NELSON COMMENDS LEGISLATURE FOR STEPPING FORWARD ON PIPELINE

November 16, 2011 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson today commended the Nebraska Legislature and Speaker Mike Flood for their leadership in stepping forward to assert the state’s rights concerning the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project.
“This has always been a state’s rights issue for me and it’s been gratifying to see Nebraskans’ rights being exercised on a major project in our state,” Senator Nelson said on his weekly conference call with members of the Nebraska media. “I commend the Nebraska Legislature for stepping forward to address issues concerning the proposed pipeline’s route, safety and impact.
“I also commend the Speaker of the Legislature, Speaker Flood. He’s done an outstanding job in negotiating with TransCanada a new route taking the pipeline out of the Sand Hills, and for working on legislation asserting the state’s rights in determining an acceptable alternative route.”
For nearly two years, Nelson has pushed the U.S. State Department through letters, meetings and communication to make sure Nebraskans are heard on the proposed pipeline, a major project involving energy, jobs and Nebraska’s environment.
Nelson urged the State Department to extend its public comment period on the project to enable concerns and suggestions from the State of Nebraska be included it its review of TransCanada’s request for a permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline.
“I’ve been pleased to see that through extensive State Department-run public hearings and with the Legislature’s special session now underway in Lincoln, Nebraskans have been heard. And now, through action by the Legislature, the State of Nebraska is taking action,” Nelson said.
“Based on my communications with the United States State Department, I’m confident that the State of Nebraska and the State Department will be able to move forward with a new supplemental Environmental Impact Statement evaluating the new route,” Nelson said.
“It’s unfortunate that an acceptable route wasn’t negotiated at the beginning of this process. It could have been. That would have avoided the unnecessary costs to both TransCanada and our Nebraska taxpayers. But I’m pleased to see that state senators are stepping forward to make sure an acceptable route alternative is developed and that jobs aren’t lost in Nebraska,” the senator said.
AUDIO CLIPS OF THE SENATOR’S COMMENTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE:
http://bennelson.senate.gov/audio/ebn-pipeline1-1116.mp3
http://bennelson.senate.gov/audio/ebn-pipeline-flood-1116.mp3
http://bennelson.senate.gov/audio/ebn-pipeline-move-forward-1116.mp3

Johanns Welcomes Announcement of Keystone XL Reroute in Nebraska

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature Mike Flood announced a legislative pathway to reroute the propose Keystone XL pipeline in Nebraska, which has been agreed to by TransCanada Corporation and the U.S. State Department:
"This is welcome news and it certainly appears to me common sense has prevailed," Johanns said. "The original route never made sense and I applaud Speaker Flood for outlining a way forward. Based on my understanding of Speaker Flood's approach, it would certainly address my concerns. I'm optimistic this could be a pathway to responsible completion of the pipeline so we can begin transporting more energy from a friendly ally and decrease our dependence on countries which may not share our values."

Legislative Newsletter

Senator Tom Carlson

One Hundred Second Legislature, First Special Session

Senator Tom Carlson-District 38

November 16, 2011

This is Day 11 of the Special Session called to deal with the Keystone XL Pipeline issue. Special Sessions proceed under different rules than regular sessions. The Governor makes the “call” and only one subject can be addressed. Any number of bills may be introduced as long as they come under that heading. The Legislature does not have to give seven days notice for public hearings as interested parties organize as soon as the call is public.

Due to the one subject rule, one standing committee hears the majority of bills. This year that was the Natural Resources Committee, of which I am a member. We spent three full and long days listening to 25 hours of testimony. Two bills, by Senator Langemeier and one by Senator Dubas, advanced to General File for full debate and both are now on Select File.
While we were debating LB 4 this week, the Speaker made an announcement that changed the course of the special session. TransCanada made a voluntary decision to move the pipeline out of the Sand hills and Nebraska agreed to pay for a supplemental environmental study in an effort to expedite the process.
LB 1 is a pipeline bill for future projects. During floor debate on Monday of this week, I made it very clear that for me to support a pipeline siting bill, three components had to be satisfied:
1. New legislation must exclude companies currently in the process of seeking a federal permit for oil pipeline construction in Nebraska. I don’t believe in changing the rules in the 4th quarter of a ball game.
2. Siting legislation for oil pipelines should not exempt any geographical area in the state. I believe exempting certain areas forever would not be sound public policy. Things change, times change, and we must maintain a position of concern for national security as we move forward.
3. Siting legislation should best fit the attitudes of most Nebraskans and be done the Nebraska way. Economic development for our state and the need to become energy independent are important concerns for the vast majority of most citizens of our state. We also care about our natural resources and will proceed to see that these resources are adequately protected now and in the future.
I intend to support LB 1 as it will be amended by Senator Dubas. I believe it addresses my concerns about a siting bill. We should be very careful about additional amendments beyond that of Senator Dubas.
This has been an unusual November for the legislature. I believe the Unicameral is working as it was intended with the citizens being the second house. Margo and I send sincere wishes to you and your families for a bountiful and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Jam session in Blue Hill

