Dear friends and neighbors, 

There are a lot of questions about those unable to work during the current crisis. I want to thank State Senator Matt Hansen and his staff on the Business and Labor Committee who have taken the lead on gathering the below information to help businesses and workers. Senator Hansen has been available around the clock to me personally as I have relayed many constituent questions through his office via phone and text. I also want to thank the Nebraska Department of Labor and the Governor for their quick response to the pandemic.

Below are resources available for those unable to work or working reduced hours.

Many thanks,
Meg 

Short-Time Compensation
https://dol.nebraska.gov/stc

• Employers can apply for this program.
• For those still working but limited hours during the pandemic period.
• The Short-Time Compensation program allows employers to uniformly reduce affected employees’ hours by 10 to 60 percent while permitting the employees to receive a prorated unemployment benefit.

Unemployment Insurance
https://dol.nebraska.gov/uibenefits

• For those who are not able to work and not receiving a paycheck during the pandemic period. (If you are working from home or using sick or vacation leave then this does not apply to you)
• Under the executive order signed by Governor Ricketts, starting March 22 through May 2 the following will be in place for unemployment insurance:
  • The waiting week for benefits has been waived
  • Benefits will begin immediately and not with the usual first week unpaid.
  • The work search requirements will be waived.
  • Individuals will not have to apply to jobs in order to receive benefits. It will be assumed that they will be able to return to their jobs after the crisis is over.
  • Benefits will not be charged against individual employers accounts.
• Money will be paid out of the general Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund as the job losses are not the fault of individual employers.
• Nebraska’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is well-funded and is expected to be able handle the increased number of applications.

Nebraskans, you should expect long wait times when calling the Department of Labor. This is due both to the increased demand and due to the fact that the Department is internally dealing with the same issues as all employers. If you cannot get through to speak to someone, it is best to leave a message. You will be called back.

Currently these programs do not apply to contractors or self-employed individuals, as they do not participate in the unemployment system. There may be coming Federal action to help these individuals. Please contact your Federal representatives at this time, and be looking for possible future guidance from the Governor.

We are aware that the situation is changing rapidly. The Department of Labor, and the Governor with his emergency powers, can respond quickly as needed. We have been in close contact with the Department of Labor and will keep you updated.

For questions about *this* issue, contact: Tom Green
Legal Counsel Business and Labor Committee
Cell: 402-580-3341
Email: tgreen@leg.ne.gov

Dear friends and neighbors,

My staff has helped put together this list of resources for people impacted by closures, illness, and disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It goes without saying that this is not exhaustive. These are just some resources we could find today that can be of some help. We are sure there are more to come as funds and resources continue to develop.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Omaha

YRTC Update

The Health and Human Services Committee (HHS) introduced LB 1140 to address long-overdue reforms to the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers (YRTC) in Nebraska. This bill emerged from a joint interim study and a report conducted by the HHS Committee.

The increased oversight and changes are a response to worsening violence, escapes, and inhumane living conditions found at these facilities. This issue is currently being debated on the floor, and you can watch the live coverage here.

LB 1140 is composed of five other bills to address vital changes and updates to the YRTCs. Below are the proposed changes:

• Defines YRTCs, their purposes, and their services
• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop a five-year operations plan for the YRTCs by November 15, 2020
• Requires DHHS to create an emergency plan for each YRTC facility
• Requires DHHS to contract for a cost study and needs assessment for an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit
• Requires DHHS’s policies on transporting youth to and from the YRTCs to apply to the private contractors providing transportation for YRTC youth

The Department of Health and Human Services indicated they would need to construct additional buildings at the YRTC in Geneva for “appropriate physical separation and segregation of juveniles based on gender.”

Danette Smith, CEO of DHHS, made a statement that has promised to strengthen existing protocols. They also started a committee called the “Future State Planning Committee for Nebraska’s Youth Care System” which includes discussions on the YRTC.

LB 1144 is brought by the HHS Committee as a package to provide legislative oversight to the YRTCs. It will require annual facility reviews of YRTCs and creates a YRTC Legislative Oversight Committee.

LB 1188 is a package of bills to provide for YRTC education and programming. It includes LB 1147 and LB 1149, introduced by Senator Vargas.

