I was elected to my first term in the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 and soon adapted to what became a “normal” Unicameral schedule. However, in 2020, the Unicameral schedule was everything but normal.

Of course, the physical environment was constantly changing within the Capitol due to many remodeling projects. The adoption of COVID-19 safety precautions restricted access to the legislative chamber, and even plexiglass barriers were installed between senators. As you read this, our Unicameral will be in session, and most likely, we will be experiencing anything but “normal.”

As a state senator, I typically make the 30-plus-mile drive from my home daily, arriving at the Capitol about 7:30 a.m. Once at the Capitol, most of my time is spent delivering bills to the chamber floor, meeting with constituents, or preparing for debate and hearings.

Our morning legislative sessions last from 9 a.m. to noon, while afternoon sessions last until 5 p.m. or later. In the waning days of the alternating 60- or 90-day sessions, many times we have been in session until midnight.

When not meeting in the chamber, I participate in hearings that are taking place, as well as spending a lot of time preparing for the next day’s work. On recess days, I either work from home or at the Capitol.

During the summer interim, senators conduct studies for their respective committee assignments. I serve on the Transportation, Telecommunications and Natural Resources committees. During the interim when the Legislature is not in session, I am typically at the Capitol at least one or two days per week.

Learning the job

I soon learned that serving in our Legislature is a huge time commitment. The pure volume of information I need to read and learn about each day is large. I read all of my constituents’ correspondence and try to reply to them as quickly as I can.

I have learned how to prioritize my daily tasks, keep up with the information within my committee assignments and continue to understand and represent the needs of my constituents.

I served in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 2000 and was a member of Nebraska LEAD Class 27 from 2007 to 2009. After retiring from the military, I was very interested in business development, and in learning more about leadership roles and opportunities.

The LEAD Program provided me with educational opportunities at the state, national and international levels. LEAD gave me a broad brushstroke view and insight into our state’s economic drivers, the many educational opportunities at the University of Nebraska and other institutions of higher education within our state, and an overview of production agriculture and related industries.

LEAD gave me and my classmates the opportunity to meet and learn from the leaders of national agriculture organizations and grower associations. LEAD’s international study and travel seminar allows each class to learn about trade opportunities, trade challenges and market needs for U.S. farm products around the world.

LEAD provided me with an up-close and personal look at our important economic functions as a state and a country. LEAD also taught me the importance of being flexible, and this skill will serve me well as I navigate an anything but “normal” Unicameral session this year.

Bostelman serves as District 23 state senator and is a graduate of LEAD 27.