02/22/2008
We reached the midpoint of the 2008 legislative session this week. One of the first orders of business will be hearings by the Business and Labor Committee on a pair of workers' compensation reform bills that could help small business owners.
Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh (Omaha) is sponsoring Legislative Bill 1086, a proposal to amend Nebraska's workers' comp provisions to clarify how much money an employer should get from any settlement or judgment involving a worker who has been injured by a third party. Current law calls for a "fair and equitable" distribution of any settlements -- vague language that has often led to lawsuits between the employer and the injured worker.
LB 1105, sponsored by Sen. Tony Fulton (Lincoln), calls for confidential treatment of Workers' Compensation Court documents that reveal information about an employee's injuries or benefits. Sen. Fulton's bill is meant to stop the avalanche of trial lawyer solicitations received by injured workers when they file a report with the court.
Here's a list of Business and Labor Committee members:
- Abbie Cornett (District 45), chairperson, 402-471-2615
- Kent Rogert, District 16, 402-471-2728
- Ernie Chambers (District 11), 402-471-2612, no email address
- Steve Lathrop, District 12, 402-471-2623
- Amanda McGill, District 26, 402-471-2610
- Norm Wallman, District 30, 402-471-2620
- Tom White, District 8, 402-471-2722
Please contact your senators to let them know you support LB 1086 and LB 1105.
Small Business Day at the Capitol
An overflow crowd of about 50 small business owners attended the 18th Annual Small Business Day at the Capitol Feb. 20. Speakers included Gov. Dave Heineman and Sens. Chris Langemeier (Schuyler), Deb Fischer (Valentine) and Lavon Heidemann (Elk Creek).
NFIB co-hosted this year's event with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Independent Business Association.
In his remarks, Gov. Heineman touched on the issues of tax relief, state spending, water law issues and economic development. He encouraged small business owners to "get involved in the legislative process."
Sen. Heidemann, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, warned that projections coming out Feb. 22 would probably show the state's surplus of $542 million is shrinking, leaving little flexibility for new or expanded spending programs.
NFIB/Nebraska State Director Robert J. Hallstrom concluded the program by providing background information regarding the organization of the Legislature and a review of major bills of interest to small business owners.
