Hello Neighbor,

We are now past the tenth day of the session, which means that all bills have been introduced for the session. I have introduced three bills and a resolution. They are:

• LB 347 – This bill would exempt reflexology from licensure under the Massage Therapy Practice Act. Currently, reflexologists have to go through the same training as massage therapists. This bill would allow them to be exempt from licensing requirements. This will eliminate a needless occupational licensing hurdle and help create jobs for reflexologists in this state.
• LB 705 – This bill would let those residents with an ABLE (achieve a better life experience) account transfer those benefits to another ABLE eligible person upon their death. ABLE savings accounts allow for disabled individuals to save long-term without worrying about losing their eligibility for Social Security and Medicaid. Currently, the state may stake a claim for the remaining funds in those accounts.. I believe if a person has someone in mind they would like to transfer that money to, such as a relative, they should have a chance to do so.
• LB 736 –This bill would keep any metropolitan class cities (like Omaha) from enacting any new licensing requirements on any professions or businesses. This bill would also cap any local fees. This would prevent unnecessary regulations and expand the workforce.
• LR 13 – This resolution would urge federal agencies to establish labeling standards for milk and dairy products and reserve all milk-related terms for products that come from a cow. Most resolutions do not get a hearing. This resolution, however, will be heard in front of the Agriculture Committee. As a dairy farmer, I know how important this subject is, and I am excited to present this resolution.

I have also cosponsored a number of different bills, dealing with property tax relief, pro-life issues, and limiting the power and control of government in our lives. You can find more information about these bills on the Nebraska legislature’s website at nebraskalegislature.gov.

My colleagues and I have also started committee hearings, which is probably my favorite part of the legislature. Each bill in the legislature gets a public hearing. At these hearings we hear from the second house, the people, on every bill. Anyone who wants to come to a hearing and speak on a bill is able to do so. I am on the Education and Health and Human Services Committees, two of the biggest committees in the legislature. We have already heard a number of bills on a variety of topics, and I look forward to working for District 38 as we continue this session.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/senatormurman/ and leave a comment there.

Dear Neighbor,

The first session of the 106^th Legislature convened on Wednesday January 9^th, 2019. It’s my first session serving as your State Senator and I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to do so. The 106^th Legislature is composed of two sessions. This being an odd-numbered year, we will have a long session lasting 90 working days, which is scheduled to wrap up in early June. In even-numbered years, the short session lasts 60 working days and typically ends around mid-April.

The first ten days of session is the only time that a Senator can introduce a bill. The bills are then referred to the appropriate committee. Every bill that is proposed in the Nebraska Legislature will be given a chance to be heard in committee and if it is fortunate enough it’ll move onto the floor for discussion with the entire body. This year I have chosen to introduce a handful of bills, allowing me to devote plenty of time and attention to each.

It’s apparent that the most important issues discussed and debated will be Property Tax relief, fair school funding, Medicaid expansion, and the budget. I have been selected to sit on the Education Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. These are both very important committees that will cover an array of issues facing Nebraskans. As a freshman senator, I am very excited to sit on the Education committee especially because we will be focusing on fair school funding and property tax relief. The Health and Human Services committee will be engaged due to Nebraska voters tasking us with the responsibility of funding the expansion of Medicaid.

My 48 other colleagues and I have a big responsibility ahead of us. In the end, hard-working Nebraskans deserve Property Tax relief. With this being said, I assure you that I will be a strong voice not only for District 38 and rural Nebraska, but for the entire state.

There is an HVAC renovation project happening the Nebraska State Capitol so my office is located on the 12^th floor. The 12^th floor has restricted access so if you are visiting you’ll need to contact my office. Constituents can do so by calling (402)471-2732. You’ll be greeted by my two staff members, Elizabeth Todsen and David Schulte. Elizabeth is working as my Legislative Assistant and David is my Administrative Assistant. Please feel free to contact them if there is anything my office can do for you.