WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LR 276

Congratulate Andrew Ozaki on his retirement and express sincere appreciation for his outstanding contributions to our state

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Fredrickson

The resolution congratulates Andrew Ozaki on his retirement after 43 years of reporting, praising his fair, objective coverage of Nebraska’s Legislature and state government.

Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LR 276

Summary of LR276: Congratulate Andrew Ozaki on his retirement

What this bill is

  • Type: Legislative Resolution (non-binding ceremonial measure)
  • Bill Number: LR276
  • Title: Congratulate Andrew Ozaki on his retirement and express sincere appreciation for his outstanding contributions to our state
  • Legislature: Nebraska, One Hundred Ninth Legislature, First Session
  • Status: Adopted
  • Introduced: May 22, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution
  • Sponsors: Led by Primary Sponsor Fredrickson (and a broad list of co-sponsors)

Purpose and intent

  • The resolution publicly congratulates Andrew Ozaki on the occasion of his retirement as KETV's Lincoln Bureau Chief.
  • It expresses sincere appreciation for his forty-three years of reporting, his dedication to fair and objective journalism, and his contributions to Nebraska’s public life, including extensive coverage of the Legislature and state government.

Key provisions and provisions in the bill

  • WHEREAS clauses (factual statements backing the honor) describe:
    • Ozaki’s retirement after 43 years in journalism, including decades of work in Nebraska and at the Legislature.
    • His education (Lincoln High School; University of Nebraska-Lincoln, degrees in Political Science and Journalism).
    • His career path (internship at KETV during college; work at KOLN/KGIN; return to KETV in the Capitol Bureau).
    • His institutional knowledge gained from covering the Legislature and state government for many years, including eight Nebraska Governors.
    • Recognition as part of the team that received the National Edward R. Murrow Award for “Chronicle: Mission to Africa.”
    • Personal details about his family (wife Margaret; three sons; four grandchildren) and the impact of his work on family and community.
    • The notion that Ozaki’s retirement leaves a legacy for future community leaders and Nebraska media.
  • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
    1. The Legislature congratulates Andrew Ozaki on his retirement and expresses sincere appreciation for his outstanding contributions to Nebraska.
    2. A copy of the resolution will be sent to Andrew Ozaki.

What or who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Andrew Ozaki, recognizing his career and retirement.
  • Secondary beneficiaries: The Nebraska media community and the public, which receives formal recognition of a longtime journalist’s contributions to state government coverage.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Laid over: May 22, 2025 (introduction date)
  • Adopted: June 2, 2025
  • Signed by: President/Speaker on June 2, 2025
  • Effective impact: Ceremonial; conveys goodwill and formal recognition from the Legislature. No fiscal impact or statutory changes.

Potential impact and implications

  • Enhances public gratitude and acknowledgement of journalism’s role in state governance.
  • Serves as a reference point for the value of long-term, nonpartisan reporting on state government.
  • Provides a formal, publicly accessible record of Ozaki’s career achievements and contributions to Nebraska.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.