The Legislature is putting in long days to get as many issues discussed as possible. It may seem like we are not going anywhere in this session, but at the same time we have had many important bills before us. These do require careful thought and consideration before votes are cast and I appreciate that part of the process. I do not wish to make any quick decisions on these difficult topics.

My own priority bill, LB 562, has been voted out of committee and on to the floor of the Legislature. LB 562 has a goal of increasing the use of ethanol by expanding access to E-15 at gas stations. Nebraska is the second largest ethanol gas producer yet we rank 45th in consumption with a 9.6% blend rate.

We have every indication that gas prices will continue to rise, placing a greater financial burden on Nebraskans. This bill creates an opportunity to not only save money at the pump and have cleaner air, but also to support an entire value chain. It begins in farmers’ fields and ends in consumer fuel tanks. Utilizing home grown and home processed resources to manufacture economical and environmentally responsible ethanol is a win-win-win for our state.

LB 562 states that beginning January 1, 2024, any new retail motor fuel site built after that date, or existing sites that replace more than 80% of their facilities and infrastructure, shall advertise for sale and offer E-15 through at least 50% of dispensers.

LB 562 also addresses the statewide average ethanol blend rate. E-15 is defined as gasoline that is more than ten percent but no more than fifteen percent ethanol. Presently, the state average blend rate of ethanol is about 9.6%; this bill will increase that up to 14% by the end of 2027, making Nebraska the leader in ethanol blends. Right now, the highest blend is in Minnesota with 12.6% and Iowa is second highest.

E-15 has the potential to be a great boost to the economy and a tremendous help to agriculture, which creates one in every four jobs in Nebraska. In the farm economy, we have a lot of peaks and valleys. So even if the price of corn is higher today, it will drop at some point in the future. Ethanol helps even out those ups and downs and makes the entire state economy more stable.

Regarding two of the bills debated this week, we have seen excellent discussion on both sides. Senators were asking for clarification and receiving respectful responses for the most part, especially on LB 626.

This bill, termed the “heartbeat bill” as it applies to infant development and abortion, saw more people in the Rotunda this week than any time so far this year, with press conferences from both sides. We have been inundated with information from the medical community as well, representing opposite views. I did vote for cloture and advancing LB 626. My concerns are mothers, babies and health care providers – all receiving the consideration, care and protection they need. This will now move to the second of three rounds of debate.

LB 574 would ban doctors from performing gender altering surgeries and offering hormone therapies to individuals younger than 19. An amendment to pare the bill back to just surgery was offered, which was defeated. The bill was advanced but with the caveat that an improved amendment would be negotiated and offered on the next stage. We will wait and see if there is a path forward now, with amendments. Even so, I have had people tell me that there could be court challenges in the future to both LB 626 and LB 574.

One more major bill was taken up this week, LB 753, to give tax credits to donors that fund scholarships to attend private and parochial schools. I did support an amendment for spending and reporting requirements, but overall I am still generally opposed to the concept and the potential effect on the budget. I was present and not voting on the bill’s advancement. The state’s primary obligation, and its constitutional duty, is to provide public education.

Your email, phone calls and messages are appreciated. Contact me at mdorn@leg.ne.gov or call 402-471-2620. Find information and livestream of debate at www.nebraskalegislature.gov Thank you.