Opinion

Nebraskans know every drop of water is precious. Agriculture is our top industry. It makes up 20 percent of our economy, and it generates one in four jobs in our state. Access to water makes this possible. We have the most irrigated acres of cropland in the country. Three of eight acres of farmland in Nebraska are irrigated.

The Biden administration has never wanted to admit that what is going on at our southern border is a crisis. But what else would you call a situation where illegal crossings are at an all-time high, dangerous drugs are pouring into our country, and the men and women charged with protecting the border aren’t given the resources they need to do their jobs?

LB906 is a bill introduced by Senator Ben Hansen. It was presented to the Governor for his signature. It passed on a vote of 37 yes, five no, five present not voting and two senators excused. LB 906 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop a vaccine exemption form for Nebraska citizens who are employees of a private company. The new law allows employees to claim an exemption based on his or her strong moral, ethical, or philosophical beliefs or convictions. If the employer requires employees to be vaccinated, the employer must also allow for an employee to receive an exemption to vaccination. The employer may also require the employee to be periodically tested and wear or use personal protective equipment, at the employers expense.

Dear Editor, We are informing you of important legislation that will significantly expand funding UNMC’s educational programs in Kearney (UNK). The hearings on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) were heard in committee last week, including a proposal for funding UNMC’s educational programs in Kearney (LB721).

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the average U.S. firm spends the equivalent of 21 percent of its payroll every year just to comply with government regulations. For context, the average manufacturing worker in the United States makes nearly $65,000 per year according to the U.S. Census Bureau and pays an estimated 15.2 percent of their income back out in federal, state, and local taxes. If Congress attempted to double taxes on working families, it would be front page news. Yet, every year regulations silently reduce employer payrolls by even more, and nothing is said about the cost to workers and small businesses.

Spring is right around the corner. The Nebraska statewide primary election is May 10.

What should happen with extra tax revenues? That’s the main question being debated this session by state senators. For me, the answer is obvious. The money should be given back to the hardworking Nebraskans who paid those taxes in the first place.

I have always believed that strong families form the foundation of strong communities. Through my work in the Unicameral and now in the U.S. Senate, I have worked for state and national policies that set families up for success.

LB777 is a bill I introduced this session. The purpose of the bill is to create a video archive of all legislative sessions and all hearings in the various committees. Fortysix states currently have a form of this capability for their citizens. I think it is high time for Nebraska to join this list.

Last week, for the first time in history, our national debt exceeded $30 trillion. For far too long members of both parties have put off the tough decisions needed to get our country’s fiscal house in order, passing the buck to future generations. Un fortunately, my Democrat colleagues would still rather raise taxes and continue their reckless spending sprees than curb their spending addiction. Raising taxes is not the answer because we do not have a revenue problem in this country – we have a spending problem. In fact, every year since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – tax reform President Trump signed into law – was enacted, revenue has increased.