Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
November 18, 2011

The third week of the special session has just ended, and we have two more days to go before we adjourn until regular session in January. This special session has been a remarkable experience. When I arrived in Lincoln on November 1st, I did not know if any bills would be advanced out of the Natural Resources Committee. Two bills dealing with pipelines did advance and are headed for passage. LB 1 will set up laws for all future pipeline projects. LB 4 will address all pipeline issues that are currently underway, including the Keystone XL Pipeline. Speaker Flood of Norfolk has worked with all sides on the pipeline issue, including TransCanada, the Sierra Club, the labor unions and various landowners. TransCanada has agreed to look for another route through Nebraska, which will avoid the most fragile parts of the Ogallala Aquifer and the Sand Hills. In return, Nebraska has agreed to pay for the environmental impact statement along the new route, which will cost between $1 and $2 million. This approach should get the project moving in months instead of years.

I am not totally pleased with the final results of the special session, but will support the compromise. The next question will be whether a court challenge will ensue, and if so, will the legislation we pass in special session hold up. I am also concerned that we may have harmed our chances for future contracts that would benefit Nebraska.

You, as constituents, should know that I intend to look into the possibility of establishing an oil refinery in Nebraska. I know that with all the environmental regulations, this is a long shot, but if we truly wish to “grow Nebraska,” I think we need to at least look at the possibility.

I received some very disturbing information from my colleague, Senator LeRoy Louden of Ellsworth. The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed changes to the Current Federal Agricultural Child Labor Provisions. These changes would greatly affect many farm and ranch families, and the ability for our children to gain hands on experience while working with their families. Children under 16 could not operate any power equipment, including tractors, riding lawnmowers, push lawnmowers, and other equipment if in the employment of someone other than their parents (this means even grandparents, uncles, aunts, and neighbors). Young people under 16 could not mow lawns to earn spending money.

Children under 16 would also be excluded from working on a farm in a yard, pen or stall occupied by an intact male equine, porcine, bovine or bison older than six months, a sow with suckling pigs or a cow with new born calf (with umbilical cord present). They cannot engage or assist in animal husbandry practices that inflict pain upon the animal. Poultry catching or cooping in preparation for slaughter or market is prohibited. Children under 16 cannot herd animals in confined spaces such as feed lots or corrals, on horseback, or using motorized vehicles such as trucks or all terrain vehicles.

The intent of these changes, I am told, is to protect youth from injury or harm. The proposed changes, however, deny children the important opportunity to get the hands on knowledge and experience gained by working side by side with their families. I believe these changes are not so much to protect “children” but are actually further infringements by big government on our rights as Americans. We are taking another step down the road of telling young folks that they cannot do anything. Then, we wonder why when they sometimes don’t.

I would encourage everyone to contact our U.S. Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns and ask them to fight these changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor. You can reach Senator Nelson’s Lincoln Office at 402 – 441 – 4600. The phone number for Senator Johann’s Lincoln Office is 402 – 476 – 1400.

Senator Greg Adams of York and his staff are preparing Christmas care packages for our deployed troops. I have offered my assistance with this project, and we are looking for names and addresses of Nebraska soldiers who are currently deployed overseas. If you have a loved one serving our Country overseas, please call my office at 402 – 471 – 2716 or email dbloomfield@leg.ne.gov with contact information by Thursday, December 1st. We will share that information with Senator Adams and try to get care packages sent to family members from District 17.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
November 10, 2011

Week two of the 2011 Special Session will be remembered as the week of committee hearings. The Nebraska Legislature, the only unicameral in the nation, holds a committee hearing for every bill that is introduced. Committee hearings are a special part of the whole legislative process, and it is the time where the public can participate directly with State Senators. I was especially proud of both the Natural Resources Committee and the Judiciary Committee this last week as I watched committee members patiently listen to hours of testimony. Committee hearings lasted into the evening for three nights in a row. Senators asked many questions of testifiers, and there was a lot of information provided to legislators over the past week. LB 4, introduced by Senator Chris Langemeier, is the only bill that was advanced out of either committee. I have not seen the amended version of the bill at the time of this writing. Floor debate on this bill will begin on Monday afternoon.

