NEWSMAKERS.

NEW YORK SENATOR WILLIAM LARKIN (R) RETIRED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR'S SESSION AFTER NEARLY FOUR DECADES of service, which began in 1978. He is 90 years old, but wasn't the only nonagenarian serving in a state legislature. West Virginia Representative Frank Deem (R) is also 90; Wisconsin Senator Fred Risser (D) is 91; New Hampshire Representative Mary Griffin is 92; and New Mexico Senator John Pinto (D) is the oldest, at 93.

"I think probably that most states are going to make money off of Husker football, but Nebraska won't be."

Nebraska Senator Paul Schumacher (R) on the state's decision to not allow illegal sports betting, in the Omaha World Herald.

"I am ready to lead with the training of an engineer, the heart and passion of an educator and the courage and instinct of a public servant."

California Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D) after winning a special election in June to replace a former member accused of sexual misconduct, in the Los Angeles Times.

SENATOR KAY FLOYD (D) IS THE FIRST WOMAN IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY TO LEAD A SENATE CAUCUS. First elected to the Senate in 2014, Floyd will serve as the minority leader for the next session. Although she is running for re-election this fall, she will run unopposed for the District 46 seat.

"I'd sure like to see it become

more viable for farmers. I think it's something that we need to have a discussion with the Department of Agriculture about."

Washington Senator Judy Warnick (R) on the state's hemp production, from the Capital Press.

KEN LEVINE IS RETIRING AS DIRECTOR OF THE TEXAS SUNSET ADVISORY COMMISSION after 37 years with the Legislature. An expert on legislative oversight, Levine has evaluated almost every area of state government. He chaired NCSL's National Legislative Program Evaluation Society and served on the Executive Committee, the Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee and the Legislative Effectiveness Committee. In 2017, he received NCSL's Legislative Staff Achievement Award.

MINNESOTA SENATE PRESIDENT MICHELLE FISCHBACH (R) HAS RESIGNED TO TAKE THE OATH AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. First elected to the Senate in 1996, she became the first woman in state history to serve as the chamber's president in 2011, Hers will be the only Senate seat up for election in November, along with the governor's seat and the entire House.

"We need to change our culture and adapt to changing times when 'no means no' doesn't work."

Michigan Senator Curtis Hertel (D) on his proposed bill to mandate lessons on...