There is no doubt Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse. In 2019, despite our small size in population, Nebraska was the sixth largest agriculture exporter in the nation. Our state’s agriculture has a real impact on our nation and beyond. It should come as no surprise the Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Gregg Doud, had an interest in seeing the remarkable process of agriculture up close.
Q: How can I best reach out to someone who has lost a family member to suicide? My good friend’s son recently took his own life, and I’m at a loss as to what I should do or say to her?
Above all, Nebraska is a community. After 2019’s historic flooding, we didn’t simply cut our losses and move on. Instead, the best among us inspired the nation by looking out for those who were hit hardest and helping them get back on their feet.
In rural America we understand the importance of postal mail to connecting our republic. Sites across Nebraska’s Third District on the Pony Express Historic Trail commemorate the value of this service back to our earliest days as a territory and state. However, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been in the news more than usual lately for two reasons – its financial troubles and the increase in mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: My mother is in her 80s now and showing symptoms of dementia. Her short-term memory is so poor that she can’t remember what she said ten minutes ago. It’s as if we’re already losing her. How can we communicate and keep up a meaningful heart-to-heart connection?
Greetings District 36. The 60-day Legislative session adjourned Sine Die on August 13th and Senators returned to their Districts, to their employment, and to continue to listen and learn from constituents. Without a vaccine available for COVID-19, communicating with our constituents looks very different. Personally, I miss the face to face communication with community organizations MATT WILLIAMS and citizens in the District. I greatly State Senator, Dist. 36 appreciate the efforts everyone is making to find new ways to communicate while we await a vaccine that will restore some sense of normalcy.
Nebraskans always look at the positive side of life. Our communities grow when individuals step up: helping their neighbors, being involved, and creating opportunities for themselves and others. For this reason, I am excited to launch a new project this year to acknowledge the contributions of individuals, organizations, and those who are working every day to improve and help their communities in the current environment – the Excellence in Innovation and Adaptation Recognition (EIAR).
Q: I’m usually a pretty confident dad -- but the thought of having the “birds and bees” talk with my preteen son has me sweating bullets. Help?!
Greetings District 36. Last week’s newsletter gave a brief overview of LB1107, the bill that provides additional property tax relief, new business economic development incentives, and funding for the NExT Project at UNMC. I am pleased to report that LB1107 moved through the final two stages of debate and was passed by the Legislature on a 41-4-2 vote on the last day of the session.
This year has been uniquely challenging for rural America and for farmers and ranchers. In the face of new stress and uncertainty, agriculture has continued to feed the world. The men and women in our agriculture sector put in countless hours to provide for the rest of us. It is of the utmost importance these producers have the tools and resources to continue their efforts, especially in these challenging times. In order to hear from producers and exchange ideas, I am happy to host the 2020 Agriculture Summit.