Legislative / Helmet Updates & C

Session starts January 4, 2012. Our bill, LB52 is sitting in committee waiting for a swing vote to get it out of committee and on the floor.

A large number of senators support us, but still have some that need to be swung our way. A large number of businesses and political organizations also support us.

We have Lobby Day coming up on Jan 23rd. We need YOU there! We need 100% participation from our members.

Go to meetings! Get information and educate others! Know your senators name and number - and use them!

Call your senator and tell them to back LB52, the bill to repeal the mandatory helmet law. It is in committee and for the sake of freedom, you want it out and you want it to pass. Tell them you will be keeping track of the progress on the bill.

Unlike wearing a helmet, you do have a choice in making a difference. What is YOUR decision???

As many of you may have heard, the new Senator for D33 is Les Seiler, Hastings area. He was appointed to take the place of Senator Uttler who passed away the first part of January.

Gov. Dave Heineman has chosen Plattsmouth Mayor, R. Paul Lambert, to take over the state senator seat vacated by Dave Pankonin.

Lambert will be sworn in to office on Friday by Secretary of State John Gale at the State Capitol.

"There were several key factors in my decision. Paul has been the mayor of Plattsmouth for 8 years. He understands the challenges of local government. He knows that we must control spending and Paul is a common sense Nebraskan" Heineman said.

Lambert, 61, was appointed to the Plattsmouth City Council in 1999 and re-elected to that office twice. He has been mayor since 2003. Mr. Lambert currently works in automotive sales and is a licensed real estate agent and an iron worker.

In a press release Lambert said "I am honored to be appointed by the Governor. I am humbled by the task at hand and I am pleased and proud to serve the good people of the second district. I ask for their help, their understanding and especially their prayers for the duration of my service."

Lambert attended Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Please see the email below concerning Deb Fischer's run for the Senate. Please keep in mind that donations must be made individually and CANNOT come from an ABATE acct. Let's support someone who has always supported us.
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Deb Fischer is running for the U.S. Senate.

Deb has supported us (ABATE of Ne) for years as Chairwoman of the Senate Transportation Committee of which she will continue to chair during the
next session.

The campaign will probably be asking "us" for help with yard signs and such as things move along, but right now they are looking for donations to build up to coffers before the end of the filing quarter on September 30th.

To that end, here is an email from Aaron Trost, her campaign manager:

We have a very important financial deadline on this Friday, September 30. We are trying to raise as much money as possible on our report to make a strong
showing and continue the momentum for Deb's campaign. Donations of $100, $50, 25, even $10 will be very helpful.

If we can get 30 people to donate $50, or 100 people to give $25, then that would be a big boost.

To Contribute online, go to - http://www.debfischer2012.com/?page_id=11

Having a strong report is critical to our success. Any help ABATE can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Aaron Trost
Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate, Campaign Manager

As Deb has supported us, please consider supporting her!!

Yesterday Senator Pankonin from Legislative district 2 which sits over Plattsmouth as well as parts of Sarpy County said he will resign effective October 8^th of this year. ABATE districts 6 and 11 have members represented by the Senator.

There have been many conversations with the senator over the years to get him to see our point of view with no success. He has voted in opposition in every opportunity.

The Governor is taking applications to fill the seat which are due to him no later then September 23^rd. I suspect that Pankonin’s opponent Louderback from last year’s election may be one of those but I am still in the process of confirming that. Louderback pledged support of LB52 and our right to choose.

I will keep everyone updated but please contact me if you hear any developments relating to this development.

Scott

Well just goes to show you … its Friday its spring and it’s snowing … so I thought I would take this opportunity to touch base with everyone. Our website transfer should be coming to completion very soon with little or no down time. If you have trouble logging in give it a bit and try again. There will be a page coming soon for the Chrome level membership and sample letter to your supporting business feel free to use that … there will be a link on the website for the business to apply for membership.

I am not hearing much from anyone at this time and I have to wonder if everyone is getting busy on the tasks that have been assigned. We need to be getting to our supporting businesses. We need to be gearing up for rides to the target zones as they are identified … Has your district started making plans for runs this summer too? I have not been getting feedback from you. We at the State office need to know. Please have your secretary’s forward copies of your meeting minutes to all of us. We need to stay focused this summer in order to move this along … Have all your members been contacting the transportation committee members? Are your supporting businesses doing the same?

Do not lose sight of where we are going, and how we plan to get there … get to your meetings!

