
As a parent, you will need to connect with your nonpublic school of choice about enrollment and ask if they are partnering with OSN. You, the school, and OSN will work together to finalize the application process. Go to https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/ and fill out the survey. This will ensure OSN can contact you when it’s time to begin the process.
A qualified school is any nonpublic, privately operated elementary or secondary school in Nebraska that fulfills the applicable accreditation or approval requirements established by the State Board of Education. Visit https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/partner-schools to fill out a partner form.
For more information on this program, go to https://www.nebraskaopportunity.org/.

Hats off to Kevin Domogalla and the Nebraska Department of Transportation District 3 crew for their work on Highway 9. It is a road I take frequently as I travel to Lincoln and I am so pleased that the bridges are completed. While under construction, I thought safety was of utmost importance. The lights were always working and the signage was easy to read. Thank you so much for the work that has been done on the highways and bridges in District 17. It is much appreciated.

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

Winter made its presence known the weekend after Thanksgiving. There were many accidents along with fatalities that happened over that weekend throughout Nebraska. On November 22nd, Governor Pillen and Agency Leaders put a focus on holiday and winter travel resources. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of their thoughts with you as we prepare to go into the holiday and winter seasons of the year. Governor Pillen, representatives from the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are offering reminders to drivers and encouraging precautions. “This is when many people hit the road to visit relatives and friends, both in and outside of the state,” said Governor Pillen. “What we want is for everyone to arrive at their destination safely, no matter what driving conditions they encounter.” Here are a few of the resources mentioned in the press release:

• NDOT recommends checking 511, the state’s travel information system. Details include road conditions and traffic cameras, in addition to weather radar and more. It is accessible on the website (www.511.nebraska.gov), through Nebraska’s 511 smartphone app and by dialing 511 directly. Travelers can also track the progress of state plows from www.plows.nebraska.gov, which is handy when snowy conditions move in.
• Emergency preparedness kit for each vehicle. NEMA recommends the following items be included: first aid kit, jumper cables, tire chains or snow tires, flares, flashlight with extra batteries, phone charger, tow rope, shovel, ice scraper, snow brush, sand or cat litter, water, snacks and food, blankets, and warm clothing. Drivers should ensure they have a full tank of gas before leaving town. All these things, plus keeping an eye on changing weather conditions, can make the difference between getting to the destination and becoming stranded on the side of the road.
• Brent Curtis, NEMA’s manager for preparedness, said it’s also important to “know how to receive emergency alerts, develop a communications plan in case family members are not together when winter weather strikes and know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm.”
• NSP has additional reminders that motorists should keep in mind this time of year. That includes maintaining speed in accordance with road conditions, allowing for extra stopping distance between vehicles and adding extra driving time. Snowplows should be given plenty of room, especially when actively clearing snow or spreading salt and sand. Motorists in need of assistance can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555. That number is answered 24 hours a day.

NDOT joins NSP and NEMA in encouraging drivers to make a travel plan that accounts for weather, traffic congestion, and personal safety. If motorists do become stranded, the best advice is to remain inside the vehicle until help arrives. “Before hitting the road, the most relevant question drivers should be asking is whether the trip is worth the risk,” said NSP Colonel Bolduc. “That’s a good gut check, before you find yourself in a situation you can’t control.” (Strimple, Laura. “Gov. Pillen & Agency Leaders Focus on Holiday and Winter Travel Resources”. Governor Pillen Press Release. 22 November, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-agency-leaders-focus-holiday-and-winter-travel-resources)

During the month of October, 37 of my colleagues and I signed a resolution to affirm support for Israel and to condemn Hamas. On November 22nd, Govern Pillen issued a proclamation announcing actions to fight antisemitism and support Nebraska’s Jewish communities. “From the day Hamas started this war, Nebraskans have stood in strong support of Israel,” Governor Pillen said. “Now more than ever, we must recommit our support for America’s greatest ally. Tragically, despite the clear justifications for Israel’s defensive action in Gaza, activists and politicians have used propaganda and misinformation to try to deceive people into believing a false equivalence between Israeli military efforts and Hamas terror. This has fueled antisemitism across the country and must be stopped immediately.” This proclamation specifically condemns public statements and demonstrations that seek to normalize or justify terrorist violence and support for Hamas, and it denounces statements by any politician or activist which seek to draw a false equivalence between Hamas’ barbaric terror attacks and Israel’s legitimate defensive actions to protect its people. It also reaffirms the State of Nebraska’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Governor Pillen has designated Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly to serve as liaison between Nebraska’s Jewish and other faith communities and state law enforcement authorities to ensure that as security threats against those communities emerge, they are channeled to and addressed promptly by the appropriate officials. (Strimple, Laura. “Gov. Pillen Issues Proclamation, Announces Actions to Fight Antisemitism and Support Nebraska’s Jewish Communities”. Governor Pillen Press Release. 22 November, 2023. https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-issues-proclamation-announces-actions-fight-antisemitism-and-support-nebraska%E2%80%99s)

