State senators respond to formal investigation into Sen. Steve Halloran
Sens. Julie Slama, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh — brother and sister — said they're disappointed and frustrated no one consulted them about the investigation prior to its announcement Wednesday. And when KETV asked Slama if the investigation is a positive step forward, she flat out said no.
"It serves as a way for leadership in the legislature to conveniently sweep Senator Halloran's actions under the rug," Slama said.
In response to Halloran's actions Monday during floor debate over LB 441, an obscenity bill, Sen. Raymond Aguilar said he personally appointed a Special Personnel Panel consisting of three legislative members to conduct a formal investigation into Halloran's actions.
Previous coverage: Some call for Nebraska state senator to resign following Monday debate. See the story here.
"The lack of public comment from the Executive Board has led to some unfortunate assertion since that this incident was being swept under the rug," Aguilar said. "This could not be further from the case."
Slama said this investigation is unnecessary because Halloran's comments were made publicly.
"If anybody were to make those comments in any other workplace in the state of Nebraska, they wouldn't have a job the next day," Slama said. "They'd be open to civil liability. Creation of a hostile workplace."
Slama said the investigation will stop legitimate consequences like a censure or expulsion.
"As soon as we're off session for the year, we won't have the full legislature to take a vote on any of these things," Slama said.
Trying to combat that and ensure a public hearing, Machaela Cavanaugh filed a resolution for censure of Halloran late Wednesday.
"I want the opportunity for others to weigh in on it," Machaela Cavanaugh said. "And I want the opportunity for the legislature to vote to say that this is unacceptable."
John Cavanaugh said he's not sure what consequence is appropriate for Halloran, but he does see the irony in his situation.
"I was trying to do the work of the people of the state of Nebraska and of my district and focus on protecting free speech for librarians and teachers," John Cavanaugh said. "And to have a verbal assault by a opponent of free speech who now is going to rely on free speech to protect them is ironic to me."
LB 441 failed by three votes Wednesday. Slama said it's another result of Halloran's actions.
"If anybody is wondering who to blame when it comes to why this bill was unable to pass this year, it's that's on Senator Halloran," Slama said.
Halloran told KETV due to the confidentiality of the investigation, he is refraining from public comment at this time. He apologized Tuesday but refused to resign.
Both Cavanaughs and Slama said his apology wasn't enough.