Summer studies and county visits

During this interim, the time between when a session ends and the next session begins, I’m visiting with different county boards throughout the 44th legislative district. It is a great way for me to find out how things are going in their counties and answer any questions they may have about what went on during this past years session. Many of the laws the Legislature passes affect counties, pertaining to issues such as county operations, taxes, roads, jails and courts, and elections. It’s important to touch base to discuss the effects of new laws.

Towards the end of the summer Legislative Committees will start holding interim study resolution hearings on a variety of topics. A few of the interim studies have been scheduled and they’re listed on the unicameral’s website www.nebraskalegislature.gov Currently, the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee have hearings scheduled in September and October.

A few of the hearings that may be of interest to residents of our area:

LR 181 introduced by Senator Myron Dorn of Adams, NE. It is a study to examine new funding streams for financial stability of the simulation-in-motion Nebraska (SIM-NE) program. The program uses 44 foot trucks which house two simulation spaces: an emergency room and an ambulance module. Each truck is staffed by licensed, experience healthcare professions and they provide a realistic scenarios for emergency medical services and Critical Access Hospital staff so they can get a hands on experience.

LR 210 introduced by Senator John Stinner of Scottsbluff. The intent is to analyze programs and agencies that are active in addressing workforce and talent shortages, and identify options to assist in filling vacant high-wage, high-demand, and high-skills jobs. Both of these hearings are scheduled for Friday, September 27th.

LR 212 also introduced by Senator Stinner is a study to assess the financial position of the Nebraska Brand Committee and to identify core operational needs and opportunities for efficiency improvement. This hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 4th.

I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have. My email address is dhughes@leg.ne.gov and my phone number is (402) 471-2805. You can read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov, and you can click on the Live Video Streaming NET logo to watch sessions, hearings, and other Capitol events.