Nebraska Unicameral into existence: The Legacy of Senator Norris

Early in 1934 George Norris promised some Nebraska friends to help in a movement to bring about the adoption of the amendment to establish the single chamber of the Nebraska legislature.  Out of these preliminary discussions came plans for a public, state-wide meeting to be held in Lincoln on Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1934.  An old-time friend and supporter of Mr. Norris, Colonel John G. Maher, called the conference, which all interested parties were invited to attend, in the auditorium of the Cornhusker Hotel.  

Mr. Norris journeyed from Washington to address this meeting-at which eight hundred men and women, from all parts of the state, were present-and proposed an amendment to the Nebraska constitution providing for a unicameral legislature.

In the discussion which followed, Colonel Maher was authorized to appoint a committee, of which he would be chairman, to conduct a campaign and circulate petitions.  This campaign would promote the initiative and referendum provisions of the constitution for an amendment to appear upon the official ballot of the following November election.

During discussion of the amendment, Mr. Norris strenuously insisted that the new Unicameral be non-partisan and elections be by secret ballot. The committee knew that both the Democratic and Republican parties would be against a non-partisan legislature.  The battle lines were set.  Mr. Norris went out to meet with the people of Nebraska and discussed the issue in every town.  He spoke from the heart, talking of the individual needs of the particular community and the state of Nebraska. He believed that the Unicameral would be less expensive for the people, yet more work would be accomplished.

Upon the election, the people of Nebraska wholeheartedly agreed with Mr. Norris.  The Unicameral was approved.  The First Unicameral had 49 members, one for each 35,000 individuals within their district.    The following statics showed the results from the first Unicameral legislature in Nebraska:

Last Bi-cameral Session First Unicameral
Number of legislators 133 49

Length of session 110 days 92 days

Number of bills passed 192 bills 214 bills

Cost of the session $200,000 + costs $100,000 + costs

The Unicameral system worked as envisioned by Mr. Norris.  It continues to be a unique system for the people of Nebraska and an example of non-partisan politics in the United States.

Written by Laurie Sinner of McCook. 

Tennessee Valley Authority into existence: The Legacy of Senator Norris

By The Norris Institute | November 3, 2023

George Norris had the foresight to envision a system of dams on America’s waterways that would:

• Improve the navigability and to provide for flood control of the Tennessee River;

• For reforestation and the proper use of marginal lands of the Tennessee Valley;

• For the agricultural and industrial development of the Tennessee Valley;

• For the national defense by the creation of a corporation for the operation of

government property at or near Muscle Shoals, AL;

• Provide for the manufacturing of publicly owned hydro-electricity to the areas

surrounding Muscle Shoals and the Tennessee Valley.

This vision was 12 years in the making from 1921-1933 when the Tennessee Valley Authority was finally passed in Congress and signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

During the late teens and 1920’s the United States had a stubborn belief that private enterprise was the only means of growing our country. So, when the country entered WWI, it followed that private industry would supply the arms and ammunition needed for the war effort. But nitrates were needed for the building of munitions and the South American country of Chili was the main supplier to the world. There was a means to manufacture nitrogen from the air but this required vast amounts of electricity. Also, nitrogen was used to manufacture fertilizer. Therefore, Muscle Shoals dam and plant were passed through Congress to meet these needs.

After the war was concluded, Secretary of War Weeks asked for bids for the leasing of Muscle Shoals with the intent that private development and operation would be advantageous. In 1921, Henry Ford first submitted his bid and hearings were opened. In 1922-1926, various bills were offered to Congress. In 1926, Mr. Norris introduced S.J. Res. 2147 to provide for the operation of Dam #2 at Muscle Shoals, for the construction of other dams on the Tennessee River and its tributaries, and for the incorporation of the Federal Power Corporation; this bill was referred to committee and no action was taken. In 1927 and 1928, Mr. Norris again submitted bills for this purpose, which were passed through Congress but were vetoed by the President.

In 1933, Mr. Norris introduced S.J. 1272 to meet these purposes. This too was passed by Congress and finally signed into law by Mr. Roosevelt. The TVA bill allowed for a publicly owned power company to oversee the production and distribution of hydro- electricity generated by the dams.

In “Fighting Liberal”, Mr. Norris wrote, “This is the great giant whom the American People have at their service to obey their will, and perform their labors, and gladden their lives. This is the giant who was ready and willing at a time when the demands of war, involving a serious need for great electrical power, presented a grave crisis to the American People. This is the giant who will brighten the lives and bring laughter to the lips of many generations of children in the old Southland where poverty and national neglect have brought sorrow. And this giant, striding across America, begetting stalwart sons of other river valleys, will fight the battle of the American people to realize the hopes of happiness to which all peoples aspire.

It is such a simple process.

For full comprehension of the system, it need only be recalled that water used to generate electricity at the various dams is used time and again-the same water. The turbines generating power at Douglas Dam turn the water they use back to the Tennessee above the Fort Loudoun Dam-the last situated on the upper reaches of the Tennessee. Thus, this water, which already has been used to generate electricity in the turbines of the Douglas Dam, is used nine times more as it flows down past the nine main dams in the river.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority process has been the model for all other dams and reservoir systems in the country, then and since. Mr. Norris is seen as the inspiration for the appropriate use of waterways and hydropower in our country.

Written by Laurie Sinner of McCook.