Do you know we have good clean family entertainment once a month in Blue Hill at Westgate? It is our LIVE Country Music Jam. It is FREE and open to everyone, of all ages. We do have a free will donation, but that is only to help pay for our room rent. In return you get live music, lots of fun, cookies and a drink.

Our Entertainers come from Minden, Hastings, Carleton, Sutton, Fairfield and other places. Sometimes we have some very special Entertainers drop by for a song or two, like the “Mellow D’s” from McCool Junction, NE and a “Man out of Canada” and others.
These people come here every month to play and sing their hearts out to entertain you, but sad to say this last Jam (Nov 13) we only had 8 people in the audience and only three were from Blue Hill. That sure does not speak well of Blue Hill. I’m sure if it were a sporting event it would be well attended.
The music and fun starts at 1:30 and go to 5 pm on the second Sunday of every month at the Westgate community room. The Jam is advertised on Channel 5, The Blue Hill Leader Happenings, Yahoo Events, Face book (internet), and signs around town.
These Entertainers also perform in Hastings and Sutton. The Hastings Jam is the first Sunday of the month at Good Samaritan Village, 2 to 4 pm and the Sutton Jam will be starting up again in April 2012 the second Thursday of the month at the Sutton American Legion Hall, 10:30 am to 3 pm. These Jams are all free entertainment.
The Late Orville Meyers started this event 4 years ago here in Blue Hill. His last wish was to keep it going. You can come and go as you please. Stay for an hour or all afternoon but please come and check us out, we need an audience.

The comments above were left as a comment in another area of this site.  We thought it worthy of a more visible space.

Open Forum

Open Forum is your chance to comment on breaking news or ask a question -- on any issue. Any topic is fair game, although Blue Hill Today's comment policies still apply. (see bottom of left hand column.).Go ahead and sound off on anything. News, sports, weather, current events, government, social events. We are listening. A new Open Forum link may be re-posted every Monday (or there abouts) to keep it towards the top of the recent posts .Of course, your completed news article, news information, pictures, story idea, or suggestions to improve this site can still be sent to Blue Hill Today by e-mailing us at bluehilltoday@hotmail.com

Quote of the Day

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. -- Dr. Seuss

Car Thief active in Blue Hill

Thursday evening Jason Paul Soden, a 34 year old resident of Life Quest at Bella Amis in Blue Hill was transported to Mary Lanning hospital after stealing and wrecking  a car parked at the country store,  a gold buick regal belonging to Katie Poe.  The events were witnessed by several individuals who were in the store.   He struck a car belonging to Parker Trumble as he was leaving the convience store.  He then traveled south out of  Blue Hill.  He was followed by  area residents who called 911 to report the stolen car,   He drove south on 281 and turned west  on the gravel road by LaDonna Jesske's and rolled the car befor reaching Shane Meyers.   The Poe's car is believed to be a total loss.
The residents who followed Soden called the 911emergency line a little after 11 p.m.
Chief Deputy Ron Sunday of the Webster County Sheriff's Department said Soden lost control and wrecked the vehicle in a cornfield.
The Blue Hill volunteer fire and rescue department responded to the accident and Soden  was transported to Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings with minor injuries.
Soden told officers he was just going for a ride and didn't know the person who owned the alleged stolen car.  It is believed that drugs and alcohol were involved.  .
Soden is a resident at Life Quest at Bella Amis in Blue Hill -- a mental health facility with a history of problems involving residents .
 Deputy Sunday says he believes Soden knew what he was doing.
He has not been arrested, but is being charged with theft of a vehicle, hit and run of another vehicle, DUI and refusal to submit -- all felonies.
Jason Soden is formerly of Sidney, Nebraska.

