This week in the Legislature, we debated a few motions on the floor in the mornings and had committee hearings in the afternoons.

Part of my job as the Chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee is to meet with agency directors for agencies that my committee confirms. This week, I met with the new director of the Department of Transportation, Vicki Kramer. I am excited to see the direction that she takes the agency.

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard two bills that I think is very important this week. The two bills will continue a program that allows for counties to apply for matching funds from the state to accelerate the repair and replacement of deficient bridges. We have all driven through Lancaster County and had to take detours due to bridges washing out or being unsafe to drive across. I will keep you posted on the progress of this bill.

I am also a member of the Judiciary Committee. Yesterday, we heard a bill that will create a network for transitional housing. There is currently a shortage of transitional housing. This is housing that provides a safe and rehabilitative space for those coming out of the correctional system. This type of housing is set up to assist former inmates in making a smooth transition back into society. We have seen some issues with a few of the transitional houses in Lincoln. This bill would create a network of houses with a board that can help hold operators of transitional housing accountable when issues arise. It will also provide them with resources to create rehabilitative transitional houses.

As always, feel free to contact my office. My office phone number is 402-471-2731 and my email is sgeist@leg.ne.gov.