Erdman Edition: Student Senators Visit Lincoln

On Monday, March 31, sixteen students from the 47th District arrived in Lincoln for the Student Senator Program. The Students were chosen based on their applications and references by individuals who are not from the district to ensure impartiality. Again, it was not my decision as to which students would participate in the program.

Student Senators who participated (by county) included: Jessie Bolton, Marshall Milanuk, and Christopher Fischer from Garden County; Tyler Gifford, Rebekah Knaub, and Shaun Jones from Banner County; Mollie Baliman, Emily Stull, and Katie Haun from Kimball County; Seth Oliverius, Monica Kurth, and Nicole Troelstrup from Cheyenne County; Nicole Littlejohn, Timothy Kinoshita, Morgan Fricke, and Hannah Fagler from Deuel County.

The students arrived Monday evening for introductions and orientation with my staff and my wife and daughter, Cortney and Grace. Tuesday the students were at the Capitol. First, they watched as the Supreme Court heard oral argument on pending cases. They took a tour of the Capitol followed by observing the Legislature in session where they were introduced on the floor. The students had lunch at the Governor's Mansion with Senators Mike Friend of Omaha, Dave Pankonin of Louisville, Tony Fulton of Lincoln, and Tim Gay of Papillion. After lunch, the students met in one of the hearing rooms to talk with Chauncey Moss, a page from the 47th District. The students then participated in a mock committee hearing and debate on LB 1044 and LB 1116, the State Fair Bills. This was followed by meeting with Chief Justice Mike Heavican of the Supreme Court and then once again observing the legislature. To end the day we had dinner at the hotel and then the students went bowling with me and my staff.

On Wednesday, the students started the day touring the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex. They then met with Governor Dave Heineman followed by Chief Deputy Ron Moravec from the Secretary of State's office and State Auditor Mike Foley. The students had lunch with Senators Greg Adams of York and Chris Langemeier of Schuyler. Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha joined us after lunch to address the students. Before returning home the students toured the Governor's mansion and then met with Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy.

This was the seventh year for the Student Senator Program and it was another tremendous success. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of the individuals and businesses in District 47. A sincere thank you to all contributors: Embarq, Union Pacific, Kimball-Banner County Farm Bureau, Valley Bank and Trust, Kraupie's of Bridgeport, George Risk Industries, Tier One Bank, Nebraska Rural Electric Association on behalf of Panhandle Rural Electric Membership, and Nebraska Agri-Business Association. I would also like to thank Jeri Ferguson of Kimball, John Jones of Harrisburg, Cathy Erdman of Bayard, and Mike Fricke of Chappell for accompanying the students.

This program would not have been possible without the cooperation of the local schools and leaders who allowed their students to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I want to thank the student senators for their interest in the program, and their willingness to become involved in their government. I sincerely enjoyed the time we spent together and I invite others to talk to the students who took part in this program to learn more about this opportunity for the students of the 47th District. It is my sincere hope that my successor will continue this program. I will assist in whatever way I can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this column. As always feel free to contact me at my Lincoln office either by mail: Sen. Philip Erdman, District 47, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604; by email: perdman@leg.ne.gov; or by phone: (866) 800-7445.