As your State Senator, I’m pleased to report that we had a successful session in 2009 and completed work on many divisive, yet important issues. I spearheaded efforts that led to the passage of 15 measures aimed at caring for our children’s futures, improving our justice system, increasing government accountability, and protecting our public health. Here is a brief update of the work we accomplished and what lies ahead next session.
Creating new jobs
During the past session, I was proud to support efforts that expanded tax incentives for companies to create new high-paying jobs in Nebraska.
In addition, this year I offered legislation which provided a flexible, timely and cost-effective mechanism to ensure that the City of Lincoln and its private partners have adequate time to make the downtown arena development project a success. Economic projections estimate that thousands of jobs will be created during the construction of the facility and over 500 permanent jobs will be created as a result of the new arena and West Haymarket Development. I am eager to see this project to completion and am hopeful we can draw exciting sports & entertainment and national conventions to the state.
Lowering Taxes
- Supported largest tax cut in Nebraska history
- Voted to extend annual property tax credit for property owners
- Proposed expanding homestead exemption to include all homeowners
Since I was elected to the Legislature, I have championed the idea of establishing a back-to-school sales tax holiday for families in Nebraska. This year, I once again introduced LB 127, to exempt textbooks and school expenses from sales tax for several days in August each year. Although the bill was not forwarded to the full Legislature for debate, I will reintroduce the concept in 2010.
Ensuring our Children’s Health
This session we successfully raised the eligibility for the State’s health insurance program for children extending coverage to 5,400 additional needy children. This bill was designed to reach middle-income families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford health insurance in the private market. This bill was the centerpiece of the Legislature’s Safe Haven package. I’m proud to have crafted a sensible, fiscally responsible bill with my colleagues that will be funded in part by federal matching funds.
Campaign Finance
In my ongoing effort to limit the influence of money on politics, I successfully opposed an amendment that would have repealed the Campaign Finance Limitation Act. This amendment represented a cynical attempt to hijack an otherwise outstanding bill, and would have significantly expanded the amount of money candidates could spend running for state office. Defending our campaign finance laws is important, not only to limit the huge amounts of cash already spent on legislative races, but also to enhance public confidence in state government.
Protecting our Families from Gun Violence
The Legislature made an effort this session to expand the Concealed Carry Law to include an array of public places in our Community, including places of worship. I offered an Amendment which was overwhelmingly adopted to prohibit guns on colleges and university campuses. Students are confronted with the troubling combination of academic and personal stress, coupled with alcohol abuse and other problems facing young adults. This amendment will help improve the safety of our students.
Fighting for Clean Air
Legislation was introduced to provide a loophole around the statewide smoking ban by allowing “cigar bars” to exist within the state. This was a reckless attempt to again allow smoking in bars. I offered an Amendment that would prevent cigarette smoking in these so-called “cigar bars.” My colleagues understood the importance of preserving the work of past Legislatures in protecting our public health and passed this important Amendment.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
- NSAA: The Nebraska Schools Activities Association has come under increasing scrutiny for their perceived improper management of high school sports and activities. I have introduced an Interim Study to investigate the NSAA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and its governing body and structure. I believe we need to hold accountable any agency that regulates our children’s education, health, activities or sports. Open records and transparency are cornerstones of trust and confidence in allowing the supervision of our youth.
- Centennial Mall: As guardians of Nebraska’s Statehouse, my colleagues and I have a responsibility to ensure that we protect the history and integrity of the Capitol and surrounding areas. I have introduced a study to consider and recommend additional funding and architectural strategies for the Centennial Mall area. We have $2 million in TIF money already allocated for this project. I have assembled a State Advisory Committee to assist in designing and implementing a new vision for the Mall connecting the Capitol to the University’s City Campus.
- Community Transition Program: In an unfortunate and unprecedented move, the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) closed its Community Transition Program, ending services that mentally and physically disabled persons desperately relied upon. Nebraska State Statute prevented the LRC from closing without Legislative notification, however, it closed nonetheless. A recent Attorney General opinion found that despite the LRC’s statutory violation, no mechanism exists to undo the action taken. I have introduced a study, along with 4 of my Lincoln colleagues, which will evaluate the Department of Health & Human Service’s regulations with respect to inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation. Nebraska’s mentally and physically disabled citizens and their families deserve the best care we can provide.
- Advocating for Good Government: This spring I submitted an op-ed piece to the Lincoln Journal Star regarding the recent explosion of government-paid lobbyists. I am concerned by this trend of state agencies – most notably Lincoln Public Schools – using taxpayer dollars to lobby for more taxpayer dollars. Last year alone, Lincoln Public Schools paid government lobbyists nearly $80,000 to lobby the Legislature. Schools appear to be spending more on lobbyists than educators, and this just isn’t right. As I promised during my campaign, I will continue to fight for good government in the legislature.
It is an honor to serve as your State Senator. I look forward to continuing to work for District 28 and all of Nebraska in the years to come. It is important to receive feedback from constituents like you. Please contact me and share your thoughts with me.
