Opinion

Students are a large part of why I’m so optimistic about the future of our great country. In recent years they’ve faced unprecedented challenges as COVID-19 disrupted traditional classroom settings. While Nebraskans worked hard to keep our schools open, other states can’t say the same. The resulting spotlight on public schools highlighted just how important parental engagement and freedom is to student success. Parents, not politicians, know what their children need in the classroom. This isn’t to say private education is always superior – I proudly attended Nebraska’s excellent public schools – but no child should be stuck in a failing system because of their ZIP code or socioeconomic status.

Last year, I introduced LB 1110, which outlined the provisions for registering all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) for street use. Unfortunately, that bill got stuck in committee and never made it to the floor. This year, I have introduced LB 66, which has the same intent as last year’s bill.

This past Friday, thousands of Americans traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the national March for Life. The march celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and is an opportunity to give voice to the voiceless, stand up for the fundamental right to life, and demonstrate support for both mothers and their children.

Our current tax system fails Nebraskans and needs reform now. For too long, our tax code has not been competitive. We rank 29th in the country for personal income tax rate and 32nd for business income tax rate. And as all Nebraskans know, we have some of the highest property taxes in the country. From the Missouri River to Harrison, Nebraskans are demanding that their leaders have the courage to cut taxes.

Bill introductions have concluded and committee hearings start next week! With over 800 bills introduced, the various committees will be hard at work going through the numerous bills. This column will highlight one of my bills this session that will have a direct, positive impact on District 1 - LB 212.

Last year was remarkable for the pro-life movement. On June 24, when the Supreme Court issued their Dobbs v. Jackson decision, it was the culmination of nearly half of a century of compassionate work by pro-life advocates and communities to serve and fight for unborn children and abortion-vulnerable mothers. Yet, as many gather in Washington for the 50th annual March for Life this week, it is a sobering and spurring reminder the work of the pro-life movement is not done.

Just two weeks from the start of tax filing season, an efficient and functioning Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has never been more important. The overwhelming majority of Americans pay their taxes; however, 90 percent of the $80 billion in new IRS funding in the Inflation Act would pave the way for more audits on working class families.

On January 4th, the 108th Nebraska Legislature convened for its first regular session. This legislative session is in full swing, and we are nearly through the bill introduction period! One of my bills introduced this session is LB 213, a major economic development bill for District 1 and all of rural Nebraska.

My youngest Grandson, Dustin Buell is a very thoughtful gift-giver. To say he thinks “out of the box” is putting it mildly.