Last week, the United States carried out a distinctive national tradition: Our country underwent a peaceful transition of power. Looking back on the history of nations, this is not typical. Transfers of power between leaders have often been tumultuous.

Sports are on heavy on my mind this week for multiple reasons, the least of which is because, with a snow storm throwing a wrench in things, high school sports are in overdrive as they inch toward the end of another season.

Dear Editor, The 107th Nebraska Legislature convened on January 6 in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. As elected representatives, we believe that it is important that the state’s elected legislators are on the field during this time to represent our constituents.

Last week was the final week to introduce new legislation. A total of 684 bills were introduced. I have introduced a total of 9 bills this year. LB’s 190, 191, 215, 336, 393, 616, 617, 618, and 668. Three of those bills are to past as shell bills. Those shell bills are LB’s 393, 617, and 618.

On Thursday, January 14th I delivered my annual “State of the State” address to the Nebraska Legislature. Even after back-to-back years of major challenges—historic floods in 2019 and a pandemic in 2020—I am pleased to report that the state of the state is strong.

So you thought things would simply be fixed because the calendar flipped, eh? I kid...sort of. The calendar wasn’t the source of our problems and now that 2021 is delivering a new batch, I think we all understand that wishing and hoping everything gets bet-ter and easier isn’t going to suffice.

America is grappling a difficult legacy. Our society was built by the blood and sweat of slaves, on land previously occupied by Native Americans. When we won independence, only white male property owners were fully enfranchised. Enslaved peoples were not fully counted under the constitution.

It has been a very busy week here at the Legislature. My office holds many responsibilities that require my attention and input on.

Over the past six weeks, Nebraskans have been rallying to bring U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) to our state. This tremendous support for the military is common practice in our state.

It has been a long and difficult year for so many of us, but none more so than those who live in senior care facilities and nursing homes. They’ve been locked down for months on end, away from almost all of their family and friends, sometimes even away from their fellow residents.