4-year term, limited to two consecutive terms, $12,000Members of the country’s only unicameral legislative body create laws and make the rules for Nebraskans under certain constitutional limitations. This body also oversees many health care services and decides how much money public schools (from kindergartens to colleges) receive each year. If you are concerned about who pays how much in taxes and how those funds get spent, this is a very important election.
Education
University of Nebraska Lincoln, College of Arts & Sciences, BA University of Nebraska College of Law JD
Current Public Office, dates
Nebraska State Senator LD 46 2022-2026
Past Public Office, dates held
Nebraska State Senator LD 2007-2014
Volunteer experience
Lincoln Public Schools Volunteer- Nebraska Bar Association Member- Nebraska Lawyers Trust Account Foundation Board of Directors- Research Nebraska Board of Directors- Legal Aid of Nebraska Board of Directors- YWCA Board of Directors-
Nebraska's great public schools have been a generational point of pride for good reason. My greatest concern regarding our public schools today is that state leaders are too focused on divisive social battles that put our kids and teachers and schools in the crosshairs. We need to respect local control and focus on ensuing our schools have the resources they need to recruit and retain top talent in the classroom and ensure kids have the resources they need to learn and succeed while recognizing the unique needs for kids with special education needs. I will continue to work to fully fund education to ensure our public schools remain strong and to reduce the pressure on local property taxes.
Workforce and economic development challenges are among the top issues facing our state but our present state leaders are far too focused on divisive social issues and corporate giveaways benefiting the wealthiest most successful bushiness while doing little to support families, seniors, small businesses and entrepreneurs. We need to change that and have the opportunity to do just that with our votes so we have more leaders in Nebraska that focus on the real issues impacting our families and communities. The solutions to addressing our workforce needs include education, job training, apprenticeships, child care, health care, housing, and tax fairness for seniors and the working Nebraska families.
I’m running for re-election with deep roots in rural Nebraska and have represented a very diverse urban district for 12 years. Rural and urban Nebraska must both be strong for Nebraska to succeed. Nebraska needs strong, steady leadership at a time when issues important to working families, public schools, and civil rights are on the line. I believe in a Legislature that honors non partisanship, respects the will of the people, and delivers real solutions that improve lives across our state.
My focus has always been on making government more open, more accountable, and more responsive to the needs of everyday Nebraskans. I will continue building coalitions, standing up for fairness, and working for policies that strengthen communities.
I view the role of a State Senator as being the representative of their district and making decisions that benefit the state as a whole. Constituent feedback is critical and I work hard to listen and to be responsive to what is on my constituents minds. I accomplish this through canvassing door to door, community events, and correspondence. I also have worked hard to push back against cynical attacks by state government leaders that undermine the will of Nebraska voters on critical issues like minimum wage, earned sick leave, vouchers, and medical cannabis.
