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2008 Legislation for the Arts & Humanities
LB1165 has passed! It will place an additional 5 million dollars in the State of Nebraska Cultural Preservation Endowment Fund over the next three years; $1 million this year and $2 million each the following two years.
Thank you to all who responded to our requests to contact your senators. Please share these letters with us by emailing Lindsey Kennedy at: lkennedy@nebraskansforthearts.org.
In its original form, LB1165 requested an increase in the State of Nebraska Cultural Preservation Endowment Fund of 15 million dollars.
LB1165 was a priority bill of Omaha's Senator Nelson. Senator Lowen Kruse co-sponsored the bill with Senator Nelson. The bill was heard before the Appropriations Committee on February 13. The bill was moved to the floor February 28 at the reduced amount of 5 million dollars. Members of the Appropriations Committee voting to move the bill to the floor were Senators Nelson, Kruse, Nantkes, Synowiecki, and Wightman. Voting against were Harms, Heidemann, and Fulton. Senator Engel was absent.
The following is a list of how the Senators voted for the first reading on April 2.
FOR
Ashford, Avery, Burling, Carlson, Cornett, Dubas, Flood, Gay, Hansen, Harms, Howard, Hudkins, Janssen, Johnson, Karpisek, Kopplin, Kruse, Lathrop, Lautenbaugh, Louden, McDonald, McGill, Nantkes, Nelson, Pankonin, Pedersen, Pirsch, Preister, Rogert, Stuthman, Synowiecki, Wallman, White, Wightman
NO
Present & Not Voting: Adams, Chambers, Christensen, Fischer, Heidemann, Langemeier, Pahls, Raikes, Schimek
Excused & Not Voting: Aguilar, Dierks, Engel, Erdman, Friend, Fulton
Senator Flood deserves a special thank you because he helped facilitate the amendment that secured the vote on the floor.
The vote on final reading on April 16 was 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 excused and not present. Everyone present on the floor of the legislature voted in favor of the bill.
LB1165 was approved by Governor Heinemann on April 17.
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Key Points:
1. Passage of LB1165 will leverage an equal amount from private donor Omahan Dick Holland and others.
2. This is a one time allocation of funds, and the $5 million will not leave the state's coffers. Only the interest can be used.
3. Passage of LB1165 will impact communities statewide.
4. Passage of LB1165 will help stabilize arts organizations across the state.
5. K-12 education will be the focus of the programs and projects made possible by the passage of LB1165.
6. Support of the arts and humanities education through LB1165 ensures higher graduation rates and advanced college readiness.
7. Support of arts and humanities education through LB1165 will enrich Nebraska communities and enhance Cultural Tourism.
8. Passage of LB1165 will enhance the quality of life in Nebraska for Nebraskans.
9. Passage of LB1165 will contribute to economic development in our state. |
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NATIONAL ISSUES
Cannot attend Arts Advocacy Day the 2008 Arts Action Summit on April 1st, but still want to participate?
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FOR ARCHIVED ISSUES: A Look Back, click here!
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This month's art quote:
No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination.
--Edward Hopper
LB1165 Passed!
In case you missed it... the vote on final reading for LB1165 was 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 excused and not present. Everyone present on the floor of the legislature voted in favor of the bill. LB1165 was approved by Governor Heinemann on April 17th. Thank you all for your help in bringing the bill to the attention of your Senator!
Congressman Lee Terry has joined the Congressional Arts Caucus!
NEW Creative Industries Reports: Americans for the Arts offers arts reports for Nebraska's legislative districts. Find your district's report here.
News from Our National Partners: To read the latest Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network Newsletter, click here!
To read timely news from Americans for the Arts, click here!
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