Many Notable Bills Debated by Legislature

March 23, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our tenth week of session – days 38-41 – adjourned Thursday.

Monday was day 38, moving us into the final third of this biennium. Our calendar days continue to fly by, yet on the floor it’s as though time stands still when a single bill takes hours or even days to debate; that may be good news or bad news, depending on what your position is on a bill. It is good news for those believing there are too many laws, unfunded mandates, fee or tax increases, or other burdens created by legislation. It is bad news when there is legislation you consider good public policy and offers relief, be it tax relief or removes regulations imposed by current laws. Without regard to anyone’s beliefs on policy, the rules were written to provide for full debate, and slowing the process down is oftentimes a good idea.

Adjourned Thursday — Day 41 — we fully realized there were now less than 20 session days remaining of the 104th Legislative session. My goal of property tax relief remains steadfast. The Revenue Committee, I am a member of, is working to make meaningful progress in property tax relief. Not perfection yet, but progress. In a short session and with little time remaining, we realize perfect property tax relief has become unrealistic and even some progress is a step in the right direction.

Coming weeks hold a bittersweet undercurrent. The final group of senators who have been here longer than I, will complete their final session. These statesmen are masterfully rich in knowledge and experience, many of whom were often allies, will bid their farewells as they leave due to term limits. Five of us will become the “Senior Class”.  Yes, sometimes we agree to disagree. However, at the end of the day we realize our now ever-changing body of 49 were elected by the second house. We live much alike, a day at a time, wanting only the best for those we serve.

Because I wanted to share my thoughts, below are only highlights of notable bills debated this week:

  • LB683 Change provisions relating to homestead exemptions for surviving spouses — passed to second round of debate; I supported
  • LB344 Provide natural resources districts with the power to issue general obligation bonds — defeated during debate; I opposed
  • LB817 Adopt the Direct Primary Care Agreement Act — passed to second round; I supported
  • LB1109 Change public records provisions and provide for an enhanced public scrutiny process for certain University appointees — passed to second; I was present not voting
  • LB 467 Change provisions relating to State Patrol retirement — Advanced to second round; I was in Executive Session, and unable to vote
  • LB745 Change Game and Parks Commission fee and permit provisions — Currently being debated on first round

We were honored to have Pastor Brian High of First Baptist Church in Tekamah lead the Legislature in prayer last Tuesday. We welcomed the Nebraska Christian Homeschool Association students.  Other visitors over the past few weeks also include Michaela Ott of Blair, who recently achieved her Girl Scout Gold Award, the Hrbek family who were in Lincoln for the GACC Girls State Basketball Tournament, and a delegation of Ukrainian officials learning about our Unicameral and public health.

Please contact me; my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann; or my legislative aide, Brett Waite, with questions or concerns at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 in the Capitol. You can follow the Legislature online at http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is also available on NET2.

Lydia Brasch

Lydia Brasch

 

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A Minute with Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

March 23, 2016 Leave a comment


 

A Minute with the Mayor by Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

March 2016

Spring has sprung! The grass is turning green! The girls’ basketball team made our school and community proud by going to the state basketball tournament for the first time in school history. And to top it all off the school and their community supporters won the spirit award for the school with the best representation and attitude out of all the D-2 school systems lucky enough to be part of the championship tournament. Enough said!!! I couldn’t help but feel a real sense of pride when I heard about the spirit award. It was thrilling enough to have the girls make the tournament but to receive the spirit award was icing on the cake. It really shouldn’t have surprised me that much however. This was just another example of Lyons (and Decatur) pulling together and being greater than the sum of its parts. It was another opportunity for our community to shine and we did. The whole experience should make you proud, whether a member of the Lyons-Decatur school family or part of the community as a whole. Thank you to Rex and the girl’s team for being another example of what being part of our small community is really all about!