LB 1148 creates YRTC judicial oversight by combining LB 458, LB 906, LB 969, and LB975. These bills clarify access to information, records, and reports relating to juvenile court. It also requires monthly updates to be provided to a court when a juvenile is placed at a YRTC.

Priority Bills

The Legislature has passed the mid-point of this year’s session. Committee hearings concluded on February 27th and the Legislature moved to all-day debate on March 3rd. To allow the Legislature to debate more bills, we will enter into late nights on March 18th. Below are just a few of my colleagues’ priority bills I want to highlight.

Senator Patty Pansing Brooks prioritized LB 627 which prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation and identity. This bill addresses the systemic discrimination against people in the LGBTQ+ community. Together we can move Nebraska forward by embracing all Nebraskans. LB 627 will help keep local talent in our state. The diversity of thought, perspective, skills, and strengths enhances Nebraska’s economy. We must embrace inclusion and do the right thing. This bill will be heard in the coming days on General File.

Senator Kate Bolz prioritized LB 43, which adopts the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act. This bill is currently on Select File. It provides for certain rights for victims of sexual assault-related to physical examinations, interviews, or depositions arising out of the assault. We have a duty to protect these people by ensuring they have an advocate and giving them the tools to move forward. In an article by the Omaha World-Herald, Angie Lauritsen said, “If we truly want to curb sexual assault and trafficking in our state by bringing perpetrators of these crimes to justice, we must support LB 43. When survivors of sexual assault feel safe and supported throughout their interaction with medical and legal processes, they are more likely to report their assaults, and we, as a state, are more likely to hold perpetrators accountable while achieving safety for our communities and justice for survivors.”

Senator Ernie Chambers prioritized LB 924, which changes provisions relating to racial profiling and requires law enforcement training on this issue. This bill is currently on Final Reading. It requires certified law enforcement officers to complete a minimum of two hours of “anti-bias or implicit bias training” per year. LB 924 addresses our implicit biases that have been woven into the fabric of our society since it formed. These biases and stereotypes can turn minor encounters with law enforcement officers into dangerous and potentially deadly ones. We must train our officers to protect and serve all of us.

Senator Adam Morfeld prioritized LB 997, which adopts the Out-of-Network Emergency Medical Care Act. This bill is currently on Final Reading. The purpose of this bill is to avoid consumers being subjected to “surprise billing” in emergency situations by out-of-network providers or facilities. Our country’s healthcare is the world’s most expensive. The United States spends twice as much on healthcare as 10 other high-income nations. Health care is a human right and must be accessible and affordable to everyone.

Senator Machaela Cavanaugh prioritized LB 1060, which includes hair textures and protective hairstyles within the definition of race under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act. This bill is currently on Select File. The purpose of this bill is to expand the definition of race for the purposes of employment discrimination to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and styles (braids, locks, etc.). It addresses how professionalism is tied to European standards and that restrictive grooming policies have unfairly targeted black workers and students more than any other group.

UNO Women’s Policy Forum

On March 2nd, I joined my colleagues at the UNO Women’s Policy Forum to discuss the impact electing women has on our communities and our laws. I was joined by several other women in the Legislature.

Many elected officials vote on issues from a position of their own experience, and many people, because of their experience, forget to consider how issues affect not only women but people of color, incarcerated people, children. In my experience, speaking generally, women are the ones who tend to think more about these groups of people, because we come from a place of inclusion, we’re used to supporting people in our communities, and that has been my experience with working with these women in the Legislature. Grateful to UNO for elevating the women of the Legislature and facilitating a conversation about women in leadership.

Student Visit

On March 9th, I met a bright and engaged group of students from Lincoln who took time from their spring break to come to the Capitol and learn about the Unicameral! We talked about climate change, non-discrimination, and answered a lot of questions about our lawmaking process. The days that I get to talk to kids are my favorites.

Connect with Me

• Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to stay up to date with my latest activities.
• I invite you to visit my office in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Capitol, in room 1523. Call my office to coordinate. (402) 471-2722
• You can watch the Legislature live on NET TV or find NET’s live stream here.
• Newsletters, press releases, and other information can be found on my legislative blog at news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08/.

Legislative Update

As the 2020 legislative session reaches its halfway point, below is an update on bills Senator Hunt has introduced. You can get more information on each bill by clicking on the bill number.

