Advent is a beautiful time to reflect on the coming of Christ into the world. At the Nebraska Catholic Conference (“NCC”), we are preparing for another coming: the state legislative session.
The 2017 legislative session begins Jan. 4 and marks the convening of the 105th Legislature which will take place over a two-year period (biennium). The first session (2017) of the biennium occurs over a 90-day period. The second session (2018) of the biennium occurs over a 60-day period.
As you read the newspapers or watch the evening news, you are aware our legislature faces many issues. In fact, every year, our state senators introduce for consideration somewhere between 500-600 legislative bills. It goes without saying: there will be plenty to follow.
As we anticipate this year’s legislative session, I wanted to provide some practical advice to prepare for the 105th Legislature.
Visit NCC’s Website and join “Catholic Advocacy Network of Nebraska” (CANN). For most people, tracking all (or even some) of the business of the state legislature is out of the question. This is understandable as the everyday tasks and responsibilities of life can oftentimes take precedence. But this does not mean you should be left unaware of the issues our state government is confronting, especially issues that directly concern Catholic faith and morals (e.g., life, marriage, family, religious liberty, education, poverty, immigration).
At the NCC, we maintain a website (www.necatholic.org) that tracks major legislation of concern to Catholics. On our website (www.necatholic.org), you can also sign up for our “Catholic Advocacy Network of Nebraska.” Through CANN, we provide e-mail updates on the work of the legislature and notify you when Catholics need to take action and contact their state senator. CANN ensures that Nebraska’s Catholic voice resonates in the halls of our state capitol.
The people of Nebraska are considered the “second house” to the state legislature, which means your voice matters to our state senators. As it is etched above the north doors of our state capitol building: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”
Follow NCC on Social Media. The NCC maintains a page on Facebook and Twitter. ‘Like’ the “Nebraska Catholic Conference” page on Facebook and ‘Follow’ @NECatholic on Twitter. Our Facebook and Twitter pages contain regularly updated content regarding the activity of the NCC and state government.
Contact NCC’s Office & Host Us at Your Parish. While the internet can sometimes be the easiest way to deliver updates, please know you are always welcome to contact us personally to learn more about the issues (402.477.7517). Also, we are always happy to come to your parish and provide updates or give issue-specific presentations.
Learn about the Unicameral. Our legislature has a user-friendly website (www.nebraskalegislature.gov) that provides ample resources to learn more about the legislative process. For example, you can learn the basics of the lawmaking process (i.e., how an idea goes from a bill to law), refresh your history of the unicameral, track introduced legislation, or research past legislation.
Learn about Your State Senator. The legislature’s website also provides a separate page for each state senator. Many state senators maintain regular content to inform constituents about the legislature’s activity. As well, you can easily find your senator’s contact information. Never be afraid to reach out to your Senator—in fact, they are often pleased to hear from constituents.
I highly encourage you to get to know your state senator. Term limits are beginning to have a visible effect on the make-up of the legislative body. For instance, there are seventeen new senators and another seventeen who have served the legislature for only two years. This means there are a lot of new faces in the legislature. It is critical to know who your state senator is, understand their policy positions, and know how they vote on the issues.
Pray. Most importantly, pray for the NCC and pray for our state senators. Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fill the halls of the state capitol, so that our state might secure the common good for all Nebraskans.