.........STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann,

UNL Extension Educator,

Webster County

November 10, 2011 Edition

I want to start out this article with a tip of the hat to Sen. Jerry Moran from our neighbor state to the south who this week soundly criticized the USDA Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) for its plans to involve the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in planning an animal welfare scientific forum with the exclusion of agricultural organizations or oversight. It is hard for me to even comprehend that they would do that. Kansas should be proud of their Senator for calling them out on this issue. I would bet a lot of people are sick of hearing about HSUS, as am I, but I could not let this go. We have to keep a vigilant eye on this group and how they align themselves against animal agriculture.

I was of course shocked and dismayed when I heard of the intent to hold this forum and especially that the USDA, who have the resources and should be relying upon the advice of animal scientists at our land grant universities or even within the Department of Agriculture, to plan and conduct a program on a “scientific approach to animal welfare.” I could easily myself have lined them up with an outstanding array of animal scientists and experts that would provide a qualified and accredited common sense and scientific approach to animal welfare. I could get most of them right from our own UNL-IANR and UNL Extension personnel.
It disgusts me that this “scientific” forum being planned by the Department of Agriculture is being done in league with the HSUS. You would think that the USDA and especially APHIS would base their forum on science-based research and opinions from agriculture animal experts-- not animal rights organizations, like HSUS, who I would not consider to be experts in animal agriculture or science --and in my opinion are the opposite. The USDA's mission is supposed to be to work to promote agriculture - not to work against the American farmer and rancher. In fact I looked up the USDA’s mission statement, and it reads like this: “We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues based upon sound public policy, the best possible science, and efficient management.” Senator Moran hit it right on the nose when he stated that this proposed forum has very little science involved, and in his opinion is nothing more than the Department of Agriculture spending taxpayer dollars on a gig to provide the Human Society of the United States a public forum to espouse its anti-agricultural and especially their anti-animal agriculture views and ideology. I absolutely agree.
Senator Moran serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee and came across the request for funding for this ill-conceived forum when reviewing appropriation requests from the USDA-APHIS. To him it was clear that the Department of Agriculture is catering to an outside organization, instead of doing what they should be doing in using the resources that are a part of their own system. He also asked: “If USDA-APHIS was interested in science, why would it allow an animal rights organization to steer its agenda?”
I agree with Senator Moran that the USDA should live up to its mission statement and work to promote agriculture, not to work against farmers and ranchers best interest—and I would say, not to work against the best interests of the consumer of food in this country. Senator Moran referred to a USDA memo that states that HSUS and other welfare advocacy groups would be invited to participate in a pre-planning meeting for the forum with senior leaders from wildlife services, animal care, and veterinary services. These groups would have input into the topics to be discussed, potential speakers for the topics, dates and times for the forum, how the forum should run, etc. No mention is made in the memo of asking any agricultural organization or animal scientist for pre-planning assistance. According to the memo, HSUS is going to set the agenda for this forum. Now you know full well that even if legitimate members of the agriculture industry were later invited to the event, that agriculture would already have the cards stacked against them.

HSUS is a national lobbying organization that spends most of its budget to lobby against farmers and ranchers that provide us with the food and clothing that we enjoy in this country. In fact, tax documents show that HSUS spends less than 1% of its budget on grants to animal shelters. Most of their money comes primarily from donations given by people who think it actually goes to animal shelters to protect and serve the sad eyed cats and dogs that are portrayed in the ads that they play on prime time TV and on the radio. It instead goes primarily to pay people to raise more money for them, lobbyists, lawyers to initiate ballot initiatives, and mostly to pay extravagant wages and retirement packages for Wayne Pacelle and his group, which are primarily moved up from extreme groups like ALF and PETA.

Given these facts, you would have to wonder why the Department of Agriculture is giving this organization this platform and shunning producer-based organizations or Land Grand College personnel. I, for one, will be writing or calling my Senator and Congressman to express my displeasure with this forum and how they are setting it up. I hope some of you will join me. There is absolutely no end to what this group of Vegan-based, extreme animal rights/activists will do to get to their goal of eliminating animal agriculture in the US. This just gives more credence to how sneaky and dangerous they are. Now, even our USDA/APHIS is giving them a tax payer funded platform to spin their web. USDA should live up to its mission statement and work to promote agriculture, not to work against farmers and ranchers best interest—and I would say, not to work against the best interests of the consumers of food raised by those farmers and ranchers in this country.

