.jpg)
Last week, the Agriculture Committee held a second hearing on my bill, LB1187, to discuss amendment AM2503. I introduced LB1187 to provide an option to allow the Brand Committee to adjust its inspection fee to help them manage a difficult budget situation.
Several factors, including the closure of the Tyson plant in Lexington earlier this year, risk depleting the Brand Committee’s cash fund. After the bill’s first hearing, it became clear in committee discussions there was reluctance to grant any new fee authority to the Brand Committee without broader reforms to the Brand Law.
Amendment AM2503 to LB1187 represents the collaborative work of the full Agriculture Committee.
This amendment attempts to identify revisions to the Brand Law that would address concerns with the Brand Law and its implementation. The changes proposed in this amendment represent a starting point which could allow the bill to be advanced from committee to facilitate discussion and action on the Brand Committee’s finances. However, Speaker Arch had asked that the Agriculture Committee hold a hearing on this proposal before considering advancing it to the full Legislature for debate. I agree with the Speaker that this added step was needed for greater transparency. I filed AM2503 as chairman on behalf of the full Agriculture Committee to facilitate the announcement of the upcoming hearing.
At the hearing, it was apparent from the feedback I had already received and additional testimony I listened to at the hearing, that there is skepticism that AM2503, as written, is a workable solution. However, I contend some sort of legislation still needs to be brought to the full Unicameral to ensure the viability of the Brand Committee and integrity of brand inspection.
Meanwhile, one of the two budget bills for this year stalled during the second stage of debate. LB1071 is one of the two budget bills introduced this year to make adjustments to the biennial budget that was passed last year. Prior to Select File, Senator Clements, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, filed amendment AM2748 to LB1071. AM2748 reflected many of the Appropriations Committee’s recommendations to balance the state’s budget. However, among AM2748’s provisions were Senator Clements’ proposal to remove the $3.65 million appropriation for K-12 private school scholarships from LB1071. This amendment spurred opposition from senators who support the proposed private school scholarship program or oppose other changes to the state’s budget. Following a filibuster, Speaker Arch’s motion to invoke cloture to cease debate on LB1071 failed 19 to 10 with 19 senators not voting, resulting in this measure failing to advance for the day.
With the wildfires affecting western and central Nebraska, I also want to inform the public of resources and an avenue to donate to those impacted. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has resources listed on its website at www.nda.nebraska. gov/disasterresources. This website has information about requested donations and available donations and services (like hay hauling) to allow people to connect with each other.
I invite you to let me know your thoughts or concerns. My Capitol office telephone number is (402) 471-2801 while my email is [email protected]. My mailing address is: Senator Barry DeKay, District #40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.
