The Capitol was my classroom

Each state senator has two staff members, including an administrative aide (AA) and a legislative aide (LA). My AA, Payton, has been in our office nearly a year and will be leaving soon to attend Creighton Law School. My LA and I will greatly miss her because she has been a model employee.

Reader: Congrats to George Palmer

George Palmer’s 50-year’s service as a funeral director in Fullerton was published in the Journal recently (Feb. 5 edition of the Nance County Journal). A significant accomplishment – yet seemingly falls far short of identifying Mr. Palmer’s overall contributions to Nance County.

Did you get your free comic books last weekend?

This might shock you, but I am a little bit of a nerd.I love comic books. I love video games. I used to decorate my office with cartoon posters and close to 40 bobble heads.Having kids has given me the opportunity to share my nerdlike tendencies with five other people.

State GOP hit with $500,000 judgment over defamatory ‘hit piece’

Jack Benny used to say that “kids say the darndest things.”But every time there’s an election, we can honestly say that “political ads say the darndest things.”A seemingly innocuous vote or comment by a campaign becomes a negative TV ad or campaign mailer.

An open letter to the Class of 2025

Dear Class of 2025, As you walk across the stage at graduation, your heart may be pounding. You may be thinking . . . “Don’t trip. Don’t trip.”Enjoy the moment. All eyes will be on you.Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone.

The birthplace of Arbor Day

Before Nebraska was called the “Cornhuskers”, we were known as “The Tree Planters.” It seems ironic, given our state is characterized by its expansive Great Plains and rolling Sandhills.

Nebraska has home delivery for everything but babies

A couple of generations ago the vast majority of Nebraska babies were born at home. But today the views of Nebraskans on home births are polarized, shaped by the state’s restrictive laws, cultural values and concerns that put safety over personal autonomy.

A look at the state budget process

In the legislature there are two committees that deal with money. One is the Revenue Committee that determines how money is brought into the treasury (think taxes). The other is the Appropriations Committee, which determines where money will be spent.

Still looking for my Day 1

Every day is a journey. And my journey starts over every day.I am fighting a losing battle. And it is not the losing battle that I want to win.It was pointed out to me about a year ago that I am addicted to pop and caffeine.

Keeping Nebraska’s communities safe

Nebraska is ‘The Good Life’. It’s one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.As a lifelong Nebraskan, I’m proud that my husband, Bruce, and I raised our kids in the state we love.