As we begin the week with 17 legislative days remaining, the two budget bills, LB1071 (main budget bill) and LB1072 (fund transfer bill), both passed the first round of debate with several unresolved issues. Expect significant floor debate as we move to Select File. I fully anticipate that we will reach an agreement on a balanced final budget without wiping out our rainy day fund. But this next year needs to go much better than the last, as it relates to budget challenges.

There is limited room for big holes in the budget going forward. With that said, there have been proposals floated to slow the income tax cuts, flatten the property tax relief funding, and make other tax changes. I prefer to take steps to raise taxes – or slow tax reductions – only when it is clear we need to. Meanwhile, I prefer to trim as much fat as possible and evaluate where we need to go from there. It is easy to raise taxes when times get tough; it is hard to make real cuts. I have been asking political subdivisions to lower property taxes by cutting expenses; it would be hypocritical of me not to do the same.

As we fight about the budget in Lincoln, there are many in other parts of the state fighting a different battle. Last week, three major fires broke out in our part of the state. As of now, these fires are still burning and have already done incredible physical and economic damage, in addition to loss of life. In addition to the loss of human life, the number of cattle and newborn calves lost in the fires has yet to be tallied. With the ongoing windy and dry conditions, it is difficult to know how long it will take to contain the fires and how long the affected areas will need to fully recover. It will take at least a year for pastures to be fit for grazing again. Between current hay supplies lost, along with the summer grazing and haying damaged, the cost to producers is overwhelming. Given the limited options for producers short of feed, they will need to make hard choices about their remaining herd size. At a time when cow prices are at all-time highs, this disaster cannot have happened at a worse time.

I cannot begin to sufficiently acknowledge the overwhelming effort displayed by all the firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders who have stepped up to take on this enormous challenge. It is still amazing to me that we have volunteers who are willing to donate their time and risk their lives to protect people and property. It is also heartwarming to see that departments from across the state are sending people and equipment to assist with the effort. Even the Omaha Fire Department and Lincoln Fire and Rescue have decided to deploy personnel and equipment to the area to provide additional assistance. This is a rare step and speaks to the culture of Nebraska. I am glad to see that kind of cooperation from those in the urban areas of the state.

I’d like to remind the public that one of the best ways we can help those responding to these fires is to heed evacuation orders, barricades, and other directions from emergency personnel. I know many people are anxious to see the extent of the damage firsthand or may be hesitant to leave their homes; however, we create more risk for responders when the public gets in the way. That also goes for elected officials like me who need to stay away from the front lines unless we can use that presence to bring help. I am staying up to date on the status of the damage and will remain available to help when I can.

On a more positive note, I am happy to congratulate Jeff and Shae Caldwell of North Platte on being named the 2025 Champion of Small Business by the Nebraska Business Development Center. Jeff and Shae have been leaders in North Platte for several years, developing businesses that have made a huge impact on the area economy. This is especially impressive when you consider that Shae has been battling cancer and yet is still focused on how she can make a difference in building the local economy. I also want to thank them for allowing my legislative aide, Tori, to sit with them at the awards ceremony in my place. She told me she felt like a celebrity sitting with them, which is no surprise given their warm personalities. Thank you, Jeff and Shae, for making a difference.

It continues to be a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.