Opinion

The Nebraska prison system has more than a plumbing problem. There are also problems with parole, personnel and programs that are just as serious as leaking pipes.

It would be hard to overstate the relief Americans felt in 1918 when they heard the “war to end all wars” was over. World War I, the deadliest conflict in history to that point, had ended.

Friday the 22nd of October, Southeast Community College in Lincoln hosted the Advanced Nuclear Forum. The forum highlighted the many emerging technologies in nuclear power, and the role nuclear power will have in delivering reliable, affordable energy to Nebraskans. About a dozen senators were in attendance.

It’s alarming to see half-built, new farm equipment sitting idle, car dealerships vacant, and store shelves empty, but this is the harsh reality behind President Biden’s current supply chain crisis. Across the country we are seeing bottlenecks and cargo backups at ports and terminals, as well as an abundance of workforce shortages causing massive delays throughout our supply chain. It is critical we take action now to address the stalemates preventing American products from both being produced and reaching consumers before matters worsen.

The statewide election is a year away, but it appears former Governor Dave Heineman could win that office again. If he decides to run.

Nebraska has come through the pandemic stronger than any other state. We have the third-lowest mortality rate from COVID-19 among states. We have the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 2.0 percent, which is tied for the lowest rate any state has ever achieved! Our state’s GDP grew 11.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, which was the biggest increase in America by far. We were the sixth-best state for getting kids back in the classroom, which has given our children a number of learning and social advantages.

Many people talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns many states imposed as if they are the same thing. They’re not. The pandemic was out of our control; how we choose to deal with COVID is not.

My friend and colleague Sen. Ben Hansen, along with 25 other senators, has sent the Secretary of State a letter asking that senators in the legislature call a special session to pass a bill that outlaws vaccine mandates in Nebraska. Our constitution and state laws allow this if 33 senators agree and sign a letter.

Each year, open enrollment for Medicare begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. This process occurs annually to safeguard continued competition on premiums and benefits among insurers; using the marketplace to drive down costs and improve consumer access. Open enrollment provides seniors with the opportunity to switch their current Medicare Part D prescription plan to take advantage of lower rates and plan options that better meet their needs resulting from competition and price negotiation by participating insurers. It also allows individuals to consider whether they want to choose a new Medicare Advantage insurance plan or participate in traditional Medicare Parts A and B.

“Nebraska is one big, small town.” If you are here now or are from here, you’ve probably heard that before. Someone who knows where you are from will ask if you know so-and-so or are related to someone they know in that part of the state.