The 2011 Legislative Session wrapped up a month ago and I’d like to share with you some of the accomplishments, and challenges, of the year.  This session was particularly draining with tough decisions having to be made in the budget and redistricting.

The Legislature carried out its constitutional duty of balancing our complex budget.  We embraced the task of doing this without raising taxes and keeping necessary services available to our most vulnerable citizens.

On another note, my colleagues re-elected me as Chairwoman of the Urban Affairs Committee, and I am honored to serve in this leadership position again for the next two years.  I hope you will take a few moments to scan over the bills I passed and the issues we worked on in the Urban Affairs Committee.

I have also attached a few press releases from the last month highlighting my participation in a briefing and reception at the White House and an upcoming educational exchange I am a part of with Turkey.  Even once session is over, legislative matters keep me very busy, as does my job as Executive Director of the YWCA Lincoln.

Have a great summer!

Amanda McGill

District 26

471-2610

MY BILLS PASSED

LB 524- PRIZE-LINKED SAVINGS! (My priority bill)

The Legislature unanimously sent LB 524 to the Governor and on April 26, he signed it.  This bill gave Nebraska credit unions the ability to offer savings promotion raffles. Saving raffles are a financially safe way to promote savings among Nebraska families while allowing them a chance to win a prize. We live in a society where people don’t save money like they used to, and when an unexpected expense pops up, it brings turmoil to the family.  Last summer, I listened to a Harvard Professor talk about the impact this product had in motivating non-savers and low-income people to save. In Michigan, people saved $1.6 million dollars in 11 months. This new product has the potential to boost savings amongst all Nebraskans, specifically those that are most financially vulnerable.

LB 79- EXPANDING CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

CASAs serve as the one constant helping abused and neglected children in foster care navigate through the court system.  My bill creates a grant program administered by the Nebraska Supreme Court to help CASA expand into counties that are not already served and recruit volunteers to help kids on the waiting list.  When a child in the system has a CASA, they spend less time in out of home care, saving the state millions.  I believe CASA’s are a vital resource in our community.

LB 80- ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CHILD WELFARE

This bill was attached onto another bill and was signed by the Governor on May 4.  Before the passage of LB 80, there was an imbalance in our courts, which hurt families.  When the Department of Health and Human Services takes a child out of a home, they should have to prove that their plan for that child is in the child’s best interest.  The burden was on the parent(s) to prove the state is not doing what is in the best interest of the child.  The State should be held accountable, especially when making decisions about our children.  We all want to keep kids safe, and we need to uphold families’ rights in the process.

LB 146- HELP FOR NON-PROFIT EXPANSION

This bill will implement Amendment 1 that was approved by you, the voters, in May of 2010. Amendment 1 was a constitutional amendment that allows cities to issue bonds on behalf of non-profit institutions, so they can expand the services they offer, and this bill moves that process forward.

LB 335- HELPING CITIES ACCESS FEDERAL GRANT DOLLARS

This is a bill that creates language to allow cities to waive their bidding requirements when necessary to receive federal money. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, cities were eligible to apply for federal stimulus grants. A requirement of the grant was to “Buy American” during the bidding process. There was concern that this requirement could conflict with a “lowest responsible bidder” requirement in state statute, and the intent of LB 335 is to remove the possible conflict so cities can access federal grant money.

MY BILLS ADVANCED BY COMMITTEE – TO BE DEBATED NEXT YEAR

LB 304- EXPEDITED PARTNER THERAPY

LB 304 was advanced out of the Health and Human Services Committee March 9, 2011.  This bill expedites the treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.  This gives healthcare professionals a new tool to combat rising rates of STDs in Nebraska and the epidemic levels in Douglas County.

LB 310- UPDATING OUR DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE

Unanimously advanced out of the Judiciary Committee, LB 310 allows a victim of abuse, law enforcement, and prosecutors to take steps toward preventing a threat of domestic violence from becoming a reality.  This bill also would enhance the penalties for violating a domestic or harassment protection order.

BILLS HELD IN COMMITTEE

LB 553 – REGULATING PAYDAY LENDERS

Over my 4 years as state senator, I have talked to many people in Northeast Lincoln and the rest of Nebraska who have experienced the nightmare of being stuck in a cycle of debt with payday lenders. A database would help us enforce our current laws, rules and regulations regarding this industry, at no cost to the taxpayer.  I want to keep payday lending available to those who really need them, while protecting consumers.

LB 630- TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

This bill creates a licensing mechanism for the practice of Applied Behavioral Analysis.  Currently, applied behavioral analysis can be used to help treat children with feeding disorders, children with autism, and children with severe and persistent self-injurious or outward injurious behavioral disorders.  Licensing is a first step to help families have more options.

BILLS PASSED BY THE URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

LB 159 – BETTER SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT!

