A Message to Constituents

Effective governance is solution based. In my experience, identifying common interests brings positive change. Adhering to these principles, the legislature tackled important issues like public school funding and strengthening our state’s mental health safety net this year. Job not done, but…

A solutions-based approach also led to the enactment of my legislative agenda. I am especially proud of the unanimous passage of my priority bill, LB 340. This law requires a study among the stakeholders in our state-wide community college system, including Metropolitan Community College, to address fallout over the current funding formula. I hope that the result of this study will be an agreement that strengthens open-access education for our district.

The second bill that I passed into law this year is LB 360, a step towards greater government efficiency in our community. The bill transfers an important county function, the sale of tax delinquent properties back into private ownership, to the City of Omaha.

Finally, a bill that I introduced on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services to fortify the state from the reemergence of traditional strains of Tuberculosis, as well as new multidrug-resistant stains threatening public health, was advanced. Much of the substance of the original bill was amended into LB 195, which passed into law. Enactment of this law helps ensure that public health official have the tools they need to fulfill their mission.

As my first legislative session draws to a close, I am reassured by the effectiveness and diligence of our state government. My firm belief that public service is the highest honor is reaffirmed and I look forward to continuing to live out that honor.

As I continue my work as your Nebraska State Senator, I hope you will feel free to continue to give me your input and to share your concerns with me.