• LB 734 – Provide for regulation of charter bus services and licensure of special party buses under the Nebraska Liquor Control Act
  • Signed into law on February 19th
• LB 872 – Repeal LB209
  • The committee hearing was held on February 21st and has yet to be voted on.
• LB 935 – Allow officeholders to use campaign funds for childcare services related to official duties.
  • The committee hearing was held on February 21st and has yet to be voted on.
• LB 936 – Allow officeholders to use campaign funds for travel expenses for a child, related to official duties.
  • The committee hearing was held on February 21st and has yet to be voted on.
• LB 942 – Provide for Support the Arts license plates
  • Seeking Speaker Priority
• LB 943 – Establish creative districts under the Nebraska Arts Council.
  • Seeking Committee Priority
• LB 962 – Adopt the Nebraska Fair Pay to Play Act
  • Senator Hunt has designated this as her priority bill.
  • Advanced to Select File on February 25th
• LB 1037 – Disqualify only the head of a household (HoH) from receiving SNAP benefits if requirements are not met.
  • Health and Human Services Committee will vote on this bill on February 25th.
• LB 1038 – Allow individuals with prior drug convictions to receive SNAP benefits
  • Health and Human Services Committee will vote on this bill on February 25th.
• LB 1068 – Adopt the Interior Design Voluntary Registration Act
  • Seeking Speaker Priority
• LB1177 – Eliminate the required oath for teachers and other
  • The committee hearing will be held on February 25th.

Note From Senator Hunt

In this session, 481 new bills were introduced as well as 15 substantive resolutions/constitutional amendments. Besides this new legislation, bills from the last session that were not acted upon do carry over to this session. In January, as people worked to select their priorities for 2020, floor debate mainly centered on bills from last year. In February, we began debating priority bills and other legislation introduced this session. On March 3rd, the legislature will begin full-day floor debate and no more committee hearings will be held.

Each senator is allowed to designate one bill as a personal priority bill and each committee can designate two committee priority bills. The Speaker designates another 25 priority bills. This session, I have prioritized LB 962, a bill that will allow student-athletes in college to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness rights. This will allow students to participate in the free market and earn money for their talents, just like every other student is currently allowed to do.

We only have 30 days left in the session with many difficult issues to debate. I hope that you will continue to stay in touch with me on any issue that is of importance to you.

February in Review

On February 4th, Senator Megan Hunt introduced LB 962. This bill would allow athletes at Nebraska’s colleges to earn money from their name, image, and likeness rights, or athletic reputation, over objections from the NCAA.

The bill advanced from committee to general file on February 13th, and has shown enough potential to be Senator Hunt’s priority bill for this session.

———-

On February 18th, Senator Megan Hunt attended the opening of the Black and Pink organization’s, “Lydon House”. The Lydon House will operate as a transitional living home for members of the LGBTQA+ community that are coming out of the correctional system.

“To be an urban city, to be a city that welcomes everyone, we need these kinds of services and these are the kind of organizations that we need.”

———-

Senator Megan Hunt has continued to make her rounds throughout the schools in Nebraska. This month, she has visited 5 different classrooms within Rosehill and Dundee Elementary to teach about the three branches of government and democracy.

Upcoming District 8 Events

February 27-19th – Omaha Jazz Festival
Held at the Holland Performing Arts Center Scott Recital Hall

February 29th – February Food Pantry Day
Held at Benson Baptist Church

March 6th – Benson First Friday
Two indoor artist markets will be held at Masonic Lodge and Citylight Arts Project. Petshop, Envy Tequila Bar, Lion’s Mane Vintage, Mercer Masonic Lodge, B-Side Theatre, and Infusion Brewing Company will all be participating from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.

March 7th – Soup Walk – 5k and 10k
Held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

March 10th – Precinct Advisory Meeting
Held at the NW Precinct (10245 Wiesman Drive) from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. The meeting provides you with information on crime, apprehensions, statistics, and an opportunity to report your concerns to the police or an official who works at the Mayor’s office. 

