Bill Passes to Continue Education Requirements for Apprentice Electricians

Monday, March 9, marked Day 41 of our 90-day session. With almost half the legislative session behind us, the Legislature steadily marches forward to address a variety of issues. At this point, there are 148 bills due for first round debate, 6 for second round debate, and 82 bills priority bills. In addition, 25 bills have been passed by the Legislature awaiting the Governor’s signature and another 58 already approved by the Governor.

I am happy to announce the passage of my first bill for the session. LB179 provides for continuing education requirements for apprentice electricians. It passed through the Legislature with relative ease with some amendments added to ensure apprentice electricians not wanting to advance further in their career to journeyman will not be negatively affected. It currently awaits the Governor’s signature to become law.

I also introduced LB569 to the Appropriations Committee. In my five years representing you at the Legislature, this was my first time before Appropriations. They have the important and difficult task of proposing a budget to the rest of the Legislature. LB569 makes some changes to the Business Innovation Act (BIA). The BIA encourages and supports the development of Nebraska-based technology and innovation in rural and urban areas through a variety of programs, such as the Value-Added Agriculture Program and Research and Development Program. LB569 increases the amount maximums allowed for grants offered through the BIA programs. This change gives the Department of Economic Development more flexibility in allocating the $7 million given to them for grant funding.

Unfortunately, LB350, my bill to decrease the valuation on agricultural and horticultural land for property tax purposes from 75% to 65%, was not voted out of the Revenue Committee. Only Senator Jim Scheer voiced support for the bill during executive session. Many other senators voiced concern LB350 would not provide enough relief farmers and ranchers. However, I have heard overwhelming support for this bill from those in the district, as well as statewide. Since 2008, agricultural land has shot up in assessments by 180% and placed a tremendously disproportionate burden on farmers and ranchers. This is deeply disappointing and unfair for a state built on agriculture, and continues to be sustained by agriculture as our #1 industry. I hope the committee will reconsider LB350 and support its advancement to the floor for debate.

As winter sports wrap up, a few special congratulations are due. Congratulations to Bancroft-Rosalie for taking second place in an amazingly close, yet heartbreaking double overtime loss in the D-2 Boys State Basketball Championship game. Also, congratulations to Guardian Angels Central Catholic (WestPoint) on taking third place in the C-2 Girls State Basketball Tournament. Additionally, congratulations to Oakland-Craig and the West Point-Beemer wrestling teams for both finishing in the top 5 team rankings at State Wrestling. It was nice to have District 16 visitors: Ed Hernandez (Nebraskans for Founders Values); Judy Mutzenberger and John Ross (Cuming County Supervisors); and Gayle Roberts, Aaron Loyd, Celeste Lux (Blair) and Nancy Black (Tekamah) attending Nebraska Library Advocacy Day. We were also blessed to have Pastor Lewis Miller of Beemer Mennonite Church serve as Chaplain of the Day on Tuesday leading the Legislature in grace-filled prayer.

Please contact me, administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or legislative aide, Tom Venzor, with questions or thoughts at (402)471-2728 or e-mail at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Keeping the Good Life Growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Senator Lydia Brasch