107TH LEGISLATURE INTERIM
This week we are witnessing our Legislature grapple with the incredibly complex issue of
redistricting during a Special Session at our Capitol. The Second House has offered hundreds of
emails, calls and hearing appearances to make your opinions known. The floor debate has been
lively to say the least as we move this process forward.
The Redistricting Committee will take the weekend to continue their work, and hopefully find
common ground on the Congressional and all maps needed for Nebraska. As your Senator I will
always fight to protect District 17’s interests with a heart and a will to honor our Founding
Fathers incredible foresight into making sure that each Nebraskan has a voice that is heard.
CONSTITUTION DAY
Lets pause and consider the world without the United States or better still lets imagine the
United States without our divinely inspired Constitution. Our Founding Fathers created a
document inspired by their religious beliefs, their experiences with a tyrannical King and a desire
to limit the overreach of their government. Never before had a group of leaders set out to
accomplish such a task and no one since has been able to improve on their work.
The idea of putting into writing and limiting the powers of a Federal Government while leaving
every other right to the individual states created what is now fifty incubators of ideas that each
contribute to the growth, diversity and greatness of this country. Each year on September 17 we
have an opportunity to remember and honor the Constitution along with the role it has played
and continues to play in making America the greatest Nation on the planet Earth.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Have you ever considered running for office or being willing to serve your local community by
serving on a board? I want to encourage you that your involvement could make a difference in
our State and community. Whether it is a county, city counsel, State Board of Education, Board of
Regents, or local school board role, running for a public office with the idea of making a
difference is your right and a privilege that you should constantly consider. No one has all the
answers and a fresh face with fresh ideas can literally change things overnight. Don’t be afraid to
“step into the fray” to make sure your city, county and state get the best you have to offer! It’s the
American way.
HONORING OUR POW/MIA
This week Governor Pete Ricketts signed an executive order declaring that the POW/MIA flag
must be displayed at all State Building Division (SBD) managed properties that display the flag of
the United States of America. “During my administration, the State of Nebraska has worked to
become the most veteran- and military-friendly state in the nation,” said Gov. Ricketts. “Flying
the POW/MIA flag at state buildings is another significant way that we can honor our brave
military men and women, especially those who never returned home. With today’s executive
order, we proclaim that Nebraska will never let our missing service members be forgotten.”
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) estimates that more than 80,000 American
service members remain unaccounted for since World War II. The DPAA Offutt Laboratory
recently played a significant role in identifying our nation’s missing heroes. In July of 2020, the
remains of 28 unidentified service members from a C-17 Globemaster III were transferred from
the European theater to be analyzed by the DPAA Offutt Laboratory team.
THANK YOU
It is always refreshing and inspiring to see and hear from you. My spirit is renewed with each and
every call or contact from the Constituents of District 17. Your input helps me know how to
effectively serve you in the Legislature. If you have any comments or concerns, please contact
me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.
