March 6, 2019 at 11:00 AM - Legislative Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 10:00 AM.

Staff:  David M Ludwig, Deb Hericks

Guest, Dr Andrew Dick

Discussion:  Jason/Curt Bromm were present to share their thoughts on this legislative session.  Busy couple weeks with hearings.  There have been 12 hearings this past two weeks.  Most are surrounding tax relief.  ESUs have been brought up a couple times during hearings.  Most has been positive, but few questions from Sen. Lenehan on use of money.  Everything is on the table and being discussed but neither revenue or education have come to the point where ready to sit down and vote.  Education has yet to schedule a hearing on their bills.  Should begin to see those hearing in the next few weeks.  Property Tax/Ag organizations are the primary group that meet every Wednesday morning.  They are going to get behind Frisson's bill that will get behind property tax.  Discussed other bills on property tax.  LB 725, Senator Walz provide reimbursement for schools and ESUs to reimburse Mental Health expenses.  Similiar to the bill that the Govenor veteod (LB 998).  This bill does not have a date from the education office.  There has been no fiscal note on this bill.  If there is any money attached will be hard to get out of committee.  Govenor and Sen Lineham constituional amendment changes can become part of the package they settle on.  This would be bad for edication.  We need to fit for this to be a bill instead of change in constitution.  NRD's are not stuck with the same limitations that we are.  On Tuesday, when we meet with Senators, continue to tell our stories.  Important to show what we save school districts. Need to begin to think about who can testify when LB 725 hearing.  Have 4-5 ESUs testify (cover geographical areas of the state - ESU 3, 5, 9, 13, 16.)  Sen. Linehan - LB 671 - scarce and sparcity schools.  There needs to be a broader definition to include smaller schools and ESUs.  This bill will not get prioritized.   

Discussion:  Shared discussions that are being held at the NCSA Coalition Meetings.  The are looking at sales tax as a revenue builder.  LB 670 - scholarships for private schools.  Floor debate is today.  Budget shortfall continues to be discussed.  Share our story with the revenue and education committee.  There is a group that are going to the capitol next week to visit with Senators.  They are going to use the SIMPL software to pull reports to share with the legislators.  Contiue to share our story and communicate for all ESUs.  The Bromm's have had a good conversation with the Govenor.  He wants us to show the money savings across the state.  Executive Director will share packet of information with the Board.  The work being done with the coalition is helping to have all the players on the same page.  It will be a good solid network.  Bromm would like all correspondence to go through the Executive Director.  

Discussion:  Discussion regarding our Senator Day in Lincoln.  It was a positive day with the Senators. Make an effort to get them over for a meals and then go over and meet Senators.  Schedule time to go visit Senators.  The Capitol will have construction for the next several years.  Senators mentioned the Zoom was a good way to save money, would be good to be able to testify this way in the fututre.  

Discussion:  Meeting adjouned at 11:58 AM.