June 2nd, 2011Senator Tom Carlson-District 38
May 26, 2011On this 87th day of the One Hundred Second Legislature, we adjourned Sine Die, meaning without a date to reconvene. We finished our work three days early this year. The Ag Committee, which I chair, and the Business and Labor Committee and the Natural Resources Committee, of which I am a member, did significant work this session.
The reform of the Commission on Industrial Relations was one of the most significant as it changes the state’s collective bargaining system for the first time since 1969. The Governor has stated he will sign the bill.
Nebraska law prevents public unions, which cover approximately 43,000 workers, from striking. In exchange, it requires public employers to bargain with unions and disputes must go to the CIR. As I have indicated to you in past reports, my goal as a member of the committee was to insure predictability, reliability, and similarity of communities when the CIR was called in to solve an impasse. LB 397 was in the works for a year. I believe the reform is meaningful, comprehensive, and substantial.
An issue before the Natural Resources Committee that caused much discussion was LB 629, the Keystone XL pipeline bill. Under the amended bill, a pipeline company would be responsible for restoring areas where the line is constructed or operated. Costs to restore could include clean up of any spill and rehabilitation of real and personal property, natural resources, wildlife and vegetation.
Redistricting was another required, but difficult issue for the body this session. Districts are to follow county lines whenever possible and form districts that are compact and contiguous. The new districts become effective upon the Governor’s signature, which was anticipated without delay
There are many changes to legislative districts as a result of redistricting. Unfortunately, District 49, now served by Senator Louden, will move to the west Omaha area. Other rural districts have increased geographically because of the population shift to eastern Nebraska. This is a critical concern for rural Nebraska, and we must try to come up with and implement a plan to encourage new people to move the rural Nebraska to really enjoy “the good life.”
Margo and I look forward to our summer visits to district senior centers, parades, and other community special occasions. We encourage you to contact us with your concerns and your ideas for solutions to our rural challenges. Remember, our budget is balanced, taxes were not increased, and we have the possibility of rebuilding our cash reserve over the next several years.
This is my last weekly column until the legislature resumes in January of 2012.
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