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.