It is definitely beginning to look a lot like… a new legislative session is right around the corner. Running unopposed for my seat in the Legislature enabled me to devote my time in the past few weeks to existing topics and learning about new issues. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your representative in the Unicameral for another four years.

The schedule and my travels reveal there are many concerns facing Nebraskans, and that means a lot of chances to do some good things for our state. I was able to tour a couple of facilities providing for citizens with developmental disabilities and youth services. We need to bolster our provider rates and make sure we have the best people giving care to both vulnerable and elderly individuals, and pay them accordingly. I believe this is one way we can grow and strengthen our state.

Revitalizing our smaller communities by keeping buildings well maintained and up to date is another opportunity. I am in a working group that has toured small towns and land banks in Omaha, and looking at ways to assist economically. We also need to preserve our historic landmarks where possible.

A continuing priority is rural EMS and ambulance services. Along with Sen. Tom Brandt, I have met with these groups as well as Health and Human Services to make sure we are distributing federal funds as efficiently as possible, to where they are most needed.

Another important economic tool for Nebraska is expanded use of E-15 ethanol for motor vehicle use. My staff has been looking at how other states handle this in their state statutes.

Broadband continues to be vital as we see more and more telehealth, telecommuting for jobs, and the use of technology in education. Again, with federal funds available to help in expansion, we are studying this from the local to statewide level.

It has been a pleasure to participate in several award presentations including Serve Nebraska, the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Gage County Tourism, and the Beatrice Chamber. I was also glad to attend several ag organization meetings including Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, A-Fan and the Nebraska Cattlemen. Seeing all these people working for the betterment of the state is very gratifying and inspiring.

My work on the LR 374 interim study continues, with a meeting just this past week. This study is looking at how we fund our public schools, which in turn impacts tax formulas. It is complicated; and it is crucial that we keep moving forward with ideas. But it will require a mind-set change by a variety of stakeholders to get real and meaningful results, as well as cooperation between committees in the Legislature.

The Appropriations Committee has held various hearings in the past few months and will wrap up with a report on the Perkins County Canal project and an annual report on the state’s transportation system. I attended the most recent meeting of the Nebraska Economic Forecast Advisory Board in late October. Projections for the state budget remain very strong, but in estimates for future years, we are beginning to see a little more restraint. I believe this is prudent and we need to move forward accordingly in our state budget process these next two years of the biennium.

On November 11th, I helped serve free breakfast to some of our Veterans at the HyVee near 40th and Old Cheney. There were lots of familiar faces in the crowd and I very much enjoyed my time there. I also attended a quilt presentation to Veterans at Freeman Schools in Adams later that day.

In recent days, I was able to meet many of the new senators-elect. The incoming class will face a very steep learning curve as we tackle some important issues in the early days of the new session, which begins on January 4th, 2023.

In the meantime, may I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving, remembering that while every year brings highs and lows, we have much to be thankful for in Nebraska and our nation. And with that thankfulness in mind, we will move into the Christmas season, and I also wish you a time of peace and joy in your holiday celebrations.

Please contact me at any time through my office email or phone. mdorn@leg.ne.gov 402-471-2620 You can follow me on Facebook at Senator Myron Dorn, visit my website by going to www.nebraskalegislature.gov and sign up for my newsletter by sending me an email. Again, may you enjoy safe and happy holidays!