Opinion

“Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.”

In the six years I have been a Nebraska State Senator, I have never received so many calls and messages from citizens concerned about things that only the federal government can address. I think people go home after work and turn on the news and see yet another example of federal government incompetence causing problems. This upsets them and they want to vent their frustration to an elected official. I’m happy to hear from folks, don’t get me wrong, but it depresses me to have to tell so many people there is nothing the Nebraska legislature can do about it, and the subject is a “federal issue.”

American families across the country are grappling with increasing costs and economic uncertainty. Last week, the Consumer Price Index confirmed costs of household items, energy, and services have risen by more than eight percent, on average, over the last 12 months. Consumers are tightening their budgets, purchasing less, choosing generic groceries more, and often going without. According to an April Morning Consult survey, 61 percent of grocery shoppers said they had difficulty finding certain items.

With the legislative session over and senators back in their districts, the direct influence of two-term Governor Pete Ricketts might seem to have diminished. But he does have about seven months left in office.

The Good Life we all enjoy is made possible by the courageous men and women in blue. After traveling the state for the past 7.5 years as Governor, I know Nebraskans appreciate all that law enforcement does to keep them safe. While other states cut funding for the police, Nebraska is boosting our support for our law enforcement.

May 11 to May 16 was National Police Week. It was an opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation to the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our people and communities safe.

The nursing home situation in rural Nebraska is facing some very serious challenges. Last year, there were at least six nursing homes that closed in rural Nebraska. We lost the nursing home in Valentine and the facilities in Ainsworth and Crawford are in tough shape. Skilled nursing facilities across the state face similar challenges.

In the 49 years since the Roe v. Wade decision, the pro-life movement has displayed remarkable commitment and resolve. Decades of steady, grassroots efforts by pro-life advocates are yielding not just state-level legislation which recognizes the humanity of unborn children but a growing culture of life which seeks to compassionately connect with expectant mothers who lack support.

When all is said and done, usually more is said than done. The 107th Nebraska Legislature might just about be done for the year, pending a decision on a special session – it would be their second for the year – to deal with possible fallout from the anticipated United States Supreme Court opinion on Roe v.

Grit and determination. Readiness to help at a moment’s notice. Willingness to work long and hard. Steadfastness in the face of difficulty. These are the qualities that define us as Nebraskans. And we saw them on full display last month as our state battled the worst fires in a decade.