While two committees were hearing testimony on bills relating to the Keystone XL Pipeline, other committees held hearings to confirm new members of boards and commissions who were appointed by Governor Heineman. Hearings were also held on legislative resolutions that are substantive in nature (not congratulatory). The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard LR 12, introduced by Senator Lydia Brasch of Bancroft. This resolution honors the many volunteers and emergency responders who helped with the 2011 flooding of the Missouri River. It recognizes the extensive damage to both people and property caused by the flooding. LR 12 encourages the Governor, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Congress and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue their efforts to develop preemptive measures and other policies and practices that will help to avoid such a disaster from ever occurring again. I attended and testified in favor of LR 12 at this hearing.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
November 4, 2011

Special session began this week. Governor Dave Heineman summoned State Senators to Lincoln for the purpose of, “Enacting legislation relating to oil pipelines.” Six bills have been introduced during the first three days of the special session, when bill introduction was allowed. (One of the bills, LB 2, is a “housekeeping” bill that allows for funds to be provided to pay for the special session.)
 
LB 1 was introduced by Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton. The state would have siting authority by giving the Public Service Commission the power to review an application for the route of a major oil pipeline. All oil pipeline applicants would have to be approved under a public interest test before they are granted the power of eminent domain. LB 3 was introduced by Senator Bill Avery of Lincoln. It would require pipeline companies to have approval to build pipelines before initiating eminent domain. LB 4, introduced by Senator Chris Langemeier of Schuyler, would require companies wanting to build major pipelines in the state to apply to the Department of Environmental Quality for a permit. A panel appointed by the Governor would review each application, and make a recommendation to the Governor. The Governor would then make a decision on the pipeline. Senator Ken Haar of Malcolm introduced LB 5, which would create an “exclusion zone” where pipelines larger than eight inches in diameter could not run without permission from the Public Service Commission. Senator Avery introduced an additional bill, LB 6, which would require companies to post a $500 million bond. This bond would be made available to landowners and counties to restore any damages to land, infrastructure, or natural resources. There will be public hearings on these five pipeline bills next week.  We will have to wait to see which if any of these bills survive the committee hearing process and reach the full Legislature for floor debate. 

On Friday, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee met and received another in a long string of disturbing reports on the Department of Health’s Children and Family Services Division and their efforts to privatize services. The Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee reported that this division failed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis in advance of the multimillion dollar effort to privatize the state child welfare services. Clear goals and timetables were not set for the reform, and only modest progress had been made in key areas earlier cited to justify privatization. It is now up to the Health Committee to study the various reports and testimony received at hearings, and propose legislation to redirect the Department of Health. It seems like an overwhelming task just to begin the process of trying to fix the problems we have found at the Nebraska Department of Health. Our children in need deserve better, and so do our hardworking citizens who pay the taxes on these services.  Let me point out though, that while there are problems in the system, we have found no attempt or intent to defraud the taxpayers of Nebraska.  It is clear that mistakes have been made, we must now make corrections and do what we can to address the issues involved.  
 
It is also disturbing to learn that Nebraska and Iowa have felt the need to withdraw from the Missouri River Association of States and Tribes because of a dispute over how to manage the river. The governors of these two states have viewed this group as unresponsive to their concerns of pursuing more aggressive flood control.  I agree with the decision that our Governor Heineman and Iowa’s Gov Branstad were forced to reach.  It saddens me that Montana’s Governor Schweitzer argues that more aggressive flood control would infringe on his state’s wildlife and recreation industries. I would hope the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who manages the more than 2,300 mile long river, will not allow the flooding damage we saw this year to reoccur again next year. People, communities, and agriculture are more important than wildlife and recreation.  We are talking about lives, homes, and food versus boating, water skiing and recreational fishing.  In my mind, there can be no viable comparison. 

