Greetings from your State Capitol. Even though the Legislature is out of session, legislative activity continues during the interim. As an independent branch of government the legislature is not only served by personal Senator and Standing Committee staff, it is also served by independent divisions which facilitate the Legislature’s duty to draft and consider legislation and conduct oversight of State government. Legislative offices include the Clerk of the Legislature, the Revisor of Statutes and bill drafting, the Fiscal Analyst, the Ombudsman/ Public Counsel, Performance Audit, and Research.

Senator personal staff continue with constituent services, undertake research on issues important to individual senators, and facilitate stakeholder engagement. Likewise, Committee staff continue to work on issues related to the subject matter of each committee, conduct interim studies, and organize round table discussions with interested parties in efforts to negotiate resolutions to various issues brought to the Legislature.

While not serving in the Legislature next year, term-limited Senators like myself are still active during the interim. I introduced several study resolutions that are being conducted over the interim related to my role as Chairman of the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee. These studies include potential updates to the Real Property Appraiser Act, and a review of the Senators Remain Busy, Even When Not in Session occupational regulation requirements at the Department of Banking. I also co-sponsored several studies related to public health through my role as Vice Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee.

I continue to travel throughout Dawson and Custer Counties and the northern part of Buffalo county meeting with local officials and other constituents regarding a variety of issues important to the area. I expect to be out and about even more as County fairs kick into gear and look forward to catching up with many more of you!

As always, feel free to contact me anytime at (402) 471- 2642 or mwilliams@leg.ne.gov. Thanks again for your continued support.

- Matt