Rich Pahls represented Nebraska State Senate District 31. Born August 7, 1943, in Jewel, Kansas, he had a distinguished career in education and public service, including as a principal in Millard Public Schools , Omaha City Councilman, and state senator. He served District 31 from 2005-2013, was re-elected in 2020, and sat on the Banking, Commerce and Insurance, and Revenue Committees. During the 107th Legislature, he introduced 10 bills, three of which passed. Pahls passed away on April 27, 2022, at age 78 due to complications from cancer.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Fort Hays University in Kansas; PhD in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
• Political Experience: Teacher and administrator in Millard Public Schools for 32 years; Omaha City Councilman; Nebraska State Senator for District 31 .