Since Last Week… 

Full day debate started this past week, though the legislature felt like it was stuck in neutral for the first few days. Finally, on Wednesday afternoon we started moving through the agenda again. That included my bill, LB15, which moved through General File with a 39-0 vote from the body.

This is an important bill that will help the children of Nebraska in need of hearing aids, better able to afford them. Insurance coverage is vital to the health of a child, including the ability to hear. I’m thrilled that the bill has gotten through the first round of debate and seems headed for passage.

Nebraska Celebrates Public Health Week

Public Health Care was the topic of a two-day event sponsored by The Nebraska Association of Local Health Directors (NALHD), the Public Health Association of Nebraska (PHAN) along with Nebraska Appleseed. Speaking at a press conference to announce Public Health Week at the Capitol and National Public Health Week was David Humm, BS, MST, Health Promotion & Outreach Division Manger at Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (in photo above)  Among speakers at the Public Health Conference were health directors from across the state including Wisner and Fremont, who discussed their agencies’ responses to recent flooding and other health-related issues.

Nebraska Medicine and the Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce Presents The Bellevue Offutt Runway Run 2019

Nebraska Medicine, The Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce and Offutt Air Force Base are proud to present the annual Runway Run which includes a 5K (3.1 mile) run including the runway.

Please join in celebrating our Air Force while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2019
Check-in Time: Begins 6:00 am
5 K Race Begins: 7:00 am – Route Sweep 9:00 am
Starting Point: Run begins & ends at the Bellevue Public Schools Lied Activity Center – 2600 Arboretum Dr. (Intersection of Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370)
Registration Fees:

On/before April 18 – $25.00 (free shirt)

After April 18 – $30.00 (no shirt)
On-site Registrations: $40 – 5:45 am to 6:30 am (no shirt)
Contact: Lisa Wilson 402-452-3901
Email: lisa@bellevuenebraska.com

On Thursday, April 4^th, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow senators, survivors, activists and advocates to support Senator Machaela Cavanaugh as she announced April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Nebraska. The theme for this month is “I Ask” to emphasize the importance of positive consent and to help change the conversation around sexual assault and rape. Senator Cavanaugh introduced her proclamation to bring attention to the issue of sexual assault and to help assure the state will continue steps in the direction of prevention.

Hanging with some of my favorite Real Estate people at breakfast on Friday. The Nebraska Realtors have done a lot of good things for Nebraska. Keep up the great work!

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW! 
The Unicameral Youth Legislature convenes June 9-12, 2019, and is open to all high school students. Registration includes lodging, meals (including lunch at the Governor’s Residence) and transportation from UNL’s East Campus to the State Capitol. The deadline to enter is May 15. The Greg Adams Civic Scholarship covers the full cost of admission. Applicants must submit a short essay. Other scholarships are also available. For more information, visit here.

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 to 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 GovernmentFor 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.