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
October 21, 2011

I traveled to Lincoln again on Tuesday for another in a long series of Health and Human Services Committee hearings. The Legislature’s Health Committee continues to hear testimony from contracting agencies and other governmental divisions as well as private citizens who are involved in the efforts to privatize child welfare services. State Senators learned at Tuesday’s meeting, that the State of Nebraska is sending about $400,000 a month to other states for placement of state wards in group homes and treatment centers. This, while at the same time, more than twenty placement facilities in Nebraska have been closed since 2009 for various reasons, including financial and payment reasons, lack of referrals, and Medicaid eligibility changes. As of September, 2011, 74 of 139 state wards were placed in out-of-state residential treatment facilities, group homes, emergency shelters, medical facilities or detention centers. It is very troubling to learn that $400,000 of taxpayer money is leaving the state every month, (that is nearly 5 million Nebraska dollars a year) not to mention the jobs that were lost when the placement facilities in Nebraska were closed. This is another disturbing piece of information that Health Committee Members have learned through the hearings held across the State this interim. There is still no rose in the middle of this onion.

I was also disappointed to learn on Thursday, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a Nebraska law that kept protesters several hundred feet away from a funeral or memorial service. The Court’s opinion, based on a 2007 Missouri case, stated that peaceful protests near funerals are protected by the First Amendment’s right to free speech. The Topeka KS based Westboro Baptist Church filed the initial lawsuit against the State of Nebraska, saying the law banning peaceful protests was unconstitutional. For those who may not know about this “church,” its members protest at military funerals because they believe U.S. troop deaths are punishment for the Nation’s tolerance of homosexuality. As a Veteran and father of a National Guard soldier, I believe these protesters at military funerals are totally despicable. However, members of the military family have died in many wars so that Americans have the right to free speech (no matter how looney tunes it may appear). Attorney General Jon Bruning will ask the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review this case. It is very possible that this case will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. I would like to find a legal way to protect families who are burying their loved ones from encountering protests from members of this so called “church.” The Patriot Guard has done a very commendable job of separating the families from the protesters. I certainly hope that they and other groups (such as the American Legion Riders) will continue to attend and assist with military funerals in the future. It is almost enough to make me want to buy a bike.

Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk announced this week that he is not in favor of a special session of the Nebraska Legislature to look into the possibility of enacting legislation to attempt to reroute the TransCanada pipeline. It is possible that a presidential permit will be issued to TransCanada, Inc., by the end of the year to start building the Keystone XL Pipeline, which will run through the State of Nebraska. The power to stop this lies clearly with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, with the ultimate signature of President Barack Obama. I have received many calls from citizens and constituents on both sides of this issue, and I thank you all for taking the time to call my office. I do not expect that a special session will take place without the Governor calling the State Senators back to Lincoln and without the support of the Speaker of the Legislature. Both Governor Heineman and Speaker Flood believe the State of Nebraska could be involved in expensive lawsuits if Nebraska tries to change the proposed route at this late date. I tend to agree with them, I think “this train has already left the station.” I do believe that it would be wise for State Senators, during the 2012 legislative session, to establish State authority and guidelines for future crude oil pipelines that may be placed in our State. I also still think that while it would upset the “environmentalists”, building a new advanced refinery should be looked at. I do not think the state should own such a facility, but we certainly could encourage it.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
October 14, 2011

Last Friday, Governor Heineman appointed Plattsmouth Mayor L. Paul Lambert to the Nebraska Legislature. Senator Lambert, who took the oath of office on the same day his appointment was announced, will replace Senator Dave Pankonin who has resigned after five years in office. I am pleased to welcome a new colleague, who will represent Legislative District #2 (Cass County).

There are still questions as to whether or not a special session of the Nebraska Legislature will be held this year. Some legislators want to give Nebraska statutory authority to determine the route of the proposed TransCanada crude oil pipeline. This is an issue that is difficult to determine all of the facts as well as ramifications (legal and financial) of actions taken by any one state. Before the end of the year, Secretary of State Clinton will decide whether to issue a presidential permit to TransCanada Inc. to build this pipeline through the middle of the country. (Federal approval is necessary because the pipeline will cross the Canadian border and extend into the United States.) If the permit is issued, the building phase will soon begin.

Nebraska U.S. Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry have all questioned the siting of the pipeline, which would be built over the Ogallala Aquifer and in Nebraska’s Sand Hills. Governor Dave Heineman is in favor of the pipeline, but would like a different route than the one awaiting approval from the federal government. The Governor has refused to call the Legislature into special session because he is not sure any action can be agreed to by a majority of the state senators.

Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood of Norfolk held a meeting last week with top officials of TransCanada. Three other state senators joined him, and all asked for a route change for the proposed pipeline. TransCanada officials have thus far refused to change the route, which has been studied for several years, because a route change at this late date would delay the project. Speaker Flood and TransCanada representatives are still looking for agreements on ways to ensure the safety of Nebraska’s citizens and our State’s natural resources if the pipeline is built. The question of whether there will be a special session remains, as do many other questions surrounding the ability of the State to determine the pipeline route and legal liability if the State of Nebraska mandates a change at this late date. I have a hunch that legislation will be passed, in a regular session, which may not affect this pipeline but will give the State more say when future lines are discussed

As you all know, I was appointed to this position by the Governor in December of 2010, to fill out the term of Bob Giese who resigned the office. The time has now come when I must decide whether or not I choose to seek election to a full four year term. The general feeling seems to be that I would automatically seek that term. The fact is that a final decision has not yet been made. I am actively considering the possibility of not running. There are many factors to be considered in making such a decision. Serving as your representative to the State of Nebraska is a great honor and privilege, but it does not come without its challenges and draw backs. This is without doubt the most time consuming “part time” job I have ever been involved with, also the most satisfying. I would encourage anyone among you that has ever thought about serving your state or running for office to do so now. I also invite anyone considering that possibility to contact me, I will try to give you forthright and honest answers to questions you may have about “the job”. I would (whether I decide to run or not) like to see a primary with several candidates to choose among. It is good to have competition and let the voters decide. Due to a change in state law, I cannot file for election before December 1st, however, I can announce my intentions before that. I will try to let you all know what my decision is in early November. In either case, I will be your Senator until at least January of 2013 (God willing) and will do my best to serve you in that capacity.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
October 7, 2011 
 
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity, along with several other senators, to tour the ADM Ethanol Plant in Columbus. The Columbus Archer Daniels Midland Company operates an ethanol dry mill, a coal-fired cogeneration plant and a wet corn mill. The Columbus complex is the second largest ADM processing plant, behind the global headquarters in Decatur, IL. The wet mill and the dry mill combined produced more than one million gallons of ethanol per day. The plant employs approximately 450 people and has contributed greatly to the Columbus area economy, as well as that of the entire state. Columbus ADM receives most of its corn via truck. On average, 500 – 600 trucks deliver corn daily to the plant. The company tries to purchase most of the corn it uses from Nebraska farmers to support local and regional producers. The Columbus ADM Ethanol plant is very impressive and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to see it firsthand.

On Thursday I attended the inauguration ceremony at Wayne State College for their new President, Curt Frye. President Frye has previously served as Dean of Students, Vice President and interim President of Wayne State College. He mentioned the important role that the college plays in Nebraska’s higher education system by noting that one in every ten Nebraska teachers has a degree from Wayne State College. President Frye is also pleased with the high level of collaboration between Wayne State and Northeast Community College. Before working at Wayne State President Frye was a teacher and coach at Cody-Kilgore and a guidance counselor in Neligh and Wayne.

On Friday I traveled to Lincoln to attend two legislative hearings. In the morning the General Affairs Committee heard three resolutions: (1) LR 315 examining the history of simulcast horseracing in Nebraska since it was introduced in 1987; (2) LR 299 regarding the number of Nebraskans who go to neighboring states to gamble and the impact of casinos on state and local economies; and (3) LR 300 studying the feasibility of live horseracing conducted in Grand Island during the Nebraska State Fair.

Friday afternoon’s hearing was conducted by the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee. This Committee was formed several years ago when problems first became public at the Beatrice State Development Center in Beatrice, NE. Friday’s hearing was a very timely meeting with recent reports of abuse of disabled residents by staff members. It is extremely troubling that abuse has occurred again at this state facility. An internal investigation revealed that direct care staff hit, pushed or choked seven residents. Additional care staff members knew about the abuse but did not report it. A number of supervisors and “hands on” caregivers face discipline because the abuse occurred on their watch. This new abuse on vulnerable residents is totally unacceptable and must be addressed immediately. I would point out that the people involved in this are a very small percentage of the employees of this facility; the vast majority of whom are dedicated and loyal caregivers.

