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Articles by Sen. Steve Erdman
Erdman in the Legislature: Goodness of God - North Platte Bulletin
A song by CeCe Winans entitled the “Goodness of God” speaks about how God’s goodness runs after us. God’s goodness always seeks what is best for us. We may not be aware of God’s goodness, but it is still there nevertheless. When things go awry or when we don’t get what we want, God’s goodness is not to blame.
Erdman in the Legislature: CO2 pipelines can acquire rights through eminent domain - North Platte Bulletin
CO2 sequestration will soon become a major problem for land owners in Nebraska. As I said a week ago, when the state Legislature passed LB 650 on Final Reading back in 2021, I was the only state senator who voted against the bill. Those senators who voted for the bill will soon begin regretting their decision. So, today I would like to tell you about another reason why LB 650 was such a bad idea and why it will soon be haunting state senators as well as landowners all across our state.
Erdman in the Legislature: Voters see past campaign rhetoric - North Platte Bulletin
The election of 2024 will go down in history as one of the worst abuses of rhetoric ever used in American political history. As bad as they were, the abuses of rhetoric were not limited to political candidates or pundits in the media; instead, they found their way into some of our most sacred government institutions.
Erdman at the Legislature: Carbon dioxide cannot be stored underground, no need for it either - North Platte Bulletin
CO2, otherwise known as carbon dioxide, is good for the earth. Climate change fanatics would have you believe that CO2 is somehow bad for our planet, but it is not. “Carbon pollution” was a term made up by environmental extremists, who have a political agenda to end CO2 emissions caused by combustion engines and the burning of carbon-based fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Not only is carbon dioxide good for us, it is also in short supply.
Erdman in the Legislature: Support school choice - North Platte Bulletin
One of the measures that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot is a referendum to repeal LB 1402, otherwise known as Nebraska’s school choice bill. A vote to repeal on Measure 435 would effectively end the school choice program started by LB 1402. Because all families must pay property taxes to their local public school district, I believe parents should be given the opportunity to choose where to send their children to school. Therefore, I support voting to retain Measure 435.
Erdman in the Legislature: Still hoping to fill the blank property tax credit - North Platte Bulletin
As things stand now, Nebraskans will not be able to claim their 2023 property tax credit when they file their 2024 income tax return next year. After the state legislature passed LB 1107 back in 2020, Nebraskans became eligible to claim a refundable tax credit on their income tax return for the taxes they paid to their local school districts. For the year 2023, that refundable tax credit was supposed to be worth 30% of the taxes paid to local schools.
Erdman in the Legislature: Vote to limit abortions to first trimester - North Platte Bulletin
Two ballot measures will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot that concern the subject of abortion. Initiative 439 is known as the “Right to Abortion Initiative,” and would amend the Nebraska State Constitution, establishing abortion as a right up to the point of “fetal viability”.
Erdman at the Legislature: Changes improve state historical society - North Platte Bulletin
Back in January I introduced LB 1169, a bill to turn the Nebraska State Historical Society into a state code agency. The historical society had drifted far away from its original purpose and was engaging in practices that lacked accountability, especially in regard to the institution’s finances. Turning them into a state code agency allowed the governor to appoint the director and greatly increased their level of accountability.
Erdman at the Legislature: Election security questions - North Platte Bulletin
Last Thursday, an interim study was conducted at the Capitol in Lincoln on LR 357. According to Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, the sponsor, the purpose of the study was “to determine to what extent, if any, there is a necessity to bolster election security in the state of Nebraska.” To be sure, Nebraskans need to have confidence that their elections are secure and that the vote counting process accurately reflects the will of the people.
Erdman at the Legislature: Gov, state agencies won't admit property tax error - North Platte Bulletin
This week, I want to continue my explanation of LB 34 and what it means to you as a property tax payer. Three lawmakers, Sen. Steve Halloran (LD33), Sen. Justin Wayne (LD13), and myself issued a press release last week, alerting the public to the fact that taxpayers will not be able to claim their property tax credit for their 2023 property taxes paid.
