News
What’s Happening in the Legislature, and Why You Should Care
Published: 3/25/2010
It is day 47 of a 60-day session and the legislature is working hard to address all of the issues brought forth on behalf of constituents in Omaha and across the state before they adjourn on Wednesday, April 14.
Earlier this week senators discussed LB 1079, a bill introduced by Sen. Abbie Cornett of Bellevue that would make the process of protesting property valuations more fair to property tax payers by changing the burden of proof that tax payers must meet when they appeal their valuation to the State Tax Equalization and Review Commission. This change would be especially beneficial to small business owners and individual home owners who often times do not have the financial or legal resources necessary to challenge a valuation. Although this change has been proposed in previous years, this is the first time it has advanced from committee for the entire legislature to debate. The Greater Omaha Chamber strongly supported this legislation and helped fight to level the playing field for business owners who want to protest a valuation. Unfortunately, on a very narrow vote, the bill failed to advance to the next round of debate and is likely dead for the session. Often times it takes several years to make changes such as this one. With the progress made this session getting this legislation out of committee, it is anticipated that similar legislation may be introduced again next session.
Yesterday the legislature advanced to Final Reading LB 918, a bill introduced by Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney. It updates Nebraska's tax incentive package, commonly known as the Nebraska Advantage Act, to be more attractive to high-tech businesses and to help communities recruit high-paying jobs. This is the session's key economic development and job creation bill. Already companies have expressed an interest in locating in Nebraska as a result of this legislation.
The legislature also advanced to Final Reading LB 1081, a bill introduced by Sen. Cornett that allows companies hiring tele-workers to utilize job training funds. This is especially beneficial to West Corporation and will make it possible for them to hire many more Nebraska employees.
After several hours of debate, LB 952, a bill introduced by Sen. Tom White of Omaha that would exempt from sales tax the service charges attributable to updates to water, sewer and gas infrastructure, failed to advance to Final Reading.
LB 961, a bill introduced by Sen. Brenda Council of Omaha that would make job training grants more accessible to companies looking to train individuals that live in rural or poverty areas and who are in need of skills to help set them on a career path, is awaiting the second round of debate.
During the week, check out the Chamber's legislative bills Web page for additional information.
Please contact your state senator regarding issues important to your business. They need to hear from you! Also, please thank elected officials for their service. Many spend long hours trying to understand complicated issues that impact you personally and your business.
For more information about public policy issues, contact Dacia Kruse, director of public policy and state issues, (402) 978-7938, or Tim Stuart, manager of transportation development and policy research, (402) 474-4960.