By Scout Nelson
The 109th Nebraska Legislature officially convened, marking the start of its session with significant leadership elections. In the state capitol's Norris Chamber, filled with senators' families, Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke swore in 25 senators re-elected or newly elected this past November.
Following the ceremony, the legislative body promptly elected its speaker and 17 committee chairs. Sen. John Arch of La Vista, continuing his role from 2023, was unanimously re-elected as Speaker. Arch, who has been part of the legislature for six years, reflected on his tenure and the privilege of serving, emphasizing the inspirational aspects of the role.
In committee leadership, 11 chair positions were uncontested, securing unanimous voice votes. These included important committees such as Agriculture, Appropriations, and Government Affairs.
The contested chair races required paper ballot voting, highlighting a day of strategic political maneuvers within the unicameral legislature, which officially operates without party affiliation but includes 33 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one progressive independent.
Key elections saw Sen. Kathleen Kauth and Sen. Brad von Gillern winning their respective chair positions for the Business and Labor Committee and the Revenue Committee, aligning closely with the legislative body's partisan composition.
Other notable races included the Health and Human Services Committee chair, won by Sen. Brian Hardin, and the Education Committee chair, which saw Sen. Dave Murman re-elected after a vigorous campaign supporting state funding for K-12 education.
Additionally, Sen. Loren Lippincott was elected as chair of the Rules Committee, proposing a discussion to lower the filibuster threshold, which could significantly impact legislative proceedings.
The session also marked a tightly contested race for the Retirement Systems Committee chair, which went to Sen. Beau Ballard after a tie-breaking second vote.
The first day concluded with affirmations of continued nonpartisanship, with elected officials stressing cooperation across political lines to address state issues effectively. The Legislature will continue its work with upcoming swear-ins for the Board of Regents and the State Board of Education, along with introducing new legislation through January 22.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-alotofpeople
Categories: Nebraska, Education