Erdman at the Legislature: Special session eliminated 2023 property tax break - North Platte Bulletin
As you may recall, I have written about the not-so-special legislative session in some of my recent articles. For the past week, I have been researching the implementation of LB 34, the so-called property tax relief bill that was passed during the special session of the Legislature in August. As I have read and reread that legislation, it has become apparent to me that the legislature, including me, missed an important piece about how that bill would be implemented.
Erdman at the Legislature: 'I tried to tell em' - North Platte Bulletin
The not-so-special-session of the Legislature ended on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City described the mood of the session by writing: “Unfortunately, the biggest scarcity seems to be the political courage to do what is right on behalf of the people.” Sen. Lippincott’s statement profoundly described exactly what happened during the special session of the Legislature, which ended without passing any kind of meaningful or significant property tax relief.
Erdman at the Legislature: Decreasing the increase in property taxes - North Platte Bulletin
As I write this article, it is the 14th day of the Unicameral Legislature’s special session for property tax relief and it is still ongoing. Eighty-one bills have been introduced during the special session to deal with taxes, while 24 resolutions have been introduced to change the Nebraska State Constitution. Each one of these bills and resolutions has had a public hearing. Most of these bills were referenced to the Legislature’s Revenue Committee.
Erdman at the Legislature: Tax reform is best with features of EPIC tax - North Platte Bulletin
The governor’s new property tax relief plan for the special session is in deep trouble. Last Thursday the Legislature voted to adjourn until Monday, Aug. 12, in order to fix several problems in the bill and to garner more support for it. LB 9 along with AM 51 is getting tossed about like a wave of the sea without enough votes to get it passed. It is not my intention today to sink the governor’s property tax relief bill; instead, I want to save it.
Nebraska State Senator Writes Op-ed Saying, " These are just a few of the many reasons why I stand against the legalization of medical marijuana"
Erdman at the Legislature: Medical marijuana is not medication by: Sen. Steve Erdman – Jul. 19, 2024 Two ballot measures will appear on your ballot in November which would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. The first initiative would make it legal for physicians to prescribe medical cannabis, while the second initiative would regulate the dispensing of the drug.
Erdman at the Legislature: Medical marijuana is not medication - North Platte Bulletin
Two ballot measures will appear on your ballot in November which would legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. The first initiative would make it legal for physicians to prescribe medical cannabis, while the second initiative would regulate the dispensing of the drug.
Erdman in the Legislature: State Auditor discovers fraud, criminal use of state property - North Platte Bulletin
I imagine that most readers are expecting me to write this week about the upcoming special session of the state legislature. The governor has not yet formally called for a special session of the Legislature and his plan for property tax relief remains under construction. When news becomes available about a special session or about his plan for property tax relief, I will be sure to let the readership know. I am committed to keeping the folks of western Nebraska informed about state news.
Erdman at the Legislature: EPIC tax fails to get signatures, could come back in future - North Platte Bulletin
With great disappointment, I must report that the EPIC Option Consumption Tax team did not meet the required signature count to place our two initiatives for constitutional amendments on the November general election ballot. While the team met the first goal of securing signatures from at least five percent of registered voters in 38 counties, the team fell short of the second requirement of securing signatures from 10% of the registered voters statewide.
Erdman at the Legislature: Government growth erodes liberty - North Platte Bulletin
The 4th of July is a time for celebrating our independence as a nation as well as the freedoms we share as American citizens. When the Declaration of Independence was written in 1776, three inalienable rights were mentioned, namely: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The one that concerns me the most today is liberty. Few Americans today understand the true nature of liberty and liberty continues to erode from American society.
Erdman at the Legislature: Taxable valuations 'completely subjective' - North Platte Bulletin
Did your property assessment go down this year? Perhaps you are one of the very rare Nebraskans who by chance received an equivalent valuation as last year or even a slight reduction. Once again, this year’s valuation notices aptly demonstrate how broken our tax system is. The process of evaluating properties in Nebraska is completely subjective. There simply is no uniform, objective methodology for valuating properties.
