Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
December 16, 2011

I was in Lincoln Wednesday and Thursday this week to attend a series of meetings associated with the release of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Report. As you know, during the interim, the Health Committee traveled the state gathering information on the Child Welfare System and the current changes taking place to privatize services to state wards and foster families. On Thursday, the Health Committee released its findings regarding the hearings we held and the information we have accumulated. 

The Health Committee’s report is over 400 pages in length. It gives 18 recommendations for the future of the child welfare system. The top five recommendations are: (1) return case management to the State of Nebraska by July 1, 2012. [Initially five companies were designated to take over these duties in the privatization process. Three of the original five companies have withdrawn from the program.] (2) Create the Nebraska Department of Children’s Services, which would oversee all state child welfare programs. (3) Create the Children’s Commission to oversee child welfare in Nebraska. [The Children's Commission would function as an advisory body to all three branches of government.] (4) The Health and Human Services Committee will continue to review child welfare reform, and will issue annual reports from 2012 – 2014. And, (5) Increase Financial Management of the child welfare reform process. The Department of Health and Human Services would be required to report to the Legislature’s Appropriations and Health Committees quarterly on expenditures, and specifically communicate any changes or movement of funds between sub accounts within the child welfare program.

There is so much work to be done in the process of “fixing” the child welfare system. Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk has indicated his willingness to work with the Health Committee during next year’s regular session to accomplish as much as possible to reform the system. I would like to commend my colleagues on the Health Committee for their hard work during this interim studying the privatization efforts and looking for ways to improve the services we provide to our children and families in need. This 400 + page report will probably result is somewhere between eight to twelve legislative bills in January. I remain hopeful that we can improve services and at the same time make sure the taxpayers’ dollars are being spent in the most helpful and responsible way.  I think we are taking a large step toward improving the system that has disappointed so many people in Nebraska.  I do not think, however, that we can solve all of the issues of concern in one 60 day session.  This is a long term problem that we cannot rush, just so we can say we did something.  

If you would like to look at the LR 37 report that was released on Thursday, you can find it “on line” at: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/reports/health.php

As of now, I do not plan on preparing a newsletter next week because of the Christmas Holiday. Our legislative office will close at noon on Friday, December 23rd and we will return on Tuesday, December 27th for business. I would like to wish each and all of you a merry and a very blessed Christmas.  Please remember those who serve our nation, both home and away.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
December 9, 2011

This week, I traveled to Lincoln on two different occasions. On Monday, the Health and Human Services Committee had a full day of meetings / hearings. We started at 8:00 am with a meeting with Governor Heineman. We were discussing various changes that will probably be proposed by the Health Committee when the regular legislative session begins in January. At 9:00 am, the Foster Care Review Board released their annual report. This year’s report is especially important since it helps us to better understand how the privatization changes have affected both foster children and foster families. At 10:00 am, the Health Committee held a public hearing on LR 197, an interim study to examine issues relating to the implementation of an all-payer claims database in Nebraska. Committee members were invited to a working lunch, where we continued our discussion of proposed legislative changes.

At 1:30 pm, the Health Committee was briefed on Medicaid, psychiatric residential treatment facilities / institutions for mental disease, and community resources. First, we heard from the Department of Health and Human Services. Then contract providers and the public were asked to testify on any insight they could provide to the Committee.  As I have mentioned probably too many times before, working on the problems surrounding special needs children, adoption, foster care, and  folks who are “wards” of the state have pretty well consumed the summer.  I do think that before the next session ends, we will have made good progress toward improving the system.  I certainly do hope so.  

On Wednesday, I returned to Lincoln not only to tidy up some paper work, but also for a very special event. I share a legislative office with Senator Bob Krist of Omaha. One of Senator Krist’s staff members is Rodney Krogh, formerly of South Sioux City. On October 27th, Rod was severely injured in a car accident in Lincoln. He has been recovering both at Lincoln’s Bryan West Hospital and Madonna Rehabilitation Center. On Wednesday, Rod was allowed to come back to the Capitol for a brief time. He is looking forward to returning to the job he loves and helping Senator Krist prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Rod and his family are also planning for his return home – before Christmas.

