Unicameral Votes for Meatpackers Over Family Farmers and Ranchers

January 23, 2016 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs calls advancement of LB176 “unconscionable.”

The Nebraska legislature voted to advance LB 176 from Select File to the bill’s final reading and vote on final passage, which could occur as early as next week. LB 176, introduced by Senator Ken Schilz last session, would rescind Nebraska’s statute prohibiting meatpacking companies from owning and feeding hogs prior to slaughter.

 

Debate over the bill was halted when 33 Senators voted in favor of invoking cloture and ending debate. The bill was advanced from Select File by a vote of 32 to 12.

 

“In a world where packers own all the livestock, what place is there for farmers and ranchers?”

Traci Bruckner. Center for Rural Affairs

 

“There is no other way to see this vote, other than corporate money talked, and too many Senators listened,” said Traci Bruckner, Senior Policy Advocate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Meatpackers want to own hogs because that’s where the profit it. They’d rather someone else did all the work of raising the pigs, stood all the risk, and debt-financed the buildings.”

 

Make no mistake, this was about the bottom-line of meatpacking corporations. This bill offers nothing to family farmers and ranchers, creates no opportunities. In fact, it does the opposite, it slams the door in the face of farmers and ranchers, especially young farmers trying to get started in livestock production, and instead offers them the chance to become virtual serfs to meatpacking companies, Bruckner added.

 

According to Bruckner, arguments by proponents that the bill was needed for reasons of constitutionality, and to address declines in hog production in Nebraska were both completely unfounded. Hog inventories have been on the increase, according to USDA’s quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, and an Attorney General’s formal opinion on LB 176 and the state’s ban on packer ownership stated that the bill does not resolve any constitutional questions, nor does current law regarding packer ownership of livestock “…discriminate against nor unduly burden interstate commerce.”

 

Bruckner went on to applaud the efforts of a core group of Senators that stood in opposition to the meatpacking corporations.

 

“Senator Davis, Senator Bloomfield, Senator Schnoor, Senator Sullivan, Senator Groene, Senator Chambers… these Senators had the courage to stand up for farmer, ranchers and small town Nebraska. And they were heroic in their efforts. Senator Davis, in particular, was a true champion for rural Nebraska and the family farms and ranches that are the backbone of our rural economy,” Bruckner continued.

 

“This legislation is not about helping family farmers, it is not about jobs, nor rebuilding communities. If consolidation and vertical integration created jobs and healthy communities, rural Nebraska would be a paradise today. But in truth, this bill will result in fewer farmers, declining rural population and shrinking small town economic opportunities,” said Traci Bruckner, Senior Policy Advocate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “We believe in a bright future for rural Nebraska, with vibrant small towns surrounded by thriving family farms and ranches. But advancing the cynical vision of LB 176 will only serve to make achieving that future that much more difficult.”
“In a world where packers own all the livestock, what place is there for farmers and ranchers?” Traci Bruckner concluded.

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Winter is a Great Time to View Bald Eagles

January 23, 2016 Leave a comment


LINCOLN – Get out of the house this winter and spend some time viewing Nebraska’s bald eagles. They can be seen year-round across the state, but winter and early spring are the best times to see numbers of eagles.

In the winter, there often are concentrations of bald eagles feeding on fish and sick or wounded waterfowl at reservoirs that have some open water. Favored sites include Sutherland Reservoir near Sutherland, Harlan County Reservoir near Alma, and below Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, S.D. Lake Ogallala and Lake McConaughy near Ogallala also are top viewing sites, and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District  has a viewing building near the dam spillway. The power and irrigation district also has a viewing site at its J-2 power plant near Lexington. More information on that facility is at cnppid.com.

Take binoculars, a spotting scope or a camera, but do not approach or disturb any eagles as they are protected by federal law. For more information about bald eagles in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

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New Arrival of 2015: Patrick James Punke

January 22, 2016 Leave a comment


Patrick James Punke was born October 5th, 2015 to Ryan and Kayla Punke. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 21 inches long. His grandparents are Lisa and Ricky Logeman and Taz and Laura McCulloch. Great-grandparents are Butch and Betty Sparks, Paul and Rosemary Kai and Laverne (Logie) Logeman.

Patrick James Punke

Patrick James Punke

 

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Health Department Seeks Public Input

January 22, 2016 Leave a comment


{Wisner} The Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD), in partnership with the hospitals in their service area, is conducting a survey to capture the public’s input regarding health issues important to individuals and families. The survey is for adults who live in Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton counties. Your input will help identify the key health needs throughout the four-county service area and will help guide activities and plans in the future. Please take advantage of this opportunity to share your views and to help improve current programs and define priorities for the future.

