Rogers approved as public counsel

Lawmakers approved the appointment of Julie Rogers as public counsel Jan. 14.

The Office of the Public Counsel—also known as the state Ombudsman’s Office—is a division of the Nebraska Legislature. The independent office investigates and resolves individuals’ complaints about the actions of administrative agencies of state government.

Rogers currently serves as the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare, a position she has held since it was created by the Legislature in 2012.

In making the recommendation on behalf of the Executive Board, Lincoln Sen. Mike Hilgers called Rogers an “outstanding leader” and lauded her work with the Legislature on behalf of the state’s vulnerable children and families.

“Through her work as inspector general, the system has improved—and I think that is one primary theme in the work that she has done,” Hilgers said.

Carl Eskridge has served as acting ombudsman since the 2018 retirement of Marshall Lux, who led the office for 38 years.

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers said Eskridge, who has worked in the Ombudsman’s Office for 24 years, also should have been recommended for the position based on his extensive experience and “verifiable record of meaningful achievement.”

Rogers’ appointment was approved on a vote of 46-2.