The birthplace of Arbor Day

Before Nebraska was called the “Cornhuskers”, we were known as “The Tree Planters.” It seems ironic, given our state is characterized by its expansive Great Plains and rolling Sandhills.

Nebraska has home delivery for everything but babies

A couple of generations ago the vast majority of Nebraska babies were born at home. But today the views of Nebraskans on home births are polarized, shaped by the state’s restrictive laws, cultural values and concerns that put safety over personal autonomy.

A look at the state budget process

In the legislature there are two committees that deal with money. One is the Revenue Committee that determines how money is brought into the treasury (think taxes). The other is the Appropriations Committee, which determines where money will be spent.

Still looking for my Day 1

Every day is a journey. And my journey starts over every day.I am fighting a losing battle. And it is not the losing battle that I want to win.It was pointed out to me about a year ago that I am addicted to pop and caffeine.

Keeping Nebraska’s communities safe

Nebraska is ‘The Good Life’. It’s one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.As a lifelong Nebraskan, I’m proud that my husband, Bruce, and I raised our kids in the state we love.

Auditor says corporate tax breaks are putting a drain on state budgets

LINCOLN — When it comes to the whys and hows of state tax policy, it’s hard to beat public hearings of the Revenue Committee at the Nebraska Legislature.

It isn’t a one-sided conversation

Do you ever feel like you are talking to a brick wall?Well — as a parent — sometimes talking to my kids feels like I’m talking to myself or just talking to hear myself speak.Usually it is when I tell them to go clean their room or tell them to go get ready for bed.

Trade war would bring more pain to state’s farmers

Even in the best of times, farming is a precarious enterprise.There’s drought, floods, hail, wind storms and pests of all kinds to deal with.

Perfect storm of a housing shortage

I recently attended the opening of a new home in Clarks that was built using funds from a state program called the Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF). It allows state money to be loaned to builders on an interest free loan for two years or whenever the home is sold, whichever occurs first.

Explaining the congressional budget reconciliation process

April 12th marks an important date for Congress. It marks the 100th day of our new Congress and a moment for us to assess our work and accomplishments so far for the American people.In this brief period, we’ve already accomplished so much.