The survey takes no more than 25-30 minutes to complete. As a thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, participants may enter the drawing to win one of four $200 grocery gift certificates at the end of the survey. The online survey can be taken at: www.elvphd.org or a paper copy of the survey can be requested by calling 1-877-379-4400. The survey is also available in Spanish.

For more information please contact the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department at (877) 379-4400.

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February Outdoor Calendar

January 22, 2016 Leave a comment


LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in February:

Feb. 1, 5 – Hunt Safe Session, Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River State Park (SP), Louisville, 5:30 p.m., 402-234-2217

Feb. 2 – Big game public informational meeting, Bridgeport, Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St., 7 p.m.

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 – First Steps Pistol, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 2, 16 – Ladies Day at the Range, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30-8 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 3 – Big game public informational meeting, Chadron, Chadron State College, Student Center, Scottsbluff Room, 1000 Main St., 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 – Big game public informational meeting, Wahoo, Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, 511 Commercial Park Road

Feb. 6 – Hiking Marathon, Ponca SP, Ponca, 8 a.m., 402-755-2284

Feb. 6 – Birds and Binoculars, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 9 a.m., 402-944-2523

Feb. 6 – Critters Corner, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 2 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 6-7 – Super Bowl Sunday Mini-Lodge Package, Ponca SP, Ponca, 402-755-2284

Feb. 6, 13 – Explore Archery, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10:30 a.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 7 – Shootout at Salt Creek, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10 a.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 7 – Cowboy Poetry and Music, Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park (SHP), Merriman, 308-684-3428

Feb. 9 – White-fronted goose hunting season closes

Feb. 9 – Dark goose hunting season closes in East, Platte River, Panhandle and Niobrara units

Feb. 9 – Statewide light goose hunting season closes

Feb. 10 – Light Goose Conservation Order hunting begins

Feb. 11-14 – Valentine’s Special, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Feb. 11, 25 – Wild Game Recipes, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 12-14 – Valentine’s Day Dinner, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Feb. 13 – Hiking Marathon, Ponca SP, Ponca, 8 a.m., 402-755-2284

Feb. 13 – Raging Bull Adventure Race, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Feb. 13 – Pheasants Forever State Habitat Meeting, Kearney, 8 a.m., 308-850-8395

Feb. 13 – Volunteer Fishing Instructor Training, Rock Creek Station SHP, Fairbury, 10 a.m., 402-729-5777

Feb. 13-14 – Valentine’s Dinner, Platte River SP, Louisville, 5 p.m., 402-234-2217

Feb. 13-14 – Birds and Breakfast hike and identification workshop, Ponca SP, Ponca, 402-755-2284

Feb. 20 – Hiking Marathon, Ponca SP, Ponca, 8 a.m., 402-755-2284

Feb. 24 – Introduction to Gun Safety and Technique for Young Shooters, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 5:30 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 25 – 28 – Omaha Boat, Sport and Travel Show, CenturyLink Center, Omaha, 402-341-1500

Feb. 26 – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting, Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel, 3097 County Road O, Tekamah

Feb. 29 – Cottontail and jackrabbit hunting seasons close

Feb. 29 – Bobcat, raccoon, Virginia opossum, long-tailed weasel, mink, red fox, gray fox and badger hunting and trapping seasons close

Contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641 or visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information. Visit HuntSafeNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and BoatSafeNebraska.org for a list of boating safety classes.

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Kats’ Korner: Being the Best Me Possible

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Dedication, whether it is to your career, yourself, your family, the community you live in, or all of the above, can be very difficult and yet, very rewarding.

Failure only happens when effort ceases to exist.

Just being dedicated isn’t enough. There is work involved. Change may be necessary as well.

I haven’t had a problem being dedicated to my career, my family or Oakland. I take each one of them seriously and aspire to do my best at all times, always keeping in mind that balance is important and happiness of others comes before my own.

In order to achieve this, I have to be more dedicated in one particular area, me. No, I am not being selfish. I am being honest.

Getting older is supposed to make us wiser, which I do believe. I also believe it can make us less ambitious., at least when it comes to exercising.

I enjoy going for walks, weather permitting. But, I don’t enjoy walking on the treadmill. Half an hour seems like eternity. But, I do it anyway.

No matter how much I try, the muffin top refuses to leave.

I wasn’t faithful to my diet over the holidays. Who is? It is quite a challenging time.

I also didn’t exercise for at least three weeks. That is very unlike me. Effort stopped, failure happened.

Not for long.

