Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Sorted by date Results 1126 - 1150 of 1718
Whether they are struggling to find a job or have stopped trying, unemployment is holding down millions of Americans. For them, the American dream feels out of reach. With the passage of tax reform, our attention needs to be on getting everyone who can work to work. A growing economy means more jobs and greater demand for qualified workers. Too many Americans have been stuck on the sidelines, and our goal is to move them into the workforce and out of poverty. On January 18, I had the opportunity to speak at the American Enterprise Institute on...
On January 25 public hearings will be held on my two property tax relief bills, LB829 and LB899. If you would like to testify at the public hearing for either bill, please arrive at Hearing Room #1524 at the State Capitol Building in Lincoln by 1:30 p.m. In order to testify, you will need to fill out a short form which will be available in the hearing room. I encourage everyone who desires property tax relief and who is able to travel the long distance to come to Lincoln and testify. The...
Like many Nebraskans, my life has been shaped by agriculture. For over 40 years, I’ve worked with agriculture and rural development organizations across our state and recognized how the success of ag producers is connected to the success of our state as a whole. As a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature and as a U.S. Senator, common-sense agriculture policies have always been a top priority for me. Now, I have an opportunity to be more involved at the federal level. I am happy to a...
I've lived in Nebraska my entire life, and I really believe our state can be the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family. Certainly, there are some who look down on Nebraska (maybe literally from a window seat) and we might be lucky those people pass us by! But a lot of people just don't know anything about us, or what we have to offer. We all know taxes aren't a strength of ours, but even under the best circumstances, we won't be a low-tax state any time soon. That's why...
Cutting and reforming taxes is key to growing Nebraska. Over the years, together, the Legislature and I have done the hard work needed to hold the line on taxes. Additionally, we have worked together to deliver over $840 million in property tax relief over four years. While this is significant, I’m continuing to make tax relief a top priority. Throughout the state, Senators and I hear stories of how high taxes are hurting Nebraskans. There’s one story that has really stuck with me: This fal...
Small and regional airports throughout Nebraska serve as the connection between rural communities and their families, the economy, and the world. They also act as access points that help attract business and move people quickly. Our airports enable us to compete in a global economy. Without them, Nebraskans in many parts of our state would be hundreds of miles and hours away from the nearest airport. The Essential Air Service (EAS) program ensures air travel remains available in rural...
Editor, High property taxes in Nebraska are taxing people, especially senior citizens, out of their homes. Farmers and ranchers in the current economy cannot hold onto their land or consider passing landed inheritances from the 1800s to their children. For too long, the Legislature has flirted with ideas for property tax relief but has failed to begin the process of passing substantive property tax reform. Finally, Sen. Steve Erdman has taken the challenge, leading with his 50-50 plan in LB...
To kick off 2018, the American Farm Bureau welcomed President Trump to their annual meeting. It was the first time a U.S. president addressed this gathering in 26 years. Our country depends on ag producers every day for our food, feed, fuel, and fiber, which makes it all the more surprising so much time had passed without a president speaking directly to this assembly of thousands of ag leaders from across the nation. In his address, President Trump expressed appreciation for the hard work of U.S. farmers and ranchers, and reinforced his...
LB829 is the number assigned to my property tax relief bill. LB829 will allow tax payers to get a 50 percent credit or refund on that portion of their property tax bill which goes to fund public education when they file their Nebraska state income taxes. For most taxpayers, LB829 will result in a 30 percent reduction in property taxes. LB829 is necessary because property taxes in Nebraska have been running out of control. According to the Department of Numbers, Nebraska’s real median h...
Like many Nebraskans, my life has been shaped by agriculture. For over 40 years, I’ve worked with agriculture and rural development organizations across our state and recognized how the success of ag producers is connected to the success of our state as a whole. As a state senator in the Nebraska Legislature and as a U.S. Senator, common-sense agriculture policies have always been a top priority for me. Now, I have an opportunity to be more involved at the federal level. I am happy to a...
People on the West Coast endure droughts and forest fires. People on the Northeast Coast endure minus degree temperatures and a foot of snow. People in the Southeast endure the ferocious winds, rain, and flooding that hurricanes bring. People who live in Tornado Alley—Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri—suffer from those spinning cyclones’ destruction. Here on the Great Plains, in fly-over country, we suffer from droughts, prairie fires, hailstorms, grasshoppers, and winter blizzards. The d...
The 2018 legislative session has commenced! Last week, State Senators gathered at the State Capitol building in Lincoln to kick off the second session of Nebraska’s 105th Legislature. This is a short 60-day legislative session. From now until to mid-April, State Senators will be debating changes to the state budget and a variety of policies. Short sessions require the Legislature to focus on high-priority issues. During this session, many senators have said that the state budget and tax r...
