Senator Brasch Encourages Young Readers to Write For Letters About Literature

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


District 16 State Senator Lydia Brasch wants to encourage young readers in grades 4-12 to write a personal letter to an author for the Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a national reading and writing promotion program. Stressing the importance of practicing their reading and writing skills, Senator Brasch said, “This contest is a fun and creative way to encourage students to read and write. I hope all aspiring authors will consider entering this contest.” Senator Brasch added, “Many classes visit our office at the Capitol every year, and I have learned first-hand how very creative our students are. This will be a wonderful way to let their creativity and brilliance be recognized.”

 

Letters can be addressed to any author from any genre explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. Prizes will be awarded on both the state and national levels. A panel of judges from Nebraska Center for the Book will then select the state winners, who will be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the State Capitol during National Library Week in April 2015. Winning letters will be displayed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln.

 

State winners will also receive state prizes and advance to the national competition where a panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one National Winner per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12). Winners will receive a $1,000 cash award, to be announced May 2015. The judges will also select one National Honor winner on each competition level to receive a $200 cash award.

 

Submissions from grades 9-12 must be postmarked by December 15, 2013 and submissions from grades 4-8 by January 15, 2014.

 

Nebraska-specific information (including letters from Nebraska winners of past contests) is available at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html. For more information contact Mary Jo Ryan, maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3434, or 800-307-2665.

District 16 State Senator Lydia Brasch wants to encourage young readers in grades 4-12 to write a personal letter to an author for the Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a national reading and writing promotion program. Stressing the importance of practicing their reading and writing skills, Senator Brasch said, “This contest is a fun and creative way to encourage students to read and write. I hope all aspiring authors will consider entering this contest.” Senator Brasch added, “Many classes visit our office at the Capitol every year, and I have learned first-hand how very creative our students are. This will be a wonderful way to let their creativity and brilliance be recognized.”

 

Letters can be addressed to any author from any genre explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. Prizes will be awarded on both the state and national levels. A panel of judges from Nebraska Center for the Book will then select the state winners, who will be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the State Capitol during National Library Week in April 2015. Winning letters will be displayed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln.

 

State winners will also receive state prizes and advance to the national competition where a panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one National Winner per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12). Winners will receive a $1,000 cash award, to be announced May 2015. The judges will also select one National Honor winner on each competition level to receive a $200 cash award.

 

Submissions from grades 9-12 must be postmarked by December 15, 2013 and submissions from grades 4-8 by January 15, 2014.

 

Nebraska-specific information (including letters from Nebraska winners of past contests) is available at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html. For more information contact Mary Jo Ryan, maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3434, or 800-307-2665.

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

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Senator Brasch and 26 Other Senators Send Letter to EPA

August 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16, submitted a letter last week to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to convey strong opposition to the proposed definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). Signed by 26 other Nebraska State Senators, the letter criticizes the broad scope of the new rule and urges the EPA and Corps to work cooperatively with Nebraska’s state and local agencies.

 

Emphasizing concerns expressed by landowners, especially those involved in agriculture, Senator Brasch said, “The proposed definition poses a very serious threat to our individual property rights because all waters, from farm ponds to streams, in Nebraska could be subject to federal control. Farmers, ranchers, and other landowners could see increased federal government regulations over portions of their land.”

 

 

The Honorable Gina McCarthy                                                   The Honorable John M. McHugh

Administrator                                                                                                                      Secretary

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                                                     Department of the Army

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW                                                           The Pentagon, Room 3E700

Washington, D.C. 20460                                                                             Washington, D.C. 20310

RE: Opposition to Proposed Definition of “Waters of the United States”

Dear Administrator McCarthy and Secretary McHugh:

As Members of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, we write you in opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

We are especially concerned about the effect this rulemaking will have on our farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in the state of Nebraska. Under the new definition, streams, farm ponds, and irrigation ditches, among other waters, could be considered “waters of the United States.” This brings the potential for cumbersome oversight and convoluted permitting processes.

Essentially a catch-all provision for waters that do not otherwise meet the broad scope of definitions listed in the rule, the “other waters” provision gives us great trepidation. Under this category, any and all waters showing a “significant nexus” to traditional navigable waters will be federally controlled. This is a tenuous regulatory interpretation of the CWA that gives the federal government virtually limitless control of currently state-controlled waters. Not only does this irreconcilably supersede the clear intent of Congress, but it undermines the Supreme Court decisions in SWANCC and Rapanos, which determined that the EPA and the Corps do not have limitless authority over water.