Fall harvest is in full swing. Please be careful in the fields and on the roads. We need all the good people of Nebraska, and don’t want to lose any of you.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
September 30, 2011

The week began on a somber note last Sunday with the John Douangdara Memorial Service in South Sioux City. Navy Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class Douangdara died on August 6th when the Chinook helicopter he was riding in was shot down in Wardak province, Afghanistan. The 185th Air Guard presented the colors. Speakers included Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and representatives from Senators Nelson and Johann’s offices. South Sioux City Councilman Rod Koch presented a Memorial Plaque. A Gold Star Banner was presented to the family by Chaplain Muller of the 185th. Reflections were offered by naval friends, a former high school teacher, a childhood friend, and one of John’s sisters. The American Legion recited a veteran’s prayer, and played “Taps.” I was honored to read a letter on behalf of Governor Dave Heineman and offer a few thoughts on this tremendous loss to John’s family, friends, and our community. I appreciate the efforts of those who organized this memorial service, and to those who took time out of their busy schedules to honor John Douangdara, one of our local fallen heroes, and his family.

On Wednesday, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee met in Omaha, Nebraska, for the final public hearing on LR 37. This interim study empowered the Legislature’s HHS Committee to review, investigate and assess the effect of the child welfare reform initiative implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services. In other words, we have traveled to various locations throughout the state this summer and fall to hear testimony on the progress and challenges of the Department’s efforts to privatize services offered to children and families. There seems to be a consensus that privatization from state government to for-profit entities is a huge undertaking and challenges everyone involved in the child welfare system. It has been a costly endeavor and many needs are still not being met. The HHS Committee will continue to assess the information it has gathered, and hopefully present legislation next year to the full Legislature based on our findings.

On Thursday, I traveled to Atkinson, Nebraska, to attend the Public Meeting sponsored by the United States Department of State on the Keystone XL Pipeline. The general public was invited to give testimony to officials from the federal government on this proposed crude oil pipeline designated to go through our great state. The testimony given is supposed to help the Department of State determine, by the end of this year, whether or not to grant a Presidential Permit to TransCanada to construct this pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. I would personally prefer that we look at encouraging someone to build a refinery north of Alliance where we could use our rail system to move the finished product. This would not only eliminate crisscrossing our state with ever more pipelines, it would create good jobs that would stay in Nebraska. I know the “tree huggers” would have a fit, but they are not going to be happy as long as anyone is using fossil fuel for anything. We have for too long been held hostage as a state and a nation by those who fear the future. We cannot even fix a road, or dig a ditch without worrying about some dung beetle, snail darter or some creature we cannot see. (Can anyone say piping plover?). I have not taken a position on the issue, and probably will not until the facts are all known. There are so many false stories being told by both sides, it is difficult to sort through. The truth no doubt lies somewhere in between.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
September 16, 2011

Friday, September 9th my wife, Dee, and I were in Thurston NE to attend the fish fry sponsored by the local American Legion Family in conjunction with the annual Watermelon Days. We met a number of Thurston County constituents and fellow Legionnaires and their families.

Sunday, September 11th we were again among veterans and their families at the Winside American Legion Home as they were host to their annual picnic. The highlight of the evening to me was when I was honored to present “Old Glory” to Don Leighton, retired superintendent at Winside Public School, and Ray Jacobsen, fellow Legionnaire and a great volunteer. The flags had been flown over my son, Mark’s base while he was in Afghanistan. (Mark is currently at Fort Riley, Kansas, and was unable to attend.) It was also an honor to welcome some of the veterans from the Norfolk Veterans Home to Winside.

Monday, September 12th we were able to visit one on Nebraska’s “best kept open secrets” as we toured the uranium mine near Crawford. It seems that not a lot of people know that we are the only state in the union that produces the uranium used in our own nuclear plants. Due to environmental regulations, we must ship it to Canada to be processed before shipping it back to be used in our plants. The “mine” is a great asset to Nebraska and is open for tours, and yes, it is safe, very safe. This is one of the many things in Nebraska that is undiscovered by many of her residents, and that is too bad.

