This Thursday, July 25th, the Legislature will convene during a special session to our state's critically high property taxes. This special session is a critical moment for our state, and the stakes are high. We are facing unattainable promises made with no feasible plan to achieve them, especially when the Governor has explicitly excluded major items like expanding our tax base through legalizing marijuana or adjusting income tax brackets so that the wealthy pay their fair share. Nebraskans deserve solutions that are practical and sustainable, not empty promises that jeopardize our future.
As the 2024 legislative session drew to a close on April 18th, I found myself reflecting on the whirlwind of activity and progress we achieved together. From the halls of the Capitol to the grassroots advocacy in our communities, it's been a session marked by victories, challenges, and the enduring spirit of Nebraskans striving for a better future.
In 2023, the Heart Ministry Center interviewed 29 individuals who had been denied SNAP benefits due to a drug-related felony on their records. A sample of those interviews can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Vfq_Q8HONjI?si=cAHTdQvluGXvlJ5C. 28 of the 29 interviewed had completed a drug treatment program but were still denied access to SNAP benefits.
Governor Pillen’s veto statement about my priority bill demonstrates that he is simply not familiar with the bill. He has a fundamental misunderstanding of the function of Syringe Service Programs (SSPs), which serve as a doorway to accessing treatment. The relationships, resources, and referrals people obtain from an SSP are often the first opportunity for treatment they receive. In fact, people who use SSPs are up to five times more likely to receive treatment.
As an intern in Senator Megan Hunt's office at the Nebraska Legislature, you will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process and contribute to meaningful policy initiatives. Apply by November 13th to be considered.
My colleagues and I have requested that Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers clarify his stance on reproductive healthcare privacy and medical autonomy. Contact Attorney General Hilgers at (402) 471-2683 and urge him to uphold our right to privacy.
A Nebraska-based doctor sent me this email, detailing their opposition to banning gender-affirming care for trans youth and to banning abortion access for Nebraskans. Give it a read, it's worth it.
