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
Kat Country Hub 
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