I began doing Zumba about two weeks ago. I started lifting weights, doing more than before. And, Tuesday, I began the 6-pack abs in 6 weeks workout.

I am not delusional. It will take me longer than six weeks. It is very hard. Wednesday morning, I hurt in places I hadn’t hurt in before! But, I did it again! I realize I shouldn’t do it every day. I intend to mix in cardio, weights and continue Zumba as well. I have lost almost an inch around my waist. I haven’t weighed myself. But, more importantly, I feel great! I have more energy that carries me through each day.

I also have been watching my diet. I love fruits and vegetables, so I eat plenty of them. I also add as much protein to my diet as I can. And, most important, I drink lots of water!

The hardest food for me to walk away from is potato chips. I am not a sweets person, but I love chips. As they say, you can’t eat just one.

I could eat the entire bag.

My point is, in order for me to work hard at my career, family and the community I love, Oakland, I have to take very good care of me.

I believe that is true for everyone.

Failure only happens when effort ceases to exist.

Thought for the day: As long as you are moving, you are doing better than the person still sitting on the couch.

Have a great week!

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Senator Brasch Introduces Three Bills in First Full Week of Session

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

The first full week of our 60 day session concluded on January 15. I introduced three more bills: LB890, LB891, and LB929. LB890 clarifies that in any civil action resulting from a collision of a motor vehicle with any livestock on a public highway, the plaintiff — most likely the driver — cannot claim negligence by the defendant – most likely the owner of the escaped livestock — only from the fact of escaped livestock. The plaintiff must provide evidence of specific acts of negligence. LB891 requires the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to post accurate and up-to-date information about Down syndrome on its website. The bill also requires health care facilities and practitioners, upon receipt of a test indicating a high likelihood or definite presence of Down syndrome, to provide the information to the parents. LB929 adopts and updates references to certain federal provisions relating to transportation. The bill was brought to me by the Carrier Enforcement Division of the Nebraska State Patrol since I am on the Transportation Committee.

On Tuesday we debated LB47. As originally drafted, it required applicants for driver’s licenses or identification cards to answer the question of whether to place their name on the Donor Registry. They could respond with “yes”, “no”, or “choose not to answer”. It was amended so applicants will not be denied their driver’s licenses or identification cards if they leave that section blank. I supported the bill as originally drafted and as amended. The bill advanced to Select File (second round of debate).

On Wednesday and Thursday LB619, a carryover bill from last session, was debated. This bill attempted to legalize draw poker and community card poker by redefining them as games of skill rather than games of chance. Last session, a request was made to the Attorney General’s office for his opinion on the constitutionality of this bill since the Nebraska Constitution prohibits the Legislature from authorizing games of chance. In the opinion the AG stated that the Nebraska Supreme Court has already ruled draw poker to be a game predominated by chance and was therefore unconstitutional; and the authorization of community card games would likely be found to be an improper attempt by the Legislature to authorize games of chance expressly prohibited by the Nebraska Constitution. I oppose expanding gambling in Nebraska and expressed my opposition to LB619 on the floor of the Legislature. The bill was defeated.

On Thursday Governor Ricketts gave his State of State address. I was honored to be one of five chosen senators to escort Governor Ricketts from his office to the chamber. The full address can be found here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-ricketts-state-state-address.

On Thursday and Friday LB113 was debated. This bill allows county jails to charge a $10 copayment to inmates who have a self-initiated, non-emergency visit to a health care provider. The bill provides exemptions from the copayment including treatment for a chronic illness, emergency care of any kind, and staff-initiated care. I am going to support the bill, but I do have concerns. The body adjourned without coming to a vote.

Please contact me, my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or my legislative aide, Brett Waite, with questions or concerns at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are in the Capitol.  If you would like to follow the Legislature online you can visit http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is available as well on NET2.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

Just a reminder this Thursday January 21st is our monthly waffle supper at 5:30 pm. Next week on Monday January 25th at 2:30 pm is the Resident Council meeting then on Tuesday January 26th is national Chocolate cake day and we will be serving different varieties of Chocolate cake to the residents at 2:30 pm. On the Thursday January 28th is the General Store for the residents from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. And on Friday January 29th we will be celebrating Helen Jeans Nelson’s 100th Birthday serving cake and coffee at 3:00 pm. We have a couple other residents celebrating birthdays next week Delores Carlson on January 27th, Lillian Muller on the 28th.

Church Service for Sunday January 24th at 2:30 pm will be given by the Salem Covenant Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday January 26th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass with Father Paul.

Activities for the week of January 25th to January 30th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing A Long, Coffee and Conversation, Bingo w/Staff, Reading Group, Bible fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Ed Hanna, Mary Donavan, Anne Anderson, Dani Moseman, Di Ruwe, Nadine Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Seth Anderson, and Sylvane Rouse.

