 |
| Senator Tom Carlson District 38 |
As I have said before, the legislature is at the “heavy lifting” point now that we have nine days until we adjourn for another year. The “off- year” state budget, which adjusts the biennial budget passed during the long session, was advanced to the governor with important funding. The governor has five days to approve or reject individual funding requests on a line item basis.
The nearly $8 billion budget includes $25 million additional to the Property Tax Credit Fund and $31 million for one time money and ongoing funding for water initiatives, including research. I am pleased that my colleagues agreed with me that water is our most important resource and we must fund water sustainability.
To that end, the editorial page editor of the Lincoln Journal Star interviewed me this week and wrote a complimentary top story in his paper the next day. He focused on LB 1098, my priority bill for this session. That bill would restructure the Natural Resources Commission by expanding it to 27 members. The governor would appoint the 11 additional members. The new commission would recommend which projects would be funded by the Water Sustainability Fund to ensure all Nebraskans benefit from state tax dollars. LB 1098 will be debated next week.
Yesterday the legislature debated two prison reform bills aimed at easing perpetual overcrowding in our state institutions. Both advanced to Select File. LB 907 would provide more intensive supervised release to help inmates earn part of the cost of their sentence.
We also must better prepare inmates for their release to substantially reduce recidivism. Every prisoner should be exposed to an influence that could help develop a ray of hope in their lives. Without help, a person has nothing to head them in a positive direction.
LB 999 was also approved on first round debate. This legislation will help inmates successfully cope with and prepare for eventual release by providing treatment for mental health issues and drug and alcohol addictions. I believe that violent offenders should serve out their full prison terms. However, as with non-violent offenders, an opportunity for hope should be available for every inmate. Churches and other charitable groups need to step up and offer help in this regard. Our corrections system must be open for their assistance.
On Final Reading this morning were several bills aimed at tax reductions for Nebraskans. LB 96 will exempt repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery and equipment from sales and use tax. Nebraska is one of eight states still imposing this tax.
LB 986e will change homestead exemption income limitations and provide an exemption for individuals with developmental disabilities. That bill will become effective upon the governor’s signature.
LB 987 will adjust individual income tax brackets for inflation and exempt social security and military retirement benefits from income taxation in certain circumstances such as maximum total income. These bills were the result of the work done by the Tax Modernization Committee that met last summer and fall.
To that end, the editorial page editor of the Lincoln Journal Star interviewed me this week and wrote a complimentary top story in his paper the next day. He focused on LB 1098, my priority bill for this session. That bill would restructure the Natural Resources Commission by expanding it to 27 members. The governor would appoint the 11 additional members. The new commission would recommend which projects would be funded by the Water Sustainability Fund to ensure all Nebraskans benefit from state tax dollars. LB 1098 will be debated next week.
Yesterday the legislature debated two prison reform bills aimed at easing perpetual overcrowding in our state institutions. Both advanced to Select File. LB 907 would provide more intensive supervised release to help inmates earn part of the cost of their sentence.
We also must better prepare inmates for their release to substantially reduce recidivism. Every prisoner should be exposed to an influence that could help develop a ray of hope in their lives. Without help, a person has nothing to head them in a positive direction.
LB 999 was also approved on first round debate. This legislation will help inmates successfully cope with and prepare for eventual release by providing treatment for mental health issues and drug and alcohol addictions. I believe that violent offenders should serve out their full prison terms. However, as with non-violent offenders, an opportunity for hope should be available for every inmate. Churches and other charitable groups need to step up and offer help in this regard. Our corrections system must be open for their assistance.
On Final Reading this morning were several bills aimed at tax reductions for Nebraskans. LB 96 will exempt repair or replacement parts for agricultural machinery and equipment from sales and use tax. Nebraska is one of eight states still imposing this tax.
LB 986e will change homestead exemption income limitations and provide an exemption for individuals with developmental disabilities. That bill will become effective upon the governor’s signature.
LB 987 will adjust individual income tax brackets for inflation and exempt social security and military retirement benefits from income taxation in certain circumstances such as maximum total income. These bills were the result of the work done by the Tax Modernization Committee that met last summer and fall.
No comments:
Post a Comment