Many of the council meeting agenda items have already been discussed in the paper so I won’t bore you with going back through them. A couple of highlights though I do want to hit upon. The first of which is the Veteran’s Memorial located by the library. Due to the many wonderful and generous donations the VFW has received, construction on the new memorial has begun. When completed, it is going to look amazing and be a true testament to sacrifice our men and women have made keeping our country safe. It will be a beautiful addition to our Main Street. We are in the process of refinancing our wastewater SRF loan. Should save the tax payers about $50,000 over the course of the loan from what we pay now. The council also spoke with a representative of EIA, our water tower builder, about some on-going issues we’ve been having with the tank. I’m hopeful we’ve come up with an action and maintenance plan that will take care of these problems. The council wants to make sure we are getting what was promised the city when EIA was courting the city for our business. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 9th. That is town clean-up day. Here’s your opportunity to throw out that stuff you really didn’t know what to do with. Take advantage of this opportunity. It only rolls around once a year. We’re still waiting to hear on our grant proposal for the street lighting project. These things take time so we will continue to wait. Financially, the city is right in line with the budget at the five month mark. I know replacement of the second police car was brought up in the paper. It is something we are thinking about. We will have more information at the April council meeting about replacement costs. We are still in need of lifeguards and pool managers. If you are interested, please apply at the city office. The council is also working on providing pool guest with clearer expectations of how we can make the pool a fun and safe experience for everyone. Last year was a new experience for everyone with regards to the new pool and what rules and regulations needed to be in place. It was difficult on patrons and on life guards at times because we didn’t have a clear set of expectations for folks to follow. I hoping with more guidance this year, it won’t be as challenging or confusing.

I’ll I think I’ve been down through the list of things I wanted to talk about. Be looking for information about the Community Club’s Stein, Wine and Swine event coming up on April 1st. You’ll want to attend it you can! Enjoy the nice weather. We’ll talk to you soon.

Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

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Stockings Boost Nebraska’s Tiger Trout Population

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


A fish species that has been a rare catch in Nebraska is becoming more common thanks to the work of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Thousands of tiger trout, a hybrid of brown trout and brook trout, have been raised at the Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery near Parks, Neb., and are being stocked at locations throughout the state for the first time. The colorful species has characteristics of both brookies and browns and is easily identified by the worm-like scale pattern that covers its body. Most of the fish being stocked are 10-12 inches.

Read more about stocking information on the news release.

You can purchase a fishing permit on our website.

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Nebraska Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

Wide-open spaces, grazing cattle in rolling pastures, and efficient feed yards cover Nebraska’s landscape. We are “The Beef State.” Our delicious products are the best in the world. They are found on dinner tables from New York to Tokyo, and many places in between. Because Nebraska’s producers are committed to delivering safe and high-quality beef, they continue to reach new consumers around the globe.

 

This success is the result of persistence in the face of adversity. In December of 2003, Israel was one of many countries to suspend imports of U.S. beef. Israel did so following a confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, more commonly referred to as BSE. After this case was confirmed, U.S. beef producers quickly implemented strict improvements. But, for nearly 13 years following this discovery, America’s beef producers were unable to ship their products to Israel.

 

When I visited Israel last fall, U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro reached out to me to find a solution to this ban. He wanted to bring Nebraska beef back to dinner tables in Israel. The ambassador said he was especially interested in serving Nebraska beef at the embassy’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Following our conversation, I began a dialogue with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to find a way to make this happen.

 

For the next few months, my office worked closely with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. I also spoke regularly with officials from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in a concerted effort to find the best solution. Finally, in February of 2016, an agreement was achieved. The ban was lifted, and the USDA announced that, for the first time in over a decade, an American shipment of beef will be delivered to Israel. What’s more, Nebraska will have the honor of supplying this shipment.
As part of this agreement, WR Reserve, a processing plant in Hastings, was selected to make the first delivery. This company’s hard work and dedication to complying with a rigorous inspection process made this agreement possible.

 

Agriculture is the driving force of Nebraska’ economy, and beef is a critical component of that success. With nearly $7.2 billion in annual cash receipts, our beef represents the largest sector of the state’s economy, while leading the nation in every aspect of beef production. In our state, cattle outnumber people by more than three to one. Nebraska is also the number one cattle on feed state. This fact illustrates our steadfast commitment to supplying the world with affordable, safe, and high-quality Nebraska beef.

 

This historic agreement with Israel is a win for both Nebraska and the Israeli people. For the first time in many years, consumers in Israel will once again be able to enjoy world-class Nebraska beef. And for Nebraska, opening this new market means increased opportunities that can benefit our communities and strengthen our economy.

 

According to the USDA, Israel imported $405 million in beef products from other nations. Ninety-five percent of these imports originated in Latin America, with additional volumes coming from Australia and the European Union. Nebraska now has an opportunity to be a competitor in that marketplace.

 

Throughout this process, I was honored to collaborate with state, federal, and international officials. This teamwork and persistence made it possible for Nebraska’s beef producers to lead the charge. I’m proud of our beef producers, and excited for the beef industry.

 

Going forward, I will continue working to ensure Nebraska’s beef producers have every opportunity to succeed and feed the world.