 

 

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Lyons City Council Meeting Minutes

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


LYONS CITY COUNCIL MEETING

January 5, 2016

A regular meeting of the Mayor and Council of the City of Lyons was called to order by Mayor Andrew Fuston at 5:30 P.M., January 5, 2016, at the Lyons City Hall. Present were Council members Steinmeyer, Brink, Wheaton, and Minton.

The Mayor publicly stated to all in attendance that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act was available for review and indicated the location of such copy posted in the room where the meeting was being held.

The meeting was called to order upon motion by Brink, second by Wheaton. Motion carried.

Moved by Wheaton, seconded by Minton to approve the following consent agenda:

  1. Dispense with reading of minutes of meetings held December 1.
  2. Claims as presented.
  3. Treasurer report.

All council members voted YEA.

CLAIMS: C & J AUTO maint 125.00, CHRYSLER CAPITAL police car 651.58, CURB APPEAL serv 2,520.00, ENGELHARDT TV & COMM battery 68.99, FARM AND HOME INSURANCE treasurer bond 125.00, FRICKENSTEIN PUMPING serv 595.00, GALE/CENTAGE LEARNING books 65.41, JACK’S UNIFORMS shoes 89.95, JENSEN PLUMBING & HEATING serv 1,270.20, LORENSEN GRAIN & READY MIX rock, gravel, sand 1,214.96, LYONS MIRROR-SUN publ 121.69, LYONS POSTMASTER box rent 114.00, MARILYN TENNEY reimb 10.00, MIDWEST SERVICE AND SALES maint 1,077.30, PENWORTHY books 64.97, ROBERT RIVERA ins reimb 95.74, T & H ELECTRIC baler setup 1,329.36, VERIZON WIRELESS serv 185.83, AMERICAN BROADBAND serv 516.55, AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE pension 549.07, BURT COUNTY SHERIFF fees 20.00, RICHARD P COEN JR serv 825.00, DANIEL A SMITH fee 1,000.00, ELECTRONIC CONTRACTING serv 700.17, ELITE COMPUTERS maint 48.00, SYNCHRONY BANK/AMAZON books/suppl 409.40, HOLMQUIST GRAIN & LUMBER suppl 63.43, OFFICE NET serv 80.00, OLSSON ASSOCIATES fees 957.03, JIM BUCK ins reimb 1,250.00, GREGG SIMONSEN ins reimb 505.77, NE DHHS lic renewals 690.00, REGION 4 deposit refund 244.14, DONNA FARRENS deposit refund 162.91, JUDSON GOLKA deposit refund 210.31, COLONIAL RESEARCH CHEMICAL suppl 176.65, WESTERN AREA POWER ADMIN elec 7,059.59, GAS PRODUCTS SALES meters 1,601.00, HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS meters 4,028.06, MIDWEST LABORATORIES testing 163.63, NDEQ – FISCAL SERVICES license 150.00, NEBRASKA PUBLIC HEALTH testing 52.00, NPGA nat gas 26,515.67, NPPD elec 27,835.56, QUALITY PRINTING suppl 284.00, SAVEMORE MARKET suppl 39.22, STEINY’S GENERAL STORE suppl 993.94, ZEE MEDICAL suppl 38.40, BURT COUNTY PUBLIC POWER elec 1,841.40, CENTURYLINK serv 45.86, CITY OF LYONS util 4,968.57, CLARITUS suppl 168.71, CNA AUTO serv 1,311.79, CUMMINS CENTRAL POWER maint 1,089.07, DOUGLAS COUNTY HEALTH testing 10.00, GAS PRODUCTS SALES suppl 230.10, LEAGUE OF NE MUNICIPALITIES workshop 40.00, MAILFINANCE equip lease 327.00, NEBRASKA RURAL WATER ASSOC dues 150.00, OHIO NATIONAL LIFE pension 3,919.20, PENDER IMPLEMENT chain saw 494.13, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ins 388.82, SAPP BROS PETROLEUM propane 20.00, NEBR DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 7,467.08, FEDERATED INSURANCE health ins 13,469.05, RON DABERKOW ins reimb 1,250.00, RAYMOND HAYES ins reimb 911.10, MARY LOU RITTER ins reimb 522.72, PAM STANSBERRY ins reimb 819.50, TERRY UEDING ins reimb 747.75, TOTALFUNDS BY HASLER postage fee 19.99, CITY OF LYONS payroll 25,241.46, EFTPS payroll tax 7,360.04, NEBR DEPT OF REVENUE payroll tax 919.98.