March 13th – Better Benson 2020
Held at Citylight Benson Church at 7:00 am

March 26th – Healing Arts Concert
Held at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at 12:00 pm

March 30th – Benson Neighborhood Association Meeting
Held at Benson Baptist Church
Senator Hunt will be speaking at this meeting

May 14-17th – Annual Garage Sale Weekend
Hosted by the Dundee Memorial Park Association 

May 16th – Spring Honors Walk
A walk where we honor the memory of those who lost the battle against breast cancer and celebrate those who are still thriving. Held at Benson Park.

July 27-28th – Benson Days 
Family-friendly summer festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s creative culture.

Our Office in the News

KETV 7 Omaha – Formerly incarcerated man opens transitional home for LGBTQ persons

Lincoln Journal Star – Editorial, 1/26: Schools are making cash; their athletes should be, too

The Gateway – OPINION: Fight against food insecurity

Omaha World-Herald – Editorial: Nebraska expands opportunity through occupational licensing reform

NTV – Nebraska Legislature hears bill allowing gender neutral designations on driver’s licenses

Lincoln Journal Star – Former Huskers support bill allowing college athletes to profit from name, likeness

The Gateway – OPINION: Omaha needs to recognize the importance of local art on a larger scale

KMTV – The debate of paying college athletes in Nebraska

NET News – College Athletes Compensation Heard; Partisanship Alleged On Bridge Bill

The Reader – The Legislative Balancing Act

Lincoln Journal Star – College athletes pay bill advances from committee for debate

Omaha World-Herald – Capitol Digest: Bill to cut property taxes clears committee, heads to the full Legislature

Norfolk Daily News – Norfolk chamber supports arts bill

KMTV News Omaha – Nebraska lawmakers pass ‘Party Bus Bill’

NET News – Bill Requiring Continuous Witnessing Of Executions Advances; Student Athlete Measure Headed For Debate

Omaha World-Herald – Ricketts, state senators condemn white supremacist comments made during hearing on gun control bills

Omaha World-Herald – Nebraska state senators target treasurer’s TV ads, no-bid contracts during legislative hearing

The Neighbor – Gun rights advocates show up by hundreds to bill hearing on proposed gun restrictions

KMTV News – Controversy over testimony at Unicameral

Our office has a whole new staff that will be working tirelessly to serve Nebraskans. Learn more about these amazing individuals below.

Dave Gottschalk

Chief of Staff & Legislative Aide

Dave graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2010. After graduation, he spent time working for labor unions in Washington D.C. before moving back to Nebraska to work as an organizer for Planned Parenthood. He is currently a third-year law student at the University of Nebraska Law School.

In his limited spare time (law student), he enjoys baseball (Go Cubs) and reading, mostly history books. When not at work or school Dave is usually taking his dog to the dog park or on a bike ride. He is also a self-declared cinephile — a lover of movies.

Cassy Ross

Communications Director & Administrative Aide

Cassy studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Political Science and Global Studies. She has been heavily involved with Amnesty International and is currently a Sexual and Reproductive Rights trainer for the organization. She has previously interned for the ACLU, the Nebraska Unicameral, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, and Sisterhood is Global Institute in Amman, Jordan.

Cassy is currently studying to become fluent in Arabic and wants to begin to learn Russian next. She loves learning about other cultures through language. In her free time, she fosters animals for the humane society, works as a part-time bartender, and is a plant connoisseur.

Temi Onayemi

Intern

Temi is a senior Psychology and Political Science double major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is from the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, but has found a home in Nebraska. At UNL, Temi is the current president of the Afrikan Peoples Union, a member of the NU Student Alliance that helps advocate at the legislature on behalf of the university, and a couple of other fun clubs.

Reading, writing, soccer, and chess are all hobbies that Temi loves. Post-grad, he is deciding between a few interests that he might pursue, but he hopes that his road will lead back to Nebraska.

Anna Singharath

Intern

Anna is currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a major in Global Studies and a minor in French. Her interests include foreign policy and working on basic human rights. Anna says that her position with Senator Hunt will allow her to dive deeper into the political field, which will help with incorporating her interests into her future career.

Anna enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. After graduation, she hopes to travel to another country to teach English and learn about their government system for a year, then returning to attend graduate school.

Fun Fact: Anna has eaten at the same Mexican restaurant as Barack Obama (S/O La Juanitas in Sioux City, IA).

