You may think the learning curve was steep in the state Legislature this year because term limits brought in 22 new senators from all over the state.

You would be right.

But seasoned senators say they learned a lot, too.

In a survey, senators both new and experienced wrote about lessons this session — everything from the effects of term limits to the civility and collegiality on the floor to the importance of being prepared.

Several mentioned the valuable instruction from the senior member of the Legislature, Ernie Chambers of Omaha, who has served 37 years.

“I learned and we all learned from Senator Chambers, who serenaded us, read poetry to us, wrote poetry, told biblical stories, recounted history, provided lessons in constitutional law and explained the rules and procedures of the Legislature,” said Lincoln Sen. DiAnna Schimek, the second senior member with 19 years served.

Even though he did it primarily for the benefit of new senators, she said, everybody learned and was  entertained.

Sen. Arnie Stuthman of Platte Center, who has been around seven years, said he also continued to learn from Chambers, who reads and understands the majority of the bills that will affect — in one way or another — everyone in Nebraska. 

Sen. Kent Rogert of Tekamah requested and received a seat next to Chambers. He learned from his neighbor how to slow down legislation with certain motions and propose amendments to make bills better.

Omaha Sen. Mike Friend, also a  seven-year veteran, said in-depth experience and years of work in the legislative environment are valuable, but hard work and aggressiveness, which he learned from Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk, are equally important.

Knowing the rules helps senators do their jobs better. Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler expanded his knowledge of procedure by spending a great deal of time in the presiding officer’s chair.

“With an increased understanding of the rules, it has allowed me to be more effective as a legislator,” he said.

While civility in the outside world sometimes seems to be diminishing, it thrived this year in the Legislature.

“I was reminded of the need for civility, trust and earning respect,” said Sen. Greg Adams of York.

 After Sen. Tim Gay of Papillion  took a lead position to work vigorously against Omaha Sen. Don Preister’s priority bill, a constitutional amendment to raise senators’ salaries, Preister rose above petty politics. The next day, he was the deciding vote to advance from committee Gay’s priority bill on income tax deductions for the Nebraska educational savings plan trust.

“Because of Senator Preister’s actions, my bill was passed by the full Legislature,” Gay said. 

“Even those who are your political and personal opposite will be your ally many times in a session,” Rogert said.

Making a budget proved educational for five new senators.

Lincoln Sen. Tony Fulton said the process could use some repair.

The budget is not scrutinized by most senators because of the immense size of programs, agencies and commissions. There is time only for committee members to look closely at 5 percent of a given request, he said.

Sen. Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek ran the Appropriations Committee. Sen. John Harms of Scottsbluff said Heidemann was an excellent role model for patience, allowing members to debate openly and intervening only when it was time to make a decision.

The first year of term limits  proved interesting to many.

For Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, term limits appeared to increase the authority and power of the executive branch of government, evidenced by senators’  unwillingness to override the governor’s vetoes on the budget.

“We lost a great deal of institutional experience,” said Sen. Gwen Howard of Omaha. But she was impressed with senators’ willingness to do their homework to prepare for debate on bills.

Chambers and Flood taught Sen. Tom Carlson of Holdrege about preparedness and presentation.

Preparation was also an important lesson for new Omaha Sen. Pete Pirsch.

“There is a great deal of work required to be an effective legislator,” he said. “Reading and analyzing hundreds of lengthy bills and amendments, responding to constituent questions and input and numerous other tasks require great amounts of time.

“So preparation and time management are key skills I mastered out of necessity.”

Part of being prepared, said Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton, is never being afraid to ask questions.

“I need the benefits of institutional memory and expertise,” she said.

Committee work gave several senators meaningful experience.

Lincoln Sen. Danielle Nantkes said major policy debates greatly benefitted from extensive committee consideration.

“We also witnessed the disorder that can arise when committees are unable to reach consensus,” she said. 

Sen. Deb Fischer of Valentine learned a lot about running a committee. Past and present chairs taught her the importance of being thorough, inclusive, well-researched and flexible.

With help from diverse and experienced members of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, she said, “We were able to advance important legislation from the floor early in the session, which helped to ultimately get the bills passed.”

The nonpartisan nature of the Legislature impressed Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery.

“It’s not until you actually are a participant in the process that you realize how true it really is and how important it is to effective policymaking,” he said.

The urban/rural divide is more real than partisan politics, he said.

And lastly, this lesson from Sen. Tom Hansen of North Platte: “Some ideas never die. Don’t give up on a bill ’til sine die. Patience is a virtue.”

Reach JoAnne Young at 473-7228 or jyoung@journalstar.com.