Today in the Legislature

LB 39 was passed by the Legislature and vetoed by Governor Heineman. The Legislature debated the motion to override the bill which would place additional restrictions on who can circulate petitions in Nebraska. The supporters of LB 39 claim that this is a solution to the known issues that came out of the 2006 election. Of course they forget to point out the issues that happened in 2006 or any election that they use as examples are a result of the lack of enforcement of existing law, and this law does nothing to address those issues.

The irony behind LB 39 is that supporters want only Nebraskans to be a part of the petition process. Ironically, one of the Senators behind LB 39 was one of the leaders in an effort in Colorado, funded by a Californian, to get them to change their electoral college votes from winner take all to proportional distribution. If we are so concerned about others influencing our process, shouldn't we stay home and lead by example?

The motion to override was successful and LB 39 became law in spite of the Governor's veto. I voted against LB 39 and against the motion to override.

Today in the Retirement Systems Committee

LB967 (Synowiecki) Change annual audit provisions of the School Employees Retirement Act
LB992 (Avery) Provide duties to the state investment officer relating to Sudan-related investments
LB1143 (Synowiecki) Provide duties to the Nebraska Investment Council

The Committee took no action on the bills.

Today in the Agriculture Committee

LB 1172 (Dierks) Adopt the Food Supply Animal Veterinary Incentive Program Act
LB 999 (Hansen) Change Livestock Brand Act provisions governing recorded brands
LB 1171 (Dierks) Adopt the Agricultural Commodities Protection Act

We had a healthy deal of debate on LB 1171 and LB 1172. No action was taken on the bills heard by the committee.

The Committee did take the following action on these bills:

Indefinitely Postponed (Killed):
LB 200 (Burling) Change the definition of tractor for purposes of tractor testing
LB 273 (Kopplin) Change the definition of tractor for purposes of tractor testing
LB 860 (Burling) Remove fingerprinting requirement for license for grain dealer or grain warehouse

Advanced to General File with amendments:

LB 789 (Erdman) Change grant requirements under the Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act

Members of the Agriculture Committee: