Legislature week one

Senator Charlie Janssen’s Weekly Column

Week one in the legislature had its normal pomp and circumstance, which is the swearing in of new senators and the seating of the committee chairs and committees. Once again, I am on the Transportation/Telecommunications and Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Committees. I also was elected to chair the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. I look forward to continuing my work on these committees over the next two years.

As promised, I did put forth LB48, known as the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act for Nebraska. This has gained much attention statewide and nationally for some of its similarities to the Arizona illegal immigration bill passed last year. (post continued)While there is much to say about that bill, I do not want to focus on it in this column. This week, I want to reflect on the tragic events last Wednesday at Millard South High School.

That tragedy took place on our opening day in Lincoln and turned what is usually a nice day of catching up with friends and colleagues into a very somber afternoon when news of the shootings made it to the State Capitol.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Millard School District and especially to the families of the victims shot by Robert Butler, Jr.

In this case the disgruntled and recently suspended Butler turned a gun on Asst. Principal Vicki Kasper, shot and killed her. He then shot Principal Curtis Case before taking his own life. Tragic events all, and they made me reflect on just how difficult it has to be on educators when dealing with our children.

That evening, I was thinking about my own family members who are heavily involved in education, both as administrators and teachers. I was wondering what they must feel like after the events of the day unfolded. Then, as if on cue, I received a call from my cousin, Mike Janssen, who has been a teacher and administrator in the Blair Public Schools system since the mid-eighties.

The message he wanted passed on was just how much these administrators and teachers care about all of these kids. And that means they care when they are handing out suspensions and they do it in hopes of bettering that kid. I personally recall Mike student teaching me at Nickerson Elementary School. He was teaching me a lesson and I wasn’t getting it. Recess happened and I ran off, only to be called back by him. I believe his words were along the lines of “you are not going anywhere till you figure this out knucklehead.” I also recall a customary finger flick to the forehead being applied.

I wish I had the solution to stop this from ever happening again. But for now I just want to thank all of the educators out there for their hard work and dedication. And a special thank you to my teachers and administrators over the years. I was not always the role model student, but not once did I feel a teacher gave up on me. And to Mike, I get it now. Educators’ jobs are very difficult and I appreciate you (and all educators) for knowing when to flick the forehead or to pat it. A decision that now seems could be a life or death decision.