This bill extends the use of Planned Unit Developments to cities of the second class and villages. Previously, only larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln were able to use this development tool in conjunction with zoning to make the best use of the land when planning new subdivisions. We think extending this power to all municipalities in Nebraska is fair and will help cities as they develop.

LB 329 – UPDATE THE NEBRASKA ENERGY CODE

This was one of the committee priority bills this year, and it updated our statutes to the 2009 version of the International Energy Conservation Code as the Nebraska Energy Code. This update will help our state to reduce energy consumption in our homes and public buildings, and will create a consistent energy conservation policy throughout the state.

LB 437- CHANGES TO BUILDING CODE ADOPTION

LB 437 makes changes to the process we use in the adoption of the state building code. Currently, the legislature adopts newly produced versions of the code automatically when they are issued every 3 years. The Attorney General has told us it is unconstitutional to adopt codes this way, and this bill changes the statute to eliminate the automatic code adoption provision. This bill was amended onto LB546, which dealt with a different aspect of the state building code, listed below.

LB 546- NO MANDATORY FIRE SPRINKLERS IN NEW HOMES

This was the most controversial issue we faced in the Urban Affairs Committee this year. This bill adopted the 2009 version of the International Residential Code, WITHOUT the mandatory fire sprinkler provision. It allows for cities to amend their local building codes to include the fire sprinkler provision if the city council should vote to add it back in to the code. There were many testifiers in favor of and against this bill at the hearing, and the committee worked very carefully to create the policy best suited for Nebraskans.

ISSUES FOR NEXT YEAR

LR 243 HUMAN TRAFFICKING

This is an interim study to examine the extent of human trafficking in Nebraska in connection with labor and sex trafficking.  I used to believe human trafficking was not an issue in Nebraska. However, this past year, I have learned this horrific practice is in fact happening in our own backyard.  We will work with groups around the state who are conducting in-depth research on what the picture of human trafficking in Nebraska looks like and what we can do to combat it.

LR 208 TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

The goal of this interim study is to determine the best manner in which to license certified applied behavioral analysts.  Over the summer, I plan to expand this interim study to address the challenges families face when trying to get much needed services for their children.  I have talked with several constituents who have faced endless hurdles and brick walls in trying to get the proper care for their autistic children.  Other states have made changes in their laws to help these families, and Nebraska needs to join the movement.

LB 298 FINDING EFFICIENCIES IN JUVENILE JUSTICE THROUGH STATE AGENCY COLLABORATION

I introduced this interim study to explore ways state agencies can work together when providing services to children and families.  We will look at a successful project in Omaha where Probation and the Department of HHS collaborated with significant results.  I believe this type of program, if implemented statewide, could produce meaningful cost savings to the taxpayers and improve the quality of services we are providing to children at a critical point in their lives.

Do you have an issue you would like me to study this summer?  Please let me know!

THANK YOU for being engaged constituents.  Please let me know if there are any other issues on your mind.  I always appreciate your feedback.

Hello all,
We just wrapped up what was my fourth legislative session.  This session felt very different from the last three because of the economic shadow hanging over us.  Everyone was very mindful about considering bills or ideas which carried a price tag with them.  Despite our financial status, we were able to pass critical pieces of legislation surrounding wind energy, juvenile justice and ending the unfair misclassification of workers.

In my last newsletter, I outlined the bills I introduced.  Now that session has adjourned, I want to give you an update on what I prioritized and what issues I am investigating now.

AMENDMENT 1        Revenue Bonds for Nonprofit Properties

I proposed LR 295CA, a Constitutional Amendment to authorize use of revenue bonds to develop property for use by nonprofit enterprises. The revenue bonds are not repayable from any property of the county or municipality; funding for the bonds would come from the project revenues. Cities may not levy taxes to repay these bonds.  Amendment 1 empowers non-profit organizations so they can help strengthen our communities without raising taxes, and is on the ballot for the May11th primary election.

MY PRIORITY BILL

LB 925 (Conrad)        Public Works Jobs for Nebraskans

Over the last year alone, Nebraska’s unemployment rates have spiked and are hovering at just below 5%. These extraordinary circumstances prompted the introduction of LB 925 by Senator Danielle Conrad. This bill would require the employment of Nebraskans for public works projects during periods of excessive unemployment. I worked with the committee to include a provision that would allow for the employment of any person living within a 50-mile radius of a public works project.   Much to my dismay, this bill did not pass.

OTHER LEGISLATION PASSED

LB 884 (McGill)         Itemized Wages

This idea was brought to me by a constituent who was unable to use her income to apply for a home loan because her employer would not give her an itemized wage statement.  An itemized wage statement with deductions is usually required to apply for home loans or other kinds of contracts. Before this bill passed, there was nothing mandating that employers provide this information to their employees. This bill requires employers to provide their employees with an itemized wage statement (including deductions) within ten days of an employee’s request.

