While putting away the last few empty boxes of Christmas decorations and clearing the final remnants of Thanksgiving, it dawned on me that it was time to put pen to paper and compose my final newsletter to you. The last six years of serving as your state senator have been the privilege of a lifetime. We have stood together in the trenches to fight for Southeast Nebraska’s future at every level of government. You have watched me grow from a 22-year-old law school student into a practicing attorney and married mother of (soon-to-be) two children. Many of you have known me for far longer than that and have offered me the grace to exist beyond the boot-high toddler or high school athlete you might remember.
When I came home to Southeast Nebraska after attending college out-of-state, there were plenty of offers to make a good living elsewhere. The thought of leaving again never crossed my mind. Leaving where my heart and soul reside for four years was time enough- no job offer or sparkling promise of “bigger things” could draw me away from putting down roots here to give back and raise a family of my own. They still can’t. Of course, I had no idea what that commitment would look like at the time- but now, it’s easily the most important decision I ever made.
Representing our region in the Nebraska Legislature was an immense blessing. Every staffer who has come through my office knows the importance of serving every single District 1 resident as a VIP. I have personally hosted at least a few official events in every community in District 1 (there are over forty, depending on the metric used) and attended other events in every community, too. The results over the last six years point towards a broad array of positive results for our region. We have cut millions in wasteful spending on a state level, invested record amounts in growing our rural economies, coordinated with the federal government to repair levies and fix our water and electrical infrastructure, cut red tape, protected liberties through massive wins like Constitutional Carry and pro-life measures, and ensured every student graduating from a Nebraska high school understands their civic responsibilities and has taken at least one course in financial literacy.
Everyone in Southeast Nebraska- whether we agree on all the issues or not- deserves to have a voice in government. Everyone in Southeast Nebraska deserves to see positive results on their behalf in Lincoln- from protecting liberties and cutting taxes to ensuring our rural economies have a chance to thrive. Everyone in Southeast Nebraska should expect their representative to walk into the Capitol during the session each morning as one of the first to come into the building, one of the last to leave at night, and fully prepared in between for every step along the way.
My prayer for each of you is for good health and that you never lose the expectation that our government exists to serve you, regardless of who you are or where you live in Southeast Nebraska. As for me? I’m going to take some time to enjoy this next chapter of working and raising a family in District 1. Motherhood and working as a lawyer are adventure enough for this moment. God seems to laugh whenever I try to tell him my plans, anyway.
My office remains fully staffed and ready to serve you until January 8, when my successor, Bob Hallstrom, will be sworn in. Senator-elect Hallstrom is a wonderful and competent person; he will represent us well in Lincoln. All District 1 files, casework, and contacts will be turned over to Senator-elect Hallstrom. Then, it will be off to the races on what promises to be a productive 2025 session.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to serve you. Please don’t be a stranger. God Bless.
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.