Opinion

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.

On October 6, I traveled to Texas to get a firsthand look at the deteriorating conditions along our country’s southern border. The Biden- Harris Administration’s rush to undo Trump’s immigration policies has created a humanitarian and security disaster that continues to unfold. Over the last several months, law enforcement in Texas has been overwhelmed with the surge of illegal crossings as the federal government fails to do its job. States like Nebraska have stepped up to support Texas, sending state troopers to provide assistance.

During the month of October, Americans from across the country come together to raise awareness about a disease that will affect one in eight U.S. women at some point in their lives: breast cancer.

The Nebraska Legislature runs on a two-year cycle. The first session starts in odd-number years and is generally 90 legislative days long. The second session is generally 60 legislative days and starts in even-numbered years. Right now, senators are preparing for the second session of the 107th Legislature.

Seeing young Nebraskans serving their communities, whether it is through scout troops, churches, community organizations, or just young Nebraskans coming together independently, is inspiring. It shows they understand opportunities to volunteer and serve their community and not have to wait until adulthood. In order to help foster young people’s desire to serve their communities, I offer a number of opportunities to engage with government through my office.

I will admit that the number one billion boggles my mind. That’s 1,000 million, a one followed by nine zeros.

The last 18 months have been a roller coaster for the entire world. While many places have struggled, even in America, Nebraskans have come together to power through the pandemic. Our healthcare professionals have worked with compassion and skill to care for Nebraskans. Communities have supported their local businesses throughout the pandemic. Employers have overcome market disruptions to preserve and create jobs. Parents and schools worked to get kids back in the classroom. Our ag producers once again showed that they can be counted on to feed the nation and world. None of this has been easy, but Nebraskans have been up to the challenge.