Senator 'blessed, humbled' over public response

Last week was a busy and stressful week, but also one that solidified in our minds what great friends and support we have as well as what happens when the district turns out on important issues.

Thank you so much to all of you who traveled so far to be here in Lincoln for the water bill hearing. Thank you to everyone who supports my efforts here, in both seen and unseen ways.

And, most of all, we wish to thank all those who took care of our daughter after her auto accident and to all those who prayed and helped out in giving of their time and love in a multitude of different ways and continue to do so. I am consistently blessed and humbled by these outpourings.

I estimate that at least 200 people were in attendance at the LB701 hearing, with the vast majority in support of me as I work with others to help alleviate the water problems.

Because our daughter was being flown into Lincoln soon and I wanted to be there for her when she arrived, I was unable to attend the entire hearing after my opening remarks. But, Sen. Louden's office graciously put a "rush" on getting the transcript typed out so I will be able to read about what I missed.

I do appreciate the input -- all of it, not just the comments in support. I consider this and every bill to be a work in progress where people should feel welcome to give perspectives on making legislation most fair to everyone.

On Friday, our daughter went through long surgery to fix vertebrae broken in the accident. She's been through a lot of pain, but she's hanging in there and is mending. We have so much for which to be thankful.

She was alone in the vehicle on a lonely country road on a cold night. She was thrown from the vehicle, but she had her cell phone in her pocket, she was conscious, and she was able to call 911 herself. She was tended by excellent emergency crews promptly and professionally as well as other great medical staff all along the way since. We've had great friends accompany her in transport, pray for her and for us, and do all the daily things needing done that we haven't been able to do for ourselves right now. Again, our many thanks to you all.

As far as other hearings go, the two scheduled for last Thursday were postponed to a later date because of the weather. So, my marriage education bill, my bill regarding cloning, and my bill striving for a solution to parking around the Capitol will all be coming to hearing sometime in the next few weeks. Soon, we will have full-day sessions, too. As always, keep giving input. I want to hear from you.