In all of our debate on the floor this week, regardless of the subject matter, conversations included the COVID-19 virus. It was a relatively productive week, moving through quite a few bills that were on first round debate. We still have a number of major issues before us, including the budget, which was taken up on Thursday, our last day of debate for the week.

Of course, the budget must now reflect the possibility that additional funds may be required to meet whatever needs arise from the virus and the effects of it. From a purely budgetary perspective, it is nearly impossible to predict what those needs might be at this time.

A briefing was held for senators and staff early in the week, bringing together representatives from Health and Human Services, Public Health departments, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the Nebraska Department of Education. We are fortunate here in Nebraska to have one of the top centers in the country for handling contagious disease outbreaks. That expertise has helped our state be more prepared than others. Updates and advisories do change rapidly, and if you would like to access information about COVID-19 directly, I would recommend using either the Lincoln Lancaster County Public Health site: https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/health/ or the Public Health Solutions website: https://phsneb.org/.  These websites will provide access to a wide variety of links, resources and information.

In the meantime, while we stay up to date and take precautions, work continues around District 30 on a number of fronts. This week I attended a meeting on the South Beltway project. You have no doubt seen the pre-construction projects underway between Highway 77 and Highway 2. Beginning in May, work will begin in earnest and road closures will begin to ripple across the construction zones. Once again, I would direct you to an informative website, which includes maps, a time line, announcements and contact information if you need to talk with someone in person:  https://dot.nebraska.gov/lincoln-south-beltway/.

We moved several bills forward that outline a series of requirements for the state’s youth treatment centers (YRTCs). The bills address medical services; sleeping space, hygiene, education, programming, treatment, recreation and visitation; gender separation, sufficient staffing and better case management. Other requirements adopted include developing a five year plan, defining emergency situations and plans, and a study of costs.

LB911 is a bill that would enable the city of Grand Island to gift the former Nebraska Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery and adjacent land to the state in order to establish a new state cemetery for veterans and apply for funding assistance from the federal government. There is no state or national veterans’ cemetery in central Nebraska, so Grand Island is a good location with some existing infrastructure. This bill has an “e clause” – emergency clause – which would make the bill effective immediately upon passage.

The Legislature instituted a number of changes to attempt to reduce the possibility of spreading the COVID-19 virus. Any change in the legislative calendar will be posted at www.nebraskalegislature.gov . However, my office will continue to be “open” every day as always, thanks to email and phone messages. My staff and I will monitor communications and we will respond accordingly, should you contact my office. mdorn@leg.ne.gov 402-471-2620.

The latest report from the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board continues to show tax receipts coming in a bit above projections. The board met last week and projected tax receipts were adjusted up by $115 million. In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, which began last July, the state has already collected about $233 million in new revenue growth. The original forecast was for an increase of $160 million in revenue growth for FY 2019-2020. They have now increased that to $275 million for the fiscal year.

The forecasting board did not yet factor in the effects of COVID-19, the Corona virus which is having a global impact. In talking with the legislative fiscal analyst, I learned that the board did not feel they had a good enough grasp yet on the potential of the virus to interrupt supply chains and economic factors here in the state. So far there has not been a case in Nebraska apart from those individuals brought to UNMC in Omaha for treatment; and many regions of the USA are also unaffected at this time. The board members did say they expect to take another look at possible consequences of the virus at their next meeting in late October.

The legislature is now back to full day debate. One day this week we moved through eight different bills and another day, just two. Productivity cannot always be measured by the number of bills that are discussed, but we do have major issues still waiting in the wings. One of those, of course, is LB 974, dealing with property tax relief and school funding. I give a lot of credit to Sen. Linehan for the work she is doing to find proposals that will be acceptable to everyone concerned. But at this time, school officials I have talked with want to know how the state will meet funding obligations if the revenue does not continue to grow. Without amendments to address those concerns, I am not convinced the bill could pass. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to talk about it on the floor again next week.

LB 931 is a bill that clarifies some of the questions about transporting grain during the harvest season, or if it is taken from farm storage to final market later. This legislation would allow farmers to exceed truck weight limits by 15 percent to transport grain from field to farm storage, stockpile or market; and then from storage or stockpile to market later in the year –  with a permit. County officials do have concerns about damage to the roads since trucks are bigger now and traffic counts for everyone in general are greater. I do want to emphasize that even if this bill passes, a permit needs to be obtained and must be carried in the truck, or a ticket can still be issued. I did vote to advance the bill even though I fully understand the concern of those charged with county road maintenance.

