Visitors from Clay Center, Omaha, and Wahoo attended the January PFLAG Cornhusker General Meeting. After the small group support sessions, the evening's program focused on happenings in the Nebraska Legislature, the Nebraska Democratic LGBT Caucus (there is no Republican LGBT Caucus to invite to join us), ACLU-N (American Civil Liberties Union-Nebraska), and CFEP (Citizens for Equal Protection).

The speakers included Tyler Richard, head of Lincoln CFEP, Laurel Marsh, Director of ACLU-N, Lin Quenzer, Chair of the Nebraska LGBT Democratic Caucus, and Michael Gordon, Nebraska Director of CFEP. Some of the legislative bills discussed were the great advance of the anti-bullying LB 205, the two parent adoption bill LB 571 still in the judiciary committee, the death of this session's GLBT anti-discrimination in employment and housing bill LB475 in the judiciary committee. Also people were warned about Real ID Act recently signed by President Bush (See article in this issue.)

It was noted that there needs to be a substantial increase in Nebraska senators' salaries as the current $12,000 a year is too low to allow the average person to even attempt to run for a senator's position. At present mainly well-to-do people and retired people with a steady income can afford to work in the legislature at the 90 and the 60 day sessions. Again the audience was asked to write, call or email senators on issues. When contacting, one's personal experience is the most important thing to a senator.

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