She Still Has Our Backs

For well over a week nothing has been done in the Nebraska legislature and for us it is a good thing!

Nebraska hasn't passed a single bill this session, amid filibusters over trans rights

NPR

By Patrick Wood

April 7, 2023

Nebraska lawmakers haven't passed a single bill this session, as a state lawmaker continues a weeks-long filibuster protest over trans rights and vows to "burn this session to the ground" if she has to.

Who is she? Democratic state senator Machaela Cavanaugh.

Starting in February, Cavanaugh has filibustered every bill that has come before the legislature this session.

She is protesting proposal LB574 — or the "Let Them Grow Act" — which was put forward by a Republican lawmaker.

Under the bill's current version, physicians would be barred from providing gender-affirming procedures and care for Nebraska residents younger than 19.

Cavanaugh talks for up to 12 hours a day on the floor to prevent bills passing, speaking on everything from the bills themselves to her favorite salads. 

And she has made her intentions clear: "If this legislature collectively decides that legislating hate against children is our priority, then I am going to make it painful — painful — for everyone."

[…]

What are people saying?

Speaking to NPR on Friday, Cavanaugh said she was pushing back against a new trend in politics.

I don't know why, as a nation, as policymakers, there is this newfound focus on trans children. Trans children have always existed. They have always lived in our society, in our schools, in our families. And all of the sudden, there is a decision by policymakers that we need to do something about them. It doesn't make any sense to me. And so I don't think any policies that restrict the rights of children, because they are trans, are appropriate.

Cavanaugh acknowledged that important bills were not being passed because of her filibuster, but put the onus on the legislature leaders who have the power to remove proposal LB574.

Good for her!

She is standing up to the Republican steamroller.

So, what now?

The current session in Nebraska ends on June 9 and Cavanaugh said she would continue to filibuster as long as needed.

On proposal LB574, Cavanaugh told NPR: "I would love to come back after our recess weekend, and for there to be an end point. That is what I hope for every single day, it is what I am striving for every single day. I continue to remain open to talking about what an end point could be."

It is going to get harder for her, I hope other Democrats has the guts to stand up to the Republicans.

She deserves the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award