AIA Nebraska: Government Affairs: News

AIA Nebraska: A Society of the American Institute of Architects




	Legislative Update This year’s 101st legislative session has come to an end. Click here for the a final summary of legislation AIA Nebraska was monitoring. LB 918- Redefine certain terms and provide certain tax incentives under the Nebraska Advantage Act. Signed by Governor. AIA Nebraska Supported. Would amend the Nebraska Advantage Act to provide incentives for qualified data center projects. During his statement on the floor, Senator Hadley said: “This bill sends a message to the country and Nebraska businesses that we are trying to grow our way out of the current recession.” Revenue Committee Abbie Cornett of Bellevue noted that the state had seen “incredible growth” in the technology sector since the passage of the Nebraska Advantage Act in 2005 and LB918 was “an extension” of that effort. LB 997- Require cities' comprehensive plans to include an energy element. Signed by Governor. AIA NE Supported. LB 999- Provide a two-year moratorium on new hospital licenses. Signed by Governor. (AIA NE worked with other industry representatives and Senator Campbell in reducing the moratorium to 12 months.) DDirects the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services not to accept applications or issue licenses for new hospitals from September 1, 2010 through September 15, 2011. The bill makes an exception for critical access hospitals and any hospital that has begun construction prior to May 1, 2010. During this period, the Legislature will study the following: referral practices; ownership disclosures; community benefit; uncompensated and under-compensated patience care; different types of hospitals and limited service facilities; compliance with the federal emergency medical treatment and active labor act; and the impact of federal health care reform. Senator Campbell is looking at the broader question of health care cost containment, especially the portion of the cost that is funded by tax dollars through Medicaid and Medicare payments. There is a sizable amount of data that supports the claim that private-owned, noncritical care hospitals contribute to higher cost of health care in the states where they are located. Back to Top