Nebraska State Capitol looking east. (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)LINCOLN–(KFOR Jan. 8)–Day one of the Nebraska Legislature today (Wednesday) saw the swearing in of about of a third of the 49 senators that were newly elected or re-elected. Receiving approval from lawmakers to continue as Speaker of the Legislature is Papillion Senator John Arch, who told those senators that are new this year the experience is awe inspiring and rewarding. Omaha Senator Kathleen Kauth wins the election as chair of the Business and Labor Committee over fellow Omaha Senator John Cavanaugh, by a margin of 31-18. The Legislature is non-partisan, but made up of 49 members that include 33 Republicans and 16 Democrats/progressives. Glenvil Senator Dave Murman, who was chair of the Education Committee the last two years, won re-election to that post 29-20 over Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward. Other notable committee chair voting results: -Gering Sen. Brian Hardin won 28-21 to become the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, defeating Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston. -Lincoln Senator Beau Ballard edged fellow Lincoln Senator Danielle Conrad 25-24 to become the chair of the committee that oversees the state’s Retirement Systems. -Blair Senator Ben Hansen will chair the Legislature’s Executive Board. -Elmwood Senator Rob Clements has been elected as the Appropriations Committee Chair. -North Platte Senator and banking executive Mike Jacobson will the chair for the Banking Committee. -Bellevue Senator Rita Sanders is the Government Committee chair. -Lincoln Senator Carolyn Bosn is the Judiciary Chair. -Elkhorn Senator Brad von Gillern is the Revenue Committee chair. -Omaha Senator Terrell McKinney was elected to the chair of the Urban Affairs Committee. Bill introductions will begin. Among the priorities for lawmakers this session includes crafting a two-year state budget and taking on a more than $430-million budget shortfall.