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for WebsterCounty in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/me

Protecting Nebraska’s Agriculture Topic of SC Cattlemen Dinner Meeting Nov. 18



Willow Holoubek,  "A-FAN"



The South Central Cattlemen Association will be holding an information meeting on Friday - November 18, 2011 at the Blue Hill Community Center in Blue Hill. The evening will start at 6:00 pm with a social time & registration, followed at 6:30 pm with a Hamburger Fry. The meal will be the precursor to the informative meeting which is entitled: “Protecting Nebraska Agriculture- Animal Rights & Other Issues”. The meeting is sponsored by the South Central Cattlemen Association and UNL Extension in Webster County. There is no cost to attend the meeting, and anyone who is interested is cordially invited to attend. The purpose of this meeting is to inform and educate the public about groups who are at work spreading misinformation, and attacking conventional agriculture and, in particular, the livestock industry. Several states have had legislation forced on them, creating regulations that have adversely affected animal agriculture, compliments of extreme animal rights and other activist groups. Think it can't happen in Nebraska? Think again! They are already at work in this state! How can this affect you?

The guest speakers for the evening will include: Willow Holoubek, Organizational Director for “A-FAN”; Pete McClymont, President of “We Support Agriculture”; and Dewey Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County. The South Central Cattlemen Association encourages everyone to attend and learn the facts about the issues facing animal agriculture in Nebraska, and the detrimental effects that efforts of animal rights and other activist groups could have on producers, our local economy, our choice of foods, and the prices we pay for them. Find out what is happening and what we can, and need to do. It doesn’t just affect our farmers and ranchers it affects our whole state – including you as a consumer.

For more information please contact: Randy Lemke @ 402-469-2284 or Webster Co. UNL Extension @ 402-746-3417. You can also find a flyer on the event at www.webster.unl.edu or email dlienemann2@unl.edu.

Veterans Day Proclamation

VETERANS DAY, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union. Through their steadfast defense of America’s ideals, our service members have ensured our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world know the blessings of freedom. As we offer our sincere appreciation and respect to our veterans, to their families, to those who are still in harm’s way, and to those we have laid to rest, let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America.

Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition that has been dutifully passed forward—from generation to generation—for more than two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country they loved. The selflessness of our service members is unmatched, and they remind us that there are few things more fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the lives of others.

Just as our veterans stood watch on freedom’s frontier, so have they safeguarded the prosperity of our Nation in our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our homes. As teachers and engineers, doctors and parents, these patriots have made contributions to civilian life that serve as a testament to their dedication to the welfare of our country. We owe them a debt of honor, and it is our moral obligation to ensure they receive our support for as long as they live as proud veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This year, as our troops in Iraq complete their mission, we will honor them and all who serve by working tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families. To honor their contributions to our Nation, let us strive with renewed determination to keep the promises we have made to all who have answered our country’s call. As we fulfill our obligations to them, we keep faith with the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our Republic was founded.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2011, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Senator Fulton will not seek relection.

Senator Tony Fulton announced Thursday morning in the Capitol rotunda that he will not challenge Secretary of State John Gale's decision that bars Fulton from filing for re-election to the Legislature in 2012.

Appointed by Governor Heineman to represent Legislative District 29 in 2007 after Mike Foley's election to State Auditor of Public Accounts, Fulton was elected in 2008 with fifty-seven percent of the vote. Gale's decision to prevent Fulton from running again is based on Gale's interpretation of the term limits provision of the Nebraska Constitution which prevents Senators from seeking relection after serving more than one and a half terms. Gale's decision directly conflicts with an Attorney General's opinion issued by Attorney General Jon Bruning which states that Fulton has only served half of Foley's last term, and not more than half, thus allowing Fulton to file for re-election. Both Bruning and Gale have indicated that the correct interpretation of the Constitution must be determined by the Nebraska Supreme Court.
“The original American experiment of self-governance required farmers and merchants, cobblers and lawyers to lay down their respective crafts to serve their country. This model has remained in the Nebraska Legislature,” said Fulton. “It has been an honor to serve the people of this great state. Once my term ends, I plan to return to my small business and take up activities within my community. Let us choose another to take my place in service.”

Johanns Statement on Veterans Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today issued the following statement on Veterans Day:

"Today we pause to thank the servicemen and women who have fought to defend our freedom and pay homage to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. With so much unrest across the globe, I find comfort knowing we have the best military in the world keeping us safe here at home. To those in uniform and their loved ones, we are forever in your debt.”

Johanns: Take Current Keystone XL Route Off the Table

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) issued the following statement regarding the State Department's announcement to delay its decision on the Keystone pipeline:
"If this is a sincere effort to identify a more appropriate route through Nebraska, I applaud it. The State Department should make clear right now the current proposed route is off the table because it's the wrong route.
"I will note the timing looks suspiciously political. Why would this review require eighteen months? The State Department spent many months examining multiple routes through Nebraska, one of which is adjacent to the Keystone pipeline operating today.
"The State Department needs to provide a clear explanation as to why it would take an additional year and a half to analyze alternative routes, and to eliminate the current proposed route."

