I traveled to Thedford last week to meet with area residents regarding the next steps for the Sand Hills Discovery Center that is being planned to replace the former State 4-H Camp destroyed by fire two years ago near Halsey. I was able to secure $10 million in matching funds from the State to help fund the replacement of the facility.

After spending this past year looking for the best site to build the replacement facility, the committee decided to rebuild on the old site located on National Forest land. The decision was based on several factors, including the cost of land acquisition, infrastructure needs, and the fact that future fire risks are limited due to the loss of trees from the last fire. The strong support of the local Forest Service staff also played a huge role in selecting this site. The trade-off of building on leased land is the need to develop a detailed development plan prior to negotiating a lease and starting construction.

The development committee is comprised of two local representatives, two University/4-H representatives, and two Nebraska Community Foundation representatives. I will also continue to serve on this committee for now. We are also looking for local volunteers to serve on two committees to work on eco-tourism ideas and fundraising. The ultimate success of this project will depend on local support. I am grateful that the 4-H foundation contributed $2 million from the net fire proceeds, so with the dollar-for-dollar match from the Department of Economic Development, we now have $4 million collected. We expect that Phase One will require approximately $20 million. I have always said that economic development begins with stopping existing projects from leaving the area.

Last Thursday night, Julie and I attended the annual banquet for the Nebraska Family Alliance. Over 1,200 people were in attendance to celebrate the lives of the unborn and to remind us all how precious life is. The keynote speaker was Tim Tebow. Many of us know Tim as a Heisman Trophy winner, a first-round draft pick, and professional baseball and football player. We also know him for his strong religious faith. Tim shared how his father was convinced that he and his wife needed to have another child while they were serving as missionaries. During her pregnancy, his mother had serious complications and was advised to terminate her pregnancy by two separate doctors. However, she was determined to place her faith in the hands of God to protect her through the pregnancy. Later, she delivered their baby, a healthy baby boy that they named Tim. None of us know what God has in mind for us as we live our lives, but he remains in control always. His story is inspiring and one that we all can celebrate.

I have also gotten several inquiries regarding the impact that LB34 will have on the 2023 income tax rebate associated with LB1107. LB34 modified the LB1107 income tax credit to a “frontloaded” property tax credit. As a result, your 2024 property tax statement, which you should receive in December, will include the existing property tax credit as well as the new LB1107 credit. Property taxes are due on December 31 each year, but the first half is not delinquent until May 1 the following year, and the second half is not delinquent until after September 1 the following year. Because of this change, you will not be receiving an income tax rebate for 2023 property taxes paid in 2024, but you will receive your income tax rebate for 2023 if you paid them prior to January 1, 2024.

Going forward, any state revenues that exceed 103% of the budget will be automatically added to the property tax credit fund. State spending cuts, coupled with new revenue sources, are expected to significantly contribute to this fund going forward. Getting this mechanism in place was one of the most important accomplishments of the special session.

I also want to remind everyone that the Lincoln County Farm Bureau has asked me to participate in a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. on September 21, at the McKinley Education Center. I hope you will consider attending to get any of your questions answered and share with me any concerns you have.

I look forward to continuing to hear from you regarding issues that are important to you. It is a privilege to serve as your State Senator, and I will continue to give my full effort to make a positive difference for the District and the State. You can reach me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2729.