Once again, I spent most of last week in Lincoln, attending hearings and working with my legislative staff on our plans for the coming session. One of the hearings that I attended was for LR171, which I introduced to study the need for rebasing Medicaid funding for behavioral health.

I also attended the hearing for LR203, which my friend and fellow Senator Myron Dorn introduced to study how the state of Nebraska can ensure it has effective emergency medical services in rural communities. Although this was a legislative study, it will likely result in a bill to tackle the issues facing EMS in rural Nebraska. Nebraska is one of three states with the highest rates of rural residents living more than a 25-mile drive from first responders. This is glaringly apparent when you consider our rural residents in District 42. This is an everyday circumstance for residents in Thomas and Hooker Counties. To add insult to injury, current EMS personnel are aging, and finding their replacements is increasingly challenging.

In addition to challenges in recruiting first responders, training is also a barrier. Consider, for example, that even volunteer EMTs must obtain 60 hours of training over six months, and they need continuing education to maintain licensing. At last count, there were approximately 13,000 volunteer firefighters and about 15,000 volunteer EMS providers. However, the state has lost 60 EMRs and 60 EMTs over the past five years. This issue is real, and I believe needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. I plan to join Senator Dorn in getting legislation introduced to begin addressing this problem. Rural Nebraska cannot grow if we cannot provide quality, affordable health care.

In addition to attending the hearings at the Capitol, I also spent time with my legislative staff reviewing our plans for the next legislative session. Given the number of bills introduced during the last session and that we are now entering the short 60-day session in 2024, it will be very difficult to get new bills through the process, especially if they are controversial or have a fiscal note. As we enter the next session, it is important to have a clear path forward for each bill you choose to back because any bills still unresolved at the end of the 2024 session will automatically die.

As I have previously announced, my personal priority bill in 2024 will be LB31, the two-person train crew bill. I also plan to move the second bill I introduced in the last session, LB32, related to Medigap coverage. LB32 stalled in committee due to the intense objections by the insurance industry. We reached an agreement that they would personally work with me between sessions to work out a compromise. They have offered a compromise, and I’m optimistic we can reach an agreement before January. In the end, I want to get this bill included in the Banking Commerce and Insurance Committee priority bill to ensure that it passes this year.

I have several other pieces of Legislation that are also on my radar. First, we must improve Medicaid funding so medical providers can provide the necessary care for those in need while keeping their doors open. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, behavioral health providers, and physicians providing care to patients covered by Medicaid. Second, it is time to consider assisting communities dealing with the problems resulting from dead and dying trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Finally, I would like to see changes to the Homestead Exemption. I believe disabled veterans should receive a prorated Homestead Exemption if they are not 100% disabled in an amount equal to the percentage of their disability. I also want to significantly raise the maximum home value to qualify to protect seniors who have lost their Homestead Exemption because their property valuations increased.

Julie and I closed out the week by attending the annual Seneca Turkey Dinner & Bazaar. We had the opportunity to attend last year and decided it was such a great event we had to make it an annual trip! It did not disappoint. Just another example of how a small, unincorporated village can bring area residents together for great food and fellowship. Amazing event!

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 by calling my legislative office at 402-471-2729.