The Legislature continues to move forward at a strong pace. Speaker Arch recently announced that the body has completed action on all carryover bills and will now shift its focus to priority legislation. The deadline to request Speaker priority bills is February 17. Each session allows for 25 Speaker priority bills, which helps ensure focused consideration and typically results in streamlined debate. In addition to the Speaker’s priority bills, each Senator is allowed one priority bill, and each committee may select two priority bills. The deadlines for Senator and Committee priority bill designations are set for February 19.
As the Legislature maintains its momentum, we have now advanced 63 bills to General File, marking an important step in the legislative process. Several bills are also scheduled for upcoming committee hearings. Of the bills I introduced
this session, LB 1230 is scheduled for a hearing before the Judiciary Committee on February 4, LB 1229 will be heard by the Appropriations Committee on February 9, and LB 1231 has been assigned to the Appropriations Committee for a February 12 hearing.
This week also provided valuable opportunities to connect with constituents and community leaders from District 47. On Monday, I met with Jason Petik, CEO of Sidney Regional Medical Center which allowed for meaningful discussion on rural healthcare challenges and priorities. On Tuesday morning, I attended a breakfast hosted by the NE LEAD 44 Program, where we discussed issues important to our communities and Nebraska’s agricultural industry. Later that day, I met with members of the Box Butte County Chamber of Commerce during their Lincoln Legislative Trip. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with the group and visit with constituents from our district about the issues that matter most to them.
The Appropriations Committee is in the process of reviewing preliminary budget recommendations that will be presented to members of the Legislature next week. The first day of public hearings will begin on Monday, February 2. The Committee will also hold a briefing on Tuesday morning prior to session to walk senators through the Preliminary Budget Report.
As always, I appreciate your continued engagement on these important topics. If you have any feedback or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our district and state. You can contact my office at (402) 471-2616 or by email at pstrommen@leg.ne.gov.