Each of us, regardless of age, experience or circumstances, has something to contribute to his or her community. We are fast approaching the time to file to run or run for re-election for local public offices. Even if you have not considered running for office in the past, now is a great time to think about public service. It is a decision you will not regret because public service is interesting, challenging and rewarding. In western Nebraska, it has grown harder to find people to seek public...
There is a lot of work ahead in the new year. Before we undertake a fresh set of challenges, it is good to take stock of the many positive outcomes and accomplishments of 2017. Tax reform becoming law was one of the year’s most celebrated victories. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, it has been a privilege to be part of this years-long effort to overhaul our broken and overly burdensome tax code for the first time in a generation. The economy is already responding. More than 100 companies across the country, including Nelnet and P...
One bill I believe Nebraska needs is LB611. LB611 is a carry-over bill from last year. Last year the bill advanced out of the Appropriations Committee, where it also became the committee’s priority bill. The bill currently sits on General File. LB611 would require annual reporting of federal funds received by state agencies participating in the State’s budgeting process. The report would require every State agency to create two operating plans; the first would go into effect once federal rec...
Serving Nebraska during the last five years has been an honor, and as I begin 2018, I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our great state and our great people. My staff, both in Washington and throughout Nebraska, work hard to ensure that Nebraskans receive the best representation and guidance when navigating federal bureaucracy, planning a trip to the nation’s capital, or looking for other services that my office can provide. My offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Kearney, and Scott...
“Ask Brianna” is a column from NerdWallet for 20-somethings or anyone else starting out. I’m here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans — all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to [email protected]. Q: I never keep my New Year’s resolutions. But this year, I set a goal to save more money. How can I finally stick with it? A: When we set money goals, our motivations are pure. A new year has just begun, we recently got engaged or we’re try...
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get healthier, you may already be taking the necessary steps, such as improving your diet and increasing your exercise. Of course, physical fitness is important to your well-being – but, at the same time, don’t forget about your financial fitness. Specifically, what can you do to ensure your investment situation is in good shape? Here are a few “healthy living” suggestions that may also apply to your investment portfolio: Build endurance – Just as exer...
I get some of my best ideas drinking coffee. I get good ideas drinking whiskey, too, but I forget them before I can write them down. I was drinking coffee in the office yesterday morning, instant coffee in a cup with a Christmas tree and the “Peanuts” character Snoopy on the side, when I came up with the best idea I’ve had since I decided to stop smoking cigars around my wife. Well, actually, the cigar idea was hers, but I got on board with it pretty quickly. What I want to do is change the Constitution of the United States of America, of which...
1) In 2018, a. the Democrats will win control of the House of Representatives. b. the Republicans will retain control of the Senate. c. President Donald Trump will provoke the use of the 25th Amendment by his Cabinet to remove him temporarily from office. d. the key issue in the congressional races will be whether or not to impeach President Trump. 2) At the end of 2018, a. more American troops will be deployed around the world than are today. b. the United States will be directly involved in a land war in North Korea. c. the United States...
I have to admit my usual reference to biking doesn't work. A guy can't spend much time on a bike, safely, when winter suddenly arrives with the single-digit readings and varieties of snow and ice. I guess on that note it is time to check all the parts, prepare for streets clearing and weather warming. The holiday season, generically speaking, is an interesting progress. Halloween, if we claim it as a holiday, is barely closed, discount prices on orange and black candies posted, when retailers...
Happy New Year and welcome to 2018! The second session of the 105th Nebraska Legislature will commence on January 3. So, this week I want to offer an update on some of the bills I have been working on and will introduce this year. The first bill I will introduce will be the property tax relief bill I promised to introduce in a press conference I held last May after the closing of the first session of the 105th Nebraska Legislature. My Property Tax Relief Act will give Nebraska taxpayers a 30%...
Happy New Year, fellow Nebraskans! With the start of a new year, the Unicameral Legislature convenes in January to work on priorities Nebraskans care about. In good times and in bad, Nebraskans work together to get things done and move our state forward. When we see a need, we go out and meet that need. Over the years, many of your State Senators and I have worked together on your priorities. You don't have to look any further than the work we did together in the 2017 session to see the power...
Sidney Regional Medical Center (SRMC), a very devoted business member of the community and proud supporter of Sidney, Cheyenne County, and the region, on behalf of the Board of Directors, administration, directors, and staff of SRMC, we would like to wish the new clinic the best and look forward to our continued partnership to support the community's healthcare needs. We are glad that the physicians and physician assistants have retained their hospital privileges at Sidney Regional Medical...
With the arrival of the New Year, many of us will pause and ponder the age-old question: "Who knows where the time goes?" And, as is always the case, none of us really do know. However, wherever the time goes, it will usually be a key factor in your success as an investor. Time can affect how you invest, and the results of your investing, in different ways: Growth potential – Contrary to myth, there's no real way to "get rich quick" when investing. To build wealth, you need patience – and time....
