FCCLA Attends Legislative Workshop
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFCCLA members Shayla Jacobsen, Katherine Enriquez, Ilyana Barron, Anika Robinson, Kiley Richter, along with Adviser Ronita Jacobsen traveled to Lincoln February 7th to attend the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers of Nebraska (FCSTN) 2024 Legislative Workshop. The day began at 8:00 am at the Capitol Building in a Hearing Room where they were welcomed by the FCSTN President, reviewed the day, and participated in ice breakers with the FCCLA State Officers.
Ranae Aspen, Statewide Youth Tobacco Specialist, was the first speaker of the day. She represented No Limits NE, spoke about their program and work, and encouraged chapter members to participate in Take Down Tobacco Day April 1.
Cole Lumsden, from Senator Deb Fisher’s office, spoke to chapter members about his involvement in the campaign trail and working in the capitol. Members were impressed with his level of involvement and professionalism as he was a freshman in college.
Members then participated in a guided tour of the capitol. They learned about the history, design, and artwork of the building. An interesting portion of the tour was the mural of the Blizzard of 1888, when the guide mentioned a teacher near Plainview who was trying to get home got lost in the blizzard. According to the story, the teacher’s name was Lois Royce and she was attempting to get home with three small children. The children perished and she lost her limbs below the knees. The mural took on new meaning with the story of a Plainview native as the focal point.
After the tour, Members observed the legislative session in action from the balcony and were recognized by the floor. During their 45 minutes of observation time, they were able to watch several bills be voted upon and pass. They also noticed a lighthearted attitude and friendship between senators at this point in the session. Members who were at the workshop last noted the difference. “Last year the halls were filled with protestors, media, and security. Everyone was very tense. Today everyone seemed to be having fun and happy.” stated Shayla Jacobsen.
Following the observation session, Plainview and Neligh Chapter Members were able to meet with Senator DeKay. They talked with him about bills that were in hearings they had heard about that day and asked questions regarding his support of them. Senator DeKay spent extra time with the members giving them additional interesting facts about specific features of the capital and the library.
For lunch, FCCLA members walked to the Governor’s Mansion for a catered lunch in the lower ballroom. After lunch they were given a guided tour of the lower and main levels of the mansion.
Members then returned to the capital where they took the elevator to the top to finish out their tour of the capital. Once back to the ground floor, members attended hearings of their choice. Students were interested in hearings LB876 Adopt the Newborn Safe Haven Act, LB1178 Create the Intergenerational Care Facility Incentive Grant Program, and LB857 Create the Nebraska Prenatal Plus Program.
“It was interesting to see the legislative process in action. To be able to see the senators talk about their bills and give the reasons they want them to pass or not was very interesting,” stated Jacobsen. Ilyana Barron agreed, “This was a very educational day that I would attend again. I learned a lot about the process it takes to make something become a law.”
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