The famous quote from Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” seems as appropriate today as it was in 1776 when Mr. Paine was writing to bolster the morale of revolutionary troops.
This is also the time for all of us to take to heart the inscription incised in the stone of the north portal of our State Capitol: THE SALVATION OF THE STATE IS WATCHFULNESS IN THE CITIZEN. I’m asking each of you to be watchful citizens.
As the legislative session unfolds, bills are being heard, voted on in committee and advanced to the floor where votes are cast and difficult decisions made. This makes for trying times and your input helps me. Although we occasionally disagree, your comments and observations are an integral part of my legislative process.
I’m encouraged by the many good citizens who follow the Legislature’s daily activities. These folks don’t hesitate to share their thoughts with me via email or a quick phone call. Technology provides many avenues of communication, but the old-fashioned letter still works too. Citizens are more involved now than ever before and I believe this is a very good thing.
In addition to the time senators spend on the legislative floor and in committee hearings, our days are also filled with meetings which may include lunch or dinner with constituents who belong to many diverse advocacy groups.
In the past two weeks, I’ve spent time with public power board members, school board members, nurses, veterinarians, NRD board members, irrigation district board members, economic development leaders and Chamber of Commerce members, all from District 41. Next week, weather permitting, I’ll host FCCLA students and their teachers from across Nebraska and have dinner with my fellow Farm Bureau members.
Rural public power districts are concerned about the airport zoning authority in LB 352. School board members shared their thoughts on K-12 funding and other school issues. Livestock producers support the proposed funding for a Veterinary Diagnostic Lab contained in LB 1066. Farmers and ranchers alike are very concerned about LB 1084 which would allow public hunting on privately leased school land.
As you can see, there are plenty of issues that interest citizens. If you have an issue you care about, the legislative website gives you easy access to bill information. Check it out and feel free to share your opinions. I’m the one who must push the red or green button, but your input guides my decisions.
If you have questions regarding this newsletter, legislation or state issues, please call my legislative office at (402) 471-2631. There is Voicemail on my phone so if you get the recording, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you. You may also write to me c/o P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509 or email me at: ksullivan@leg.ne.gov. If you write or email, please include your full name and mailing address.
