This past week, I heard a bill introduced in the Government, Military and Veterans Committee by Senator Justin Wayne. He believes the executive branch of our state government should not testify against bills introduced in the Legislature. He believes people testifying on behalf of executive branch agencies should testify in the “neutral” capacity and not express an opinion for or against the bill. In his view, the executive branch is bound by oath to follow the laws passed by the Legislature. It calls into question their willingness to faithfully follow the laws and encroaches on the constitutional sovereignty of the legislature as a separate branch of State government. I think Senator Wayne makes a valid point with his proposal.

Be Careful with the Increased Revenue Forecast The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board says it anticipates the state will take in $204 million more in tax receipts this year than previously anticipated. The governor says that means “we can deliver even more property tax relief on top of what I had already proposed in my budget.” Analysts at one think tank say the increase comes from a technicality of which lawmakers were warned when they passed their latest tax fix Band-Aid (LB1107) last session.

Long Pine City Council Members - Linda Alberts, Kathy Papstein and Andrea Collatos, with Dave Cheatum absent, met in regular session on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Under the consent agenda, the Council approved the February 4, 2021 minutes, treasurer’s report, approval of claims and payroll summary.

Saturday, March 6th, this 71˚ temperature was photographed around 3:30 p.m. in Ainsworth, NE. Local residents were taking advantage of the warm temperatures by riding motorcycles, walking their dogs, raking leaves, golfing, washing windows, riding bikes, cleaning and washing their cars and pickups along with many other outdoor activities. I know those who are calving are enjoying these warm temperatures while they last, knowing they won't be here the whole month. Enjoy the nice temperatures while we can!

The Brown County Commissioners met on March 2nd in the Brown County Courthouse for their regular semi-monthly meeting. Budget Preparation Caleb Johnson met with the Commissioners to discuss upcoming budget preparation services.

Normally when the fire department is called to a bale fire, the firemen are able to use a tractor and loader to spread the bales out so the fire can be controlled or put out...not so in this case. The Ainsworth Fire Department was called to a hay trailer fire on at 8:30 p.m.