Peru State College photo

PERU – Peru State College journalism student Reagan Connelly is following up on her intern assignment with U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts working as an intern for State Sen. Julie Slama at the Nebraska State Capitol this spring.

She has been writing bill summaries for the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee and taking notes on legislative proceedings.

Sen. Slama credited Connelly for her diligence, intellect and writing skills.

The internship is supported by the Sen. Floyd and Doris Vrtiska Nebraska Unicameral Internship.

Here is a press release from the college:

(Peru, Neb.) – Reagan Connelly, a senior from Panama, Neb., and an interdisciplinary studies major with a political journalism emphasis at Peru State College, is an intern this spring for Senator Julie Slama of District 1 at the Nebraska State Capitol.

Connelly’s internship is funded under the Senator Floyd and Doris (Wagner) Vrtiska Nebraska Unicameral Internship through the Peru State College Foundation.

Last semester, Connelly had an internship in the state office for Nebraska U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts. Connelly was excited for another intern opportunity. She noted, “This semester I am thrilled to be doing another internship, this time with the Nebraska Unicameral. I am working in the office of District 1 representative Julie Slama. Though the internship got off to a rocky start since everyone was snowed in those first few weeks, I’m happy to report that I have now been working regularly at our beautiful Capitol.”

Peru State had offered a paid internship at the State Capitol each legislative session since 2003, with funds provided through the federal work-study program. However, the increases in the minimum wage and demands on the work study program threatened the unicameral internship program. Former State Senator Floyd Vrtiska and his wife Doris stepped forward with a contribution to endow the internship and provide a permanent source of funding for students from Peru State who are seeking experience at the state government level.

Connelly added, “Senator Slama is the head of the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee so my main job is to write bill summaries for the committee. Basically, I must go through these bills article by article and summarize what each article says. It’s tedious work but surprisingly kind of fun! The other thing I get to do is to watch legislative proceedings and take notes on what is discussed. It is interesting to get a front row seat to what our state government is up to!”

Floyd Vrtiska served in the Nebraska Unicameral as the representative of District 1 from 1992-2004. As a state senator, he was a strong advocate for Peru State College. He secured funding for an expansion of the Hoyt Science Building. In addition, Floyd served terms on the Nebraska State College Board of Trustees and the Peru State College Foundation Board of Directors.

Senator Slama stated, "Reagan Connelly has been an invaluable asset during her internship within the Nebraska Legislature, excelling in research, analysis, and writing for both District 1 work and the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee. Her analytical, diligence, intellect, and writing skills have enhanced the work in this office as she consistently delivers high-quality work. She is undoubtedly poised to be an asset in her future endeavors. I am so thankful for her help this year!"

Connelly has been active during her time on the Peru State campus. She has been a member of the Peru State Times staff for the past two years and has also participated in the Catholic Student Union and Social Science Club. Connelly has also been a peer tutor and has taken part in the College’s Research and Creative Expo for two years. In addition, she has been a work-study in the Foundation for the past three semesters.

 Upon graduation, Connelly plans to initially work as a docent for the Wildwood House in Nebraska City. She is also interested in a position at local newspapers or media outlets and would like to cover the political or court beats or whatever direction her news reporting background takes her.