As we close the 101st Legislature, I’d like to reflect on some of the major issues that have shaped our 60-day session.
MAINTAINING A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET.
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I am pleased to report that the 2010 Legislature tackled many significant issues and did so with virtually no new spending and no new taxes. Moreover, as the session drew to a close, we adopted a resolution that creates a process for addressing the projected $650 million budget shortfall during the next two-year budget cycle. LR542 directs all Standing Committees to evaluate and review respective state agencies and commissions during the summer interim to identify where cuts to services and programs can be made. As Chairman of the Government Committee, I anticipate many hard budget cutting decisions in the months ahead, but I am hopeful Nebraska can weather this economic storm and emerge leaner, more efficient, and even better prepared for a prosperous future.
PROMOTING CREATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES.
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With boundless natural wonders like the Niobrara River and the Sandhills, it is no surprise that tourism is the state’s 3rd largest industry. I supported legislation to help this industry grow by allowing cities to use flexible local “turnback” sales taxes to promote development of new tourist attractions. This is not a new tax. It is new authorization to use a portion of existing tax receipts for new development projects.
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I also supported Legislative Bill 779, which creates additional opportunities to utilize “turnback” sales tax dollars to finance new construction of small-sized arena facilities. This bill also provides financing options for construction of the proposed joint Goldenrod Downs and University of Nebraska equine facility in east Lincoln.
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Nebraska ranks 4th in wind energy potential, but only 22nd in wind energy production. Legislative Bill 1048 is a landmark measure that allows Nebraska to exploit its wind potential and to develop and export wind energy to other states. I supported this bill because it promotes sound environmental policy and will stimulate job growth.
ADVANCING THE USE OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE IN SOLVING CRIMES
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The centerpiece of my legislation this session was Legislative Bill 190, which requires DNA testing of all individuals convicted of a felony in Nebraska. I believe this new law is a critical step in exonerating the innocent, convicting the guilty, and identifying missing persons.
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN.
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As a key drafter of last year’s groundbreaking legislation to expand the State Childrens’ Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), I was eager to support Legislative Bill 1106. This bill changes Nebraska’s Medicaid statutes to allow school-based health centers to provide treatment to Medicaid-eligible children directly in school. By bringing health care to students who need it, schools can reduce absenteeism, keep kids engaged in school, and more effectively manage chronic childhood illnesses, such as asthma. The bill also allows Nebraska to quality for additional federal Medicaid matching funds.
ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.
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As a member of the Education Committee, I supported a bill (LB 1014) that earmarks up to $10 million in performance-based pay plans for school districts. The earmarked funds would come out of new leases for solar and wind powered energy, as designated by the Board of Educational Lands and Funds on land it owns. This bill is the result of conversations the Committee had last year regarding Nebraska’s dismal national ranking in teacher pay. As a former educator, I understand the unique role teachers play in shaping the lives of our youth, and I strongly support efforts to find more ways to improve teacher pay.
ENCOURAGING A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT.
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As Chairman of the Government, Military & Veteran’s Affairs Committee, I worked daily with committee members on a variety of bills that promoted the integrity of open and transparent government. One of the most important was LB 742, introduced by Senator Beau McCoy to prevent secret settlements involving public officials and political jurisdictions. All settlements now are public records and those involving $50,000 or more must be placed on the agenda of the public entity involved. This bill is consistent with the principle of open government and was signed into law by the Governor on April 5th.
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Another victory for transparent government was a bill I introduced, Legislative Bill 717. Ultimately adopted as a Legislative Rule, the bill requires that the Legislative Journal – the official daily record of the Legislature – publish all Conflict of Interest Statements filed by Senators. A conflict of interest arises on bills in which a Senator or his or her immediate family stand to gain or lose financially should the bill become law. This new procedure will provide easier public access to information on potential conflicts of interest and will promote greater public confidence in government.
Now that the 101st Legislature has come to an end, I plan to spend time with my family and begin to research and develop new initiatives for the 102nd Legislature that convenes January 5, 2011. Please do not hesitate to email or call my office with your thoughts, concerns or ideas. Have a wonderful summer!