We share the concerns of the Western Governors’ Association: “[W]e are concerned that this rulemaking was developed without sufficient consultation with the states and that the rulemaking could impinge upon state authority in water management.”

The authority of the individual states to manage the water located within their boundaries is unambiguously recognized in the CWA. Section 101(g) of the Act establishes this right and the duty of federal agencies to work cooperatively with state and local agencies:

It is the policy of Congress that the authority of each State to allocate quantities of water within its jurisdiction shall not be superseded, abrogated or otherwise impaired by this Act. It is the further policy of Congress that nothing in this Act shall be construed to supersede or abrogate rights to quantities of water which have been established by any State. Federal agencies shall co-operate with State and local agencies to develop comprehensive solutions to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution in concert with programs for managing water resources.

The proposed rule undermines this specific, express charge by Congress because it does not allow states to maintain their sovereignty with regard to water management, opting instead for a one-size-fits-all determination by federal agencies.

It is our hope that federal agencies will work cooperatively with Nebraska and other states to harmoniously address environmental concerns, state sovereignty, and individual landowner rights. According to the Western Governors’ Association, in its letter dated March 25, that cooperative relationship was not established during the rulemaking process. Therefore, we urge you to include Nebraska’s state and local leaders, as well as state and local leaders nationwide, in this rulemaking process.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to future collaboration with you.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Lydia Brasch

District #16

Kate Sullivan

District #41

 

Tom Carlson

District #38

 

Mark Christensen

District #44

 

Colby Coash

District #27

 

Al Davis

District #43

 

Annette Dubas

District #34

 

Tommy Garrett

District #3

 

Tom Hansen

District #42

 

John Harms

District #48

 

Charlie Janssen

District #15

 

Jerry Johnson

District #23

 

Bill Kintner

District #2

 

Bob Krist

District #10

 

Beau McCoy

District #39

 

John Murante

District #49

 

John Nelson

District #6

Pete Pirsch

District #4

 

Jim Scheer

District #19

 

Paul Schumacher

District #22

 

Les Seiler

District #33

 

Jim Smith

District #14

 

Norm Wallman

District #30

 

Dan Watermeier

District #1

 

Galen Hadley

District #37

 

Mike Gloor

District #35

 

Kathy Campbell

District #25

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Senator Brasch

Senator Brasch

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Letter to the Editor

May 5, 2014 Leave a comment


Dear Editor and Readers,                                                                                      May 4, 2014

I have received two very disturbing pieces of mail recently that are so negative against State Senator Lydia Brasch I was truly upset. I can’t understand how a group by the name of “Coalition for Better Government” with just a post office box address has the right to say anything about anyone, much less attempt to annihilate the credibility of our current State Senator.

I did not know Lydia Brasch before she was elected, but since that time she has made more efforts to truly get to know the people of her district than most of her predecessors. She has made time to meet with public groups both large and small. She has volunteered her time more than once every year working in the 4-H Kitchen during the county fair not just to be a public figure, but to truly help when help was needed most. She has attended small church fundraisers and large corporate events never standing on a soapbox and trying to gain attention, but spending time listening to her constituents.

Her genuine interest in the feelings and needs of the people of her district is more than enough reason to keep her in office, despite the smear campaign of a post office box group. Lydia Brasch is a real person who represents real people. She has my support and my vote to make that happen.

Very Sincerely,

Mary Loftis

Mary Loftis

Craig, NE

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Livestock Brand Act Not to Impact Locally

April 1, 2014 Leave a comment


Thursday, March 20 was the Fifty-First Day of this One Hundred Third Legislature, Second Session. Only nine  legislative days remain of our sixty day session.  On our daily agenda we now regularly have numerous bills in Consent Calendar and on Final Reading, which means many bills are moving through the legislative process quickly.  We are moving forward to make our limited time in session count.  The 17 senators who are term limited after eight years of service continue using every tool in their toolbox and their floor experience with spirited zest in an attempt to bring  their long awaited legislation to fruition before this session ends.

Not only do we consider and debate legislation on the floor each day, but we also do our best to respond to numerous constituent emails, letters, and phone calls. The number of meetings and receptions being held in and around the Capitol are also winding down, where focus is primarily on pending legislation at hand.

Lydia Brasch

Lydia Brasch

Thank you to Pastor Pastor Russ Foust of Grace United Methodist Church in Kennard for serving as volunteer Chaplain leading us in prayer on Wednesday, March 26.  It is uplifting to have our district’s clergy join us during session in prayer before we convene.

