The 106th Legislature, 1st Session convened on January 9, 2019. There
are 13 new Senators that will join the body for a 90 day session.

It is a well-known fact that the Nebraska Unicameral is the only one
of its kind in the United States. In 1934, voters passed an initiative to
amend the Nebraska Constitution from a bicameral system to the current
unicameral. It is also the smallest legislature in the United States with only 49 Senators.

Since we have a Unicameral, one may wonder why the representatives
are called Senators? In the 1937 reorganization, the Senate is the legislative
body that was retained. Therefore, the members were called Senators. Each Senator serves about 35,000 citizens.

George Norris was a key advocate for the current system. He believed
there would be a significant savings in money by moving to a
unicameral. He also believed that the unicameral system would be
much more open to the public and less chance for corruption.

Keep informed on what is going on at the Legislature this Legislative Session by checking out the website: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/.

There is a current calendar for the Legislature on this website. You can also
find your Senator contact information on this site as well. You can also view the activities of the Legislature as NET streams live video: http://netnebraska.org

Indoor Air Quality

During Nebraska winters, most of the energy used in homes and businesses keeps the interior warm. As we improve the energy efficiency of existing homes and businesses by adding insulation, sealing up air leakage or implementing ways to reduce heating to where and when needed, we often create indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns.

If you find yourself unfamiliar with Nebraska’s major IAQ concerns, review information at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service’s Indoor Air Quality Program (link: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/enh_indoor.aspx).

Major IAQ issues in our state include:
Radon Carbon Monoxide
Biologicals & Airborne illnesses
Volatile Organic Compounds
Particulates

There are several solutions to consider. Some are as simple and inexpensive as changing your heating system’s air filter or caulking around areas where outside air is infiltrating. Others may require optimizing or replacing your current heating system. Chances are, all IAQ solutions will impact ongoing heating and/or air-conditioning costs.

 

Safe Electricity link: https://safeelectricity.org/

Students interested in a career in Utility Line or Electrician have an opportunity to apply for a scholarship through Northeast Community College. The Donald D. Heller Utility Line Program Scholarship and the Dale E. Barth Electricians Program Scholarship are sponsored by Stanton County Public Power District and award up to $2,000 in assistance.

If you are interested please apply online with the Northeast Community College website by March 1, 2019. Additional information can be attained at the college, the SCPPD office, or on the website at www.scppd.net.

Please apply today! There will only be ONE scholarship awarded for each program.

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED! : Diesel Irrigation Rebate program available from Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s 2018 Clean Diesel Rebate Program is now accepting applications for replacement of eligible diesel irrigation engines with all-electric equipment. Applications must be submitted to NDEQ by December 15, 2018 to be considered.** EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Diesel irrigation engines may be replaced with an electric motor to power a surface pump or by connecting an existing submersible pump directly to the electric grid. The replaced diesel engine must be scrapped. Replacement projects must be completed by August 30, 2019.

NDEQ will reimburse 60% of the cost of the electrical equipment, installation, and required electric line extension up to a maximum of $20,000.

For more information, contact the SCPPD office or go to http://deq.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/17-016 to find an application