Congratulations go out to Jacob Gill, South Sioux City, for achieving his Eagle Scout rank! He earned this rank on August 30, 2023 with the help of Boy Scout Troop 149 from South Sioux City. His Eagle Scout Project was to build NEW Flag Retirement Boxes for four local organizations of South Sioux City: First Lutheran Church of South Sioux City, American Legion Post 307, Omadi Masonic Lodge, and the recently opened Siouxland Freedom Park Interpretive Center. To close out his project, he held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Siouxland Freedom Park on July 15, 2023. From all the collection boxes that were placed around, he collected and retired nearly 400 American flags with the help of Boy Scout Troop 149 and American Legion Post 307. He will be awarded his Eagle Scout on Sunday, December 3, 2023. What an amazing accomplishment! (Gill, Jacob. “Eagle Scout”. Received by Glenda Ward, 15 November, 2023)

Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne Pillen invite ALL Nebraskans to the Governor’s Residence for the first annual HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. This is a FREE event for the entire family. Events include Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus, horse drawn carriage rides, hayrack rides, live nativity scene, face painting, balloon artist, hot cocoa and cookies, and more. I hope you are able to make the trip to Lincoln and attend this event at the Governor’s residence backyard at 1425 H Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.

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

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoyed time with family and friends, and counted your blessings. It is such a blessing living in the State of Nebraska. Preparations are underway for the upcoming session as we review legislation that we will bring in 2024.

This week I will share with you about the Nebraska Retirement Systems priority bill, LB103, which changes provisions of the County Employees Retirement Act, the Judges Retirement Act, the Nebraska State Patrol Retirement Act, the School Employees Retirement Actm and the State Employees Retirement Act.

• LB103 makes technical changes to a bill passed in 2022 (LB700) that codified retirement practices and rules for certified teachers covered by the State Code Agency Teachers Association (SCATA) contract who previously or subsequently are employed by a school district, educational service unit (ESU), or any other state agency.
• LB104 changes the state, county, judges, school, and state patrol retirement plans by raising the age from 72 to 73 for required minimum distributions (RMD) in order to align with recently passed federal legislation. The RMD age will increase to 75 beginning in 2033.
• LB105 changes various retirement plans to align with federal legislation that changes the definition of military service to include preparations for military service, rest and recovery after military service and state active service.
• LB160 changes the supplemental retirement benefit rate for counties that participate in the County Employees Retirement Plan by increasing from 1% to 2% of compensation in counties with a population of 85,000 or less. The rate in counties with a population greater than 85,000 increases from 2% to 3%. This change applies to all Nebraska counties except Douglas and Lancaster, which do not participate in the county plan. (Taken from “Session Review: Nebraska Retirement Systems”. Unicameral Update. July 21, 2023. http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?cat=16)

I was so happy to be in Pender on Tuesday, November 21st to attend Pender’s 2023 National Blue Ribbon School award. I enjoyed listening to all the speakers talk about their pride in attending Pender Public Schools and being a Pendragon. The student essays were great. You could hear the pride in their voices as they talked about what it means to be a Pender Pendragon. Coach Bill Busch talked about being a student at Pender and how much his teacher, Rae Brown (a teacher at Pender for over 40 years), meant to him. I am very proud of the work that the administration, teachers, staff, parents, and students do to make Pender the school that it is. Because of the work done, they are nationally recognized for their accomplishments in educating students. On behalf of the State of Nebraska, Governor Pillen gave a great congratulatory speech. He encouraged the students to become teachers and reminded them of the importance of showing up and giving your best. Congratulations to the Pender Pendragons on their National Blue Ribbon award.

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