Rod’s recovery has been nothing short of fantastic. The Good Lord has allowed Rod to live and to improve rapidly. Rod’s strong desire to get better and return home to his wife, Dawn, and son, David, have been very inspiring. For those who know Rod and his family, there is a website that reports on his progress: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rodkrogh. I am proud to know Rod. I have known and respected the Krogh family since childhood when Rod’s Grandfather, Erv, ran the Coast to Coast store on Dakota Ave. Rod’s Father, Gordon, later took over and ran the store. It was an honor and a privilege to see Rod walk into the State Capitol Office last Wednesday and continue the process of healing and moving forward after a terrible accident. The work of the medical staff, and the blessings of a gracious God, are truly a miracle.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
December 2, 2011

The Thanksgiving break is over, and the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee is back at work.

The Health Committee, along with the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, met on Tuesday in Lincoln to hear testimony on LR 282, a resolution studying the Nebraska Health Care Funding Act. This Act was established in 2001 with Nebraska’s share of the national tobacco settlement agreement and with funds Nebraska collected through a Medicaid billing loophole. The fund was supposed to pay for health-related needs with its earnings for generations.  We were informed Tuesday that the Health Care Funding Act is declining in value, and will probably run out of money if current trends continue.  Unfortunately, more money is going out of the fund than is coming back in. The federal government closed the Medicaid loophole in 2005  the tobacco settlement amounts are projected to keep shrinking, and the volatile investment climate is not good. These things are all part of the reason for the decline in income to the fund. The Nebraska Health Care Funding Act is in part paying for health needs such as biomedical research, children’s health insurance, public health, behavioral health care, developmental disability services, and respite care. Legislators were told that the fund can either continue spending at the current level and disappear over time, or be preserved by reducing the spending level. This issue will probably come before the Health Committee again during the 2012 regular session. It would appear to me that a cut of roughly 20% in spending would keep the thing going for a long, long time. If spending stays the same, it is gone in a few years.

The Health Committee and Appropriations committees also heard testimony on LR 285, a study of the nursing shortage in Nebraska. Testimony was taken on ways the State of Nebraska could be proactive to make sure there are enough nurses to work in the various roles that they fill throughout the state.

The Health Committee listened to testimony on LR 306, an interim study on the effectiveness of the ACCESS Nebraska System. The ACCESS Nebraska System is state government, working with community-based organizations, to serve the various clients. Legislators wanted to hear from both the organizations that work with state government and the people being served to learn how well the state is doing in various geographical areas across the state.  The news doesn’t seem to be real good here either, it seems to me like we are spending plenty of money, and not getting real good results.

My staff members met with representatives from FEMA this week. They were briefed on services provided to the Missouri River flood victims. They were also told about an extension given to Thurston County to allow individuals to apply for assistance. Residents from Thurston County have until December 12th to apply for services. Various meetings are being held in the county to provide help for people who are filling out applications. I have been pretty much  pleased with FEMA employees, and would encourage Thurston County citizens affected by the floods to find out if they qualify for this assistance.  If you have questions about contacting FEMA or need assistance, please contact our office at 402-471-2716 or dbloomfield@leg.ne.gov .

The Christmas season is fast approaching. Enjoy the blessings of faith, family and friends throughout the season.

Unicameral Update
Senator Dave Bloomfield
November 22, 2011

The Legislature’s special session as adjourned Sine Die. Two bills have passed dealing with crude oil pipelines. LB 1 will set up procedures to be followed for all future pipelines through the state. LB 4 deals with current pipelines (Keystone XL) that are already in the works. Governor Dave Heineman signed both bills into law as soon as they were delivered to his office. The special session lasted fifteen days, and hopefully produced legislation that will help preserve our natural resources and allow companies to know what to expect when siting future projects through our state.

I attended a meeting on Monday with members of the Foster Care Review Board (FCRB). Nebraska is very unique is having this oversight board watching over our children in foster care. The FCRB advocates for the best interest of the child in court, and makes sure placements with foster families are safe and appropriate. In 2010, the FCRB traced 8,500+ children in out-of-home care, and conducted 4,730 reviews. The dedication of the state employees who work in this agency is remarkable. The Legislature’s Health Committee has been assisted by the FCRB as we study the privatization of services. There are still many unanswered questions on the whole privatization issue and what we need to do to get on the right track.

As we reach the end of November, I am thankful for many blessings that God has sent our way. I thank you for reading this update and contacting our office at dbloomfield@leg.ne.gov or 402 – 471 – 2716.

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.