Members, I just wanted to take a minute to reiterate the need for support this Friday, February 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM in Room 1525 of the Nebraska State Capitol. LB76 affects all current retirees (as it will affect all of you one day) and spouses. If you are able to attend in person and/or spouses, I encourage you to do so. It does have a positive impact on anything we try to get done in the legislature. If you (and/or spouse) plans to attend, please send me an email (STAN), text, or call as I would like to have an estimate of the number of attendees we will have from our area. (If you forget to let me know, it doesn't mean you can't show up). Thank you and be safe. Anthony Frederick 402-613-2104 Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: Lucas Bolton <lbolton@netroopers.org> Sent: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:30 AM To: activemembers@groups.netroopers.org <activemembers@groups.netroopers.org>; retirees@groups.netroopers.org <retirees@groups.netroopers.org> Cc: STAN Board <STANBoard@netroopers.org>; Matthew T. Schaefer <schaefer@muellerrobak.com>; Tara Johnson <tjohnson@netroopers.org> Subject: Support Needed for LB76 – Retirement Bill Update Members, I want to provide you with an important update and request your assistance in advancing LB76 through the legislature. LB76 is a bill introduced in this legislative session that reintroduces two key provisions that were removed from last year’s retirement bill, LB196. When those cuts were made, Senator Bostar assured us that he would reintroduce them in the next session, and he has fulfilled that promise. Key Changes Proposed in LB76: 1. Enhanced Death Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Children * Current law: A surviving spouse or dependent child (under age 19) receives 75% of the member’s annuity after the member's passing. * Proposed change: LB76 increases this benefit to 100% of the member’s annuity. 2. Improved Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Calculation * Current COLA formula: Adjustments are based on the lower of the actual Consumer Price Index (CPI) change or 2.5% (Tier 1) / 1% (Tier 2). * Proposed change: LB76 increases the COLA cap to 4% for all members, ensuring better retirement security. Impact on Current and Retired Members In previous discussions, there were questions about whether the spousal death benefit changes would apply to current retirees. In the past, I was given the impression that it would not. However, after multiple conversations with our lobbyist and the legal counsel for the Retirement Committee, I have been told that LB76 will apply to all members—both active and retired. Upcoming Hearing Details LB76 is scheduled for a hearing before the Legislature’s Retirement Committee on: Friday, February 21, 2025 12:00 PM (Noon, Central Time) Room 1525, Nebraska State Capitol I will be attending and testifying on behalf of our members. Additionally, Scott Black, your STAN retiree representative, is coordinating testimonies from retired members. Given that the committee will be reviewing multiple bills in a limited timeframe, we want to ensure we have a strong presence without monopolizing the discussion, so I believe we will have the in person testimonials covered. How You Can Help 1. Attend the Hearing in Person * A strong in person show of support has proven to be impactful in past hearings. If you are available, I encourage you to attend. 2. Submit an Online Comment in Support of LB76 * Written comments are equally influential when the committee considers moving a bill forward. * Please submit your comments using the link below: 🔗 <https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58739&docnum=...> Submit Your Comment Here<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58739&docnum=...> * Deadline: Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM Central Time Last year, our collective efforts successfully pushed LB196 through the legislature. I am asking for that same level of support this year to ensure LB76 passes, as it reinstates the crucial provisions that were previously removed. These changes will have a lasting impact on current, retired, and future Nebraska State Patrol members. Thank you for your time and commitment. Your support is invaluable. Lucas Bolton Legislative Liaison State Troopers Association of Nebraska STAN PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Cell Phone: 402-278-2468