Headline Stories
State Lawmakers head back to Lincoln
State lawmakers convened Jan. 4 for the start of their 90-day legislative session. The first day was made up entirely of legislative procedure. Sixteen new state senators were sworn in, a new clerk of the Legislature Brandon Metzler, was appointed, temporary rules were adopted, and committee chairs were elected.
FCC Deadline Approaches on Key Broadband Challenge Process
The window for Nebraskans to challenge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband map is closing. Nebraskans have two weeks to alert the FCC to any mistakes in their broadband map coverage, and Nebraska Farm Bureau is asking members to watch the FCC video and follow the step-by-step process so federal dollars can be appropriately allocated to the state. All challenges to that map must be received before January 13, 2023.
Reverse Osmosis Grants Available to Property Owners
Beginning January 1, the Nebraska Department of Energy and Environment (NDEE) has opened the application process for property owners to install reverse osmosis units for their drinking water. This program that runs through June 30, 2024, is an important step in addressing areas with increased nitrate levels in drinking water throughout the state, specifically in groundwater. Passage of the funds that were made available through federal ARPA dollars was a high priority for Nebraska Farm Bureau in 2022.
Policy Watch…
In this week’s Policy Watch, don’t forget to claim the Refundable Income Tax Credit to lower your property taxes, new WOTUS rule creates more confusion, the Senate affirms new chief ag negotiator, USDA undersecretary, and after eight years representing Nebraska in the Senate, Senator Ben Sasse is vacating his congressional seat.
Good Luck to NEFB Members Attending the American Farm Bureau Convention in Puerto Rico
Good luck to Adam and Kaylyn Venteicher of Pierce who are competing nationally for the YF&R Achievement in Agriculture Award, Clay Patton of Lexington who is competing in the YF&R Discussion Meet, and Preston Parmley of TreadSure, a semifinalist in the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s board of directors will be farmer and rancher delegates, helping to set national agriculture policy in Washington, D.C. You can follow progress of our YF&R contestants here.
Register NOW for the YF&R Conference
Join us in Kearney Jan. 27-28 for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference! The special pricing hotel block will close Jan. 10. Be sure to register and book your room soon! This conference has something for all young people connected to agriculture. The conference includes area tours, pioneering breakout session, entertainment, and dinner and social hour both nights. $100/per person, $50/for students. Register here.
