Reflections on the first Session
The first session of the 101st Legislature went by quickly. As a new senator, I had quite a learning curve. It wasn’t long before I was right in the middle of some important issues facing our State. As a Body, we passed a balanced budget without raising taxes, funded education, and addressed behavioral health needs for children. I am proud of the work we accomplished, but know there is much work to be done. Here are some of the issues we addressed in the three standing committees upon which I sit.
Judiciary committee: we deliberated many passionate issues including the death penalty method, fathers’ rights, gun rights, immigration, judicial resources, and youth violence.
General Affairs: we addressed expanded gambling in the state’s horse tracks, drinking State parks, and liquor control authority.
Urban Affairs: While not as high profile, the Urban Affairs committee addressed some needed changes to natural gas infrastructure. In addition we looked at annexation issues.
There were almost 700 bills heard this year and I heard from many constituents on a variety of topics. I would like to say thank you to all of the wonderful constituents of Legislative District 27 who took their time to contact me with their input, concern, and ideas. Below is a highlight of some of the issues that I heard about most frequently during the first session:
Death penalty: The testimony and correspondence on this issue were some of the most difficult I encountered this year. I believe most people wanted to see a finality to this issue. Most of the correspondence I received was in favor of repealing the death penalty. The Judiciary committee could not find a non-arbitrary, fair way to implement the death sentence. LB 36 was the best the committee could do after exhaustive research. Unfortunately, the Death Penalty cannot be administered fairly in our State. Issues such as location of the crime and moral beliefs of the prosecutor can result in an uneven Death Penalty prosecution. In the end, I supported the Death Penalty repeal. As the recent legal challenge illustrates, I believe this issue is far from resolved. From a fiscal standpoint of numerous appeals, I hope to see the day Nebraska saves money and protects its citizens by putting away the worst of the worst for the rest of their lives.
Children’s behavioral health: Last year’s safe haven discussion illustrated the need to do more in our state to address the behavioral health needs of Nebraska’s children. LB 603 was a small step in addressing, among other things, needs though the increased SCHIP coverage and the establishment of the hotline. We have much to do in this area and work remains.
As a new member of the Children’s behavioral health task force, I hope to bring my experience with child welfare into play in finding more solutions.
Judges: I introduced a bill this year to increase the number of judges based on the Judicial Resource Committee recommendations. In the end, a bill was signed by the Governor giving one more Dist. Judge to Lancaster County to take effect in 2011. Justice delayed is justice denied and I feel that adding this judge was the right thing to do.
Sexually Oriented Business regulation: As a member of the General Affairs Committee, I was able to participate in the hearing on LB 443. While I appreciated the intent of the bill, there are a number of questions about the definitions contained in the bill as well as enforcement. At this time, I remain unconvinced that the problems this bill is trying to address are, in fact, addressed through LB 443. On a related note, you may be interested in a bill I supported and was approved by the Governor on May 22nd. It gives counties the authority to enact and enforce ordinances on a number of issues important to public safety. As amended, LB 532 allows counties to regulate by ordinance issues including the “violation of the public peace and good order of the county by disorderly conduct, lewd or lascivious behavior, or public nudity.” LB 532 also allows county boards to enact ordinances to regulate sexually oriented businesses in a manner that represents local views.
Gun enforcement: As a gun rights supporter and a recreational shooter, I was supportive of both LB 503 and LB430. I believe the amendments to LB503 strengthened the bill and made reasonable compromises. I was happy to see that LB430 cleared away some of the problems with the patchwork and confusing nature of local opt outs. Some people wrote to express their concern that the amendments put on by the committee did not solve this problem. This is because the original bill addressed all possession of firearms. It now only addresses conceal carry laws. I am also pleased that service men from out of state who reside here in Nebraska will have reciprocity. I am happy to report that both bills were approved by the Governor at the end of May.
BSDC: I heard from many of you about the challenges faced with BSDC. As many of you know, I work in the field of developmental disabilities and have worked hard with the HHS committee and the LR 11 committee to find solutions to these issues. As a new member of the oversight committee I will have an even bigger role in addressing these issues. This will be a top priority of our office in the coming year. Our State can do better by the people with disabilities who are entrusted to our care.
These are just some of the issues that I heard about over the past five months. I would like to say thank you to all of those wonderful constituents of Legislative District 27 who took their time to contact me with their input, concerns and ideas. I look forward to hearing from you on other issues in the future. I am committed to an open office. We are happy to assist you in any way, and encourage you to keep in touch.
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Moving forward
Nebraska really is the “good life”. I am amazed at how well our State has done in light of the National economic situation. While other States were cutting budgets, we were able to fund our programs. While other States had to raise taxes, we did not. The health of our State is a reflection of the values we share.
The people of District 27 work hard to provide for themselves and their families. They did not take out loans they couldn’t afford. They help their neighbors when in need and exemplify true community. I am optimistic about our future, while at the same time realize there is work to be done.
I will continue to work on ways to support job development and the maintenance of an affordable way of life. I am proud of our State and am working to promote it to the rest of the Country. We have much to offer and our people are our greatest resource.
In closing, as your State Senator I am humbled to work for you. I want to know what I can do to assist you and your family and hope you will contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Colby Coash
