Blog Posts

Legislative Update - Busy Week in Legislature Sees Tax Cuts, Horse Racing, & Checkoffs Advance

By Administrator, on Apr 2, 2012

This week the Legislature spent long hours debating numerous important bills as this session nears its end. LB970, the tax cut bill, was again advanced and will now be placed on final reading for a determinative vote. I voted for advancement of this bill. The Legislature also passed the various budget bills and have sent them to Governor Heineman for approval. I voted against these bills because I feel it is important to be fiscally responsible regarding the tax cuts provided in LB970.

Legislative Update - My Priority Bill, LB806, Beats First Round Filibuster to Advance

By Administrator, on Mar 26, 2012

Two significant bills made progress this week. LB806, my priority bill, which allows for instant racing terminals at racetracks for wagering on historic horse races in Nebraska has advanced to the second round of debate after extensive discussion and a close vote. This bill is positive for the horseracing industry as well as our agricultural sector, and I look forward to the next round of debate.

Legislative Update - Legislature Begins Debate on Governor's Tax Cut Package

By Administrator, on Mar 19, 2012

Last week, the Legislature took up serious debate of the budget adjustments proposed by the Appropriations Committee. LB970, which is the tax cut proposed by Governor Heineman, has been advanced by the Revenue Committee with some changes. The Revenue Committee amendment would not change corporate income tax rates and inheritance tax provisions, but would decrease the individual income tax rate. The cost of this individual income tax cut is estimated to be $148 million over the next three years.

Legislative Update - Legislature Again Advances Bills Relating to Child Welfare Reform

By Administrator, on Mar 12, 2012

Last week, the Legislature once again debated and advanced several bills relating to child welfare reform. These bills have now been advanced to final reading and will soon be placed on final reading for a determining vote by the Legislature. Thus far, these bills, which return case management to the state among many other things that I discussed last week in my update, have had overwhelming support in the Legislature. I also support these bills and believe they are a step in the right direction.

Legislative Update - Legislature Sends A Number of Bills to the Governor

By Administrator, on Mar 5, 2012

Last week, several bills that I support were passed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor’s office for his signature. LB216 allows for specialty license plates for motor vehicles of any age that are being collected, preserved, restored, or maintained by the owner as a leisure pursuit and not used for general transportation of persons or cargo. LB427 includes provisions for commercial dog and cat breeders relating to licensing of breeders, the required veterinary care and disease control plan, and space in regard to primary enclosures and exercise areas.

Legislative Update - LB209 Advances, City of Wakefield Will Benefit Greatly

By Administrator, on Feb 27, 2012

The Legislative Committees have completed the public hearings for the bills introduced this session, and beginning February 27, the Legislature will begin full day debate of bills that have been advanced. 

Legislative Update - Senator Larson Names LB806 His Priority Bill

By Administrator, on Feb 20, 2012

The Legislature is at the halfway point for this session, and this past week, priority bills were chosen by the senators and the standing committees. Speaker Flood will also soon be determining the twenty five speaker priority bills for this session. Debate by the Legislature will likely only address prioritized legislation from this point forward. I prioritized LB806, which was introduced by Senator Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha. LB806 will allow Nebraska licensed horse racing premises the ability to install and operate Instant Racing Terminals for wagering on historic horse races.

Legislative Update - Beef State License Plate & Environmental Trust Bills Have Public Hearings

By Administrator, on Feb 13, 2012

The Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on LB857, a bill I introduced to ensure more accountability for Nebraska Environmental Trust grant funds that are used for purchases of real estate. LB857 works to address concerns about revolving grant funds where groups are able to sell real property they purchased with grant funds and reinvest in additional property with the revenue generated by the sale.

Legislative Update - LB721 Advances out of the Judiciary Committee

By Administrator, on Feb 6, 2012

The Judiciary Committee advanced a bill I introduced, LB721, to general file. LB721 expands the definition of police animal to include police dogs and horses owned by cities, counties, and villages. I look forward to debate on this bill before the full Legislature and passage of this legislation. 

Legislative Update - Legal Status of Animals and Prairie Dog Management Discussed in the Legislature

By Administrator, on Jan 30, 2012

This past week, the Legislature discussed several important bills. The Legislature debated and advanced LB459, introduced by Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala, which limits the authority of political subdivisions in the state to define or assign a legal status to animals that is inconsistent with the status of animals as personal property. Other states have passed similar legislation, and this is a positive step for Nebraska agriculture.