TO: NEBRASKA FIREFIGHTER

512 Sumner Avenue

P.O. Box 122

Humboldt, IA 50548

;

(515) 604-6400

FAX (515) 332-1505.

RE: December 2016 Issue

FROM: Jerry Stilmock, Lobbyist

NEBRASKA STATE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOCIATION

Jerry Stilmock of

BRANDT, HORAN, HALLSTROM & STILMOCK

370 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 186

Syracuse, Nebraska 68446-0186

Phone (402) 269-2081

Fax (402) 269-2219

The start of the Legislature, which will be the 105th Legislature, begins January 4. After the swearing in ceremony of the new and re-elected senators, the body will elect the leadership for the next two years. The positions include Speaker of the Legislature, Chair of the Executive Board, and Chairs of the 14 standing committees. Thereafter, committee assignments will be made placing all of the senators on the various standing committees.

There are several major issues facing the Legislature this year, including looking at ways to reduce property taxes; reduce income taxes at the individual and corporate levels; and make prison reforms. The other major issue for this legislative session will be crafting the state's two-year budget, as well as, dealing with the budget shortfall for the current fiscal year.

You can assist your Associations by keeping advised of the issues by following Constant Contacts; inviting your state senator to an open house or banquet; and by assisting on grassroots action in contacting your senator personally to let them know your position and the position of the Associations on legislation before them.

The NSVFA has a system in place to be effective in its grassroots efforts, and that is by using the Area Representatives. Get to know your Area Representative if you do not already know them -- Area Reps are geared to provide you with information so that you can effectively contact your state senator.

Being involved and taking part in the legislative process is critical to the issues important to volunteers. You are encouraged to take the attitude that you are the one that will make the difference in contacting your senator without relying on someone else to do it.

Here are a few items to keep in mind as we work to continually build our grassroots actions:

· Senators are very busy and engaged from early in the morning until evening, so do not feel that your call is unimportant if you are not able to speak directly with your senator. Staff members are there to assist the senators to take down the details of your comments. Communications to staff members are just as effective as communication to the senators. You can make your comments by visiting in person, telephoning, or emiling.

· Committee chairpersons may have several staff members. So, take a moment at the beginning of your call to identify the legislative bill you are calling about so that you can speak with the staff person responsible for the issue upon which you are calling. The staff person will advise the senator of the information you have shared during your contact. Senators want to know what the volunteers in the senator's district have to say about the legislation and what the volunteers' positions are on the legislation.

· Try to personalize your message by giving examples, if appropriate, of specific instances in which the legislation proposed would help or hinder your efforts as a volunteer. You know the facts and particular instances in which a situation has impacted your department. Be ready to supply those particular events to the senator or the senator's staff when making contact on legislation.

· At times, the senators are flooded with form letters which are more fill in the blank, identifying the author of the letter, and voicing support or opposition to a legislative bill or amendment. Sometimes, these "speed messages" serve an important purpose. However, it is always helpful if you can include a personalized message that might elevate your position by including a personal touch supplied by you.

You are asked repeatedly to respond to emergency calls, drills, and a host of other tasks as a member of your volunteer department. Please try to keep your grassroots activities in making contacts with your senator as a part of being a volunteer.

Below is a list of the individuals who will be sworn in on January 4th. If you live in an area where a new person has been elected, please take a moment to introduce yourself :

District 3 Carol Blood Bellevue

District 5 Mike McDonnell Omaha

District 7 Tony Vargas Omaha

District 13 Justin Wayne Omaha

District 15 Lynne Walz Fremont

District 17 Joni Albrecht Thurston

District 21 Mike Hilgers Lincoln

District 23 Bruce Bostelman Brainard

District 25 Suzanne Geist Lincoln

District 27 Anna Wishart Lincoln

District 33 Steve Halloran Hastings

District 35 Dan Quick Grand Island

District 37 John Lowe, Sr. Kearney

District 39 Lou Ann Linehan Elkhorn

District 41 Tom Briese Albion

District 43 Tom Brewer Gordon

District 47 Steve Erdman Bayard

Following is list of those senators who were re-elected:

District 1 Senator Dan Watermeier Syracuse

District 9 Senator Sara Howard Omaha

District 11 Senator Ernie Chambers Omaha

District 19 Senator Jim Scheer Norfolk

District 29 Senator Kate Bolz Lincoln

District 31 Senator Rick Kolowski Omaha

District 45 Senator Sue Crawford Bellevue

District 49 Senator John Murante Gretna

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jerry Stilmock

Syracuse, NE

402-269-2081

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