Opinion

Throughout my life, I have had many roles—daughter, wife, mother, school board member, and now as the U.S.

by Senator Tanya Storer This week wraps up our final full week of legislative debate. Many have asked about my experience as a new senator, and while I’ll share more in future newsletters, I wanted to offer a few reflections here.

W tems at the IRS contribute to a lack of transparency and threaten to turn the process into a dreaded ritual every tax season.

Let’s get this straight – 71 percent of Nebraskans voted in November to legalize the use of marijuana as medicine. But when the State Legislature got around to adopting regulations to dole it out, lawmakers decided “whoa,” let’s not get too hasty about this.

This week our nation marked 163 years since the signing of the Homestead Act, legislation enacted by President Lincoln which played a key role in the development of farmland across Nebraska and rural America. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and sacrifice, the Third District became a global breadbasket, and today, agriculture remains the economic driver of our state. For the future of agriculture, advancing sound domestic and international trade policy is critical to keep pace with innovation and secure prosperity for our communities.

“Old soldiers don’t die, they just fade away.” Gen. Douglas MacArthur, a World War II hero, used that phrase in his farewell address to the U.S.

There was a time when nearly every American knew someone who died in service to our country. Whether it was a family member, a friend, or a neighbor – Memorial Day was, and still is, deeply personal.

As of the writing of this column, we’re on Day 84 of this legislative session. Things are definitely heating up as we put in 10-12 hour days on the floor making crucial decisions that will impact our state.

W Last week, several House committees took significant steps to advance our legislative package to enact President Trump’s top policy priorities. In the Committee on Ways and Means, my colleagues and I began a meeting to consider the tax title of this package on Tuesday afternoon and spent more than 17 hours scrutinizing and deliberating before ultimately approving portions of the bill within our committee’s subject matter.

With the exception of being a state trooper, the toughest job in state government in my estimation is working as a corrections officer in a state prison. You’re dealing with a population of men and women who, for the most part, are adept at manipulation and have some history in assaultive behavior.