Kicking Off the Legislative Session: Updates from Week One
Welcome to my first newsletter of the 109th legislative session! It’s been an eventful start, with the tone set early by key decisions and debates. I’m excited to share some behind-the-scenes updates, highlight important outcomes, and reflect on the work ahead.
The tone was set right out of the gate, with changes to the legislative calendar, made by the speaker, in part at the request of lobbyists. The changes were particularly unfriendly to all rural senators. The amended schedule eliminated all recess days for the first 5 weeks of session, which creates significant difficulties for those of us representing rural districts, to travel back to our district and engage directly with our constituents. I expressed my concerns to Speaker Arch, but unfortunately, no adjustments were made. While I understand the importance of maximizing legislative days, this decision places additional strain on rural senators who must balance travel with their legislative responsibilities.
Swearing-In and First Bills Introduced
The official work began on Wednesday, January 8th, when I was sworn in along with 16 of my colleagues. What an incredible honor it was! I take my oath very seriously and I am ready to get to work for the hardworking people of the 43rd district.
On Thursday, January 9th, I submitted my first bill, LB 61, which seeks an increased waiver (reimbursement rate) for memory care patients in assisted living facilities. One of the primary concerns I heard throughout 9 months of traveling the district was diminishing access to healthcare, especially for our elderly. LB 61 is just one step in the right direction towards meeting that need.
Day 2, January 10th, I stood with about 20 other senators, alongside the Governor, to support Senator Kauth’s bill to prohibit biological males from participating in women’s sports or using women’s restrooms and locker rooms. Plain and simple, this protects women on every level. The hallways were filled with protestors as we entered the press room, indicating that this will likely be another contentious issue this year.
Monday, January 13th, I announced my bill, “Parental Rights in Social Media Act,” during the Governor’s press conference at 12:00 CST. This bill empowers parents to take control of their children’s social media use, shifting the authority away from big tech platforms like TikTok and Facebook. It will require age verification to open any new social media account, and minors under the age of 18 will be required to have parental consent. This is just common sense. We understand that things like Rated R movies, alcohol and tobacco are harmful to the developing brains of our children and therefore place age restrictions on them. It is time to do the same for social media. I will be spending more time discussing this issue in future columns.
Committee Assignments: A Contentious Process
The first major task of any session is assigning senators to committees, a critical process managed by the Committee on Committees. Each congressional district (CD) presents recommendations for their members’ assignments, which are then negotiated and finalized.
The process of committee assignments in the Nebraska Legislature often reveals the underlying tensions and dynamics among its members. Each congressional district (CD) caucus plays a pivotal role in shaping these assignments. Nebraska has three congressional districts: CD1, CD2, and CD3. These caucuses nominate representatives to influential legislative bodies, including the Committee on Committees, the Executive Board, and the Rules Committee. These committees play a vital role in guiding legislative decisions, shaping policy direction, and ensuring governance efficiency.
This year, the process was particularly contentious, with CD2 presenting an imbalanced partisan recommendation, sparking extended negotiations within the Committee on Committees. Despite efforts to reach consensus, the inflexible demands from CD2 led to difficult compromises. Senior senators from their own party were unable to retain their preferred committee positions, highlighting the fractures caused by political maneuvering.
Ultimately, committee assignments were finalized, and while the process underscored divisions, it also set the stage for legislative priorities and collaboration in the months ahead. This session’s assignments reflect a shift in the balance of power within key committees, offering both challenges and opportunities for all members involved.
Despite the challenges, the final committee assignments have been approved, and I’m excited to serve on: Transportation and Telecommunications: A vital platform to address the connectivity and infrastructure challenges rural Nebraska faces and Judiciary. For the first time in decades, this committee has a conservative majority (5-3), marking a new era in its approach to key issues.
While I’m disappointed not to serve on the Agriculture or Natural Resources Committee, I’m eager to advocate for rural Nebraska through my work on these impactful committees.
Looking Ahead
The start of the session has underscored the importance of collaboration, even in challenging circumstances. As we move forward, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our district are heard and that rural Nebraska’s unique needs are addressed.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to sharing updates and hearing your feedback throughout this session!
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TanyaStorerForLegislature
● Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov
● Phone: (402) 471-2628
Respectfully,
Senator Storer