As I write this, we are officially less than two weeks away from starting our legislative session. Since 2022 is the second session of our 107th Legislature, our session will only be 60 legislative days. We are currently projected to finish this upcoming session on April 20th. This column will highlight what we might expect over the next couple of months. 

Short sessions are traditionally a sprint through the spring. Our short sessions are two-thirds the length of our long ones, and every bill from the first session carries over to the second. Senators can introduce as many bills as they choose during the first ten days, meaning that by the end of our time for introduction, we will likely have over 1,000 bills to consider. 

Some COVID-19 protocols may still be in place at the Capitol in January. Last year, we had all-day hearings as a response to COVID-19, and only switched over to debate after most of our bills had their hearings. We also had more ways for the public to testify, so they would not have to put themselves at risk by coming to the Capitol. We will keep everyone posted on the Legislature’s COVID-19 rules so that everyone will get a chance to make their voices heard on topics important to them.

As far as legislation goes, our state is in a very unique situation. Due to the passing of the American Rescue Plan and a very successful year for Nebraska’s economy, there is a record amount of funds available for tax relief and other projects. We will certainly see many pieces of legislation to spend this money along with our regular budget adjustments. Debates over spending extra funds will take most of the session. Senators must remain mindful that these funds are taxpayer dollars and mostly one-time revenues. We must not throw money at unsustainable plans to increase our long-term spending. I would like to see these funds returned to the taxpayers as tax relief, invest in broadband expansion and rural main streets, and consider one-time investments on projects that will draw additional tourism to Nebraska. 

Personally, I will be introducing bills important to our region and rural Nebraska as a whole, including a bill to make ATVs and UTVs street legal through a statutory framework similar to South Dakota’s, a bill to cut red tape for our rural sheriff’s departments, and a bill to expand advanced degree offerings at Peru State College. I will provide bill numbers once these pieces of legislation are officially introduced in January and look forward to working with my colleagues to get these bills across the finish line.

If you’re so inclined, please pray for wisdom and strength for our senators to stand up for what is right for Nebraska and Nebraskans during this short session. Heaven knows we could all use it.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.