Book Talk: Humanities Nebraska has provided Seward Memorial Library with multiple copies of David Reynold’s non-fiction book, The Long Shadow: The Legacies of the Great War in the Twentieth Century, which provides fresh interpretations of this history-changing event. Readers are invited to pick up a copy and check it out for an extended period in preparation for a book discussion this spring. Dr. Jerry Pfabe will share information about Reynold’s book on Thursday, May 18, at 7 p.m. The evening will include a time for discussion as well as refreshments. Stop by the library and get your copy soon. Learn more about the political and cultural aspects of the First World War as we remember its centennial anniversary.
Garage Sales: The Seward City Wide Garage Sales are happening this weekend. Make your plan of action with the garage sales map included in this week's SCI.
By Colin Sinn, Nebraska News Service
This week capped the final adjustments to the state's $8.9 billion budget package for the next two years.
Legislative bills 327, 332 and 331, introduced by Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk at the request of the governor, were the final three bills of the budget package. They all passedTuesday, although LB331 failed before a reconsideration vote was taken.
LB331 creates funds, makes fund transfers and lowers the minimum cash reserve requirement for the biennium from 3 to 2.5 percent. It failed on final reading 31-12, but passed on reconsideration 36-12 with enough votes to take effect immediately.
LB332 allows for transfers to and from the Cash Reserve Fund. It passed final reading with a 35-10 vote.
LB327, the state's mainline budget bill, includes budget recommendations for all state operations and aid programs. It also includes transfers to and from the General Fund and between certain cash funds. It passed final reading with a 36-12 vote.
Other notable bills discussed this week include:
LB651, introduced by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, would attempt to increase reading comprehension for students in kindergarten through third grade. It would provide individual reading improvement plans and recommend retention if the student is not reading at grade level. No vote was taken on the bill.
LB496, introduced by Sen. John Stinner of Gering and designated a priority by Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg, would provide for construction of workforce housing in first and second class cities and villages. The construction would also be eligible for tax increment financing. No vote was taken on the bill.
LB415, introduced by Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward, would attempt to reduce "double dipping" by the state's teachers by amending the required separation time for retired teachers trying to return as substitutes. The bill is currently awaiting final reading.
LB335, introduced by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, would eliminate the implementation of rate changes for child care providers in 2017. The bill passed final reading with a vote of 42-0.
LB632, introduced by Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill, would help the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission monitor liquor sales and distribution. The bill advanced to select file with a 43-0 vote.
LR1CA, introduced and made a priority by Sen. John Murante of Gretna, would give Nebraskans a choice on whether to require voters to have a photo ID at the polls. The bill failed a cloture motion in the first round of voting with an 18-25 vote and is unlikely to be placed on the agenda again this session.
LB584, introduced by Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson, would prohibit counties from mowing ditches until July 1 in order to encourage wildlife growth and fight soil erosion. This bill passed with a 48-0 vote.
LB75, introduced by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, would have restored voting rights of ex-felons immediately after their sentence and parole is over. The bill passed but was vetoed by the governor. The motion to override the veto failed with a 23-23 vote.
David J. Hoefs – Services planned for May 16 at The Rock Lutheran Church. (Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home.)
Mary L. Fehlhafer – Services pending with Volzke Funeral Home.