LB 803 is a bill that advanced this week and would create a check-off for pulse crops. In our part of the state we are familiar with corn, soybean and livestock check-offs; pulse crops are mainly grown in southwest and western Nebraska and include dry peas, lentils, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, faba beans and lentils. Having some funds to promote these crops could be very beneficial to farmers in our state, and the bill advanced on a 37-0 vote.

Thank you for sending your emails and calling my office with your views. Contact me any time at mdorn@leg.ne.gov or call 402-471-2620.

**Please note:

Governor Pete Ricketts and health officials announced Friday afternoon that the first COVID-19 positive patient has been confirmed in Nebraska.

A 36-year-old woman will be transferred from Methodist Hospital in Omaha to University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Biocontainment Unit in Omaha.

The source of the infection was not confirmed but, she had recently traveled with her father to the United Kingdom.

The Beatrice Library presented Sharon Katas with their volunteer of the year award on Nebraska Library Association’s Advocacy Day.

Bennet Elementary student Annabelle Bogle (and mom Amber) made their annual visit to the Nebraska Legislature.

NSEA dinner in Lincoln, gave me a chance to talk with Rich Wergin about education issues.

The session is now half done. Committee hearings are finished and we are returning to full day debate on the legislative floor. While it seems like that would help move things along, there are about 35 priority bills still sitting in committee, waiting to be voted out to the floor. Other major issues that are waiting for debate before the legislature e the budget, property tax, business tax incentives, the UNMC NeXT program and prison overcrowding. Some days we can get a lot accomplished and other days we get sidetracked in our discussion and move very few bills forward. So at this point in the session, there is only a small chance of discussing a bill if it has not been made a priority.

I am pleased that my own priority bill has already moved to the second stage of debate. I chose LB 1014 as my priority bill even though it was introduced by Sen. Lindstrom.  The purpose of LB 1014 is to amend the Multiemployer Welfare Arrangement (“MEWA”) Act to allow self-employed individuals who are members of associations to participate in a multiemployer welfare arrangement in Nebraska. The practical result of this change allows farmers to obtain health insurance through entities such as their local cooperative at a lower cost than has been available to them in the market place.

A little history on this issue and LB 1014:  Land O’ Lakes is a large farmer-owned cooperative and they offered farmers another avenue for health insurance.  It was a group plan and so would be cheaper than what a farmer could find on the open market as an individual.  Land O’ Lakes had a little over 1,000 people in the program.  Late last fall, there was a federal ruling which said Nebraska was missing specific statutory language to allow this type of program. While the plan was able to remain in effect until the end of 2019, the Nebraska Department of Insurance has no independent state statutory authority to approve a MEWA for self-employed individuals so the cooperative farmer health plan could not be offered to Nebraska farmers in 2020. Hence the need for LB 1014.  Senators Kolterman, Williams, La Grone and Lindstrom worked on language to address concerns raised at the bill’s public hearing and the bill advanced to Select File with 42 yes votes and 6 present and not voting.

One of the issues that was debated at length on the floor this past week was land banks.  This allows government to revitalize properties that private investors do not want to tackle, because there is no financial gain for them. So land banks take these properties, fix them up and get them back on the tax rolls. Representatives from Hickman have talked to me about how this may help them clean up some of the more neglected homes in this city in our district.

There was also considerable discussion about “Pay for Play”.  Senator Hunt introduced this bill to allow students to use their image to make money.  The college or university would not be paying these players but players could capitalize on their ‘fame’.  They would have to disclose to the school who they are working with, and it would be counted as income. Sen. Hunt believes that the federal government will step in and pass something so there would be uniformity in the law. If a national law is passed, then Nebraska law would be void.  If passed, Hunt’s bill would not take effect until January of 2023.

Thank you for your calls and emails –keep them coming! You can reach me at mdorn@leg.ne.gov or call my office at 402-471-2620.

