WAYNE – Several topics were highlighted during the weekly update of District 17 Senator Joni Albrecht.
According to a release from the office of Senator Albrecht, issues brought forward were learning loss due to COVID; pro-life pull motion; daylight saving time; one-call system as well as budget bills.
Senator Albrecht joined Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts in a recent press conference to emphasize the need for the Legislature to assist K-12 students who experienced learning loss during the pandemic. This bill would assist children eligible for the federal free lunch program with financial assistance for additional education assistance.
Senator Albrecht also filed a pull motion to bring LB933 to the floor of the Legislature, Pro-life bill. LB933 would prohibit the performance of an abortion on live, unborn children upon the occurrence of one of three events: the overturn of Roe v. Wade, an amendment to the United States Constitution or the passage of enabling legislation by the United States Congress.
Senator Albrecht said, “you can be assured this bill will be coming to the floor for debate.”
LB283 was introduced in 2021 by Albion Senator Tom Briese to adopt daylight saving time year-round if the bill’s provisions are not in conflict with federal law. Also three states bordering Nebraska would need to adopt year-round daylight-saving time.
The United States Senate unanimously approved a measure on March 15 that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States next year. The bipartisan bill, named the Sunshine Protection Act, would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year. The daylight saving time bill still needs approval from the House and the signature of President Joe Biden to become law.
Nebraska 811 is a free service for anyone who is planning an excavation project from homeowners to professional excavators. A one-call notification system act would enable legislation for Nebraska 811. Nebraska law requires anyone who digs to place a locate request at least two full business days before digging so that utilities can locate and mark their lines. Under LB344, as introduced by Senator Curt Friesen, the state fire marshal and two utility operators and two excavators appointed by the governor would form a committee to review complaints alleging violations of the one-call system.
A trio of main tax bills were also highlighted by Senator Albrecht as the budget put forward by the Appropriations Committee earlier this month will allow the Unicameral to aggressively pursue tax relief.
They include:
- LB 723, which protects the income tax rebate Nebraskans receive for school property tax payments. For the 2021 tax year, the rebate is over 25%. Without action from Senators, the rebate is scheduled to decline in 2024. LB 723 would make this property tax relief permanent.
- LB 825, which accelerates Nebraska’s phaseout of taxes on Social Security income from ten years to five years. This will help seniors in the face of rising inflation.
- LB 939, which makes Nebraska’s income tax structure more competitive with neighboring states. Without action from the Unicameral, Nebraska’s top tax bracket—which includes 60% of Nebraska’s families—will be 20% more than any surrounding state. Given the states workforce needs, Nebraska can’t afford to have graduates move across state lines to take advantage of a more favorable tax climate.
If you have any comments or concerns, contact District 17 Senator Joni Albrecht at 402-471-2716 or email jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.
