Legislative Newsletter

Senator Tom Carlson-District 38

March 9, 2012

The legislature has 1/3 of the allotted time left to finish the important bills still on the agenda.
One of the crucial topics being addressed this year is child welfare reform. Senator Campbell of Lincoln worked with many over the interim to present a package of bills to start the process. One bill returns foster care and case management to the state department of Health & Human Services instead of private providers. Another bill will create the Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare Act in the Ombudsman’s office.
In addition, LB 821 would create the 22 member Nebraska Children’s Commission charged with creating a statewide plan to reform child welfare programs and services in the state. The package of bills is on Final Reading.
A bill now at the second round of debate, LB 950, would dedicate money repaid by NRD’s in the Republican Basin to fund future water projects. Senator Christensen introduced the bill and Senator Heidemann has an amendment for second round debate to clarify how funding will be provided.
Three bills introduced in the Agriculture Committee were passed last week. LB 771, which I introduced, incorporates provisions of the 2009 Food Code into the Nebraska Pure Food Act.
LB 770, which I also introduced, clarifies the definition of noxious weeds used in the Nebraska Seed Law. Both bills passed on votes of 49-0.
The third Ag bill, LB 427, by Senator Abbie Cornett, defines stronger licensing requirements for commercial dog breeders and passed on a vote of 46-3. I have discussed this bill in previous weekly newsletters, which you can find at http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/.   at the Senators’ pages. If you do not have internet access, my office staff is always happy to assist you in any way. The phone number is 402-471-2732, or you may write to me at Senator Tom Carlson, District 38, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604.
The only measure the Legislature is required to deal with is the budget. The state is in the first year of the present two year budget cycle. While the fiscal office projects a $34 million surplus at the end of the second year, they also estimate a $430 million shortfall three years out. Three budget bills were advanced to the entire legislature yesterday. The Governor’s proposal to eliminate the county inheritance tax has lost favor during the session due to constituent response.
LB 239, Senator Janssen’s voter ID bill, is on the agenda for continued debate. I believe poll workers should verify that every person who shows up to vote is registered and is actually who they say they are. I don’t believe voter fraud is a problem in rural Nebraska. I believe change is unnecessary in our rural communities where the poll workers know almost all who come to a voting location.
If, however, the poll workers do not know the person wishing to vote, they should require acceptable identification. I am very interested in what you think on this issue of voter identification.