Appropriations Committee

February 21, 2025

Committee Chair: Sen. Clements | Bills Heard: 1 | Full Transcript (PDF)

LB654: Appropriation for Department of Agriculture AgrAbility program assistive technology

Introduced by: Sen. Murman | Testimony: 1 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)

Nebraska advances $600,000 assistive technology fund for disabled farmers over two years. LB654 appropriates $300,000 annually to the AgrAbility program, which helps farmers and ranchers with disabilities remain productive through equipment grants. The program requires no administrative overhead—all funds go directly to farmers, who contribute a 5% cost-share.

Why it matters: Since 2021, the program has served 33 farmers and ranchers, including one who left state disability benefits after receiving assistive technology. National data suggests every $1 spent on farm assistive technology generates $10-15 in future tax revenue, making the investment fiscally conservative.

What they're saying: - Emily Jacobson, AgrAbility program manager: "One of our clients...is now a productive member because of this program. And he continues to provide, in taxes and things like that, back into Nebraska's economy." - Sen. Spivey: "I appreciate you coming to speak and give a story of what does the impact look like."

By the numbers: $300,000 per year; 33 farmers served since 2021; 5% farmer cost-share requirement; $10-15 return per $1 spent (national estimate).

What's next: No vote was taken. The bill received 8 letters of support for the record, zero opponents, and zero neutral testimony. The hearing concluded without further action noted.

Committee sentiment:   Supportive: Sen. Dorn, Sen. Armendariz, Sen. Spivey, Sen. Prokop, Sen. Cavanaugh, Sen. Lippincott, Sen. Clements

Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.

Session Notes

Committee Chair Rob Clements opened the hearing with standard procedural announcements. The committee heard Agency 18 (Department of Agriculture) testimony before proceeding to LB654. A procedural note occurred when Sen. Cavanaugh reminded the committee that questions should not be directed to bill introducers' staff, citing committee policy. Chair Clements clarified the funding amounts by referencing the fiscal note. The hearing concluded after LB654 with Agency 52 testimony, and the committee adjourned.

Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.