LINCOLN- On Wednesday, Gov. Jim Pillen announced the appointment of Fred Meyer to the District 41 legislative seat, which was previously held by Nebraska's new State Treasurer Tom Briese. Meyer hails from Saint Paul, Nebraska. The newly-appointed senator was selected from among 16 applicants. Meyer holds a Bachelor of Science, Ag Education, and Animal Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Meyer previously served as President of the Nebraska Board of Education, and was sworn in by Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who also served on the Board with Meyer.

Meyer said he’s passionate about education, agriculture, and natural resources. Meyer he said he didn’t think, as a new senator, he would be spearheading any major initiatives, but said he wanted to look at how ag land is valued in Nebraska, particularly scrutinizing profability versus selling price. Meyer said that the biggest issue facing education in Nebraska was the lack of certified teachers. He said the state needs to prioritize encouraging young people to get into — and stay in — education, suggesting that investing in student teaching to make sure such interns are paid might help overcome that hurdle.

Treasurer Tom Briese, who previously served District 41 in the Legislature, vacated his seat after being appointed to the Treasurer's Office by Gov. Pillen following the resignation of former Treasurer John Murante. A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed after Wednesday’s announcement that Meyer will not be running for the district’s state senate seat once the remainder of Briese’s term comes to an end.

District 41 is comprised of Wheeler, Boone, Greeley, Valley, Sherman, and Howard Counties, as well as portions of Buffalo and Hall Counties.

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