101st Legislature adjourns sine die

The 101st Legislature, second session, adjourned sine die April 14. In even-numbered years, lawmakers convene for 60 legislative days.

Senators passed 196 bills this session and debated all 101 priority bills. Norfolk Sen. Mike Flood, Speaker of the Legislature, called fiscal responsibility the hallmark of the session, noting the state’s $307 million cash reserve balance.

“It speaks well for the restraint we’ve shown,” he said.

Among the major accomplishments this session, Flood named wind energy legislation, juvenile justice reform, economic development proposals and changes to state aid funding for community colleges.

Gov. Dave Heineman congratulated senators on their accomplishments. In his address to the body the governor highlighted legislation regarding the state’s economy, specifically mentioning: LB1018, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Abbie Cornett, which created the Nebraska Advantage Transformational Tourism and Redevelopment Act, and LB1048, introduced by the Natural Resources Committee, which creates a process for private renewable wind energy development.

The Legislature recognized three senators who will not return next session.

Papillion Sen. Tim Gay, elected in 2006, is not running for re-election this year. As chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, Gay said he had been honored to serve Nebraskans and work for solutions to difficult problems.

“It’s been an awesome responsibility,” he said. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Sen. Tom White of Omaha also is not seeking re-election. Elected to the Legislature in 2008, he served on the Business and Labor, Revenue, and Urban Affairs Committees. White emphasized the importance of conviction in public service.

“[Words] don’t mean anything if they’re just spoken,” he said.

Sen. Arnie Stuthman of Platte Center will not return to the Legislature due to term limits. During his time in the Unicameral, he served on the Health and Human Services Committee and was vice chairperson of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. First elected in 2002, Stuthman said he enjoyed his time in the Legislature.

“Being the senator from District 22 has been one of the most stressful jobs that I’ve ever had, but it has also been one of the most rewarding,” he said.

Senators voted unanimously to adjourn sine die. The 102nd Legislature is scheduled to convene next year on Jan. 5.