Opinion

nOte frOm d.C . Last week, I spoke on the Senate floor to fight a blatant power grab by the federal government.

nOte frOm d.C . Since the start of the new year, I’ve been working on solutions to some of the most consequential issues facing Nebraskans.

Since first coming to the Legislature in 2017, every single year there are a number of bills introduced that are designed to reform how Nebraska funds K-12 public schools. The property tax “package” of bills this year includes LB 243, LB 242, LB 754, LB 28, LB 309, LB 589, LB 783 and LB 583. This is an important subject because how we fund our schools is why Nebraska has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. The Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act (TEEOSA) is how we do it in Nebraska. This law results in only about a quarter of our schools getting money from the state, and is badly in need of reform. There are schools in my district that are over 70 percent funded with only property taxes.

W This spring I have been delighted to greet so many young Nebraskans from the Third District visiting Washington on school and family trips. It is always inspiring to see their patriotic curiosity in government service and hear the hopefulness in their questions.

Let’s talk about the embarrassment formerly known as the Nebraska Legislature. The 49 elected senators are now 60 days into the scheduled 90day session and the scoresheet is mostly bare.

Where is the Governor and what is he doing? We probably shouldn’t be surprised that stealth candidate Jim Pillen who refused to debate and was elected Governor anyway hasn’t been releasing information about his public schedule. No schedules, nor press releases, little or no comment about issues.

WashingtOn d.C . Those of us from rural Nebraska know there can be challenges when the closest urban center is hours away.

nOte frOm d.C . This week, I gave my U.S.

The ongoing filibuster of every single bill in the First Session of the 108th Legislature is becoming a serious problem. We have important business the people of Nebraska expect us to accomplish. Our constitution requires us to pass a balanced budget during this session, and a voter ID law.

W Over the past two years, consumers everywhere have felt the consequences of stifled energy production and dependence on foreign energy sources. From day one of the Biden administration, the president’s misguided energy policies have caused skyrocketing energy prices.