Legislative session to adjourn April 18
This is the last week for this year’s legislative session as we will adjourn Sine Die on April 18.
My colleagues and I have worked hard these past few months on trying pass legislation that helps Nebraskans all across the state.
I appreciate all the words of support you have given me during this session. I am proud to represent to people of the 44th district.
This week I would like to update you all on the passage of the budget, as well as, an interesting bill that could replace the statues that represent Nebraska at the Capitol in Washington D.C.
In my article last week, I explained some of the reasons why LB 944, the mainline budget bill, was having trouble getting passed.
This week I am pleased to report that a compromise was found and we were able to send all the budget bills to Governor Ricketts’ desk.
The amended version continues to prohibit the referral of a patient to an abortion service. A referral is limited to recommending a pregnant woman to doctors, clinics or other persons or entities for the purpose of obtaining an abortion.
The governor signed all the budget bills into law on April 4 without any line item vetoes.
LB 807, introduced by Omaha Senator Burke Harr, would replace the two statues in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol.
In 1864, Congress established this hall and allowed each state to have two statues to represent their story. Currently, J. Sterling Morton and William Jennings Bryan are the two statues for Nebraska and were installed in 1937.
This bill would replace those with Willa Cather and Chief Standing Bear. I believe it is an appropriate time replace these statues with two of Nebraska’s notable people. There is no cost to the state to replace the statues and the current statues will be returned to Nebraska.
I had the pleasure of having Rev. Johnny Walker give the prayer of the day April 3. Rev. Walker is the pastor from West 1st Chapel in McCook. It was an honor to have another great minister representing our district give the morning prayer.
I would like to give another reminder to any high school students that would be interested in participating in the Unicameral Youth Legislature program that is held every summer.
This is a wonderful opportunity for young students to get to see the behind the scenes of how the nation’s only unicameral works.
Students participate in all the activities of a state senator and discuss issues important to the state. To learn more visit: nebraskalegislature.gov/education/unicamyouth.php .
I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have.
Read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov. Click on the Live Video Streaming NET logo to watch sessions, hearings, and other Capitol events.
Tuesday teleconference
Hughes said any bills on Select File that did not advance Tuesday died. Any remaining Final Reading bills were scheduled for action Wednesday, the 59th day.
Hughes has opposed Sen. Ernie Chamber’s bill, LB 449, which would repeal the black-tailed prairie dog management act.
It moved to final reading Tuesday on a voice vote, despite efforts by Hughes to stop it.
The body also sent LB 989 to Final Reading that would authorize self-driving vehicles under conditions of the bill.
Hughes said any hopes for meaningful property tax reform died over the weekend. A group of senators working on the issue couldn’t arrive at any compromises so the session will end without any relief.
The senator said the governor’s bill, LB 947, offered some relief but couldn’t get the needed 33 votes to end debate and is not dead.
Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon has been circulating a letter calling for a special session on the issue. Hughes said he signed the letter.
With 10 or more senators already signing the letter, the secretary of state is required to poll senators. For a special session to be called, 33 senators must agree one is needed.
Hughes said urban senators see little need for property tax relief since they receive around 50 percent of funding for their schools in state aid.
Hughes noted schools in the 44th District receive little or no state aid funding due to the escalation in ag property values.
Hughes doubts the special session will materialize. That leaves a ballot initiative as a possible alternative to address the issue. It would provide a 50 percent tax credit for all property taxes paid to support local school districts.
The cost of that, if it gets on the ballot and is approved by voters, will cost the state at least $1.1 billion—money the state doesn’t have right now.
That will require the Legislature to come up with those funds. Hughes said eliminating sales tax exemptions that have mounted up over the last 40 years could be a likely source.