Last week, I was invited to speak at the state convention of the Nebraska Professional Fire Fighters Association, which represents paid firefighters across the state. I think it is safe to say that we were not on the same page this year when it came to LB 400, which I have discussed in prior articles. […]

I spent much of last week in Lincoln discussing interim study schedules and meeting with colleagues regarding priority legislation for the next session. On Thursday, the governor invited me to be a part of a housing affordability panel held at Creighton University. We were joined by U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Scott […]

I first want to say thank you for all the support in the primary election. I try to review every bill in the Legislature through the lens of what is best for District 42 and its residents. I recall supporting Democratic and Republican bills based on their impact on my constituents. In fact, I even […]

I wrote an article a couple weeks ago regarding the need for local political subdivisions to focus on their spending if you want you to keep your property taxes in check. Some of the feedback I have gotten since that time suggests I may need to walk through how our property taxes are determined. I […]

This past weekend (May 2-3) was the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, when our nation honors the brave volunteer and career firefighters who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. We give special reverence to those we have lost over the past year. Last weekend has special meaning this year because of the […]

With the legislative session over, it’s time to turn our attention to the election and the agenda for next year. Since my election in 2022, I have served on the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee and, for the last two years, as its chairman. One of the high points for me during this time was […]

This past Friday marked the 60th and final day of the 109th Legislature. Generally, Day 60 is reserved for ceremonial activities that include an address by the governor and the speaker, plus farewell comments from the departing senators in the second year of the biennium. However, the governor decided to veto five bills, so bill […]

Last Friday marked Day 59 of the 60-day session. We will return this Friday, April 17, for Day 60. Since all the final reading bills were completed this past Friday, the only business remaining on Day 60 will be any veto overrides, a few congratulatory resolutions, closing remarks from the governor, departing remarks from term-limited […]

We have reached the final full week of the second half of the 109th Legislature. After this week, we are scheduled to return on Friday, April 17, to vote on any final legislation or veto overrides. If the governor indicates that he will not veto any bills, Day 60 may not be necessary. A week […]

Monday, March 30, marks Day 52 of the 60-day session. The Legislature will meet for four days this week and four days the week of April 5. We may then return on April 17 for Day 60 to discuss any veto overrides or pass any final pieces of legislation. Bills must “layover” a day between […]