Senate confirms multiple gubernatorial appointees, advances small maternal-health appropriation

The Nebraska Legislature on Friday adopted committee reports confirming several gubernatorial appointments and advanced a small maternal-health appropriation.

The Revenue Committee reported favorably on the nomination of James Cune to the Tax Equalization and Review Commission; the full Senate adopted the committee report. The Natural Resources Committee reported favorably on three nominees to the Environmental Quality Council — Kevin Peterson (Osceola, farmer), Jessica Colderman (Seward, director of administration, Lincoln Premium Poultry), and Lance Headquist (South Sioux City, city administrator) — and the Senate adopted those confirmations by voice vote as reported in the journal.

On general file, Senator Quick explained LB365, an appropriations bill to provide blood-pressure monitors and data reporting for Medicaid-enrolled pregnant patients. The sponsor said the fiscal note was small (first year roughly $9,600; subsequent years about $19,000) and asked that the bill be advanced; the Senate voted to advance LB365 to E & R initial.

The Clerk also announced committee hearing notices, agency filings, and registration reports for lobbyists. The body adjourned and set its next convening as indicated on the journal.