Elected representatives in Nebraska will debate a host of issues during the 2024 legislative session, including the budget and taxes, economic development, energy and environment, family and economic security, and water quality.
Relevant developments concerning priority legislation will be shared via email. Visit cfra.org/signup or email outreach@cfra.org to sign up for updates.
What do you think?
Let us know your input on these priorities and tell us about other state issues that are important to you. Are you interested in writing a letter to your legislator or even testifying at the state capitol? Let us know.
Contact me at carliej@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1032.
Budget and taxes
The Center will monitor any legislation introduced to adjust the 2023 budget, will analyze the impact of any proposed changes, and may take action to support or oppose budget adjustments.
Legislation is expected to address how property is valued for tax purposes, and we will advocate for reform that is fair and equitable.
The Center will also monitor legislation impacting Business Innovation Act programs, specifically the Microenterprise Assistance Program, which provides technical assistance or lending services for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. These small businesses are vital to rural communities, and the Center remains dedicated to the growth of this program.
Economic development
The Center will monitor and engage in Legislative Bill (LB) 321, which would expand Nebraska’s cottage food law to allow for the sale of some refrigerated baked goods and dips. Home-based food businesses are most prevalent in rural areas and offer entrepreneurial opportunities and flexibility to earn supplemental income. Expanding the current law will provide more home-based food businesses the opportunity to sell a wider variety of products in their communities.
Energy and environment
As Nebraska continues to expand clean energy development, the Center will advocate for solutions that advance renewable options and prioritize fair and balanced standards. We will also actively defend against attempts to limit clean energy development.
Net metering policy reform continues to grow as a topic of interest as more Nebraskans adopt solar energy and many farms and businesses are eager to take advantage of federal incentives to install distributed generation systems. We will support efforts for reform but do not anticipate a comprehensive bill to address the issue this session.
We do anticipate that eminent domain and carbon pipelines will be a priority for the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee. The Center will closely monitor these bills and engage if a bill threatens to limit eminent domain for the siting of clean energy and transmission.
Family and economic security
The Center is dedicated to ensuring rural families have access to the goods and services they require. We will advocate for policies that will expand access to health care, food, and child care in rural Nebraska. We will work with coalitions to provide a rural perspective on legislative issues.
We continue to be engaged with low-income food security partners and will support coalition efforts to pass legislation such as LB 285, which would require school districts with a poverty rate of 50% or more to participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program that provides free breakfast and lunch to all students by maximizing federal reimbursement for school meals. We will also weigh in on regulatory changes to provide access to those facing food insecurity.
Rural grocery
Grocery stores make invaluable contributions to the overall well-being of rural communities. They provide access to healthy foods, offer employment opportunities for local residents, and drive economic growth. The Center has drafted legislation to introduce in both Nebraska and Iowa to create a grant and loan program for grocery stores. We anticipate this legislation will be introduced in both states in 2024, and we will be engaged throughout the legislative process.
Rural grocers in Iowa and Nebraska face many challenges exacerbated by inflation—competition with big-box stores, slim profit margins, and high operating costs, just to name a few. Modest investment to support grocery stores has the potential to pay off multiple times over. By establishing a state grant and/or loan program, lawmakers can increase the sustainability of these important community institutions.