 

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargmann

* The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

Meals on Wheels

*Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Mar. 23: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Come and have coffee with us at 10:15 a.m. There will be chair exercises at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Mar. 23: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Sign up to play in the pinochle and hand and foot tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 24: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. The center will be closed this afternoon

Mon. Mar.28: There will be chair exercises at 12:45 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:15 p.m. The monthly board meeting will be at 3:30 p.m.

Tues. March 29: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 a.m. Walking exercises 10:45 a.m. Come in the afternoon to play Skip-Bo, dominoes or the card game 65 starting at 1:30.

Wed. March 30: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee times at 10:15 a.m. Chair exercises at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

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Legislative Session Progresses

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

The legislative session is moving quickly.  It seems like it was only a few weeks ago when I outlined the top priorities to work on with the Legislature in my State of the State address.  Working together, we have made progress on a number of key issues.  With only a few weeks left, however, there is still much to accomplish before session adjourns and senators return home.  A significant amount of work on top priorities like tax relief, infrastructure funding, and balancing the budget is yet to come.

 

At the opening of session, I designated property tax relief as my number one priority.  Wherever I travel, I continually hear from Nebraskans who feel the pain of our state’s high property taxes.  Earlier this session, I testified at two hearings in support of property tax bills, which have been a collaborative effort between Senators Gloor and Sullivan and my administration.  Nebraskans at those hearings confirmed the need for more property tax relief, and also provided feedback on how we could improve the bills.

 

Following the hearings, the senators, their committees, and I have continued to work to make adjustments to these bills.  After much discussion, the Revenue and Education Committees and I have agreed upon proposed amendments to the property tax relief bills.  These amendments do three major things: First, they provide additional targeted direct property tax relief for ag land property taxpayers.  Second, they limit the carryover of unused restricted funds by community colleges to three percent.  Third, they make changes to our state’s education funding formula to enhance local accountability in our school districts.

 

Because the amendment to LB958 contains significant changes from the original version, the Revenue Committee will hold a new hearing on the proposed amendment on March 24, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Nebraska State Capitol.  Nebraskans are invited to attend the hearing to give their feedback on the new proposed amendment.  If you are not able to attend and would still like to testify, you are welcome to submit your written testimony to the Revenue Committee by emailing kdelka@leg.ne.gov.  Written testimony must be submitted before the hearing to be included in the official record.

 

In addition to property tax relief, we have been working with the Appropriations Committee on the Transportation Innovation Act (TIA), a bill that makes targeted investments to accelerate expressway construction and bridge repair.  These targeted investments utilize existing sources of revenue, including a $50 million cash reserve transfer and unprogrammed motor vehicle fuel tax revenue.  After advancing from committee unanimously, the TIA successfully passed the first round of debate with overwhelming support.  There are two more rounds of debate on the TIA before it can reach my desk for approval.

 

As always, my administration is also working to hold the line on the rate of growth in spending.  Recently, the Appropriations Committee advanced a budget from committee that holds the line on spending similar to the responsible rate proposed in my budget.  Holding the line on the rate of growth in spending is critical to ensuring that the Legislature and I can continue to provide tax relief in the coming years.

 

As the session continues, my administration will continue to work with the Legislature to address these and other important priorities for hardworking Nebraskans.  If you want to share your thoughts on these bills or others with your senator, you can find all of the information you need to contact your senator by visiting www.NebraskaLegislature.gov.  To reach my office, you can call 402-471-2244, email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov, or follow me on Twitter @GovRicketts and at facebook.com/GovernorPeteRicketts.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

March 15, 2016 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

We have a couple of special events this week, on Thursday March 17th at 2:30 pm is the St. Patrick’s Day party and then on Friday March 18th is the annual Easter Bazaar from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Next week we have many Easter services going on. On Thursday March 24th is the Maundy Thursday Church service at 2:30 pm given by Pastor Hoden. Then on Friday March 25th is the Good Friday Church service at 2:30 pm given by Pastor Hineline. Then on Easter Sunday March 27th is an Easter Brunch for residents, family and friends starting at 8:00 am. We also have a resident celebrating a birthday, Delwin Benne on March 23rd.

Church Service for Sunday March 20th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First Baptist Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Monday March 21st is Communion given by the First Lutheran Church at 2:30 pm. On Tuesday March 22nd is Catholic Mass at 9:30 am given by Father Paul.