Panhandle senator argues that property assessments are 'subjective'
Did your property assessment go down this year? Perhaps you are one of the very rare Nebraskans who by chance received an equivalent valuation as last year or even a slight reduction. Once again, this year’s valuation notices aptly demonstrate how broken our tax system is. The process of valuating properties in Nebraska is completely subjective. There simply is no uniform, objective methodology for valuating properties.
A new tax revolt
Are you satisfied with your property valuation? The time has come to revolt. Nebraskans will never be heard until we collectively decide to protest our valuations. Protesting valuations is the most cost-efficient way to lead a tax rebellion. Therefore, I want to encourage every property owner in Nebraska to file a protest. Form 422 must be delivered in person to the county clerk or mailed with a postmark no later than June 30, 2024.
Erdman at the Legislature: Property owners reel from valuation notices - North Platte Bulletin
Nebraskans are now receiving their new property valuation notices and many are suffering from sticker shock once they see how much the value of their property has increased since last year. Mine, for example, went up 40%! Other property owners are seeing their valuations increase by as much as 50%. What these property valuation notices demonstrate is how broken Nebraska’s tax system is.
Erdman at the Legislature: US flags will continue to fly on moon on Flag Day - North Platte Bulletin
How many American flags have ever flown on the moon? If you answered, six, you are correct. Each lunar American flag was made of nylon material and was fixed to an aluminum telescoping pole. These flags came in a special kit that were carried on the outside of the Apollo Lunar Module on the descent ladder and stored inside an insulated tubular case to protect them from the heat of the exhaust, which could reach temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the flags measured 3 X 5 feet.
Erdman in the Legislature: Consumption tax petition update - North Platte Bulletin
One of the questions we often receive about the EPIC Option Consumption Tax concerns the two ballot initiatives. Many folks ask us, “How is the petition drive doing?” Today I am prepared to give an update and I have some very good news to report. The EPIC Option Consumption Tax currently has two petition drives running concurrently to put two separate ballot initiatives on the ballot for the voters to decide on Nov. 5.
Steve Erdman: May 10 EPIC debate
On Friday May 3, 2024 citizens concerned about Nebraska’s overly burdensome tax system packed the Warner Chamber at the Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln to hear an honest debate and exchange of ideas about the EPIC Option Consumption Tax.
Sen. Steve Erdman: Tornadoes and the destroyed property law
One of the most important bills that I ever introduced in my career as a Nebraska state senator was my destroyed property bill, originally LB 482. The contents of that bill were later amended into LB 512 and passed as a Christmas Tree bill back in 2019.
Erdman in the Legislature: Answering complaints about the EPIC tax - North Platte Bulletin
On May 3, citizens concerned about Nebraska’s overly burdensome tax system packed the Warner Chamber at the Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln to hear an honest debate and exchange of ideas about the EPIC Option Consumption Tax.
Local View: Bill stands ready to help
One of the most important bills that I ever introduced in my career as a Nebraska state senator was the destroyed property bill, originally LB482. The contents of that bill were later amended into LB512 and passed as a Christmas tree bill in 2019.
Erdman at the Legislature: Revalue damaged property before tax is due - North Platte Bulletin
One of the most important bills that I ever introduced in my career as a Nebraska state senator was my destroyed property bill, originally LB 482. The contents of that bill were later amended into LB 512 and passed as a Christmas Tree bill in 2019.
Brewer at the Legislature: Farewell, it's been good to serve - North Platte Bulletin
April 18th was the last day of the 108th Legislature and marked the end of my days as a legislator, even though my term won’t officially expire until Jan. 5 of next year. For those who may be wondering about my future in politics, I have no plans to return to the Unicameral Legislature, except for a possible special session later this year; however, it has been a pleasure to represent the good people of Legislative District 47 for the past eight years.
Erdman at the Legislature: Consumption tax would be best tax reform - North Platte Bulletin
April 18 was the final day of the 108th Legislature. This was the shorter 60-day session and, save for a special session of the Legislature later this summer, this completes my tenure as a Nebraska state senator. It has been a pleasure for me to serve the good people of Legislative District 47 for the past eight years. When I came into the Unicameral Legislature eight years ago my No. 1 goal was to provide the people of Nebraska with meaningful and significant property tax relief.
