Interim studies keep lawmakers busy

The Legislature will not convene again until January, but that doesn't mean that work for the people of Nebraska is not being done. One hundred and eleven interim studies were introduced on a wide variety of issues. Some of these studies will help the Legislature to understand how to best address topics by understanding the issue in depth, and learning how other states have succeeded or failed in similar endeavors. These studies may also help the Legislature avoid repeating the mistakes of other states, thereby avoiding unnecessary debate and legislation. I'll list several interim studies which may be of interest to the 44th District.

LR 439 will examine the use of tax-increment financing, or TIF by municipalities for residential development. I wrote in an earlier column about my work last session to place reforms on TIF, as it is sometimes stretched in its application. However, housing shortages can lead to substantial workforce issues, especially for smaller communities, and I worked last session to make sure some municipalities have access to 840 funds to develop workforce housing, but perhaps even more tools could be investigated. I am interested to see what this study finds.

LR 511 will examine remote sales tax collection, which includes taxes on internet and catalog purchases, among others. There has been much discussion of this, and this study will hopefully allow the legislature to make a considered and well-informed decision on remote sales tax in 2017. Three interim studies will be of interest to those who, like me, are concerned with the ever-increasing burden which ag land taxes place on the keystone of our state's economy. LR 555 will study appeals before the Tax Equalization and Review Commission; LR 604 will examine inconsistencies in determining ag land values; and LR 600 will explore alternatives in how ag land value is determined.

LR 498 will examine the Nebraska Right to Farm Act. Information from this study will be useful to the state moving forward in protecting the rights of our farmers, ranchers, and all private property owners, as well as helping if another move is taken toward introducing a Right to Farm Amendment to the Nebraska Constitution, as was attempted last year.

For those of you who have visited my office in Lincoln, or plan to do so in the future, it has moved within the State Capitol Building. We are now in room 1306 on the East side of the building.

I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have.

My email address is dhughes@leg.ne.gov and my phone number is (402) 471-2805.You can read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov, and you can click on the Live Video Streaming NET logo to watch sessions, hearings, and other Capitol events.