Body Last week we began debate on the budget bills. Our only constitutional responsibility as a legislature is to pass a biennial budget. It’s been awhile but we actually have more money than was projected which makes it easier and also a bit harder to create a budget.

Body President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. took office a little over two months ago. In his inaugural address, President Biden dedicated himself to “bringing America together.” In the weeks since then, he has charted a very different course.

Body These past few weeks we’ve covered a wide array of topics at the legislature. One example is that we will start a day with debate about telehealth and then just like that we will talk about ready-to-drink cocktails.

Body As I was sitting mat-side at a youth wrestling tournament in Kearney this weekend, there was a subtle annoyance biting at me, one that slowly grew into aggravation. As we exited the building for the final time, it hit me - I am ready to be outside.

Body The patient knew something was wrong. After appointments with several specialists, multiple scans, and tests, she was given a diagnosis.

Body When spring arrives in Nebraska, snow melts, days get longer, and we enjoy the warmer weather and sunlight. It’s refreshing to get outside and resume activities that weren’t possible during the winter months.

Body Court Calls 03/29/2021 Sandra Weller of Cambridge - Possession of a controlled substance, possess or use drug paraphernalia Continued to 04/12/2021 @ 10:30 A.M. Rhonda Hinz of Arapahoe - Probation Revocation, Plea: Denial; Revocation Hearing set for 04/12/2021 @ 11:00 A.M.

Body Last week we passed the halfway mark for this year’s session. We were supposed to receive the proposed budget from the Appropriations Committee last week but there were a few minor changes they wanted to make before releasing it. We should get it sometime this week.

Body Sports fans rejoiced this past weekend as a favorite past time returned from a one-year COVID-induced hiatus. The NCAA Tournament certainly brought the madness through the first weekend, including one my backside.

Body The Nebraska Legislature is halfway through its 2021 session.