Since Last Week…

I had a great visit this week with 4th graders from St. Bernadette School in Bellevue. We talked about what Senators do every day, the process we use to make laws and how it is important to remember that one person can and does make a difference should they choose to do so.

A Meeting of Great Minds

This week I invited other Nebraska Senators to meet with Brigadier General (Ret) Paul Cohen, Colonel (Ret.) Jeff Mikesell from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce (pictured above) and Colonel (Ret.) Dan Donovan from the Heartland Chapter of the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) to discuss how we can continue to pool resources and work together as a body to make Nebraska the most welcoming state in the US to our Military Families and Veterans. There is always more to be done and we need to continue to move forward in this area.

More Bill News   
LB15 was on the agenda this week for debate in front of the full legislature, but time constraints didn’t allow us to get to it yet. I’m thankful that the speaker decided to make it one of his limited priority bills and am confident that we can get it passed next week. The children of Nebraska need to be able to get hearing aids if they need them and this bill will go a long way towards helping them do that.

Protect YOUR Good Life

From the Nebraska Attorney General – While compassion and support are customary in the aftermath of a natural disaster, some individuals and businesses may use this opportunity to prey on those in need. Before having repairs made to your damaged home, gather the best information you need to protect yourself.

• Before allowing anyone to repair your home, verify his or her credentials.
• Check with the Nebraska Department of Labor to find whether your contractor is properly registered and insured. You can check their website above, or call 402-471-2239. Never sign any document or pay any contractor before verifying license and registration.
• Get three written estimates, make sure each contractor bids on exactly the same work. Talk with neighbors about who they are using and what they are being charged.
• Negotiate a reasonable down payment, and only pay in full when the work is done to your satisfaction.
• Pay by check or credit card and keep all receipts.
• Write down the contractor’s vehicle information (make, model and license plate) even drivers license number, if possible.
• Know your cancellation rights. You have the right to cancel within three days if you signed it at your home or at a contractor’s temporary location, like a convention center or restaurant.

Those who suspect a home improvement scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Divisionat https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov or 800-727-6432.

Have Your Voice Heard
As we get closer to the final third of the legislative session, I’m already beginning to work on what topics and what bills I want to bring next session. If there is something you feel we can, and should work on, please don’t hesitate to contact my office and talk to us about it. I always like to get an early start so we have plenty of time to research and perfect, the bills we bring forward. Now is the time to get started on the next session, please don’t wait until October or November to give your input. Seize the moment!

Unicameral Youth Legislature

APPLY FOR A BOARD OR COMMISSION
It’s that time of year again when there are all kinds of boards and commissions in the state that are looking for dedicated citizens to serve. These positions are appointed by the governor and range in topics from Juvenile Justice to Geology. 

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please visit the Governor’s website here. You will be able to find a listing of every board that has an opening, as well as a brief synopsis of what is involved. You can also find an application here.  Our state is a better place to live and raise our families when our citizens step up and get involved.

MEET OUR TEAM
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide

Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide

We are here to serve the residents of District 3 and we are happy to respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

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

For hard copies of these documents, please call my office at 402-471-2627 and we will be happy to place one in the mail to your home address.