While I have been saying that we were nearing the finish line, we are now basically there. There are just a hand full of days left in the legislative session and that means we’ve been plenty busy passing bills that need passing and making sure those that shouldn’t are shelved for this year.

It’s been an active week for my bills especially. On Monday, two of my bills moved through the first round of debate by being attached to committee priority bills. My interlocal agreement bill, LB735 was part of a broader package from the Urban Affairs committee. LB873 went through General File and will likely be coming to the floor next week.

My Psychologist’s compact was also made a piece of a committee priority. It was attached to LB1034 and it was able to move through the first round of debate without any dissection at all.

On Wednesday, my military member’s civil relief bill, LB682 moved through Select File in what is called the Consent Calendar. This is a list of bills that are slated to be moving quickly because there is no opposition to the bills. That bill is now on Final Reading and should become law before the session is over.

Finally, my priority bill from this session, LB685 was signed into law by the Governor this week. LB685 provides a funding priority for special-needs military dependents under the Developmental Disabilities Services Act and it does so without jumping the line or cutting anyone else who might need funding priority through the Department of Health and Human Services. I’m thrilled this was passed and signed, as I believe it will indeed help those who need our help most.

Monday is the 57th day of the legislative session. We truly are almost done for this year. We will have three days of session next week, then we will take four weekdays off, then come back for the final day of the session. This is to make sure that if the Governor vetoes or line-item vetoes any legislation during that four day period, we can take up the override on day 60 should it be required.

The session drawing to a close doesn’t mean our work is done. I’ve already started working on and researching legislation for next session. My office will, of course, be open all interim so if you have a question or need help with something, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll also be out in the district plenty this summer so keep checking my Facebook page on where you can stop on by and say hello.
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Children are our future, especially when it comes to the Nebraska legislature. This is why I so love the work that is put in every year when it comes to the Youth Legislature. This is a program that is open to all Nebraska high school students and allows them to walk in the footsteps of a state legislator for a day. They will sit on a committee, hold a hearing on bills and then take up floor debate in the same chamber where we do the state’s business. It’s a great experience for kids who have a real interest in government.

The Unicameral Youth Legislature takes place from June 10-13 and the deadline to sign up is May 15. While there is a $350 fee for anyone who wants to participate, there are some scholarships that are available. You can get more information on the official website for the event. If anyone knows any high school students who might be interested please tell them about this opportunity. It’s a great time for the kids and for the legislative staffers and Senators who get to help out.

We have Friday and Monday off but next Tuesday is the 53rd day of the session. That means there are just seven days left on the legislative calendar. Time is running out to make your voice heard on issues that are important to you. If you have any questions or comments about my bills or any legislation in front of the legislature, please don’t hesitate to email or call my office at cblood@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2627.

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There are currently many opportunities to serve on boards and commissions spanning a variety of open positions. This is a great chance to give back and be involved in our community. Application forms can be found and completed at https://governor.nebraska.gov/ under “Constituent Services.” If you feel so inclined and might be interested in serving, please review the opportunities that are available and consider sharing this message with others who might share this interest as well.
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Did you know that there is a long list of items available for free to the public relating to the Nebraska Legislature? Here is a list of only a few that you might find interesting. If you are receiving this email digitally, you should be able to link to the information from your newsletter.

1. Unicameral Update
2. About the Legislature
3. Unicam Kids
4. Inside Our Nation’s Only Unicameral
5. Poster of Nebraska Senators
6. Membership & Committees Card
7. Lines of Government

Some of these links have documents that can be printed. If you would like a hard copy of one or more of these documents, please call my office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to place it in the mail to your home address