SINCE LAST WEEK… 

UNL Undergraduates Bring Research
and Creative Projects to the Legislature

R-L: Douglas DeBose, Jacob Scheele, Nichole Brady and Brook MottUniversity of Nebraska
Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol 

UNL Undergraduate Research Day was held at the Capitol this past week. Staff from my office were honored to attend a breakfast at which 25 student research teams from across Nebraska presented research or creative projects they conducted under the guidance of faculty mentors. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about some of the critical research activities taking place at University of Nebraska campuses, and how UNL UCARE helps shape the next generation of researchers, scientists, engineers and artists. Following presentations, the students enjoyed a visit to the Legislature and a tour of the Capitol. All 25 posters were put on display in the 1st Floor Rotunda.

On Monday, Mayor Kindig brought the Youth Council to Lincoln where I had the distinct honor of speaking with them about their Nebraska Legislature, why I decided to run for and serve in public office, and why it’s important for all of them, especially the young women, to consider a career in public service… maybe even in the Nebraska State Legislature.

Started by LaVista Mayor Douglas Kindig, the Youth Leadership Council is a program designed to encourage middle and high school students to become active in their community by participating in in local government. Students selected to the Council attend City Council, Board and Commission meetings where they see first-hand the process in action, and offer a young persons perspective on issues of local concern. If you know a LaVista teen who might be interested in being a part of Mayor Kindig’s Youth Leadership Council, please go here for more information.

Just before recess on Wednesday, we were visited by those who came before us. Former Senators from across the years and miles of our great state shook hands and chatted with friends and former colleagues. It was an honor to see them all!

To find more information about services provided by Nebraska 811 go here. 

Before you dig, please call 800-331-5666 or 811.

One phone call can connect Nebraska families to the help they need when dealing with a child’s behavioral health problem. 1-888-866-8660 is staffed with trained counselors who are able to handle any problem, any time. Learn more here.
NOTE: Hearing & Speech-impaired callers may utilize telecommunications relay services by calling 7-1-1 or through your own personal relay service.#TeamBlood #HelpisHereNebraska 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

RESERVE YOUR SEAT SOON FOR YOUTH UNICAMERAL!  

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.

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.

Our office has had the good fortune of having two very talented interns working with us this session. Moriah Locklear is a Ph.D. candidate at UNL and will be graduating in May of 2020, having already gotten her undergraduate degree from Ohio State. Moriah would like to pursue a career working in policy at the federal level after graduating from Nebraska. Since coming to my office, she’s been an invaluable asset when it comes to researching topics we brought this year and will be bringing next session.

  Ryan O’Grady
Ryan is a lifelong resident of Bellevue and a 2015 graduate of Bellevue East High School. He attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln from 2015-2018, where he studied Secondary Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences. During the summers from 2014 to 2016, Ryan worked with ISEC Summer School students for the Bellevue Public School System. Family and pets aside, Ryan is most passionate about education and politics.

We are grateful to have both Moriah and Ryan as part of Team Blood!

MEET OUR TEAM
Dee Austin-Administrative Aide

Senator Carol Blood, District 3
Oliver VanDervoort-Legislative Aide

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.