Lighting America's Farms in the 1930’s: The Legacy of Senator Norris

By The Norris Institute | August 9, 2023

In the 1930s, the modern promise of electricity was lighting up cities across America. But on the outskirts, in the sprawling farmlands, nights were still punctuated by the faint glow of candles and oil lamps. One of Nebraska’s finest statesman, U.S. Senator George W. Norris (1861-1944) saw the divide and envisioned a brighter future for rural America.

Having experienced the "grim drudgery" of farming life himself, Norris knew what it meant to labor in the dim glow of a lantern, battling the cold winds and muddy rains of winter. He believed that every American farmer should enjoy the benefits of cheap electricity, just like their urban counterparts.

This belief led to the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) through an executive order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936. With a significant $100 million of work relief funds allocated, the REA's mission was crystal clear: bring the gift of electricity to every agricultural corner of the nation.

In the US Senate, Norris became the champion of this cause, proposing a bill that would solidify the REA as a permanent agency. His vision was straightforward yet revolutionary: build transmission lines to deliver electricity directly to farms. To make this possible, he proposed that local farm organizations borrow from the federal government and repay the loans at an interest rate no higher than 3%.

However, electrifying rural America wasn't without its hurdles. Differences in the House of Representatives emerged, with some representatives proposing higher interest rates that could jeopardize the project's success. But Norris, with his unyielding spirit, navigated these challenges. After intense negotiations, a middle ground was reached, ensuring the benefits of electrification reached farmers without financial strain.

Still, hurdles persisted. Private power companies, viewing rural electrification as a potential threat, erected "spite lines"— meant to undermine the REA's goals by running lines through the middle of the proposed REA districts, cutting up the territory and leaving farmers unserved. These companies contended that the associated costs of rural electrification were too steep. Yet, Norris saw beyond these challenges, imagining a connected network that ensured every farmer had access to the power they needed.

By 1945, Norris's vision had developed into what he called a “wonderful success” and “one of the largest organizations of a governmental nature ever undertaken in the United States.” It was true: The REA had transformed the American countryside. Over a million farmers now had the means to light their homes, pump water, and more. The once-distant dream of accessible, affordable electricity was now a reality. 

In 1942, Norris was honored with a plaque from the National Rural Electric Cooperative, a symbol of his unwavering commitment to progress. In his autobiography, Norris recalled of the event that, “[T]here were kind words for my ‘independence of partisan politics, the fight for political and economic freedom for all human beings, the suppression of monopoly and special privilege, and the quest for honesty, efficiency in government, and the elimination of racial and religious prejudices.”

Norris's vision transcended mere electrification—it was a passionate endeavor to bridge the chasm between urban and rural America. As Nebraska's farms began to glow under the warm embrace of light, it heralded a new era. An era where every home, be it in a vibrant city or a serene farm, stood as a beacon of progress and equity.

This article is based on the recollections of the late Senator Norris in his 1945 autobiography, "Fighting Liberal." This post was created for the Norris Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2006 in McCook, Nebraska to "promote and improve the social, cultural and economic strengths of rural communities located in the Great Plains." The Rural Electrification Administration poster image was retrieved online 8/10/2023 from the Library of Congress.

Written by Laurie Sinner of McCook. Edited and revised by Nathan Leach of Kearney with the assistance of OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Intro to Norris Series

Intro to Norris series

The Norris Institute was founded in 2006.  The Institute was started to promote and improve the social, cultural and economic strengths of rural communities located on the Great Plains. The Institute is overseen by a local, volunteer Board of Directors and provides sites and information to improve the community’s understanding of Mr. Norris and his vision.  Projects include the annual Norris breakfast during Heritage Days, the Norris Alley project in McCook on Norris Ave, and the natural arboretum outside of McCook.  The Board meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 5:15 to plan projects and are always seeking volunteers for membership.

Over the next several months, an article will be published on this website which narrates the 40-year story of Mr. Norris’ journeys in the House and Senate.  The purpose is to tell you, our readers, of Mr. Norris’ vision and impact on our nation and Nebraska.  The postings will relate the story of how Mr. Norris became a public servant, and the six laws he took from inception to passage.  These laws had far reaching effects on our country and the world beyond.  They include:

• Tennessee Valley Authority and the Rural Electrification Act

• Lame Duck Amendment

• Norris LaGuardia Act against Yellow Dog contracts

• Opposition to American entry into World War I

• Amended the control of the House by the Speaker

• Unicameral amendment to the Nebraska constitution

Look for the articles every month on this website.

George W. Norris Day

2006 Nebraska Revised Statutes - § 84-104.04 — George W. Norris Day; manner of observance.

Section 84-104.04
George W. Norris Day; manner of observance.

January 5 of each year shall be designated as George W. Norris Day, and shall be set apart for holding suitable exercises in the schools of the state in recognition of the many great benefits bestowed upon the people of the State of Nebraska and the United States as a whole, due in large part to the influence of George W. Norris. Such benefits include: (1) Establishment of a nonpartisan unicameral legislative body for the State of Nebraska; (2) establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority; (3) the development of electricity in the rural areas of the nation; (4) passage of the twentieth amendment to the United States Constitution, commonly known as the lame duck amendment; and (5) the Norris-La Guardia Act which outlawed yellow-dog contracts and was a great boon to working men and women across the nation.

Source:

• Laws 1981, LB 18, § 1

~Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska 
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Nebraska may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

George W. Norris - The Man

by Linda Hein