charters, financial literacy standards and workforce housing. His banking experience has proven invaluable in navigating these complicated topics. Another banker, Sen. Rob Clements (District 2), was appointed and subsequently elected to his position in 2018. He serves as a member of the Appropriations Committee, where his background in budgeting and actuarial science has been a valuable asset. Sen. Clements is currently running for reelection. I am especially thankful for the past, present and future public service of these bankers. Recruiting and electing competent leaders who can process and analyze complicated issues while seeking win-win scenarios cannot be understated. Voter-implemented legislative term limits have altered the number and experience of the candidates who are willing to put their names on the ballot. Term limits have also reduced the long-term institutional knowledge within the body. In addition, the $12,000 salary for state senators makes pursuing a legislative seat financially impossible for a significant number of potential candidates. Nebraska bankers must proactively encourage candidates to run for local, state and national elected offices. Bankers can get involved by vetting and recruiting candidates, hosting candidate coffees or fundraisers, putting up campaign signs or flyers and other activities. Your bank and its employees could also contribute to efforts like the NBA BankPAC. At the direction of the NBA BankPAC Committee, these collective banker funds support pro-banking and pro-business candidates. Finally, as leaders in your community, I strongly encourage you and/or members of your bank’s staff to consider running for office like the four bankers currently serving in the Legislature! NEBRASKA BANKERS ASSOCIATION 9
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