On Wednesday, January 6th we began the first day of the 2021 Nebraska 107th Legislature. I find it so refreshing to be in a proactive season where the things that have made Nebraska a great place to live can be upheld and advanced. Like the past several years, I will be spending a great deal of my time in Lincoln during the Legislative session. But it is a high priority for me to stay connected with constituents in Legislative District 17 by phone, email, meetings and visits when I am home.

I am excited to welcome my colleagues, the new Senators I will have the privilege to work with.  During the first ten days of session we will drop our bills, elect Committee Chairs and work to place all Senators on committees. By unanimous vote, Senator Mike Hilgers, from District 21 of Lincoln, was unanimously elected Speaker.

I have been selected to sit on the Revenue Committee and Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. I always find it rewarding to be on the inside track and have more influence in areas that are dear to my heart. 

New Legislation

I have had the privilege of putting four bills on the docket for this session so far. 

LB111- Our First Responders and Public Protection Bill will address some of the concerns that emerged surrounding officer and public safety during riots this past summer. The bill will define and enact criminal violations related to rioting, inciting or recruiting, or participating in a riot, violence toward law enforcement officers, riot-related vandalism and blocking public roads.

LB112- The Public Comment at Open Meetings Act Change will require that members of the public to be allowed to speak at any public meeting that is subject to the Open Meetings Act. It will increase transparency and accountability by governing bodies, and offer members of the public an opportunity to trust in the process.

LB113- The DMV Bill will change important provisions relating to motor vehicles titling, licensing, registration, and fees and operators’ licenses and permits and authorize a new motor vehicle carrier services system.

LB149- State Patrol Bill will harmonize Nebraska Statute with federal regulations to avoid incompatibility and loss of funding. This is something that is important to update annually.

Nebraska Walk for Life

One of the most rewarding aspects for me of having the privilege of being a State Senator is the progress we have made in the realm of protecting the unborn. I will be speaking at the annual Nebraska Walk for Life Saturday, January 16th, and I would love to have you join me! The Walk begins at 10 a.m. on the north steps of the Capitol Building. 

Governor Pete Ricketts issued a proclamation declaring January 22, 2021 as a Statewide Day of Prayer.  January 22nd is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a U.S. Supreme Court decision which struck down Nebraska’s laws protecting unborn babies. Governor Ricketts’ proclamation encourages Nebraskans to pray for an end to abortion and a deepening respect for the humanity of unborn children.

Maintaining Confidence in Nebraska’s Election Process

One of the most valuable privileges we have as Americans is the right to vote. For generations Nebraskans have trusted our election process to reveal the candidate that the majority of the people in our Nation believed should be their next leader. Recently, that trust has been broken. I will be leading an initiative to ensure that all Nebraskans have confidence in the elections throughout our state. Elections must be operated with complete integrity, accountability and excellence. In order to ensure those characteristics remain true for Nebraska’s elections, I am working to create an Election Review Resolution, which will establish a commission to oversee our elections. I want you, as a constituent in District 17, and the State of Nebraska, to feel completely confident that the integrity of our elections have not been compromised. Be watching for more information to come.

COVID-19 numbers in District 17

The number of positive tests reported for the periods January 1, 2021, and January 7, 2021 in District 17 are as follow:

Dakota County +54 (3654)

Thurston County: +45 (911)

Wayne County: +20 (953)

My Legislative Aide, Cyndi Lamb, is transitioned to serve as Legal Counsel for the Natural Resources Committee. I am so proud of her accomplishments and excited about all she will bring in her new role. I am excited to announce our new Legislative Aide,  Lisa Weeks, who will be a significant asset. Lisa is looking forward to answering your calls and emails!

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by phone at 402-471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.