The first week of February has been incredibly active. As of February 5th, I testified for more than half of the bills I introduced before the Health and Human Services Committee and the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. As Chairmen of the Business and Labor Committee, Mondays are the scheduled time we hear testimony on the numerous bills that go through my committee.

On Tuesday I testified before the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee about LB581, a bill to modify the helmet law for motorcycle riders. This is a particular issue I have been working on for some time and have a strong passion for. The testimony I gave was well received and I appreciate constituents for their additional testimony of support, including former State Senator Dave Bloomfield.

I had two more committee hearings on Thursday. These two bills were an emphasis on government accountability, personal liberty, and parental rights. In the morning, LB 645 was heard which increases the fine or penalty for an elected official who signs off on a directed health measure and is caught breaking that mandate. In the afternoon, LB 643 was heard with an exuberant amount of supportive testimony. This bill would maintain ones right to accept or decline a mandatory vaccine during a declaration of emergency by the Governor. And finally, Friday morning I had my last hearing of the week with LB 435 that focuses on the continuation of election integrity for the state of Nebraska by watermarking mail-in ballots.

It was a very busy week and I appreciate all that my staff does for me and the great people of District 16. When not committee hearings, I am reaching out to my fellow colleagues to gain better understanding of the wide array of bills that are presented to me. I also take time to talk with and email back all the great Nebraskans who call my office or send an email. It is so important for the people of District 16 to reach out to me and my office for any thoughts, concerns or updates you may have. I encourage you to track bills of interest and to testify at the public hearings.

As I look ahead to next week, my staff and I will continue to prepare for the public hearings of the rest of the bills that I have introduced. There are 4 left and next week my Athletic Trainer Bill, LB 436, will go before the Health and Human Services Committee as well as my Property Tax Bill, LB 644, which will go before the Revenue Committee on Wednesday.