Council Member Wheaton introduced Ordinance 723: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF LYONS, BURT COUNTY, NEBRASKA, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTNG OF ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS, (ALSO KNOWN AS NET METERING), STANDARDS FOR INTERCONNECTION, PROCEDURES, AGREEMENTS, CHARGES AND FEES BY ADDING SECTION 3-918 TO 3-921, and moved for the suspension of the statutory rule requiring reading on three separate days, seconded by Minton. Upon roll call vote, YEA: Steinmeyer, Brink, Minton, & Wheaton. NAY: None. The motion to suspend the rules, concurred by all Council members was declared suspended.

Ordinance No. 723 was read by title, and Council member Steinmeyer moved for passage of the ordinance, seconded by Council member Brink. Upon roll call vote, YEA: Steinmeyer, Brink, Minton, & Wheaton. NAY: None. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 723, by a majority of all Council members, was declared passed and adopted. The Mayor, in the presence of the Council, signed the ordinance, and the Clerk attested the passage and adoption of said ordinance by affixing her signature. Publication of said ordinance is in pamphlet form. The Lyons City Office has a true, correct, and complete copy of Ordinance No. 723.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 P.M., upon motion by Steinmeyer, seconded by Minton. Motion carried.

Mary Lou Ritter, CMC, City Clerk

A complete text of the minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk, 335 Main Street, during regular business hours.

 

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A Prosperous Nebraska

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

Recently, President Obama made his first official visit to Nebraska as president. At the Baxter Arena at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the president highlighted our state’s healthy economy, saying Nebraska’s current unemployment rate is below 3 percent.

 

In addition to Nebraska’s low unemployment rate, our state is a leader in job creation. Nebraska businesses and local communities are the driving force behind creating new jobs, with 40,000 of those new jobs in the Omaha metro area alone.

 

This is real economic growth and Nebraskans should be proud. While I am pleased to see the president tout Nebraska’s successes, these achievements are not the result of his policies. Rather, they are due to the hard work of our citizens and the fiscally-conservative policies we enact.

 

Hard work and personal responsibility are core values that are ingrained in our daily lives. Our economic strength is also derived from wise decisions made at the state level. Many of these sound policies were put in place when I served in the Nebraska Legislature. Each year, reckless federal spending has grown our national debt to nearly $19 trillion. But in Nebraska, our legislators are forced to spend responsibly and balance the budget. This is not by accident. Balancing Nebraska’s budget is mandated by our state’s constitution, and, unlike other states, our constitution does not allow extensive borrowing and debt.

 

Although smart policies are a large part of Nebraska’s success, our agriculture industry give us a unique economic advantage. In Nebraska, one in four jobs are tied to agriculture. Our farmers, livestock producers, and business owners are the best in world. They are known for utilizing their knowledge and skills to grow the economy and ensure our state’s number one industry continues to help Nebraska’s economy thrive. In 2013, Nebraska’s $6.6 billion in agricultural exports provided $8.1 billion in additional economic activity.

 

Nebraska is a prime example of how wise policies can enable unique industries in states across the country to flourish. In the U.S. Senate, I am working to bring this Nebraska common sense to the federal level.

 

Our citizens and agriculture producers rely on America’s roads, highways, bridges, and railroads to bring their products to market. Strong infrastructure is an essential component for a flourishing economy. That is why I was pleased to work on the multi-year highway bill that was signed into law last month. This important legislation will bring $1.5 billion to Nebraska over the next five years, enabling critical infrastructure projects to move forward. This influx of resources will make our roads safer and more efficient, and it will lead to stronger communities and new jobs in our state.

 

In addition to strengthening existing industries in Nebraska, our healthy business environment is encouraging many innovative companies to develop in our state. CNBC ranked Nebraska seventh in its “America’s Top States for Business 2015” scorecard. I have visited many of these Nebraska businesses, which ensure that technological advancements are benefiting consumers and industries across the country and around the globe.

 

To help these businesses keep pace with the innovations that are changing the world, I have been working hard in the Senate to see that federal regulations are appropriate for today’s world. On that front, two bills I introduced, the E-Label Act and E-Warranty Act, have been signed into law. These important measures ease regulatory requirements on manufacturers by allowing them to post their warranty and labeling information online. This common-sense change provides businesses with more options and lower overhead costs, which results in lower prices for consumers.

 

The Nebraska way works. It’s now time to apply these principles on a national scale. As your Senator, I will continue to reach across the aisle to work with my colleagues on policies that sustain a prosperous Nebraska and a stronger America.

 

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

 

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