Johanns Asks Clinton to Remove Current Keystone XL Route from State Consideration

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton following the State Department's announcement it will be delaying its decision on the Keystone XL pipeline. Below is an excerpt from the letter:
"If the announcement is a sincere effort to identify a better route within my state, I applaud the decision. I am concerned, however, that the Department's move today may serve only to delay the final decision until after the Presidential election…
"…Considering your agency has studied the proposed route for several years, keeping it under consideration makes no sense given today's announcement. Please therefore consider this letter a formal request that the Department of State immediately acknowledge that the current route is no longer being considered."

SENATOR BEN NELSON’S VETERANS DAY MESSAGE

November 10, 2011 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson is scheduled to speak at Veterans Day ceremonies in Omaha’s Memorial Park tomorrow, November 11, 2011. The event is sponsored by Omaha American Legion Post #1. Senator Nelson will be available to speak with media representatives after the ceremony.

The following is Senator Nelson’s Veterans Day message for 2011:
“Veterans Day is an important and somber time when we pause to honor the dead and the living; the young men and women who in every war have shown their courage and their loyalty to our country.
“This is a day when Americans celebrate and honor our veterans, for their patriotism, their love of country, their willingness to serve, and for their sacrifice for the common good.
“As President Kennedy said during Veterans Day ceremonies 50 years ago, ‘I do not believe that any nation in the history of the world has buried its soldiers farther from its native soil than we Americans……
“Or buried them closer to the towns in which they grew up.’
“Veterans kept their promise to us by carrying out their duties with honor and America must always keep its promises to them. We’re helping to do that in the Heartland area by overhauling the Omaha VA Medical Center and establishing a new National Cemetery in eastern Nebraska.

“The contributions veterans have made for liberty cannot be measured, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

NELSON COMMENTS ON STATE DEPARTMENT KEYSTONE PIPELINE DECISION

November 10, 2011 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement today, after the U.S. State Department announced that it will undertake an in-depth assessment of alternative routes for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline slated to pass through Nebraska that could conclude in early 2013:
'For more than a year, Nebraskans have voiced concerns about the proposed route of the pipeline. I have been in regular communication with the Department of State urging them to extend the comment period to allow Nebraska state agencies to comment, and to conduct hearings in Nebraska to hear firsthand from Nebraskans. The State department has responded to those concerns,” said Senator Nelson.
“Today’s decision now allows the State of Nebraska another opportunity to exercise its authority and take action on behalf of Nebraskans, rather than waiting until it’s too late,” said Senator Nelson. “The State Department noted today that state laws govern routes of interstate pipelines, but Nebraska currently has no such law or process in place.
“It is my hope that the State of Nebraska will use the State Department’s decision today to protect the interests of Nebraska citizens by exercising its authority to determine the appropriate pipeline route in Nebraska, and that the State Department will support Nebraska’s decision. As I’ve said before, this is a fundamental states’ rights issue.”

SENATE PASSES THE VOW TO HIRE HEROES ACT

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Nelson co-sponsored amendment to offer tax credits for employers who hire veterans, which passed on bill containing Nelson’s Medicaid fix
November 10, 2011 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson applauded the Senate’s passage of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, a measure he co-sponsored to create job opportunities for veterans.
Tomorrow, Nebraskans will join all Americans in paying tribute to our veterans for their contributions and sacrifices in the cause of liberty, but the men and women who wear our country’s uniform deserve our gratitude every day,” said Senator Nelson, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Helping to create job opportunities for our veterans after they return home is a meaningful way to say thank you to our veterans and help the economy at the same time.
“The need is great. Today, unfortunately, more than one in four veterans between the ages of 20 and 24 is unemployed.”
Overall, roughly 8,300 Nebraska veterans are unemployed, an estimated 5.8 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“When our veterans come home, we shouldn’t just shake their hands for a job well done on the battlefield and then send them out the door to look for a job back home,” Nelson said. “Just as it takes specialized training to become an effective soldier, the transition back to civilian life can be a lot more difficult than a returning veteran might expect.”
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act is the most comprehensive veterans employment legislation since the post-9/11 GI bill. It includes:

• Tax credits of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months and a $2,400 credit for veterans who are unemployed for more than 4 weeks, but less than 6 months;

