Nehawka Newsletter ~ May 12, 2021

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Cass County Fair dates:

AUGUST 11th-14th 2021

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Senator Rob Clements Update 5-10-2021

The Nebraska Legislature is now in all-day debate and is considering a wide range of issues.  This week I would like to discuss a few bills of interest.

LB 408, the Property Tax Request Act, was a bill to limit local government spending in order to limit property tax increases.  It would have limited annual growth in property tax requests to three percent plus real growth, exempting bond payments.  Spending could increase no more than three percent for two consecutive years and could not exceed nine percent over three years.  It also included a sunset date of 2027 so the legislature could review its effectiveness.  I supported the bill as it came up for debate on April 22, but it was filibustered and received 29 votes of the 33 needed to advance.

LB 364, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, allowed an income tax credit for contributions to a non-profit K-12 scholarship organization.  The bill allowed low-income students to apply for grants to help them attend a private K-12 school that might better fit their educational needs.  There was a $5 million annual limit to state income tax credits.  I supported the bill, but it failed to advance due to another filibuster, receiving 29 of 33 votes needed.  

LR 14, Article V Convention of States resolution, would propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States.  LR 14 would allow three topics.  First, impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.  Second, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government over the states.  Third, provide for term limits for Federal officials and members of Congress.  This resolution is stalled in the Government Committee with a 4 to 4 tie.  On April 23 there was a motion to move the bill out of the committee.  I voted in favor, but the vote was two votes short of the 25 needed to advance it.

LB 236, County Concealed Carry Option, is my priority bill for this year and will be coming up for debate soon.  LB 236 would let a county board authorize lawful permit-less carrying of a concealed weapon within their jurisdiction.  Citizens could conceal-carry within the county if they are legally eligible to possess a weapon.  The bill excludes counties that contain a city of the metropolitan class (Omaha) or primary class (Lincoln).  LB 236 requires counties to consult with their county sheriff prior to passing the ordinance.  Persons with a lawful permit-less concealed weapon must immediately inform any emergency responder in the event of an official contact.

Budget – The April 29th forecast added $90 million to the budget projection.  There are still many spending bills sitting on the second and third round of debate.  These bills currently total more than $245 million and will need to be reduced in upcoming debate.  I will work to reduce the total and prioritize only essential spending so the extra adds to our cash reserves.

Feel free to contact me or my staff for assistance, information, or questions on issues.

You may reach me at: Senator Robert Clements, State Capitol Rm 1120, Lincoln, NE 68509,                     Phone 402­471­2613, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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2021 Nebraska Football Schedule

Aug. 28                 at Illinois
Sept. 4                  Fordham
Sept. 11                Buffalo
Sept. 18                at Oklahoma
Sept. 25                at Michigan State
Oct. 2                    Northwestern
Oct. 9                    Michigan
Oct. 16                  at Minnesota
Oct. 30                  Purdue
Nov. 6                   Ohio State
Nov. 20                 at Wisconsin
Nov. 26 (Fri.)       Iowa

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 The Weeping Water Alumni Banquet will NOT be held May 2021. 

Please share this information with other alums.  Hopefully, we will be able to gather again in 2022. 

For questions, contact Carol Thomassen at (402) 267-5327. 

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Cass  County Food Bank moved to new location:

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MAPS at HWY 75 & ROCK BLUFF ROAD GAS STATIONS or PRINT YOUR OWN AFTER 10 PM THURSDAY, THE 13th, at www.murraynebraska.com, THEN CLICK the MURRAY GARAGE SALE POSTER.

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