A Note From Kate

During the interim session, I had the privilege of being the Chairperson of the Aging Nebraskans Task Force, which was created by LB690 during the 2014 Legislative Session to better understand how our state can serve the aging population. The final report for this Task Force, complete with recommendations, is can be viewed below in PDF format. Also available is the final report from the LR424 Department of Correctional Services Special Investigative Committee, which is also linked below. I welcome your comments and questions on both of the reports. Please contact my office at 402-471-2734 with any feedback.

Thank you,

Senator Kate Bolz

District #29

Aging Nebraskans Task Force Final Report

LR424 Department of Correctional Services Special Investigative Committee Report

Hello – Please share your thoughts with me about our policy priorities for District #29.  Thank you for your time and input.

SURVEY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IvrcPQ-OD2xPkZnGKbN7lFAA74wLGOjRIOAKe-bmfFU/viewform?usp=send_form

A Note from Kate

The 2014 Legislative Session wrapped up on April 17th. Thank you all for your input and support this year. It was a successful session for many of the legislative issues that are important to District #29 residents; including education, tax policy, human services, and more. I am honored to continue to serve your interests in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Sincerely, Senator Kate Bolz

2014 Session Highlights

These are just a few of the highlights that I found important in the 2014 session.

EDUCATION:

The Nebraska Unicameral continued its commitment to early childhood education this year; including passage of my bill, LB 944, which provides technical assistance to early childhood settings serving children with high behavioral needs. Other education related legislation included:

LB 483: This bill creates a “troubleshooting team” for struggling schools.

LB 1103: Education Committee Chairwoman Kate Sullivan promoted this bill to create a statewide strategic plan for education in Nebraska. We will share more information about opportunities to provide your input as they become available.

TAX POLICY:

As a member of the Tax Modernization Committee, I am pleased to report that several of our recommendations moved forward this session. This balanced, moderate set of proposals makes good fiscal sense for individual taxpayers and for our economy:

LB 986: Expansion of the homestead exemption program to include more modest income seniors and Nebraskans with disabilities.
Budget Bill: An additional $25 million dollars was added to the Property Tax Credit Fund.

LB 987: Indexing of individual income tax brackets for inflation, as well as expansion of the tax exemption of Social Security Benefits for moderate income Nebraskans and certain military retirement income.

HUMAN SERVICES:

I am glad to report that my priority bill, LB 690, passed the Unicameral this session. This bill will improve long-term strategies for assisting senior citizens with staying in their homes as they age, the preference of many Nebraskans. Further, LB 690 creates an aging task force to plan for the future. Other initiatives that I supported include:

Budget Bill: Additional funding for the developmental disabilities waiting list.

LB 901: Legislation training educators and community members regarding suicide prevention.

Are you looking for details about a particular bill? Do you want to learn more about the critical issues addressed this session? Visit the Unicameral update to learn more:
update.legislature.ne.gov/.

Thank you for your interest in YOUR Nebraska Unicameral!

COFFEE WITH KATE

Please join Senator Kate Bolz for a meeting with constituents on Tuesday, March 11^th, 2014. It will take place at the Clark Jeary Retirement Community, 8401 South 33^rd Street.

Senator Bolz is look forward to meeting with you and hearing your concerns and ideas for the district. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her office at kbolz@leg.ne.gov or call 402 – 471 – 2734.

The 103^rd legislature, 2nd Session is officially underway and there are many important issues to address. This session will be just 60 days in length, ending in early April, and will require focus on the parts of Nebraska’s senators to afford each issue adequate consideration.

The session began on January 8, 2014. Each senator has the opportunity to introduce new bills for the first 10 days of session. As was the case last year, my priorities rest with those issues concerning your District: care of our children, education at all levels, the long-term care needs of our seniors, ensuring the safety of our communities, and monitoring the fiscal responsibilities of our state. I have introduced several bills on these issues, here are four of my top priorities this year:

LB 1026: This bill creates the Educational Trust Fund, which will assist with deficits in state aid to education when there is a significant decline in income and sales tax revenue.

LB 689: LB 689 provides more sustainable resources for Area Agencies on Aging, which provide a safety net for our aging Nebraskans. Services provided include personal care, meals and nutrition, chores and minor home repairs, transportation, care coordination, family caregiver supports and respite, senior center programming, and many more.

LB 691: This bill increases the child care tax credit currently available to Nebraskans by 3%.

LB 936: LB 936 creates the State Ward Permanency Pilot Program, which will provide developmental disabilities services to foster children in need of these services as they move towards a reunification with their families or a permanent home.

It is very important to me to know your thoughts on the bills I have researched and developed on your behalf. My office is always open! We will work diligently to find a time to discuss your ideas on these and other issues.