The amendment added to it this round, gives deadlines and conditions that have to be met in order for the current state fair land to be deeded to the University.

The University will have to create a master business plan for the Department of Administrative Services and the Legislature, and then have an annual report on progress thereafter. It also spells out the duties of Grand Island, the Fair Board and the State of Nebraska in the transfer. The first State Fair to be held in Grand Island will be in 2010.

Senator Phil Erdman, Chair of the Agriculture Committee, graciously supplied all available information that went into the decision to move the Fair.

The mathematics clearly show that staying at the current location would be very expensive in order to bring the Fair up to today's standards. Moving it to east Lincoln would also be expensive and very questionable considering that the suggested location is not only in a flood plain but partially in a flood way. Moving to Grand Island was the only viable option in the end.

It was also repeatedly pointed out that over the last 30 years the State has only given $3.7 million dollars to the Fair. That isn't much money to maintain a 240 acre complex. Horse racing funded the building and grounds for years but with the demise of racing income, came the demise of the Fair. Almost every other successful state fair has a substantial dedicated funding stream from their State.

Moving the State Fair to Grand Island gives us a wonderful opportunity to use modern buildings and to refocus the Fair activities into a vibrant, educational and exciting State Fair. It will take monumental cooperation between the State Fair Board, Fonner Park, and the City of Grand Island, but where can you find better public/private partnerships than in Grand Island? I am button-popping proud of Grand Island and the team effort they put into the planning and negotiations resulting in this bill.

I am happy to report that another group effort by senators, constituents and many associations, had success this year in getting funding from the Tobacco Settlement funds, to provide coverage of tobacco cessation products and counseling for persons with Medicaid coverage. Studies show smoking rates are much higher in low income populations than in medium and high income populations.

Therefore, Medicaid is a great avenue to help people quit smoking and using smokeless tobacco. Congratulations to all those who have diligently worked this issue and to Senator Lavon Heidemann for finding a way to make this work.

As always, please contact me with your support, opposition or questions on any legislative bill or issue. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to represent you in the Unicameral.

Senator Ray Aguilar

District 35, P.O. Box 94604

Lincoln, NE 68509

(402) 471-2617

raguilar@leg.ne.gov