Rich Pahls

Rich Pahls
Nebraska State Senate District 31
Former member
In office
2005 - 2013
Party	Non-partisan
Compensation
Base salary	$12,000/year
Per diem	$109/day for those living 50+ miles from capitol, otherwise $39/day
Elections and appointments
Last election	2008
First elected	2004
Term limits	2 terms (8 years)
Education
Bachelor's	Fort Hays State University, 1966
Master's	Fort Hays State University, 1967
Other	Ed.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1979
Personal
Birthday	August 7, 1943
Place of birth	Jewell, KS
Religion	Catholic

Rich Pahls (b. August 7, 1943) is a former member of the Nebraska Unicameral representing District 31 from 2005 to 2013. He served as an Executive Board Member.

In early February 2010, Pahls was hospitalized for treatment of an autoimmune disorder that affected his lungs and kidneys. He returned to the legislature in July.

Born in Jewell, Kansas, Rich Pahls was an educator prior to his election to the Nebraska Legislature. After graduating from Fort Hayes State University in Kansas, Sen. Pahls taught high school in Atkinson, and was a professor at Wayne State College. In the decade before he became a senator, he was the principal of Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School, which he retired from in 2004.

Pahls earned his M.A. from Fort Hays State University in 1967 and later received his Ed.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1979. In 1996, he earned a bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State University.

Pahls has a history of involvement with a number of organizations, including the Millard Business Association, Tangiers Shrine Keystone Kop, Western Trails Homeowners Association, Children's Museum, Millard Jaycees, Millard Optimists, Nebraska Parent Teacher Association, and the Sanitary Improvement District 266.

Committee assignments

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Pahls served on these committees:

• Banking, Commerce and Insurance, Chair
• Government, Military and Veterans Affairs

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Pahls served on these committees:

• Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee
• Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee

Issues

Budget deficit 2010-2011

Nebraska state assemblymen discussed the possibly record-setting two year $669 million budget hole, but Pauls had a suggestion.

Pahls proposed to use the influx in sales taxes to eventually eliminate property taxes.

“I hope we’ll take a look at sales tax exemptions,” said Pahls.

Elections

2008

On November 4, 2008, Pahls won re-election to the 31st District Seat in the Nebraska Senate unopposed.

Nebraska State Senate, District 31 (2008)
Candidates		Votes
Rich Pahls		13,343

Campaign donors

2008

In 2008, Pahls collected $55,250 in donations.

His five largest contributors in 2008 were:

Donor	Amount
Nebraska Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors	$3,000
Nebraska PAC	$2,600
Nebraska Bankers Association	$2,500
Nebraska Realtors Association	$2,000
Nebraska Chamber Of Commerce and Industry	$1,500

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Personal

Pahls and his wife, Lyn, have two children. He is known to be Catholic.

External links

Suggest a link

• Project Vote Smart biographical profile
• Project Vote Smart legislative profile
• Campaign Contributions: 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004

References

Political offices
Preceded by -	Nebraska State Senate District 31 2005-2013	Succeeded by Rick Kolowski