Tuesday, September 13th I attended the Health & Human Services (HHS) Committee hearings held at Western Community College at Scottsbluff NE. The morning was open to the public with invited testimony and anyone else who wanted to present information to the Committee on aspects of the child welfare program. The afternoon session was closed to the public. We heard further testimony, and visited with people involved in the program. There are still many questions to ask and problems to be solved. I think as we continue to “peel this onion,” we are not likely to find a rose in the center of it.

Wednesday, September 14th I was able to briefly attend one of the premier agriculture related events in the nation: Nebraska Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island. We wrapped up our day at Pender with the 2011 Thurston County Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Thursday, September 15th we, along with several other Senators from around the state, representatives from Congressmen Smith and Fortenberry’s offices, S.S.C. City Administrator Lance Hedquist and other “guests” toured the Siouxland Ethanol Production Plant, Gill’s Landfill and Methane Plant at Jackson NE and Ponca State Park. I should point out here that the ethanol plant in Jackson is the first in the nation to be partially fueled by methane gas captured from a landfill (another of those little known secrets found n NEBRASKA). Sites at Ponca included the new conference center, a new cabin, and the overlook of the Missouri River where we could see firsthand a few of the effects of the Flood of 2011 on the shores of the Missouri River in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. We had a bird’s eye view of all three states. Ponca park is a truly a great place to visit, and the cabins are VERY nice. Unfortunately, (in my mind) we also saw the barge and back-hoe which is being used to rebuild the artificial sand bars for that darn bird (Piping Plover). We as humans, supposedly the most intelligent species on earth, it seems are very slow to learn. (I think Plover stew sounds good.)

Friday, September 16th I was in Lincoln for interim study hearings as a member of the General Affairs Committee and we addressed liquor issues for Nebraska, including issues at White Clay. It is my position that we need to be very careful when dealing with how free citizens choose to spend their money. My Administrative Assistant, Beverly Neel, attended the Wayne Chamber Coffee at Arnie’s Ford in Wayne in celebration of their 33rd anniversary. Congratulations!

Saturday, September 17th we will be attending the wedding of our granddaughter in Norfolk.

Our (actually it is your office, you pay for it) office made contact with the Nebraska Department of Roads with concerns from constituents at Homer, Dakota City, Winnebago, and Winside. We had quick and informative response to our inquiries and as we speak modifications are being done in each of these areas where attention to detail of road repair, road signs, or slowing down traffic where children cross are being implemented. The Dept. of Roads has been very easy to work with concerning any issues we have. Whatever the issue, we appreciate hearing from our constituents and bringing concerns to our attention as we cannot be in all places at all times. Please keep in touch with our office with your concerns.

The Northeast Nebraska Health Department in Wayne says mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for West Nile virus. Mosquitoes collected from sites near Ponca and Wayne have tested positive for the virus. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The health department is asking people in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne counties to be aware that the virus is present in the area and to take precautions. Those include using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, as well as draining standing water where mosquitoes breed. (I wonder if the Piping Plover eats mosquitoes.)

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
September 9, 2011

While at the Nebraska State Fair, I was able to review the Nebraska Unclaimed Property list. Since that time, our office obtained a copy for the counties comprising District 17. A hard copy of the respective county list has been sent to each community in the county and a complete copy emailed to the respective County Clerk’s Offices. The Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office, Unclaimed Property Division, has the responsibility of seeing that unclaimed property is returned to the rightful owners. You may contact the Division Office at 402 471 8497 or 877 572 9688 to determine if your name is on the list. You may also check the website at www.treasurer.org .

Wednesday, September 7th I was at the State Capitol for Health & Human Services (HHS) Committee hearings on Child Welfare. State Auditor Mike Foley presented his audit report on the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and it was quite a brow-raising report to say the least. As predicted DHHS has a long road ahead of itself to get on track and do their job in serving our State’s children and families, as well as foster care. There will, I think, be much more to come, as they, and we, try to do what is in the best interest of the children, and the taxpayer. There is, I fear, much room for improvement and much work to be done. I will try to keep you up to date with what is going on, but I don’t think it is going to be pretty.