Tax credits of up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months;

•The Transition Assistance Program (TAP), an interagency workshop coordinated by the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, to help service members moving on to civilian life secure 21st Century jobs;
• An expansion of education and training opportunities for older veterans, by providing 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras with an additional year of Montgomery GI benefits to go towards education or training programs at community colleges or technical schools;
An additional year of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits for disabled veterans;
following service members to begin the federal employment process prior to separation, in order to facilitate a truly seamless transition from the military to jobs at VA, Homeland Security or many other federal agencies.
The bill is fully paid for, largely with a non-controversial Veterans Administration mortgage fee extension.
The VOW to Hire Heroes Act was passed as an amendment to the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act, which included Nelson’s Medicaid Savings Through Eligibility Fairness Act to require that Medicaid benefits only go to the low-income Americans who need them.
Nelson’s provisions would count Social Security benefits as income when determining eligibility for Medicaid – just as it is today. Social Security benefits would not change.
The adjustment is estimated to save $13 billion, which will pay for repealing an imminent 3-percent withholding requirement that cities, universities and businesses say would have a dramatic and negative effect on job creation and business expansion.
“By improving two existing laws, we’re maintaining Medicaid as a safety net only for Nebraska’s most vulnerable citizens and repealing a burdensome withholding requirement, so job creators, communities and businesses can get to work helping our economy recover,” Nelson said. “It’s a win-win making sure middle-class citizens don’t inadvertently receive Medicaid, and that our cities, colleges and businesses aren’t subject to heavy-handed rules that slow down our economy.
“While I would prefer steering the savings to deficit reduction—as I proposed in my original bill—I fully support repealing the 3 percent withholding requirement, and using the Medicaid savings for jobs and to help our economy grow.”
The 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act gained final approved in the Senate today with 95 votes.

Annabell "Ann" M. Wright 3-21-19 to 10-31-11

Former Blue Hill resident, Annabell “Ann” M. Wright, 92, passed away Monday, October 31, 2011 at Chadron Community Hospital, Chadron, Nebraska.
Memorial services will be Monday, November 7, 2011; 9:00 A.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Burial will be in Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hay Springs Fire Department.
Ann was born March 21, 1919 to William & Rosa Horn. She grew up and graduated from Hay Springs, Nebraska. Ann attended Beauty School in Lincoln, Nebraska. She worked seven years in Scottsbluff, Nebraska where she met and married Wilbur K. Wright of Ayr, Nebraska. They moved to Ayr, Nebraska in 1945 where she started her own beauty shop in 1948. She moved her shop to Blue Hill where they lived and operated her shop until 1990. After the death of Wilbur she moved to Hastings in 1991 on account of her health.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbur Wright; three brothers; and two sisters.
Survivors include:
Son & Spouse: Billy & Tammy Wright – Lochbuie, CO
Grandchildren & Spouses: Kenneth & Laurie Wright – Eustis, NE
Joshua Wright – Lincoln, NE
Tasha & Josh - Aurora, CO
Clairesa - Goodland, KS
Great-Grandsons: 2
Sisters: Rose Amundson – Hay Springs, NE
Lois Connely – Las Vegas, NV
Brother: Lyle Horn – Hays Springs, NE
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends

Smith Participates In Annual Red Cross ‘Holiday Mail For Heroes’ Program

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3)  joined other members of Congress for the annual ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’ card signing to show support for American military personnel, veterans, and their families this holiday season. Smith’s offices in Scottsbluff and Grand Island again will serve as collection points for constituents to drop off postage-free cards.
“The holiday season is an important time to show support for our brave men and women in uniform,” said Smith. “Our military has made enormous sacrifices in order to keep our country safe. Let’s all come together to make this holiday season a special time for our troops and their families.”
Now in its fifth year, the Red Cross ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’ program provides Americans with the opportunity to extend holiday greetings and thanks to service members, veterans, and their families around the world. The program first was started in 2007 when the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. approached the Red Cross to distribute thousands of holiday cards for wounded troops.
Cards should be sent to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Postage-free cards may also be dropped off at either of Smith’s district offices:
Scottsbluff Grand Island

416 Valley View Dr., Suite 600 1811 W. 2nd Street, Suite 105

Scottsbluff, NE 69361            Grand Island, NE 68803
To ensure cards reach their destination, the following guidelines apply:
• All cards being sent in for 2011 Holiday Mail For Heroes program should be postmarked no later than Friday, December 9, 2011.
• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Participants should limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a large quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope. Envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.