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Dist. 40 Report
Last week, the Legislature gave final approval to the two budget bills.
During the long 90-day legislative session, the state’s biennial budget is crafted. During the short 60-day session, adjustments are made to the budget.
Adjusting this session’s budget was a much more demanding task since senators had to weigh what agencies and programs would be cut.
Combined, both budget bills contain a large collection of cuts, changes, and cash transfers which will bring the deficit down to about $38 million. Some of the largest contributions that will fill the deficit include a $50 million transfer from the Tobacco Settlement Fund and $152 million transfer from the state’s Cash Reserve Fund.
Several revenue-generating bills followed the budget and were passed by the Legislature to close the deficit. These bills are projected to add approximately $44 million to the state’s ending balance, leading to a small surplus of about $6 million.
Senators also gave first round approval to LB304. LB304 by Senator DeBoer would permanently maintain the income eligibility level for Nebraska’s child care subsidy program, which is otherwise set to decrease later this year. The intent of the bill’s introducer is to continue an investment in the state’s childcare infrastructure, with the Omaha Chamber of Commerce estimating the annual loss of $1.02 billion in business input, including both direct and multiplier effects, and $919 million in lost labor income if the bill dies.
Other measures that advanced to Select File include: LB958 which protects retroactive coverage for Medicaid enrollees by requiring DHHS to provide the maximum retroactive coverage amount set by federal law; LB998 which clarifies that 100 percent of income earned for National Guard service is tax exempt, regardless if such income was earned during state duty or federal duty; and LB1032 which provides for recognition and enforcement of tribal customary adoptions under the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Act.
Additionally, my bill LB826 advanced to Final Reading. LB826 would establish a late-filing window for disabled veterans or their spouses seeking a veteran homestead exemption. The purpose of this bill is to address cases where paperwork from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs gets delayed and arrives after the June 30th deadline to apply for a homestead exemption.
Meanwhile, LB400 failed to advance.
This measure would have given professional and volunteer firefighters the presumption that any cancer diagnosis they receive in the course of duties is because of firefighting, allowing for easier access to workers’ compensation coverage. Supporters argued that this bill is a matter of fairness for firefighters who are at much greater risk for cancer because of their profession. Opponents contended the bill would impose a substantial unfunded mandate on cities, villages, and fire departments due to increased worker’s compensation insurance premiums. Such a mandate would likely result in increased property taxes in order to finance the increase in claims. Following a debate that spanned several days, the motion to invoke cloture fell one vote short of the 33-vote threshold to break the filibuster.
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.
