Hughes' Views: Interim hearing on Red Cedars planned

This week the Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, will host its first interim hearing of the fall. 

Committees hold interim hearings as a result of a legislative resolution that was passed during the previous session authorizing the committee to study an issue. 

I introduced LR 387 after several groups asked for an opportunity to have a broader platform to discuss the growing problem of the spread of Eastern Red Cedar trees. 

This week 

The hearing will be held  Friday, Aug. 31 at the state capitol, beginning at 1 p.m. CT, in hearing room 1525.

I would like to update you a little on the process of an interim hearing.

For interim study hearings, testifiers speak on a topic in general, giving their perspective on an issue and how he or she believes the Legislature should address policy on the subject. 

There is no “proponent” and “opponent” testimony. The hearing is an opportunity for the committee to learn about the issues related to a certain topic.

Often when a committee holds interim hearings, it invites testifiers to speak to the committee on certain aspects of an issue on which such testifiers have expertise. 

Since the primary goal of LR 387 is to educate and update the committee on Eastern Red Cedars, we have invited some subject matter experts. 

They include a UNL professor of ecology, the Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Forest Service, and Nebraska Educational Lands and Funds. 

We will learn more about the benefits and problems associated with the use of Eastern Red Cedar trees, the management challenges, and if there is a role the Legislature should play to help.

Applications for pages

If any college-aged students from the 44th district are coming to Lincoln to attend school and would like to be a page, please send a resume to my office before 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, Sept. 14 so that I can write a letter of recommendation for you. 

Your application will be due in the clerk’s office by Sept. 28. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for young adults to see how the nation’s only unicameral works. 

It is a great way to get involved and learn more about your state government.

I always enjoy hearing from the Nebraskans I represent. 

Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you might have.

Read more about bills and other work of the Legislature at www.nebraskalegislature.gov. Click on the Live Video Streaming NET logo to watch sessions, hearings, and other Capitol events.