Erdman at the Legislature: Gov's tax plan comes up short - North Platte Bulletin
On the 58th day of this year’s shorter 60-day legislative session, Nebraska state senators debated the governor’s actual tax plan. That plan was amended into the Revenue Committee’s shell bill (LB 388) with an amendment (AM 3468). I have been saying throughout the legislative session that the governor’s plan would not deliver 40% property tax relief, as per his promise, and that amendment only proved my point.
Erdman at the Legislature: Drama over 'winner take all' electoral votes - North Platte Bulletin
Last Wednesday, April 3, was a very busy day at the Capitol in Lincoln. Every state senator’s phone and email lit up with messages concerning LB 764, a bill commonly referred to as the “Winner Take All” bill. Nebraska is one of only two states that splits its electoral college votes during a presidential election.
Erdman at the Legislature: Law protects freedom of religion - North Platte Bulletin
During the days of the pandemic religious leaders were told to do many things to inhibit the spreading of the coronavirus, including closing the doors of their churches. Most obliged the orders of their state and local governments, while a few did not. One of those ministers who refused was John MacArthur, the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA.
Erdman at the Legislature: Defining the word 'calamity' - North Platte Bulletin
One of Rush Limbaugh’s undeniable truths of life was that “words mean things.” Such is the case with words such as “destroyed property’ and ‘calamity.’ According to Nebraska State Statute 77-1307, “Calamity means a disastrous event, including, but not limited to a fire, an earthquake, a flood, a tornado or other natural event which significantly affects the assessed value of real property.” This definition should not require a disastrous event to have a natural cause, but not everyone sees it...
Erdman at the Legislature: The Chinese threat - North Platte Bulletin
In 2021 the Fufeng Group, a Chinese food manufacturer, bought 300 acres of farmland near Grand Forks, N.D. in order to build a milling plant. They paid $2.6 million for the land. That land is only 12 miles from the Grand Forks Air Base, which is home to some of America’s most sensitive military secrets. Last year, both the BBC and NPR reported that the Chinese had already purchased 380,000 acres of farmland in the United States.
Erdman at the Legislature: Body should only meet every other year - North Platte Bulletin
On Feb. 28, a public hearing was held on LR 281CA before the Executive Board of the state Legislature. This was the final public hearing of my legislative career. LR 281CA is my resolution for a constitutional amendment to convert the state legislature to a biennial calendar. In other words, the legislature would meet every other year during odd numbered years beginning in the year 2027 and no legislative session would ever exceed 90 legislative days.
Steve Erdman: The evil of property taxes
Last week the State of Wyoming advanced a bill by Rep. Steve Harshman to eliminate most property taxes in Wyoming along with a two percent hike in the State’s sales tax. Shifting the tax burden away from property taxes and onto sales taxes or consumption taxes is an idea which is now gaining a lot of steam all across the country. Besides Nebraska, states which have seen these kinds of bills in recent years include Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Texas.
Erdman at the Legislature: Trio of bills to boost agriculture, includes detasseling jobs - North Platte Bulletin
This year, three important agricultural bills were introduced in the Nebraska Legislature that the public needs to know about. These are three good agricultural bills which I have either introduced myself or co-signed along with the bill’s author. Each of these bills affects the agriculture industry in our state in a different way. The first bill is LB 1396, and was introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil.
Steve Erdman: Tax bill hearing in the Revenue Committee
February 1, 2024 was a good day for promoting the EPIC Option Consumption Tax. What happened on that day affected the consumption tax movement in a very odd way when the Revenue Committee held public hearings on ten of the Governor’s tax bills. I would like to thank Gov. Pillen for convincing several State Senators to introduce tax bills on his behalf which were all designed to shift the tax burden of Nebraskans onto sales taxes without reducing their overall tax burden.