Of note, there has been a lot of media attention on the sentencing of the kid that killed the 4 coming back from Sturgis last year … keep an eye open for anything on this .. some of you have been forwarding links to me that is great … also watch for any other motorcycle related news … I want to know about anything and everything within or near our state, whether it be atv or street.

Keep the shiny side up

Rogue

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

Call to action … LB52

What we need from you now:

Step One:

Go to your district meetings! There will be some information given there not available on the web site. Do not expect to get all the information there as some will be sensitive information and not available to the general public. Do not call me or the other state officers either, for this, as if we do not personally know you, we will not release sensitive information over the phone either.

Step Two:

We need to work on sending emails, letters and making phone calls to our transportation committee members from us as individuals. We are not trying to flood them but merely show the support from across the state and out of state for moving this bill along and out of Committee. I need to start hearing from you in the next few days and weeks that this is getting done. On the web page you will find sample letters of the type we wish you to send. Be politically correct and do not in any way shape or form use any sort of profanity! These letters should go to every member of the committee!

Step Three:

We need you to start contacting our supporting businesses and ask them to write letters to the committee as well. Go to your meetings get with your reps and find those businesses get organized so we aren’t all contacting the same businesses. I want to know as the businesses are contacted. Call the ABATE office number and leave a simple message, we will be checking them off as we go, making sure all have been contacted! It would be best if we received that information from one source per district, such as your district rep but any others may do so as well. Again, we have sample letters for them as well as an explanation letter on the web page for you to hand or read to them regarding what we need done.

There will be much more to do in the next weeks … this is our first push to get this bill out of committee, any and all help doing these things from within ABATE and from other individuals will be greatly appreciated. You do not have to be an ABATE member to attend meetings find one near you and get involved!

SUPPORTING BUSINESS SAMPLE LETTER INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE LETTER INFO LETTER FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

TRANSPORTATION SENATORS CONTACT INFORMATION

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

Ok,

I don’t have a lot for you all right now but I did not want you to think we were keeping you in the dark. As of now we have had no real news just a lot of whispers and innuendo … that being said Bob, Scott and I will be meeting this weekend to hopefully formulate some sort of backup plan and be ready to present options to the BOD at the March meeting … I wanted to get this out today as I know a lot of you have meetings this weekend … be assured we are not sitting on our butts doing nothing. The game of politics is a chess game, that is for sure, and we need to be sure of our next move. Tell your members the bill is still on hold but to be alert to action after the Board meeting next Sunday. Keep your eyes out for any media … I have had a few respond to me on this and we have taken action where necessary … thanks for all of you who have been keeping us informed across the state … and for those of you out of state as well.

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

Again no news on our bill lb52, I just wanted to remind everyone to be patient and be standing by for a call to action once we have movement of any kind we will be needing assistance in a short time. Be prepared!

Again I ask that you keep an eye on all news and media coverage … watch for any polls etc. I have had some nice letters in response to my responses in the paper locally as well as from those “old” members across the state who are watching the web site for any news …

I know a some have sent some emails to me as well requesting permission to respond to others… thanks to all of you!

Hopefully more news soon but voting only happens on Monday or Tuesday … so we will be in a holding pattern till then for news from the committee.

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

Ok, I want to remind everyone we are in a holding pattern for now waiting for the outcome of the committee hearing. That does not mean we don’t need to be busy … there have already been many blogs on the web about our bill and bashing back and forth … one such as this

traveler said on: February 14, 2011, 11:24 pm

Yes, ABATE presented the same bill last year, and they will probably present it next year, and the year after that …

If this bill makes it to the floor, it will still get stuck in the same debate of personal freedom vs. public safety. I see this as very similar to requiring seat belts and child restraints. I doubt this will have much better chance than last year.

American Bikers Aimed Towards Education. Really? I would disagree with their name choice. When the hearing to cut funding for motorcycle training took place several weeks ago (LB170), ABATE was silent. Education is not really their thing, they just don’t like helmets.