Matt Baldwin

Intern

Matt is a senior Political Science and Accounting double major student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At school, he has been involved in various independent research projects regarding state legislatures, specifically term limits and ideas on representation. Matt says that coming to the Unicameral is like stepping out of the academic journal and into the wild!

As a lifelong Lincolnite and Nebraskan, he says that the Unicameral has always had a place in his psyche and he is thrilled to help on a team doing work to make this state a more welcoming place. In Matt’s spare time, he loves to read books of all kinds: mythology, psychology, justice, history. He is also a huge fan of the Denver sports teams—Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, and Rockies.

2020 Legislative Priorities

Senator Hunt has worked tirelessly over the interim to create her 2020 agenda, focused on protecting Nebraskans. Below is a list of the major bills she plans to introduce this session.

• Ban conversion therapy for minors.
• Introduce a more expansive Child Welfare Bill of Rights.
• Expand access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for individuals with prior drug convictions.
• Repeal LB 209, a bill requiring doctors to include information on the abortion pill reversal process when consulting with patients about abortion.
• “Pay the Players” bill, to allow student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness rights.
• Increase the tipped minimum wage to $4.50/hour.
• Amend the Mobile Tenant Act to change provisions relating to the return of rental deposits, damagers, and the period of time relations to a written notice of termination of a rental agreement

Moving Offices

New Office: 1523 (first floor)

At the end of this month, our office will be moving from the 11th floor down to a much more accessible spot on the first floor. Our new location will be in office 1523. We are excited to be able to more easily meet with constituents and visitors this coming session!

Experiences in the Interim

Senator Hunt spoke at the GenderWorks conference in early November. The conference is dedicated to providing medical and mental healthcare providers with education and training on how to competently serve transgender patients and clients. “Thank you to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for leading on this in Nebraska, for a future with quality of life and dignity for every person,” says Senator Hunt.

Senator Hunt congratulates, Steve Tamayo, a constituent, who was recognized in the Congressional Record for his contributions to the arts and his advocacy for Native American culture and conservation.

In mid-November, Senator Hunt visited Washington D.C. to attend the Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ Leaders Conference. Senator Hunt had this to share, “There are over 800 LGBTQ+ elected officials in the US today because of the support, mentorship, and network facilitated by the Victory Institute. This is a room of changemakers, groundbreakers, people I’m so grateful to learn from.”

Senator Hunt was thrilled to host Nebraska AIDS Project’s annual fundraiser, Night of a Thousand Stars. She said, “To change the world and continue moving in a direction that opens up equity and opportunity to people affected by HIV, we must lift up the facts, refocus our policymakers on science and research, and support the people at the Nebraska AIDS Project who do the work to put that evidence into practice.”

On November 23rd, Dominique Morgan – of Black and a Pink – opened the Lydon House, the first home for system-involved LGBTQ+ people in the country. Each room was dedicated with intention to an important voice in the movement, like Brandon Teena pictured here.

Senator Hunt spoke with representatives for Nebraska Medicine and Dr. Jean Amoura, who runs the transgender specialty care clinic in Omaha. Senator Hunt toured the clinic and discussed upcoming bills for the next session, addressing how we will organize at the Capitol for trans and gender-diverse Nebraskans. Nebraska Medicine has been at the forefront of care on this issue and we are so thankful for Dr. Amoura’s work.

Senator Hunt attended the Council of State Governments annual conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she served on the National Interbranch Affairs Committee.
“I’m delighted to have been named to this position and look forward to offering leadership and guidance to the organization on behalf of Nebraska.” – Senator Hunt

Our Office in the News

KMTV – TD Ameritrade announces sale, move to Texas

Lincoln Journal Star – Omaha Senator: Abortion reversal bill must be repealed

The Intercept – A Push to Repeal the Death Penalty Gains Ground Across the Western United States

VICE News – An ‘Abortion Reversal’ Study Left Women Hemorrhaging. State Lawmakers Still Support Doctors Telling Patients About the Treatments.

Connect With Me

• Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to stay up to date with my latest activities.
• I invite you to visit my office in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Capitol. Call my office to coordinate. (402) 471-2722
• You can watch the Legislature live on NET TV or find NET’s live stream here.

Upcoming Town Hall

Senator Hunt would like to invite you to her upcoming town hall on November 23rd from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. It will be held at the Rathskeller Bier Haus and appetizers will be provided. Drinks are available for purchase from Rathskeller.

