Washington County Republican Party

Weekly Session Update – May 11, 2015

Another week has flown by at the Legislature with the completion of Day 77 on May 7. There are only 13 session days left, with many major issues remaining on the agenda such as the budget, prison and corrections reform, and property tax relief.

The budget advanced through second round of debate on Wednesday. While much of the debate on the budget may occur during final reading and after line-item vetoes by the Governor, some concerns have been raised. For instance, there was extended discussion regarding an $8 million appropriation to Creighton University for the construction of a dental clinic. The debate focused on whether public tax dollars should be solely disbursed for this private institution. The appropriation was amended to provide eligibility for funding to the University of Nebraska’s dental college as well.

A recent announcement by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board was good news. It was anticipated the Forecasting Board would announce a shortfall in projected tax revenues requiring budget cuts, but instead the Board announced a $12 million increase. Thankfully, the additional revenues were allotted for further property tax relief within the budget.

While the decision to provide increased property tax relief was a prudent move, I remain disappointed by the passage of LB610. LB610 hikes the motor vehicle gas tax by six cents over the next four years. LB610 was advanced to the Governor who immediately vetoed the bill. LB610 needs thirty votes to override the Governor’s veto.
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Weekly Session Update – February 23, 2015

Session began as scheduled on Tuesday, February 17, marking Day 27 of our 90-day session. In observance of President’s Day, the office was closed on Monday. This resulted in a short work week where my staff and I worked extended hours due to the normal legislative workload in addition to preparation and public hearings for LB568 and LB350.

On Tuesday, I introduced LB568 before the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. LB568 presents a potentially difficult policy question before the committee and legislature. LB568 addresses a finding of non-compliance with the Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License Act by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). LB568 would bring Nebraska into compliance with the FMCSA by separating the administrative license revocation (ALR) process from the underlying criminal prosecution for the holder of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) following an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or implied consent. As Sen. Seiler recognized during hearing, this leads to an inefficiency in the process where a lower administrative hearing entity is not able to defer to a more authoritative and legitimate judicial process. Continued non-compliance would result in a loss of $18 million in federal aid highway funding. This potentially leaves the legislature with the decision of complying with an inefficient federal mandate and securing millions of dollars in federal aid highway funding or not complying and losing those federal dollars. Notably, the Department of Motor Vehicles is still in discussion with the FMCSA arguing present Nebraska law is in compliance.
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Weekly Session Update – February 2

Monday, Jan. 26th, marked the 13th day of the Legislature which started off great as District 16 Pastor Russ Faust of Kennard led us in prayer. We were also blessed to have Pastor Gregg Gaham from Oakland lead us in prayer on Friday. Thank you to both who travelled to Lincoln to grace us in prayer.

By Monday, a total of 16 bills advanced out of committee and were sent to General File for first round of floor debate. Of those bills, all but LB 177 were immediately heard. LB 177 was the first bill debated on Tuesday. LB 177 changes a few provisions related to board members of public power districts. The main component of the bill prohibits an employee of a public power district from serving as a member of the board of directors of any other public power district. Essentially, the bill attempts to manage conflict of interest situations. Concerns were expressed by two District 16 public power districts in Cuming and Burt Counties.

The rest of the week’s floor debate was consumed by LB 88. This bill increases the marriage license fee from $15 to $50. Senator Chambers objected to the fee increase, arguing it was a tax and not a fee and criticized the increase being over 300% on those seeking marriage. I am also opposed. As a state, we should value ease of access for those desiring to enter into the serious commitment of marriage.

The Nebraska Association of School Boards also held a luncheon. Several District 16 school superintendents and board members attended. This offered an important opportunity to discuss two of my bills. LB 350 reduces agricultural and horticultural land valuations from 75% to 65%. This bill offers needed relief to our farmers who make up less than 3% of the state’s population but carry 30% of the tax burden for education. LB 351 provides an increase of income tax directed to local school districts from the current 2% to 20%. This helps schools receive important sources of local revenue and provides equitable distribution of the tax burden for education. The bills strike a crucial balance between two vital interests.
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Weekly Session Update – January 26

On Monday, January 20, the Legislature was not in session to observe Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Events were held across our district, state and country to pay tribute to Rev. Dr. King’s legacy of promoting peaceful unity among all people. The long weekend provided a welcome return home to the farm which blessed me with a refreshed feeling of the beauty of rural Nebraska and the good people I humbly serve.

Tuesday started off hectic. It marked Day 9 of only 10 possible days to introduce new bills. We introduced our final 4 bills. LB568 changes certain administrative license revocation provisions related to CDL operators. This bill concerns an issue between the Department of Motor Vehicles and the federal government regarding compliance of administrative procedures for CDL operators arrested for DUI. If the federal government determines the DMV is non-compliant, this bill would comply with federal law and secure highway safety construction funds. LB569 modifies grant funding related to the Business Innovations Act and supports the development of technology and innovation in rural and urban areas. LB570 grants authority to cities and counties regarding the usage of golf cart vehicles. Cities and counties could allow golf cart usage within their jurisdiction, subject to certain public safety requirements. LB571 provides authority to the Nebraska Tourism Commission to establish and promote tourism signage. In addition to introduced bills, we began public hearings. I attended Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on Tuesday and spent the rest of the week in the Revenue Committee.
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The 2014 Washington County Republican Party slate of GOP candidates. Please be sure to print off copies and hand them out to your friends. It is perfectly OK to take this slate into the voting booth with you as well. Download pdf version of 2014 WCRP GOP slate