Activities for the week of March 14th   to March 19th are as follows, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Coffee and Conversation. Bingo the w/Staff, Bible Fellowship, Saturday morning video, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavan, Anne Anderson, Patty Miller, Cathi McMurtry, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Pat Anderson, Nadine Anderson, Sly Rouse, and Seth Anderson.

Guests signing in last week was; Karen Rosenboom to see Dolores Anderson, Murph, Jim and Jo Johnson here to see Dale and Jeanette Johnson. And Mack and Karen Jackson here to visit Karen Brand.see Dale and Jeanette Johnson.adine Anderson

 

 

 

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March is Bake and Take Month

March 15, 2016 Leave a comment


March is Bake and Take Month

By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

March is Bake & Take Month, a time when wheat organizations encourage others to bake a wheat food and share it with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and shut-ins. In honor of the month, the Nebraska What Board is again sponsoring recipe cards and stickers for any 4-H groups or other organizations that wish to participate. This year’s recipes include low-cal, fat free brownies and fudge cookie bars. Those interested in participating or who have questions can contact the Nebraska Wheat Board office at 402-471-2358 orwheat.board@nebraska.gov. There is no cost for the supplies, and no limit on the number that can be requested. Those wishing to preview the recipes before requesting materials can find them listed on the Wheat Board’s website homepage at: http://www.nebraskawheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-Bake-Take-cards-for-print.pdf. Whether you use their recipes or a favorite of your own, you’ll be providing not only a tasty treat for someone else, you’ll be doing a feel-good and taste-good community service as well!

 

4-H Snow/Snowless Sculpture Contest

Our raw materials for the 4-H Snow Sculpture have come and gone, but you are NOT limited to snow as your 4-H sculpture medium. If you choose not to use snow as your artistic medium, we’ll take any semi-permanent 4-H promotion. Hay sculptures, signs etc. are all acceptable mediums. There will again be individual and club entry divisions. The categories are: 1) Greenest, 2) Most Creative and 3) Best Message. Put your thinking caps on and come up with a 4-H promotion entry, then send or bring in a picture of it, with you or your 4-H Club in the picture to Mary Loftis at mloftis2@unl.edu by Monday, March 14.

 

STATE FAIR BOOK UPDATES & CHANGES

The 2016 4-H State Fair book is available online. The animal exhibits at this link: http://go.unl.edu/nsd2 and the static exhibits at: http://go.unl.edu/ey74. The Burt County Fair book very closely follows the state fair book so as you begin thinking about your fair exhibits please feel free to check out the State Fair book. Our county Fair book will be available hopefully in May.

 

Burt County 4-H Scholarships

All Burt County 4-H Seniors should have received several scholarship applications in the mail from the Burt County Extension Office. A copy of these scholarships also was sent to the Burt County High School counselors. If you need another copy please give us a call at 402-374-2929 or stop by the office or your guidance counselor’s office to get one. Entry deadlines vary of these scholarships, but the Burt County 4-H Council and East Oaks Jacob Johnson Scholarship deadlines are March 25th while the Bev Weiland Memorial Scholarship due date is April 15th.

 

Cody Bachtell is pictured with the snow sculpture he created for the contest. Photo Credit JoAnn Bachtell.

Cody Bachtell is pictured with the snow sculpture he created for the contest. Photo Credit JoAnn Bachtell.

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Busy Week for Nebraska’s Legislature

March 14, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our ninth week of session – Days 34 through 37 of our 60-day session – adjourned Thursday.

On Monday, and part of Tuesday, we debated and defeated LB371, which created the Nebraska Council for Educational Success. The council would have consisted of 21 members, including the Governor, the Commissioner of Education, the Chancellor and President of the Nebraska State College System, Commissioner of Labor, and an individual representing the business interests. There also would have been one parent on the council with a child in any of grades K-12. The objective of this council would have essentially been to recommend policy changes to the Education Committee of the Legislature.

The proponents argued a new council was necessary because of term limits, since the council would help add consistency and permanency to Nebraska’s educational policy. Opponents countered two councils already exist with many of the same goals and individuals: the P-16 Council and the council created by Governor Ricketts. LB371 would have been duplicative and also carried a fiscal note of $50,000 from the state’s general fund and $250,000 from the Department of Education’s budget. I voted no with the opponents.

LB919 advanced to Select File. This bill expands the use of problem-solving courts in Nebraska. Problem-solving courts use evidence-based outcomes to achieve positive results to address specific needs and problems that could not be addressed in traditional courts. Problem-solving courts promote results that benefit the offender, the victim, and communities. Types of problems addressed by these courts are drug abuse, mental illness, DUI’s, and domestic violence. The bill expands the use to include problem-solving courts for veterans to help address the issues unique to our nation’s soldiers.

