I want to begin my remarks this week by thanking all the first responders and firefighters who have been battling the devastating grass fires that have returned to our area. I was contacted last week by Thomas County Sheriff Joseph Smith encouraging me to support legislation that increases opportunities to recruit and retain first responders and volunteer firefighters, as well as funding for equipment and a reliable communication network. This is a challenge faced by many in rural Nebraska, particularly the four counties north of Lincoln County. He sent me that text just as he was taking off his gun and badge to climb on to a firetruck to help fight the fires south of Mullen.

I continue to be amazed by the sense of duty demonstrated every day by many in our villages and towns who do everything possible to make these communities a great place to live and raise a family. I cannot say enough about all our first responders throughout the District!

Through last Friday (Day 35), the Governor has signed 18 bills into law, including two of my bills, LB38 and LB108e. There are 63 bills on General File (bills voted out of committee and waiting to be scheduled for floor debate), 14 bills that passed General File and are in Enrollment and Review Initial, 8 Bills on Select File, 24 in Enrollment & Review for Engrossing, and 13 bills on Final Reading.

Thus far, the Legislature is running ahead of the 2023 long session, but there are still several controversial bills either still in committee or yet to be scheduled by the Speaker. Once those bills get scheduled, you can expect filibusters to take place, but I remain optimistic.

The State Economic Forecasting Board met last week and raised their revenue forecast by $100 million in FY25 and another $65 million in FY26. This cuts the deficit projection significantly and helps the Legislature eliminate the budget deficit. However, it is an ongoing challenge to slow spending and increase revenues.

As vice-chair of the Revenue Committee, I am amazed that the number of “revenue” committee bills that have been heard in the committee thus far that have huge fiscal notes. Most people think that only the Appropriations Committee hears spending bills, but there are many bills heard in the Revenue Committee that either provide for tax credits or reductions in revenue that lower state revenues. To date, my “back of the envelope” calculations show nearly $1.5 billion in revenue losses if the committee approved every bill brought to it thus far in the committee. It is safe to assume that few if any of these bills will likely make it out of committee. There are many good ideas, just never enough money to fund them. Property tax reductions can only happen if spending is reduced.

Although the forecasting board brought some good news, there are certainly storms brewing on the federal level that suggest that the state could lose some of the federal funding it currently receives, including for federally mandated social programs. To the extent the state loses federal funding, we will have no choice but to make it up. For that reason, I anticipate opposing any bills with any significant spending component.

The Appropriations Committee is asked to submit its recommendations to the full Legislature by Day 70, which is scheduled to fall on Tuesday, April 27 this year. The forecasting board will meet again on April 25, the Friday prior to the date the state budget must be approved.

I look forward to continuing to hear from you about 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.