I have sent a response already in regards to only that we did have a position on the bill lb170 and we did present it to the committee. Also that yes we will continue to fight unjust legislation singling out motorcyclists. I would like all of you to be very aware we will be getting publicity on this issue I was down at the State office last night “Valentines Day” (which I am still trying to make it up to my wife for not being home) … fielding calls about the hearing. I don’t want to see ABATE members out there doing a lot of bashing other individuals … state facts and let them look like fools if you feel we need a comment and are not sure what to say contact me Scott, or bob and we will do it. If you don’t know something for sure don’t guess!!! And yes pointing a finger at someone who shall remain nameless…

Anyway keep your eyes open watch for any wrong facts, any polls etc …

I will update as soon as we know more

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

We met in committee today for lb 52 and both sides of the argument were heard. We have a good feeling about the outcome but we are working on some additional information that the committee requested. There a couple of opportunities for them to reach a decision by next Tuesday. We are in close contact with the committee. Of note, we were applauded on our professionalism and our adherence to the system to date … please be patient and we will keep you updated as we know more.

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

LB170 was introduced this legislative session and has some direct impact on the motorcycling community of Nebraska. LB170 as we understand it will eliminate the redirection of the portion of the motorcycle license and registration fees used for motorcycle safety and training courses. To the best of our knowledge, the majority of these funds were used to subsidize tuition for rider training classes and for instructor education and certification. At this time we are unclear of the total dollars redirected per year are nor are we sure if the money is spent for any other motorcycle related cause.

Senator Fisher introduced LB170. As we understand it, all of the committee chairs were asked to find monies to cut or add back into the states general fund from all state departments and the content of LB170 is a result of what the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offered as their contribution. Senator Fisher is the introducer as this department is guided by the Transportation Committee.

Part of the criteria set forth in determining what would be eligible to cut is if the program or activity were optional. Rider training courses are optional in that you are not required to take it to receive a license or register a motorcycle. Only if you want to forgo the test required by the DMV will you need to show proof of successful completion of one of these courses. There courses are also not fully funded by the state but by the subsidized expense to the individual.

In conversation with the Grater Omaha Office on Safety who offers such a program. They indicated that they charge the individual 209.00 for the course. The Safety Council then submits a list of all of the participants and is reimbursed 75.00 from the fund for each successful completion. This last year they estimated 700 enrollees in the Omaha area. The Safety Council said they use the money to offset costs and to keep the tuition more affordable. They were not prepared to comment if they think this will deter people from taking the course since a price increase is emanate if the funding goes away. They indicated they would be in opposition.

At this time we are not sure how we will want to proceed with this as we don’t have all the information, however I think we can all agree we cannot let this go unnoticed by our organization

Scott is checking into this further and will keep us all updated

By the same token Lb52 is moving along and though we don’t know as of yet for sure when it will be heard in committee it is in committee and we are preparing our committee hearing testimony if you are planning to attend let me bob or scott know so we can get a feel for who will be there … it is expected to happen sometime next week as soon as we know something we will let you all know

Todd Miller

Ok folks,

The legislative session has been underway and the preliminary steps are full steam ahead for our bill. LB52 looks to move quickly and there is no time to waste. You have been getting all the information we have and it has been sent to the web as well. I hope you know what you need to be doing by now but if not get to your meetings, go to the web and make plans to be at lobby day. Right now one of the best things you can do is spread the word to all you know … not just ABATE members but other bikers in your area .. your friends, businesses, etc … keep the enthusiasm and the public opinion going in our favor … that means we also need to hear about any public opinion polls going on, whether it be in the paper on a website or on tv. We need timely information sent to me, Scott, Bob and or Connie so we can get it posted and blanket the state and the outlying states for help … we did a great job last year. I ask for your help in this again, as it is sure to happen … we can’t afford to have one more bogus statistic against us …

I cannot stress enough how important contacting your senators at all times, whether it be to thank them for their support or to encourage them to vote for us … even those against us we can be working on to not vote against cloture … that in itself could be huge and a major turning point in this session. If a senator wants more information let us know, we have our secret weapon “Spotman” for resources as well as many other state coordinators willing to send us information as we need it, don’t be afraid to ask … but be aware a lot of what they may ask for is information they may already have or they are just stalling you to get you out of their office … LOL. We can win this political game but it will take all of us working together to do so …

Do not lose HOPE!

I don’t want to hear from anyone, “here we go again”, “it will never happen in Nebraska”, “we are just beating our heads against the wall”, etc … If you don’t believe, you are in the wrong organization. Our whole purpose is based on believing we can make a difference. You will not make a difference sitting on the sidelines. It is truly amazing how easily hope can spread from one person to another … if you speak and think we can do this you may or may not convince another, but you will do no harm…. By the same token despair spreads just as easily … if you sit and talk to your friends of how it will never happen … and that is what you believe … you will spread that thought and may convince someone not to try, you have now become a liability to this organization and everything we are working for … understand what you are doing and make a choice to be positive!