Another bill debated was LB83 – it advanced to Select File with a small majority. The amendment to LB83 replaced the bill entirely and redefined the word “employer” in Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-1220. For the purposes of discriminatory wage practices based on sex, employer shall now mean “any person engaged in an industry who has two or more employees for each working day in each of twenty or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year[.]” Prior to LB83, the definition of employer applied to any person engaged in an industry who has fifteen or more employees. The smaller number of two employees creates more burdens for our smaller, rural businesses, including women in agriculture. It was made into a gender issue on the floor of the Legislature. I did not support this bill.

Finally, an additional bill that merits mentioning is LB344. This bill was hotly debated on Thursday. It would grant NRDs the authority to issue general obligation bonds for the purpose of financing all or part of the cost of non-revenue-producing water projects authorized by law. Issuance of the bonds shall be approved by two-thirds of the members of the board of directors of the district. I, along with other senators, argued that Nebraskans right now are struggling to pay their property taxes, so why introduce another avenue through which the people would be charged more property taxes? I oppose this legislation.

Please contact me; my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann; or my legislative aide, Brett Waite, with questions or concerns at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are in the Capitol. If you would like to follow the Legislature online you can visit http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is also available on NET2.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

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Market Report

March 14, 2016 Leave a comment


Markets

3/14/16@11:07am
Dow -12.87
S&P -6.49
Nasdaq -3.72

Crude oil moved higher and the U.S Dollar moved lower last week, which positively influenced stock and commodity prices.  U.S. stocks fell this morning, offering clues to the course of monetary policy this year.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 25 points, or 0.1%, to 17188 shortly after the opening bell. The S&P 500 dropped 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3%.

Crude oil has slid more than 70% from its peak in ’14.  However, U.S. oil prices are up more than 45% from a 13 year low in February which came to an end after major producers held discussions about capping output.  As the bullish sentiment increases, the oil market remains supportive.  Could this rally lead to its own demise?  Higher prices will likely encourage shale producers to ramp up output again, muddying any forecasts for shrinking U.S. supply. Shale wells can be drilled and fracked within a matter of months, compared with the years it can take to complete other types of oil wells.

April Crude Oil

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Grain Markets

3/14/16@11:10am
May Corn +3’0 @ $3.68’0
May Beans+0’2 @ $8.96’0

 

Last trading day for March futures

 

In the News: El Nino may be weakening, but it is still clobbering crops in the Asia-Pacific region, effecting sugar, rice and palm oil production. http://www.wsj.com/articles/el-nino-may-be-weakening-but-it-is-still-clobbering-crops-1457953780

 

Corn:

The funds continue to increase their net short position and go further in to record territory.  Beneficial rains throughout the southern plains with more to come.  Nearby corns resistance in the low to mid $3.70’s.  We have seen a bit of a bounce in corn but fundamentally nothing has changed.

 

Beans:

May futures broke through the 50 and 100 day moving averages last week on its 8 day run closing higher and higher.  Farmer selling remains steady as prices rise.  Processor basis levers steady to weaker as they take more bushels.

 

As beans seem to push higher there is likely some resistance at $9, as many have offers in at those levels for the nearby.  Much of this rally comes from short covering, and funds seem to be adding some additional shorts as the market keeping us under $9 for the May.

 

Weather

After unseasonably warm weather in the Midwest, cooler temps on the way.  Still mild weather and some chances of thunderstorms tonight.

image002

New Cars:

 

New vehicle sales in the U.S came in at 17.5 million in 2015.  Used car sales (mostly subprime borrowers) has also been on the rise.  Total volume of U.S auto loans now reaching an all-time high of close to $1 trillion.  Impressive growth for the industry.

The concerning part is the default rate.  Through February, about 12% of the underlying loans were at least 30 days past due, a third of which were more than 60 days delinquent. In another 2.6% of loans, borrowers had filed for bankruptcy or the vehicles had been repossessed.  This from Equifax.

Those borrowers are at the outer fringe of the auto market. Still, the high level of missed payments for loans made so recently is a warning sign for an industry that needs every customer it can get to keep sales increasing at a record pace.  It will be interesting to see where auto makers go from here.

image003

Read more here: http://www.wsj.com/articles/subprime-flashback-early-defaults-are-a-warning-sign-for-auto-sales-1457862187

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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