Sen. Williams: Health standards by Dept. of Education, ‘Truth in Taxation’ and ‘newspapers are expensive’
Greetings District 36! I would like to take this opportunity to address the draft health standards released for review by the State Board of Education. I have fully reviewed the draft standards and the rationale behind the draft. I am left with serious reservations about the appropriateness of the draft standards. Several Senators signed a joint letter to the State Board of Education objecting to the proposed standards. I did not sign on to that particular communication, and instead chose to make my own personal contacts with those in decision making positions. While I understand that student safety is a primary motivator for the health standards, it appears to me that the health standards are missing the mark by not being age appropriate.
As a State Senator, I represent the Legislative branch of our state government. The State Board of Education is part of the Executive branch, and pursuant to Nebraska’s Constitution, its members are elected. Separation of powers is an important part of our government structure. I believe the standards should go through the normal review process. Be assured that draft standards are far from a finished product. As you may be aware, the State Board of Education held their first listening session on April 2. I suspect there will be many revisions based on the information received from those critical of the standards and those in support. Proposals such as this will go through several drafts with each draft receiving public input.
I would also like to take this opportunity to report on the debate on LB644, the first property tax debate of the session. The bill would require a county, city, school district, or community college to hold an additional public hearing if the entity is requesting more property tax dollars than requested in the prior year. In addition, it would require that the entities mail out postcards notifying property taxpayers of the proposal, the hearing date, and the details specific to the increases requested.
The bill is being called the “Truth in Taxation” bill, a label that concerns me because it seems to imply that our current system does not provide “truth” in taxation. I believe this is a damaging message to send to our local elected officials. I’m proud of our local elected officials and believe they are dedicated to doing a good job for the taxpayers. I’ve been contacted by several cities and schools in District 36 with concerns about the cost and the logistics of notifying tax payers, but at the end of the day they are most concerned about what seems to be a lack of trust in them as elected officials by some members of the Legislature. I want our local elected officials to know that I have great respect for each of you and your dedication. The lack of trust and lack of respect for our local elected officials by vocal members of the Legislature needs to stop.
Another troubling comment made during the opening statement for LB644, was that “newspapers are expensive and nobody reads newspapers anymore, anyway.” I want to reiterate that I’m also very proud of the 10 local newspapers in my district. These papers are the source for local news, the source for archiving local events for the future, and the source for many public notices. Our local newspapers build community pride. Negative comments about these hard working businesses are not warranted.
As always, feel free to contact me anytime at 402471-2642 or mwilliams@leg.ne.gov. Thanks again for your continued support.