Julie Schmit-Albin, Executive Director of Nebraska Right to Life

LR30 – a Legislative Resolution – passed in the Nebraska Legislature this past week, honoring the life and work of former Nebraska Right to Life: Executive Director, Julie Schmit-Albin, who passed away this past August.

This resolution was sponsored by Senator Joni Albrecht. Thank you, Senator Albrecht!!

>>> LR30 <<< >>> Official Proclamation <<<

WHEREAS, “Check with Schmit-Albin if you want to win” were the words used in a 2007 Lincoln Journal Star article describing the political power and influence of Julie Schmit-Albin; and

WHEREAS, Julie was one of ten children born to Irene “Rene Jo” and Loran Schmit. Loran served as a senator in the Nebraska Legislature from 1969 to 1993; and

WHEREAS, Julie grew up around the Capitol as a teenager and young woman, watching her dad as a senator. Julie always had a deep respect for public office; and

WHEREAS, in 1981, at the age of 24, Julie began advocating for the rights of the unborn while pregnant with her first child; and

WHEREAS, Julie started attending Lincoln Right to Life meetings in 1981 and went on to start the Nance County Right to Life when she moved to Fullerton with her husband, John; and

WHEREAS, Julie returned to Lincoln and became the executive director of Nebraska Right to Life in 1989, a position she held for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, throughout these years with Nebraska Right to Life, Julie was responsible for education and legislative and political outreach; and

WHEREAS, Julie successfully shepherded numerous significant pro-life bills through the process to be signed into law by Nebraska governors; and

WHEREAS, Julie also served on the Board of Directors of National Right to Life for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, Julie has been described as a woman who was fearfully respected during her career as a lobbyist and political advocate on behalf of the unborn; and

WHEREAS, Julie was never one to let a public official waffle on pro-life legislation, especially if the public official had received a public endorsement from Julie and the Nebraska Right to Life Political Action Committee; and

WHEREAS, Julie was a woman of keen knowledge, vast experience, and a far- reaching memory on pro-life policy; and

WHEREAS, Julie was also a woman of deep love, kindness, compassion, and prayer. She understood that pro-life advocacy includes reshaping the broader culture by transforming the hearts and minds of people, one-by-one, little-by- little, prayer-by-prayer; and

WHEREAS, Julie never failed to show her deepest appreciation for the committed work of pro-life volunteers across the state, always sensitive to their needs and a partner in their efforts; and

WHEREAS, Julie was also a loving, caring, and involved wife and mother to her children, John, Rachel, Molly, and Annie; and

WHEREAS, Julie Schmit-Albin was honored with the Gospel of Life award at the 2019 Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet and Conference.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:

1. That the Legislature honors Julie Schmit-Albin for her fierce advocacy on behalf of the unborn.

2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Julie Schmit- Albin.

Link to the official text: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/…/107/PDF/Intro/LR30.pdf