This week we began debate on a long awaited bill dealing with property taxes and school funding. The two issues are tied together since the state does not collect property tax; only counties, schools and other local entities collect property tax. The state only collects sales tax and income tax. So any bill that reduces the amount schools can bring in from property tax, must also address how the state will supplement school funding.

The property tax bill, LB 974, as introduced by the Revenue Committee has a couple of aspects that I like. One is adjusting the valuation of agricultural land from 75% to 65% to 55% over the course of three years. This change would only apply to the valuation for the purpose of school funding, and not the county or other local subdivisions. Residential valuations would drop to about 87% by the third year, for the same purpose, school funding only.  I like the idea that we have the opportunity to do something that hasn’t been addressed for decades, and that is to change how valuations are used for taxing purposes.

Nearly every school in District 30 has contacted me with their concerns about how LB 974 will affect them. The premise of the bill is that foundation aid will replace revenue lost by the schools with the lower ag land and residential valuations. The question is whether state revenue streams and revenue growth will be sufficient and grow into future years. If it does not, how will the state fund their obligation; and how will tax rates and bases be adjusted if they become locked in under the provisions of LB 974? Another area of concern is the use of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the bill, which correlates to the overall economy but has less relationship to the main expense incurred by school districts – personnel and wages. I agree that other economic indices might be a better fit.

The proponents of LB 974 support it for the property tax relief it is intended to provide. Opponents, mainly school systems, are left wondering how the funding shifts in the bill will affect their budgets. The Legislature’s Fiscal Office calculated the projected effect on each school and the state funding required. Their report showed 63 schools will be short about $56 million in funding by the end of three years.  When you look at those numbers, you understand the school’s concerns.

As LB 974 stands right now, after three hours of debate and no consensus, the sponsors must show the Speaker they have at least 33 votes to continue debate.  A compromise is needed in order to do this. Property taxes have become a significant expense for many families, farmers and businesses. As I visit with constituents in District 30 and other areas of the state, it is the number one concern they have. Property taxes are affecting our economic growth, especially agriculture. We need property tax relief. I am generally optimistic but we are not there yet. The issue is on hold until more agreement can be developed.

An important bill that did pass through to the next round of debate was LB 996, Sen. Tom Brandt’s priority bill. This bill will enable the Public Service Commission to accurately report broadband coverage in Nebraska in order to obtain some federal grant dollars to expand service. In what turned out to be a beneficial coincidence, the public Wi-Fi went down in the Capitol recently, and many senators were unable to access things on line. This was a good demonstration of what it is like in many rural areas of Nebraska, all the time. The importance of good broadband for economic development and education was discussed as well.  I would also point out that I have talked with residents in District 30 who live within about ten miles of Lincoln and do not have good broadband or cell phone coverage. So this is not strictly a “rural” issue as most think of it, and the state could benefit from those federal grant monies. LB 996 passed first round debate on a 37-0-11 vote.

My office has received many calls and emails about a couple of “hot button” issues – motor cycle helmets and fire arms. Because of the short session and other big issues, bills that deal with these matters have a very small chance of making it to the floor for debate because they have not been designated as a priority bill (each senator can designate a priority bill and then the Speaker puts that bill on the agenda for debate ahead of non-prioritized bills.)  LB 378 would repeal the motorcycle helmet requirement, but Sen. Ben Hansen did not make it his priority; he did indicate that he will introduce the measure again next year. LB 58, known as the Red Flag Law, was introduced by Sen. Morfeld. I do not support this bill – but again, it is not a priority bill so is not likely to be debated. LB 816 had a public hearing late in the week; and also has amendments to make it more neutral. However, it remains to be seen if that bill even comes out of committee. Again, it would have to be made a priority to get to first round debate, if the committee advances it.

As my own priority bill, I have adopted LB 1014. This bill was brought to the Banking and Insurance Committee. It would allow organizations, such as the Land O Lakes Cooperative, to offer health insurance to their farmer members. I will expand on the merits of this legislation next week.