Erdman: Governor's tax plans show need for reform, senator says
Feb. 1, 2024, was a good day for promoting the EPIC Option Consumption Tax. What happened on that day affected the consumption tax movement in a very odd way when the Revenue Committee held public hearings on 10 of the governor’s tax bills. I would like to thank Gov. Pillen for convincing several state senators to introduce tax bills on his behalf which were all designed to shift the tax burden of Nebraskans onto sales taxes without reducing their overall tax burden.
Erdman at the Legislature: Gov's tax plan betrays Nebraskans - North Platte Bulletin
Feb. 1, 2024 was a good day for promoting the EPIC Option Consumption Tax. What happened on that day affected the consumption tax movement in a very odd way when the Revenue Committee held public hearings on ten of the governor’s tax bills. I would like to thank Gov. Pillen for convincing several state senators to introduce tax bills on his behalf which were all designed to shift the tax burden of Nebraskans onto sales taxes without reducing their overall tax burden.
Erdman at the Legislature: History Nebraska agency needs to be reformed - North Platte Bulletin
History Nebraska is out of control. So, one of the bills I introduced this year, LB 1169, is a bill to make History Nebraska a code agency, bringing the Society under the control of the governor. This bill has become necessary due to the way state revenues have been misused by the agency in the past and how History Nebraska has been organized…or should I say, disorganized. Last year, a Nebraska State Auditor’s report alleged that History Nebraska misused and misappropriated state funds.
Steve Erdman: Legislative goals for 2024
The 2024 Legislative session has begun. Because the Unicameral Legislature operates in a two-year cycle, this will be the second session of the 108th Legislature. The session began on January 3 and will end on April 18. Since this is only a 60-day session, there will be less time for State Senators to get the business of the State done this year. Today I will share my priorities and goals for making this year’s legislative session a productive one. I am the chair of the Legislature’s Rules Committee.
Erdman at the Legislature: Changing the rules - North Platte Bulletin
When I first arrived in the Nebraska Legislature in 2017, Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha stood in front of me on the legislative floor. He turned around and gave me some good advice. He told me to learn the rules. I began to read the rules. Upon doing so, I quickly learned how confusing the Rule Book of the Nebraska Legislature was. So, immediately upon adjournment last year, I turned my attention to re-writing the Rule Book.
Erdman at the Legislature: Detasseling, school choice, carbon dioxide among the priorities - North Platte Bulletin
The 2024 Legislative session has begun. Because the Unicameral Legislature operates in a two-year cycle, this will be the second session of the 108th Legislature. The session began on Jan. 3 and will end on April 18. Since this is only a 60-day session, there will be less time for state senators to get the business of the state done this year. Today I will share my priorities and goals for making this year’s legislative session a productive one. I am the chair of the Legislature’s Rules Committee.
Erdman in the Legislature: NU study of cattle belches is needless - North Platte Bulletin
The Biden administration continues to enforce failing policies concerning oil and gas which are now beginning to affect the state of Nebraska. The Biden administration’s war against global warming and its war against the use of oil and gas are both misguided and wrong. So, today I would like to explain why this is the case and how it is affecting our state. President Biden likes to brag how oil production in the U.S. is the same today as it was under Trump. Well, that is not exactly true.
Erdman at the Legislature: The gifts of Christmas - North Platte Bulletin
One of the words we often hear around Christmas time is the word ‘noel,’ which simply refers to the birth of Christ. One of the songs we sing at Christmas time is called The First Noel. That song tells the story of Christ’s birth and the events that followed it. The birth of Christ is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. The lyrics of the First Noel can teach us many things about giving this time of year. For example, the first ones to hear the good news of Christ’s birth were poor shepherds.
Erdman at the Legislature: Trev Alberts' pay package sends wrong message - North Platte Bulletin
Have you heard about the new contract extension for the University of Nebraska’s Athletic Director? If you haven’t, you might get a little overwhelmed by the numbers. I was surprised by the tremendous increase in salary plus the guarantee of future bonuses. Trev Alberts is a former UNL football player who now serves as the UNL Athletic Director.
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