The event is free and open to the public.

Constituent Survey

Senator Hunt would like to invite you to take a few minutes to complete her Constituent Survey. Click here to complete it.

“As your Senator, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to represent and serve you. To ensure my staff and I are doing the best we can to fulfill this responsibility, I am always interested in hearing your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions about how I can best represent you and the rest of District 8.”

The information you provide is confidential and will be used to help Senator Hunt and her staff to better serve the people of District 8. If you have any questions or if our office can be of additional assistance, please contact our office at (402) 471-2722.

Interim Studies Update

Introduced LR 135

In late September Senator Hunt introduced LR 135, a legislative resolution exploring food insecurity in Nebraska.
“Food insecurity” is the term used to describe the problem families face when they don’t have enough access to affordable and nutritious food, whether that’s financial or geographic. 11.6% of Nebraska’s population is food insecure, according to the Map the Meal Gap report from Feeding America. Over 200,000 Nebraskans struggle with food insecurity. That’s hard to reconcile with the fact that this is America’s breadbasket. We’re working so hard to bring food to everyone else. But even in a state with expanses of farmland and ranches, many families are worried about how to feed their kids. According to a report from the Center for Rural Affairs, enrollment for food assistance programs like SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is consistently lower in rural Nebraska. So these are people who are eligible for benefits and aren’t receiving them.

We can all agree that Nebraskans are in need, and as state lawmakers, we share the responsibility of identifying solutions. That’s why Senator Hunt has worked with stakeholders to identify a package of policy recommendations that vary in fiscal impact, which Senator Hunt will introduce next session.

Experiences in the Interim

Senator Hunt would like to share some personal and professional news with you:

“My partner Sarah and I are closing Hello Holiday, the clothing boutique we have owned for the past 7 years.

We are happy, excited, and ready to do what’s next. At the same time, today is tough and it’s starting to hit me. Although I’m confident about our decision and excited about growing a new project, being a Small Business Owner™—THIS kind of Small Business Owner—has been foundational to my self-image and identity for the past 15 years, and change this big is always emotionally challenging.⁣
⁣
By following our instinct to use our business as a platform for social good and political engagement, Sarah and I built something that meant a lot to people. We had not seen a company like ours before, and working without a map or an example, we successfully grew a business that went beyond traditional retail. I know this because so many people have told us that the work we did at Hello Holiday motivated them to start a business of their own, to have confidence in their bodies, to quit a job they hated, to run for office, to go back to school, to move to a new city, to do any number of things that represent bravery, courage, and authenticity that comes when you choose to apply your most deeply held values to all aspects of your life.⁣
⁣
I got to do something very rare and special with Hello Holiday. Time for the next chapter.”

New Americans Civil Leadership Academy Kickoff

Senator Hunt spoke at the kickoff party for the New Americans Civil Leadership Academy, coordinated by Lutheran Family Services and Civic Nebraska in September! Nebraska leads the nation in resettling refugees, and Senator Hunt’s purpose is to protect and support our newest neighbors who want to live the good life here in our state. We are glad you’re here!

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Civic Engagement Institute

In early October, Senator Hunt spoke to this year’s participants in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Civic Engagement Institute. Each of these individuals are civic leaders in their own countries (including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam).

Health Policy Conference

Senator Hunt had a great opportunity to speak to student residents and physicians at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Health Policy Conference.

LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Summit

In October, Senator Hunt attended the Omaha Leadership Summit held by the LGBTQ Victory Institute. She had this to say about the event: “Seeing so many LGBTQ+ candidates and electeds in one room completely changed my perspective about the deep bench of talent and experience we have in our state leadership pool. I am so excited to work with MSHRC, Victory Institute, Huespring, and other local organizations to help mentor, train, and develop a pipeline of new leaders.”

Honor Roll Award

Also in October, Senator Hunt received an award from the Holland Children’s Movement, as a part of their Honor Roll Awards. She was recognized for her work to increase the minimum wage and expand access to SNAP.

Our Office in the News

WOWT – Nebraska State Sen. Megan Hunt to propose college athlete pay bill

NET Nebraska – NCAA Decision Could Bring Legislative Proposals In Nebraska

KGUN – A bill to pay college athletes will be proposed in the Nebraska Legislature