Sen. Hughes excited for new term

State Sen. Dan Hughes was overwhelmed with the support he received during the general election.

Hughes of Venango won the Nebraska Legislature seat for the 44th District, against opponent Stephanie L. Malcolm of Palisade with 77 percent of the votes in the 10-county district.

“They must think I’m doing a good job,” Hughes said. “I’m very grateful for their support.”

The Nebraska Legislature will begin session on Jan. 9 in Lincoln.

Before the session starts, Hughes will continue refining the bills he’s been working on.

“I’ve got several bills that I’ve worked on over the summer,” he said, “some very specific to the 44th District; some more specific to the state.”

He’s also been talking to people and getting their impressions on those bills.

There are several new senators, including Dave Murman of Glenvil, who is now the state senator for neighboring District 38.

“I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with my new colleagues,” he said of the new senators. 

There were meetings last week in Nebraska City for senators to gather and talk about the studies they’ve completed over the summer.

Hughes said it would also be an opportunity to learn more about each other and start building relationships.

Hughes is also on a special committee for LR 127, which created the Nebraska Justice System Special Oversight Committee. They met in mid-October to discuss adult justice system programs and policies.

In his column posted on Oct. 11, Hughes mentioned LR 127, saying, “The Work Ethic Camp in McCook is part of our Corrections System and I want to make sure we are doing the best job possible with the resources allocated and to ensure the public’s safety.”