Gov. Jim Pillen said Monday he plans to ease restrictions on fuel haulers as Nebraska farmers work through a rain-delayed harvest, with an executive order potentially coming Monday night or Tuesday morning.
Speaking during the Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s monthly statewide call-in show originating at KLIN, Pillen said the changes would ease driving-hour restrictions and allow trucks to carry 10% heavier loads. “And so, uh, those will be two things that we can do and that we’ll take action, uh, if, uh, if not by 10 tonight, first thing in the morning,” he said.
The announcement followed a call from a Pierce fuel retailer who described supply problems at several terminals and said trucks were traveling farther to find gasoline and diesel. Pillen said delayed harvesting has concentrated demand for fuel as farmers work to bring in their crops.
Pillen also addressed delayed wildfire recovery payments, concerns about disability assessments, property taxes and communication failures during emergencies.
Wildfire Recovery Payments
Pillen criticized delays in federal assistance for ranchers rebuilding fences damaged by the March wildfires. He said he has been pressing federal agriculture officials after hearing from ranchers who still have not received payments.
Pillen estimated the fence investment facing Nebraska ranchers could reach $50 million. “Most of us want government out of our hair, but there are exceptions to the rule and this is sure as heck one of them,” he said.
He said he recently spoke with USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce about the delays and urged affected ranchers to continue raising their concerns with Farm Service Agency offices. “It’s unacceptable,” Pillen said, noting that months have passed since the March fires.
Disability Assessment Concerns
A caller from Gering described problems with assessments used to determine services for her adult daughter, who has Down syndrome. The mother said the records contained inaccuracies and that she hired an attorney while seeking corrections.
Pillen said Nebraska is pursuing an outside review of its use of interRAI, a needs-assessment system that helps determine eligibility and funding for developmental disability services. “So we’re not standing back and saying all is good. We’re trying to make it better and, uh, the whole goal is to get you the support that you need,” he said.
Pillen said families dissatisfied with their assessments can pursue appeals. The outside review was previously announced by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Property Tax Relief
Pillen renewed his call for caps on property valuations and tighter local spending, saying Nebraska needs further action to address its property tax burden. He also rejected the suggestion that property taxes are solely a local responsibility.
Pillen said the issue affects both longtime residents and younger people trying to establish themselves in Nebraska. “I think it’s time we the state step up and solve the problem so we can grow our economy, so we don’t kick all of our grandmas and grandpas out of the state because they can’t afford to stay here,” he said.
He encouraged residents to attend school board, county and city council meetings and scrutinize spending decisions. Pillen said he intends to continue pursuing changes with the Legislature.
Emergency Communications
Pillen said accounts of responders losing contact during wildfires helped drive the creation of a statewide public safety communications task