At the end of a school year we have term papers, final exams, and that last report card.  At the end of a legislative session we finish up debate and vote on bills, act on any of the Governor’s vetoes, extend some issues into next year’s agenda, and make plans about what to work on over the summer and fall “interim” months.

Similar to work in the classroom, some subjects are just harder than others. Grading the work of the Legislature these past few months, the marks easily run from an A to a D depending on the topic. Some would say a few issues scored even below that.

Passing Grade – On the plus side, I am glad my colleagues saw fit to pass, and then override the veto, of LB 472 which will allow Gage County to pay the pending federal judgment in a shorter time frame. I was also pleased to introduce and pass into law LB 239, 524 and 525; all dealing with streamlining the business side of local governments.

Keep Studying – Because one of my bills for educating area EMTs is still sitting in committee, I introduced a study resolution, LR 181, to look at new funding streams for the financial stability of the simulation-in-motion Nebraska (SIM-NE) program. SIMs are mobile trucks that provide hands-on training with high-fidelity, life-like mannequins. These trucks travel across the state and provide invaluable training to emergency care providers, including doctors, emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, nurses, paramedics, and other emergency health care personnel. We will look at the Health Care Cash Fund and other ways to provide this vital instruction to small towns and rural areas.

Needs Improvement – Along with many Nebraskans and residents of District 30, I was disappointed to see no real resolution to the property tax dilemma happen in this session.  There was some property tax credit provided in the budget, but what we really need is a major change in our tax system. However, as I have mentioned previously, do not give up hope. The issue is still front and center for a number of senators, especially those who represent districts similar to ours – where agriculture is one of the primary economic drivers. This topic, as well as business incentives, will definitely be studied and refined before we reconvene next January; and I will be involved in those discussions.

As a freshman senator, I feel my past service on various boards and organizations prepared me well for the Legislature. There are many people and resources available here to help you learn the procedures and navigate the rules. This summer I will represent the Unicameral at a couple of regional workshops dealing with state budgets, leadership and agriculture and I look forward to expanding my knowledge base and experience for the benefit of the District.

Please contact me at any time at mdorn@leg.ne.gov. Or call 402-471-2620. You can follow me on Facebook, look for Senator Myron Dorn, and access my official web page at www.nebraskalegislature.gov.