Supporting rural healthcare, agriculture, and local communities remains a top priority as we continue our work this legislative session.
On February 9, I presented LB 1229 to fellow members of the Appropriations Committee. This bill would create the Rural Health Transformation Fund to receive and manage federal funds from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Establishing this fund will help ensure Nebraska is well positioned to leverage federal resources to strengthen rural health systems, improve access to care, and support the long-term sustainability of providers serving our rural communities.
The Appropriations Committee also heard LB 1231, another legislative measure that I introduced, on February 12. This bill authorizes the transfer of unused funds from the Panhandle Improvement Project Cash Fund to the Animal Damage Control Cash Fund. By redirecting existing dollars where they are most needed, this measure promotes responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while continuing to support important efforts related to animal damage control and agricultural protection in our region.
