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March 2, 2012, Lincoln— In addition to the six bills I personally introduced this year, I am a co-introducer for 21 other proposals. By “signing-on” to a bill introduced by another senator or a committee, a co-introducer makes it known that he or she supports the bill. A co-introducer may initiate the process of adding his or her name to the bill. The bill’s primary introducer can also seek support from co-introducers to demonstrate the bill’s strength, even before it has a public hearing or is scheduled for floor debate. The legislature's rules require bills introduced by committees to be signed by a majority of the committee members. Eight of the bills, on which my name appears, were offered by committees on which I serve. Thirteen of the bills, to which I added my name, were introduced by other senators, and I chose to lend support to the proposals.

I added my name to LB 926 by Senator Annette Dubas. This proposal would require a minimum base rate for foster care payments to bring Nebraska's payments in line with the rest of the country, lessen the attrition of foster parents in Nebraska and provide more stable care to foster children in this state. After privatization of foster care services was instituted in 2009, payments for the care of state wards fluctuated dramatically. The bill would respond to this situation by requiring a base pay rate for foster parents. LB 926 was amended into one of the five child welfare reform bills that moved through the first round of floor debate this week. The amended version of the bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee to develop a statewide standard reimbursement rate structure. It would also create temporary compensation increases by adding an additional stipend of $3.10 per day per child from July 1, 2012 though June 30, 2013, or until the Rate Committee completes its duties.

I am a co-introducer of LB 903 – a bill by District 45 Senator Abbie Cornett. This proposal would exempt sports events or leagues for youth under 19 from sales taxes. LB 903 was introduced in response to a decision last fall by the Department of Revenue to tax youth sports participation. The original provisions of LB 903 were amended into the Revenue Committee's priority bill LB 727, which was advanced from General File this week. Before the bill was moved, the tax exemption was amended to include sports participants who are 19 or older when they play in statewide, multisports events.

The recent issuing of contracts by the Department of Health and Human Services for child welfare privatization without verification of the cost for services led to the introduction of LB 765. I co-introduced the bill. LB 765 would require the department to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of any contracts valued at $25 million or more with providers of medical, behavioral or developmental services, and child care or child welfare services. LB 765 would add an important safeguard when state funds are awarded for social service contracts.

LB 990, a bill by Lincoln Senator Tony Fulton, includes my name as a co-introducer. This bill would require the display of Nebraska's state flag and the United States flag in all public school classrooms by the beginning of the 2012-13 school year. It would also require the leading of all students, who choose to participate, in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance every day that school is in session. The fiscal impact of LB 990 would result from the costs associated with the purchase and maintenance of flags by all public K-12 and post secondary educational institutions. These costs may be a factor in whether or not LB 990 is advanced for debate this year.

The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley held its annual volunteer recognition and awards banquet on Saturday, February 25th.  Nearly one hundred people attended the event which began with a complimentary meal provided by the Lofte's Board of Directors. 

 

The Dale Crosby Awards were given to those individuals who showed outstanding service to the Lofte during 2011.  The honor is named after long-time Lofte chairman, Dale Crosby of Weeping Water whose dedication to the Lofte was an inspiration to others.  David Willingham of Plattsmouth was honored for his technical contributions to the Lofte.  Mr. Willingham ran lights and soundboard for three of the Lofte's five productions last year.  Joyce Sporhase of Tecumseh received the Outstanding Usher award.  Mike Bose of Avoca received the top award for Overall Outstanding Volunteer for his many contributions at the theater including landscaping, maintenance and popping popcorn. 

 

    

Elections were held for the Lofte's Board of Directors.  Serving on the board for 2012 are Dee Arias, Jamion Biesterfeld, Lynn Plucknett and Anne Riha all from Louisville; Millard Carnes and Melinda Mead of Plattsmouth; Jean Colbert and Kevin Colbert of Weeping Water; David Hibler and Kevin Holdorf of Manley, Linda Dabbs and Ken Patry of Omaha, Jeff Johnston and Tim Sorensen of Elmwood; Jean Wymore of Syracuse, Silvia Conley of Papillion and Anne Pope of Eagle.  

 

Artistic Director Kevin Colbert reminded attendees that shows for the Lofte's 2012 season are, "The Sunshine Boys," "Singin' In The Rain," "Almost, Maine," "Whose Wives Are They Anyway?" and "Christmas at Leon's."  Mr. Colbert went on to announce his play selections for 2013 which were, "The Dixie Swim Club," "The Producers," "The Boys Next Door," "Church Basement Ladies," and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." 

 

Board Chairman Anne Pope thanked everyone for attending and for the many volunteer hours that they donate to the Lofte each and every year.  She went on to say that she hoped to see everyone back at the Lofte for the new season which begins in May.  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 destinationnebraska@visitnebraska.gov 

 

Conestoga High School 

 

 

The CASS COUNTY GOING GREEN recycle trailer will be located on these dates in the following towns: 

(Murray will also continue to have the recycle bin located behind Town Hall every day for Murray residents' use only.) 

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