University of Nebraska Lincoln - Cornhusker Yearbook (Lincoln, NE)

Page 19 text:

UMCAMEML With their legislature elected on a non-partisan ballot, the people of Ne- braska are now represented by 19 demo- crats and 24 republicans. In the spirit of a non-partisan legislature, Nebraska ' s law- makers align themselves, in accordance with the interests of the voters and not with an eye toward party affiliation. Both members and non-members of the legis- lature are its officers. Its president is the state ' s Lieutenant-Governor, not a uni- cameral member. The Clerk, his assistant, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and the assistant Sergeant are employees. Most dis- tinguished office open to members of the legislature is that of the speaker, whose duties are primarily those of the peace- maker. Important also is the chairmanship of the Committee on Committees. Each legislator must serve on one committee, may serve on two, excepting the com- mittee on appropriations. During its session the legislature meets mornings to introduce measures and to debate. Afternoons are devoted to meet- ings of the fourteen standing committees. Lobbying exists under this system, consist- ing usually of testifying before committees concerning the advantages of certain measures. A proposed measure goes first to the bill drafter. After reading the bill to the legislature, the Clerk refers it to the appro- priate committee, which holds a hearing on the bill. If not postponed indefinitely or killed after the first general debate, it is referred with any amendments to the Committee on Enrollment and Review. After a second general debate, it returns to the same committee for engrossment, the final polishing process. After a third read- ing before the legislature, the bill receives the final vote. George Santo, sergeant-at-arms Hugh flshmore and Dr. fl. L. parley on some Miller hold measure Youngest solon, Peter Gutoski Oldest member, fl. M. Johnston [15]

Page 18 text:

FAT VI V i;.s K Cs ; ' AT . i ' ■ T, Ni rio r r.iNic r U,H,- T. ' N V r tV) A - sTrau r-v -i re; i-i 1 I in. NEBRASKA ' S Due in large part to the efforts of Sen- ator George R. Norris and of Jol-in P. Senn- ing, university professor of political science, Nebraska ' s laws have been made by a unicameral legislature since January, 1937. Legalized by an amendment in 1934, the unique system was carefully planned, and the state was divided into electoral di stricts by the 1935 bicameral legislature, its membership comprising 30 senators and 100 representatives. The first members, 43 in number, were elected in November, 1936. rwj

Page 20 text:

Roy L. Cochran, Governor Unique tSolons Wiiliam E- Johnson, Lieutenant-Governor li JO F Srb, Clerk oi the Ley: Now serving the legislature are com- mittees on agriculture; appropriations; banking; commerce and insurance; claims and deficiencies; education; enrollment and review; judiciary; government; labor and public welfare; legislative administra- tion; public health and miscellaneous sub- jects; public works, revenue and rules. Nebraska ' s solons for 1939 are Ernest A. Adams, Omaha; John Adams, jr., Omaha; Hugh B. Ashmore, Palisade; Frank J. Brady, Atkinson; Emil E. Brodecky, Howells; John S. Callan, Odell; Swan Carlson, Funk; Fred L. Carsten, Avoca; George L. Craven, Lincoln; W. H. Diers-, Gresham, speaker; John F. Doyle, Greeley; Lester L. Dunn, Lincoln; Harry E. Gantz, Alliance; Daniel Garber, Red Cloud; George B. Gross, Valentine; Peter B. Gutoski, Omaha; Leland R. Hall, Roseland; Jay Hastings, Osceola; Charles R. Herrick, Curtis; L M. Howard, Flats; Richard N. Johnson, Fremont; A. M. Johnston, Doni- phan; Sam Klaver, Omaha; Tom Lambert, Columbus; John E. Mekota, Crete; A. L. Mil- ler, Kimball; Martin J. Mischke, Crafton; Fred A. Mueller, Kearney; L. B. Murphy, Scottsbluff; Chairman of Committee on Committees; E. M. Neubauer, Orleans; Wil- liam J. Norman, Omaha; Carl H. Peterson, Norfolk; Joseph C. Leavis, Falls City; Jaiues E. Reed, Lincoln; J. B. RossUer, Walthill; Ed- win Schultz, Elgin; Frank Sorrell, Syracuse; Amos Thomas, Omaha; Lyndon J. Thorn- ton, Fairbury; Charles F. Tvrdik, Omaha; A. C. Van Diest, Almeria; E. M. Von Seg- gern. West Point; M. E. Westley, Brainard. U6J