Column: Back in Nebraska, Hearing Your Concerns

Statement

I was thrilled to be back in Nebraska last week during the Senate's state work period. I began with stops in Lincoln and Omaha, and then worked my way westward with stops in York, Aurora, Grand Island, St. Paul, and Loup City. Throughout the week, I enjoyed visiting with many Nebraskans -- from third graders to rotary club members. I believe the most important part of my job is to listen. It's your voice, ideas, and suggestions that help guide my work for all Nebraskans in the U.S. Senate.

In Omaha, I had the unique opportunity to meet with students from two very different age groups. During a visit to St. Vincent de Paul School, I spoke to students in the third grade classes. It was exciting to see how interested they are in government at such a young age. They asked me several amusing questions. A few of my favorite questions were: what is my favorite part about being a senator, what I like to do for fun, and if I have met the president. Later in the day, I convened a meeting of my Metro Student Advisory Committee, which is made up of student representatives from several high schools in the Omaha area. I was impressed by their advanced and insightful questions on a variety of topics, such as our national debt, Iran, and the threat of the terrorist group ISIL. It's always inspiring to see young people who are engaged in their schools and communities.

My discussions with Nebraskans are helpful in identifying solutions to the many challenges facing our state. That is why last week, I convened two roundtable discussions on issues of great importance to Nebraska. On Tuesday in York, I hosted a productive discussion with business, city, and county representatives regarding economic development. We talked about limiting regulations at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure that businesses in the area can continue to grow and thrive. Meanwhile in Grand Island, I joined a group of veterans and active duty service members to discuss problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs. It was disappointing to hear about the challenges that Nebraska veterans, especially those in rural areas, continue to face with regard to the Veterans Choice Program. I'm hopeful that by having more productive discussions like these we can find a better way forward and ensure our veterans receive the care they need.

Also last week, I held two of what I like to call "Listening Sessions" -- one in Aurora and another in Loup City. These sessions give Nebraskans a chance to share their views and concerns with me directly in an informal and friendly setting. I always begin by giving a short update on my work in the Senate, then open it up to the audience for questions on a number of federal issues. In both Aurora and Loup City, I was pleased to see that the rooms were filled to the brim. I appreciated the time citizens took to ask questions on a wide range of topics -- including health care, transportation, and energy policy.

These were just a few of my stops last week. I also visited the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha and attended a meeting of the St. Paul Rotary Club. Next week, I'm looking forward to spending more time in Nebraska talking with you and listening to your views. I hope you will continue to share them with me.

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

Source