In the meantime, please continue to contact me with any questions or concerns. Your opinions and insights are valuable to me as I listen to the debate on bills before the Legislature. mdorn@leg.ne.gov  402-471-2620

Dorn visits intergenerational elder and child care facility in Adams

(Story and photos provided by First Five Nebraska)
While the Legislature was in recess last week, Senator Dorn took the opportunity to visit Gold Crest Retirement Center in Adams. The visit coincided with an interview for First Five Nebraska, a nonprofit that works to elevate the public conversation around quality early childhood programs. First Five Nebraska interviewed Senator Dorn and Gold Crest staff for an upcoming video highlighting intergenerational elder and child care facilities in Nebraska.
Gold Crest has served as a vibrant community hub for residents of Adams and Gage County since its founding in 1990. The facility offers independent living, assisted living and memory care for older adults, alongside a child care facility and preschool serving children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years. By combining nursing and child care, Gold Crest can take advantage of operational efficiencies while enhancing quality of life for children and residents through intergenerational activities. As children and residents interact, the “adopted grandparents” experience joy and enhanced well-being while the children build relationships with differently abled people.
“My father-in-law is an elder here and when the kids come by, it’s great to see all those young, energetic, vibrant and full-of-energy kids come around. You see the smiles on the faces of the elderly,” Dorn said.
Gold Crest was one of the first intergenerational facilities in the state, and the model may be one solution to help rural communities serve a growing older adult population while bringing in much needed child care programs. The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee recently held a public hearing for LB1051, which would create a cash fund for one-time startup costs for nursing facilities interested in adding child care in their space.
In Adams, the intergenerational model has been a big win for the community.
“The program they have here and offer to everybody – the residents, the employees, the people of town and the surrounding communities – has just been a tremendous blessing to have.”
Senator Dorn looks forward to continuing to work to support his constituents in District 30 through fiscally responsible solutions around elder care, quality early childhood programs and community development.

Cold weather returned to Nebraska this week but spring is just around the corner. This time of year, we get questions about Daylight Saving Time (DST) and there is almost always a bill in the legislature addressing it. This year, Sen. Briese introduced LB1015, which would implement year-round Daylight Saving Time in Nebraska. As written, it would not take effect until both the Federal Government allows states to do so, and until two neighboring states adopt similar year-round time legislation. Congress controls DST and under current regulations, a state can opt out of switching to DST but cannot stay on it year round. It is also important to note that if DST were in effect in mid-January, for example, the sun would not rise until 8:20 am. That bill was heard in committee this week and no action has been taken as of yet.

This week the Legislature advanced LB126 with amendments. This bill would give a landowner the opportunity, if they desire, to purchase a deer hunting permit if they own a minimum of 80 acres. They could obtain up to four permits for their immediate family, but two must be for persons 18 and younger, and the other two for 19 and older. The permit is for only three days, the Saturday through Monday immediately preceding opening day of firearms season. The intent was to find a small way to reimburse the landowner for feeding the deer from his crop production. Not every farmer is a hunter, so I am not sure of the impact from this bill. There is one more round of voting before this bill is passed.

LB 58, known as the Red Flag law, and LB 816, deal with mental health, domestic violence and fire arms issues. As a Second Amendment rights supporter, I am opposed to these bills as I believe we already have laws in place to deal with these important matters. I will note that law enforcement personnel in our larger cities spoke as proponents of the bill when it was heard in committee, as they obviously deal with many more applicable cases.

We will begin debate this next week on LB 996, a bill to create the Broadband Data Improvement Program (BDIP). It will ensure that the State of Nebraska is accurately represented in federal broadband grant programs, including grants from the federal Universal Service Fund. The BDIP would be administered by the Public Service Commission.

LB 974, the property tax relief bill, has been voted out of committee with an amendment, and that amendment becomes the bill. It will be taken up in debate on the floor in coming days. This bill is not yet in its final form, we know there will be other amendments offered. There are concerns about restricting school district expenditures and tying increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  I do not feel we can say we have certainty about the stability and predictability of revenue flow in future years.  I will be working to see how we can find genuine property tax relief but still fund our public schools and county entities at an acceptable level.

Regarding legislation I have introduced: LB 106 is a simple bill to harmonize state laws about DNA testing with federal law, and it advanced quickly to second round. LB 107 was signed into law by the Governor this week. I introduced LB 762 in front of the Appropriations Committee this week, which appropriates $10,000 from the General Fund to the Hall of Fame Trust Fund each year to be used to pay for the Nebraska Hall of Fame designee’s sculpture and pedestal. Since nominees to the Hall must be deceased for 35 years before induction, the burden of the expensive bronze sculpture falls on descendants who may be unable to bear that cost.  Members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and the CEO of the state historical society spoke in support.