Here are some updates on legislation from this week:

  • LR41CA allows pari-mutuel wagering on live, delayed, and replayed (or “historic”) horse races at licensed racetracks.  This bill advanced to Final Reading March 25, and if passed, will be on voters’ ballots in November;
  • LB768 (Livestock Brand Act bill)  In conversation with Senator Schilz, the livestock producers in Cuming, Burt, and Washington counties will not necessarily be impacted by this legislation.  Rather, they still have the option to have an inspection performed by the Nebraska Brand Committee, but if one is performed, there is now a method for the Committee to recover a fee equal to that of inspections performed in the mandatory brand area, as well as expenses incurred in performing the inspection;
  • LB1001 permits the growth and cultivation of industrial hemp by postsecondary institutions for research purposes as an agricultural product.  During all three stages of debate there was no opposition or support from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture or law enforcement agencies, and I was opposed to the bill moving forward without their support.  However, the pending research will hopefully provide valuable information for Nebraskans to learn about hemp;
  • LB983, which updates Nebraska statutes to comply with federal regulations regarding commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs), passed March 24 with an emergency clause and was presented to the Governor the same day;
  • LB671, the mountain lion hunting bill, narrowly passed Monday with a 28-13-8 vote.  Governor Heineman vetoed the bill four days later, citing potential constitutional issues and conflict with a bill passed in 2012 that allowed for mountain lion hunting.

The annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute is July 7-11, 2014, at UNL’s East Campus.  “NAYI is a five-day conference for high school juniors and seniors to learn about career opportunities within agriculture.  This includes:  engaging speakers, workshops and panels, agriculture education, professional development, leadership experience, fun and new friends, networking with peers and industry leaders.  All of these experiences come free of charge, thanks to generous sponsors.”  Apply online at www.nda.nebraska.gov.  Applications are due April 15.

We have heard from constituents on numerous issues, and I am always happy to hear from you!  Please continue to contact me, my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or my legislative aide, Joe Neuhaus, with questions or thoughts at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are at the Capitol.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

 

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Senator Brasch Announces Re-election

January 18, 2014 Leave a comment


Bancroft, Neb – State Senator Lydia Brasch, who is Vice-chair of the Natural Resources committee and also serves on the Rules, State-Tribal Relations, and Transportation and Telecommunications Committees, has officially filed to run for re-election to the Nebraska Unicameral.

“It is such an honor to be able to serve my constituents in the Legislature,” said Brasch. “I have worked hard to ensure my office is responsive to constituent needs and to provide effective representation for the individuals and interests of District 16.”

Some of Senator Brasch’s accomplishments include introduction and passage of:

  • LB690 (2011) amended parent parental notification requirements for an abortion to require notarized written consent from a pregnant woman less than eighteen years of age and one of her parents or a legal guardian before obtaining an abortion. (Introduced by Sen. Brasch, signed by Governor Heineman)
  • LB1039 (2012) increased penalties for violating school bus passing laws and required that vehicles remain stopped only until the stop signal arm is retracted and the bus resumes motion. (Introduced by Senator Brasch, signed by Governor Heineman)
  • LB860 (2012) – clarified a sales tax exemption for biochips used for genetic and/or protein analysis of production livestock, commercially produced plants, companion animals and research animals. (Prioritized by Senator Brasch, signed by Governor Heineman)
  • LB296 (2013) raised tax deduction limits for contributions made to the Nebraska College Savings Program from $2,500 to $5,000 for a married person filing separately and to $10,000 for a joint filing. (Cosponored and prioritized by Senator Brasch, signed by Governor Heineman)
  • LB499 (2013) gave the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission the power to pass “commission orders” which allows the commission to more easily respond to public input regarding conservation orders, seasons, bag limits, and open and closed areas. (Introduced by Senator Brasch, signed by Governor Heineman)

 

About Senator Brasch:                                  www.LydiaBrasch.com

Lydia has served District 16 in the Nebraska Unicameral since being elected in 2010. She and her husband Lee farm ground around Bancroft and she operates Brasch Marketing and Design.  They are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Bancroft and have two children and three grandchildren.

Prior to serving in the Unicameral, Lydia worked for Computer Automation Systems Education Solutions, was the marketing director for the Nebraska State Fair and also worked as the public information officer for the Nebraska Department of Revenue. She also served terms on the Nebraska State Fair Foundation ad the Cuming County Fair Foundation.  In 2012 Lydia was selected as a BILLD Fellow at the Council of State Governments.

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