I attended a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) meeting at Wayne this same date. Wayne is in the process of trying to bring an automobile assembly facility to Wayne. Gene Gabus of Des Moines Motors and owner of the Noble car line was on hand to discuss the progress and had a car on display. If this can be accomplished, it would bring a new industry and some good jobs to the Wayne area. Wes Blecke has been working on this project and has more knowledge on it than I do.

On August 6, 2011, our District suffered a loss of life of Petty Officer 1st Class John Douangdara in the Chinook shoot down in Afghanistan. A memorial service will be held in honor of John on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 2 PM at the South Sioux City Convention Center, located south of the Marina Inn. Area veterans’ organizations will participate and the public is invited. I would encourage everyone to try to take a little time to remember John, please join us on Sunday if you can. If you cannot be there in person, please say a prayer for all of those who serve us in the military. Please remember, “All gave some, some gave all.”

My staff and I are looking forward to the tour of the Ethanol Plant, Gill’s Landfill and Methane Plant at Jackson and Ponca State Park on Thursday, September 15th. It is shaping up to be an informative tour.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
September 2, 2011

Our schools are back in session, the State Fair will be coming to a close on Monday, September 5th and Fall is just around the corner. Though many of us live in farming communities, it is never too repetitive to be mindful of the county road intersections where the crops may be blocking your view. Take time, leave a bit earlier and pause at intersections to take that “second” look. Be safe.

I attended “Veterans’ Day” at the Nebraska State Fair on Monday, August 29th and enjoyed being able to visit the fair in Grand Island. We greatly enjoyed the “Parade of Veterans,” which included many American Legion and VFW groups from around the State. I think we should try to get some local group involved next year. My office will be gathering information on how to get involved, and will share that with you as needed. They have a great operation in place in Grand Island, and I personally feel the move to Grand Island was a good idea.

Wednesday, August 31st I visited with Sean Waites, the FEMA Representative assigned to work with elected officials in Dakota and Dixon counties. She has been working with South Sioux City Mayor Bill McLarty, SCC City Administrator Lance Hedquist, as well as other local officials on issues concerning SCC and Dakota County within District 17. Flood of 2011 assistance is available with free legal advice through Volunteer Lawyers of Nebraska, Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association at 1 800 742 3005, staffed from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Program applies to those residents of Boyd, Burt, Cass, Dakota, Dixon, Douglas, Knox, Sarpy and Washington counties. Qualifying individuals will receive legal advice with insurance claims, home repair contracts, consumer protection issues and replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the flood.

The National Lifeline/Link-Up phone assistance program provides a monthly credit of $10 to $13.50 off monthly service for one landline or wireless phone to a qualified household. Link-Up provides a one-time connection fee credit of 50% up to $30. This program helps those eligible to obtain phone service and access to emergency services. In Nebraska to qualify for Lifeline/Link-Up those seeking assistance must apply with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and be eligible for one of the following programs: Medicaid – Food Stamps – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Federal Public Hearing – Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Children’s Medicaid. The Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) administers the Lifeline program. Our office was asked to inform the public of this program. If you have questions you are welcome to contact the office of NPSC at 402 471 3101 or 800 526 0017 and ask for the Nebraska Telephone Assistance Program (NTAP).

This next month has a full calendar for our office as additional Health and Human Service (HHS) Committee hearings are scheduled across the State. Stops this month are at Lincoln on September 7th, Scottsbluff on September 13th, Norfolk on September 15th and Omaha on September 28th. I will not be at the Norfolk meeting due to a previously scheduled tour. On September 15, I will host a tour of the Ethanol Plant, Gill’s Landfill and Methane Plant at Jackson and a side tour of Ponca State Park to wrap up the day. There will be several senators and staff members on this tour.

As a member of the General Affairs Committee, I will be attending the Committee’s first interim hearing at the State Capitol on September 16th. This hearing will involve alcohol issues and regulation.

Keep in touch with our office via email: dbloomfield@leg.ne.gov or Senator Dave Bloomfield, District 17 – State Capitol, P O Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604.