Please keep in mind I don’t expect this war to be over in a day … but each battle we win no matter how small puts us one step closer to the prize …

Freedom of choice for bikers in Nebraska … and this is only the beginning

Todd Miller

It looks like our legislation was read today along with all of the bill that are being introduced this year. Our helmet bill is LB52 and is now on file. Most likely we will be picked up by the transportation committee to be heard. Hearings start in a week or so.

The transportation committee appointments have also been made. It looks the same as last year but Gay and Stuthman have been replaced with Price and Dubas. Last year Price voted with us and was the one that added the sun down clause to LB200. I still think that means we could get him to move it out of committee. Dubas voted against us every time. We have work to do there. Also, we need Louden to keep again to move it on. If we keep Price and Louden we have a 5 to 3 advantage.

It still would not hurt to visit with Hadley, and Campbell either but I am not sure what luck you will have. It never hurts to try.

Stay tuned in folks there will be a lot happening and much work to be done.

Scott Lucey

Hello all,

I have expanded my mailing this month to other Dist officers that I have addresses for. Please get this out to as many folks as possible and use it at your upcoming Dist. meetings. Here we go............

Fire 'em up and get the troops ready, the battle is at hand. The 102nd Nebraska
Legislative Session started today.

We can expect that Committee appointments will be made in the next few days. We can expect that our bill will be introduced in the next few days.
We can expect that the media will pick up on this very quickly. When you read,
see, or hear media reports in your area, please contact Todd, Scott, or myself
so we can keep up with what is being printed or broadcasted.
We can expect that our bill will receive an early hearing in Committee and, if
the Committee make up is what we hope to see, it will be passed on to the floor
quickly.
We can expect that once it reaches the floor is will be heard very soon. They
will want this cleared so they can move on to a lot of major issues that they
have to deal with in this session.
We can expect that we will not have the debate time that we had last year.
Again, they will be wanting to move on. This could work in our favor if we are
ready.

So..........NOW IS THE TIME.
Now is the time to get this info our to your membership.
Now is the time to contact other biker organizations in your area and let them
know what is going on and that we need their support to. This is HUGE!
Now is the time to make everyone aware that they need to keep up with what is
going on at our website: www.abateofne.com Starting today, there is a link to
the latest info we have. Be sure to have everyone check out Scott's lobbying
tips on the website. Be sure that someone is scheduling meetings with your
Senator's on Lobby Day.
Now is the time to take action or plan on getting nothing done for the next 2
years. This is our opportunity for this legislative session. Today, not next
year, not next month, not next week.
What to do next? Pull out the info on the Senator's that Scott provided at the
last BOD. Can't find your copy-contact Scott or myself.
Senators that are shown as a HARD YES-Contact their staff and assure that they
are still on board.
Senators shown as a SOFT YES-Contact them and see if they are willing to support
our bill when it comes up. If they indicate they are undecided, contact Scott
immediately.
Senators shown as a SOFT NO-Same as soft yes. If they indicate they will oppose
our bill, ask if they will vote yes if a cloture vote comes up.
Senators shown as a HARD NO-There is probably no need to spend a lot of time on them in trying to get them to support our bill. They will ask for all sorts of
info that we don't have the time to provide them, and I will bet this will not
change them in a short period of time. BUT, ASK THEM IS THEY WILL VOTE YES IF A CLOTURE VOTE COMES UP.
Then let Scott know what you find out. He has been, and is, working hard on
this. He cannot do it alone and needs as much info as you can provide him

Get your lobbyist forms in and let Scott or I know who plans to register, if you
haven't already.

Am I fired up......you bet I am. Are you? Is your District? If we don't fire
'em up, who then?

It's time to get your motors running! It's time to get geared up! The next legislative session starts on January 5, 2011, and there is a very good possibility that motorcycle helmets will again be a hot topic of conversation. Are YOU ready??

Make plans now to attend Lobby Day at the Capital on January 24th. Let your senators know where you stand. Want to know how you should approach your Senator? Check this out!

Stay tuned and check back often for updates, and any calls to actions that will be sent out. Things are quiet now, but they will be heating up quickly!

In the meantime.....go to your local district meetings to find out what is going on. Talk to your District Rep, and your Districts Legislative Officer. Don't know who they are? Go to our District Officer page right here on the web! Don't know when your districts next meeting is? You can find that here on the web too...just go to the Calendar of Events page...or, email your District Rep - he/she will be more than happy to give you all that information.