107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 82

I enjoyed seeing the representatives from the National Guard 

who came by the Capitol this week.

In the past 48 hours we have passed many bills this week for the State of Nebraska, but several that are monumental.LB 387, (Brewer, at the request of the Governor) the 100% un-taxing of military retired pay with a vote of 47-0. LB 64 which will phase out the taxing of Social Security over the next 10 years with a vote of 41-0. LB 388e (Friesen, also at the request of the Governor) Adopt Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act. 

BILLS ON THE WAY TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK

There are many bills that have advanced to Final Reading this week, but I have picked out a few that I believe are especially relevant to District 17:

LB 432A (Revenue Committee) Adopt the Firefighter Cancer Benefits Act, provide a tax credit for parents of stillborn children and an income tax exemption, change the corporate income tax rate, Adopt the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust

LB 387 (Brewer, at the request of the Governor) Eliminating taxation of military retirement benefits

LB 2 (Briese) Change the valuation of agricultural land and horticultural land for certain school district taxes 

LB 595 (Albrecht) Provide and change sales and use tax exemptions for certain products and agricultural machinery and equipment, exclude certain income from gross receipts, and change funding for and require reports regarding the Game and Parks Commission Capital Maintenance Fund 

LB 561e (Briese) Rename and change powers and duties of the State Racing Commission and provide regulation and enforcement regarding sports wagering and other gambling activities at licensed racetrack enclosures 

LB 572 (Halloran) Change provisions of the Livestock Brand Act

LB 388e (Friesen, at the request of the Governor) Adopt Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act

LB 131e (Hunt) Adopt the Municipal Natural Gas System Emergency Assistance Act and change provisions relating to ordinances, bond elections, municipal boundaries, the Community Development Law, and building and plumbing codes

LB 396 (Brandt) Adopt the Nebraska Farm-to-School Program Act

DISTRICT 17 2ND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY 

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides that it is the right of the people to keep and bear arms and that such right shall not be infringed. The people of Legislative District 17 are strong supporters of our freedoms and the Second Amendment. Thurston, Wayne and Dakota Counties have all joined 88 of 93 other counties of Nebraska, as well counties in other  states across the country, and passed an ordinance declaring that it is a Second Amendment sanctuary county. The Nebraska Legislature recognized all three counties in District 17 with Legislative Resolutions as Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties and strong supporters of the Second Amendment. A copy of the Resolutions have been sent to the County Board of each county. 

LR FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

LB376, introduced by Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, failed to advance to Final Reading this week. The bill would have required the State Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a three-year Medicaid waiver to start a family support program for developmental disability services.  As with every bill, I work hard to understand the benefits and sustainability. This bill carried with it too many unanswered questions for me to give it a green vote. LB376 would only temporarily address the current wait list. The general fund impact — estimated at $3.8 million in fiscal year 2021-22. Senator Arch has introduced a Legislative Resolution to study the specific needs of the developmentally disabled in Nebraska and most effective ways to help these children and their families for the long term. I will certainly be signing to the LR and look forward to the discussion. I anticipate that a similar bill will be brought back next year.

USDA EXPANSION FOR RURAL BUSINESSES

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it has implemented a series of actions to make it easier for very small rural businesses to get access to capital. The Department published a final rule outlining changes to the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). The program provides loans and grants to microenterprise development organizations to help them establish revolving loan programs to assist microenterprises, businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees. It also provides annual funding to development organizations to conduct training and provide technical assistance to microloan borrowers. Program applications are accepted on a continuous basis at any local Rural Development office.

NEBRASKA  DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HEALTH STANDARDS

Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered. 

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think. 

A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:

https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/

You can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov. 

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 

The number of positive tests reported for the periods May, 13 2021 to May 21, 2021 in District 17 are as follow: 

Dakota County +7 (4117)

Thurston County: +8 (1184)

Wayne County: +2 (1162)

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.