As bills come to the floor for debate, I welcome your input and opinions about the issues that are important to you. Please contact me via email at mdorn@leg.ne.gov or call my office at 402-471-2620. Thank you.

Representatives from the city of Hickman met with Sen. Dorn at the Nebraska League of Municipalities conference on February 25th.  Mayor Doug Hansen, Sen. Dorn, City Administrator Silas Clarke, Council Chairman Phil Goering, and Assistant City Administrator Kelly Oelke.

After the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic was formed as the first-ever fraternal organization for veterans. In 1881 the Grand Army of the Republic created the Sons of Union Veterans to carry on the memory and traditions of the G.A.R. after the last G.A.R. members were gone. Today, the Sons of Union Veterans are recognized by Congress as a Veteran’s organization, charged with keeping alive the memory of those who served our country during the Civil War, 1861 to 1865. In addition to their Presentation of Colors today in the legislative chamber, the Sons of Union Veterans have an honor guard posted at the Lincoln Statue at the west entrance.

Nebraska FFA members Megan Fehr (left) and State Secretary Savannah Gerlach (right) visited the Capitol on Monday, February 10th.

Even the skies above the Capital got into the spirit of Valentine’s Day!

One third of the session is behind us. Public hearings continue in our committees and we are deciding which bills should be advanced to the floor for debate. As individual senators, we are in the process of evaluating which bills should be designated as a priority. I have a couple of issues in mind and will be making that selection in the next few days.

During morning debate on the floor of the Legislature this week, we spent several hours discussing a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow future legislatures to increase the number of state senators up to 55. A bit of history: Nebraska went from a two-house system like Congress and the other 49 states have, to a Unicameral one-house system in 1937. At that time there were 43 state senators who each represented about 27,000 constituents. Today there are 49 state senators, and with our current population, each one represents close to 40,000 people. The discussion included the geographical size of districts, the number of rural and urban senators, technology that allows for easier communication, and the cost of adding more senators and staff. After three hours of debate, no vote was taken. Because it is a proposed amendment to the constitution, it requires 30 votes to pass and be placed on the November ballot.

I did not introduce a bill asking for state help in paying the “Beatrice 6” judgment this session. In last year’s session I had LB 474 which was similar to a bill brought by Sen. Baker before me, allowing for the claim to be paid by the state, through the state claims process. It was not advanced by the committee and based on my communications with the chairman, it will not be, which effectively kills the bill. I continue to have conversations with the Gage County Board and with senators here at the Capitol about funding the judgement. Some senators have indicated support, some senators have commented that they will not support any help from the state in paying the judgement. The state has seen an increase in revenue the past year. There are many requests for those funds and bills introduced for that purpose; the biggest ones being property tax relief (LB 974), economic incentives (LB 720), school funding and other needs. While we all want to see immediate assistance and relief of this issue for Gage County, it is a process that requires educating fellow senators while building relationships and trust.

LB 1033 was heard in the Revenue Committee this week, a measure which would assess state sales tax on the sale or lease of aircraft and use those funds to maintain Nebraska’s airports. The bill would create a capital improvement fund to be administered by the state Department of Transportation. The estimated revenue would be $1.3 million in the first year with small increases in future years. The fund would help smaller airports to access matching federal grant funds without having to borrow or bond to make improvements to their local airfields. That bill is still in committee.

LB 1152 was another bill in committee this week, it would streamline the process for hemp growers in Nebraska as far as licenses and consistency with the federal guidelines. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture supports the bill, and hopes to make the program self-supporting. February 3^rd was the start date to sign up online for the program.

LB 857 was introduced to require periodical review of any new state rules and regulations, to make sure they are achieving what they were intended to do. A report would have to be filed 10 years after the effective date, beginning in 2021. The idea behind the bill is that with changes in staff or the composition of the Legislature, a law can drift from its original intent. There were two organizations in support of the issue and one against. This bill is also still in committee.

Remember that you can look up the status of any bill on the website, www.nebraskalegislature.gov. The website has contact information for all senators and committees as well as the legislative calendar. You can email or call me at any time at mdorn@leg.ne.gov  402-471-2620