CURRENTLY WORKING ON

LR 512- Is the new legal verification process, relating to immigration, clearly outlined?

Lately, every time you turn on the national news, someone is talking about immigration.  During the 2009 legislative session, the Unicameral passed LB 403, establishing a process to verify legal status for all people applying for public benefits. This past session, I introduced LR 512; an interim study to examine the responsibilities of Nebraska nonprofit corporations and health care delivery systems when implementing LB 403, 2009, relating to immigration.

LR 493- Are there enough mental health resources in schools?

Every year, Nebraska children spend a significant amount of time in our schools.  I am confident our educators are doing a fantastic job to help develop their young minds.  However, I introduced LR 493 to determine whether there are enough resources present in schools to detect and treat mental illness in school-age children.  I believe we have a responsibility to equip our schools with all of the resources we can provide to ensure a safe learning environment for students in all stages of development.

LR 486- Are working conditions safe?

I introduced an interim study to examine issues relating to the health, safety, and working conditions of Nebraska meat and poultry workers.  The Unicameral’s Business and Labor Committee has listed this interim study high on their priority list as second.

URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UPDATE, CHAIRWOMAN

We had several very important bills come through the Urban Affairs Committee this session. We heard bills that proposed an energy element be added to cities and counties comprehensive plans by 2015 and other bills that would require certain state buildings and renovations to comply with energy efficiency standards. Another important subject that was discussed was whether the state building code should include a section requiring all newly built homes to have fire-sprinklers built in. This bill was not voted out of our committee, but is now the subject of an interim study our committee is undertaking for the summer.

We also have two Constitutional Amendments on the ballot for voters to consider. The first is LR 295 CA, which will be on the ballot for the May 11^th primary election, and the second is LR 297 CA, which will be on the ballot for the general election November 2^nd.  These bills will help cities increase financing options for nonprofit charitable groups and industrial development respectively. It is hoped that these proposals will be passed by the voters to give cities the power to help nonprofit charities expand the services they provide, as well as expand the sources of money a city can use for the purpose of economic or industrial development.

IN PERSON & AROUND THE DISTRICT
Many of you know I have a keen interest in international relations.  Last year, I was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders to go on a government exchange program to New Zealand.  I had the pleasure of meeting the Prime Minster and almost all of Parliament.  This last month, I hosted a young government professional from Ukraine in my office.  In June, I will be going on a National Conference of State Legislatures Study Tour of Germany.

Here in Nebraska, we have many exchange programs that bring students and young leaders from around the world into the Heartland.  One of our neighbors here in our district, Jeffery Cole, runs the local branch of an international student exchange program called Youth For Understanding-USA (www.yfu-usa.org).  He is looking for host families willing to take a high school teen into their homes for the next school year and make them a member of their family.  I cannot stress enough how important it is for young people from other countries to come to the US and experience our society so they can spread their positive experience with their home countries.   Please let Jeffery or I know if you would like more information.  His email address is lupojeff@yahoo.com.

CLOSING

I am honored to represent you and will continue to be a strong voice in these tough economic times. As always, please feel free to send me your suggestions or concerns.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

We are now about three weeks into what is now my fourth legislative session.  This session feels very different from the last three because of the economic shadow hanging over us.  The next report on the status of our state budget will be here in February and we are anxiously awaiting that data.

The fear of further budget cuts has impacted the number of bills introduced this year.  Senators are very mindful about introducing any ideas which carry a price tag with them. Here is a summary of the bills I have introduced:

LB 884            Itemized Wages

An itemized wage statement with deductions is usually required to apply for home loans, or other kinds of contracts. Currently, there is nothing mandating that employers provide this kind of information to their employees.This bill would require employers to provide their employees with a itemized wage statement (including deductions) within ten days of an employee’s request.

LB 968            Domestic Abuse

In order to obtain a domestic abuse protection order, the abuser must place another person “in fear of imminent bodily injury”. This bill would remove the word “imminent” from this definition, allowing people to be granted protection orders even if the danger isn’t immediately present.

LB 1062          Manslaughter Revisions

Currently, there are two very different types of manslaughter, but only one definition in statute. LB 1062 separates the two types of manslaughter (one involving an intent to kill, and one involving no intent to kill) into two different legal definitions. This will help ensure that an offender is charged with the correct type of crime.

LB 992            Expedited Partner Therapy

This bill would allow patients with sexually transmitted diseases to deliver medication to any partners who may also be infected but have not yet been examined by a doctor. This practice, commonly referred to as EPT, is recommended by the CDC and the AMA, and has proven to be effective in lowering STD rates in many other states.

LB 915            Jury List Clean Up

The DMV currently provides records to the Jury Commissioner to create a pool of jurors. This bill would require that the DMV also provide drivers license numbers in order to better avoid duplications in the statewide database.

I am also continuing to pursue legislation which would better track the usage of payday lenders in Nebraska.