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Senate confirms several gubernatorial appointees, debates Medicaid and behavioral health nominees
Summary
The Senate adopted committee reports confirming multiple gubernatorial nominees for regulatory boards and DHHS leadership; Drew Goncharowsky’s confirmation as Medicaid director drew three recorded nays after questioning about managerial experience.
The Nebraska Senate adopted several committee reports and confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments on the 16th day of the session.
Transportation & Telecommunications Committee confirmations: Senators approved committee reports recommending Josh Hohensey, Edward Jarrett and Robert Knapp for positions on the Underground Excavation Safety Committee. Senator Mosier summarized nominees’ qualifications — Hohensey (operator representative, Black Hills Energy employee; damage prevention coordinator), Jarrett (Nebraska 1 Call board; locates management experience), and Knapp (45 years in underground utility industry) — and the floor adopted each committee report by voice vote (Hohensey: 42 ayes; Jarrett: 41 ayes; Knapp: 41 ayes).
Health leadership confirmations: The Health & Human Services Committee’s report for Dr. Thomas Janicek as director of the Division of Behavioral Health was adopted (40 ayes). Dr. Janicek’s background as a licensed psychologist and his clinical and administrative experience were cited by Senator Harden.
Drew Goncharowsky’s confirmation as director of the Division of Medicaid and Long‑Term Care prompted floor questioning about managerial and in‑agency experience; Senator Mikaela Kavanaugh said she would refrain from supporting the nomination after the exchange. The chamber adopted the committee report for Goncharowsky by recorded tally (34 ayes, 3 nays).
Taken together, the confirmations reflect routine committee vetting for regulatory and agency posts, with the Medicaid director confirmation notable for the recorded opposition and floor questions about agency experience.
Next steps: Confirmed nominees will assume their assigned positions as provided under statute; the Legislature will continue to consider appointments and related committee reports on future floor days.
