Every year on February 2nd, we celebrate Groundhog Day. This is an old tradition brought to us by our German settlers. Back in Germany, they turned to a badger to learn how much longer they had to wait for planting season, but once they moved to the United States, they couldn’t find the badgers they were so familiar with. However, they could find the groundhog, which they decided was similar enough to a badger that its meteorology could be trusted. Thus, Groundhog Day was born. As a state settled mostly by Germans, Nebraska has a special connection to this tradition—especially in our District 1 community of Unadilla.

Unadilla became the Groundhog Capital of Nebraska in 1988 with their beloved Unadilla Bill, a stuffed groundhog. Each year, Unadilla celebrates Groundhog Day with many festivities ending with a parade on Main Street and the crowning of Groundhog King and Queen. Though Unadilla Bill has retired after 33 years of service, he can still be visited at the Nitty Gritty Gas & Thrift Convenience Store in Unadilla. The community is now served by his successor Unadilla Billie.

This year, both Punxsutawney Phil and Unadilla Billie have predicted an early spring. Besides enjoying the warm weather, I’ve been working hard in our state legislature to ensure the residents of District 1 are represented and their needs are met. I will review a few bills that have been advancing various stages of debate.

Tuesday, LB 140 advanced to the final round of debate and awaits a final approval vote and the Governor’s signature. This bill would allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to design a license plate celebrating Czech Heritage. This would be designed in consultation with the Czech Honorary Counsel of Nebraska. Due to my Czech heritage, I am particularly excited about this legislation!

LB 541 advanced from General File to Select File. In short, this bill would make public power district elections partisan. Electricity is the lifeline for businesses, schools, homes, farms, and more, powered by public power. Therefore, public power boards are one of the most critical governing bodies in the state. With such great importance, voters must be given a clear understanding of who they are voting for. I support this bill.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.