Lincoln State Senator Mike Hilgers Selected As Speaker Of Legislature

Lincoln State Senator Mike Hilgers is the first speaker from the capitol city to be elected to the post since 1977. The unanimous selection put Hilgers in charge of the daily agenda and prioritizing the agenda.

In his floor speech, Hilgers said “When this place works right, there is nothing like it in the country,” he said.

The District 21 representative takes over after Norfolk State Senator Jim Sheer term limited out.

Hilgers told his colleagues he would strive to open lines of communication between senators, and provide full and fair debate on issues.

“And keep our eyes to the horizon and try to make the imaginary real and tackle the challenges the way I know Nebraskans expect we will, then I think we will join a long list and a long line of pioneers,” he said.

Governor Pete Ricketts congratulated Hilgers.

“He brings great experience and rapport with his colleagues to the role. From a new two-year budget and redistricting to tax relief and controlling spending, we have important work in front of us,” Ricketts said. “I look forward to collaborating with Speaker Hilgers and all the members of the Unicameral on the people’s priorities in the coming weeks and months.”

Hilgers’s selection lasts two years.

“What should Nebraska expect of us? What should Nebraska expect of the 107th Legislature?” Hilgers questioned. “Because the truth is we face incredible challenges here.”