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Nebraska State Legislative District 28

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.

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  • Candidate picture

    Chad Kulig
    (NON)

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    Patty Pansing Brooks
    (NON)

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    Colby L. Woodson
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What is your top concern about K-12 education in Nebraska and what would be your solution?

What are the most effective policy tools to promote economic development?

As a legislator, how would you balance rural and urban priorities when allocating resources and shaping policy?

How do you view the role of the state senator and how would you factor in constituent feedback?

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Education Master of Community and Regional Planning '25 (UNL); Bachelor of Journalism '22 (UNL)
Current Public Office, dates None
Past Public Office, dates held None
Military experience No personal military experice
Volunteer experience American Planning Association, Amicus Curiae Committee Member '25: Reviewed legal cases involving land use and city planning
My top concern is ensuring that every student leaves Nebraska’s K-12 system with strong foundational skills and a clear path forward. Students should graduate with solid reading comprehension across different types of texts, practical numeracy including everyday financial skills, and a basic understanding of civics and the rule of law. Schools should also help students explore attainable next steps, whether in higher education, technical training, or the workforce. I support maintaining lower student-to-teacher ratios in early grades and strengthening partnerships between schools, employers, and colleges so students are better prepared for adulthood and meaningful careers.
Effective economic development policy focuses on creating stable conditions for businesses, workers, and communities to grow. Increasing housing supply is essential so workers at different income levels can afford to live near jobs, which means reducing unnecessary barriers to home construction. Predictable and consistent tax policy also matters, because households and businesses benefit when changes are gradual and easy to plan for. Finally, incentives should prioritize firms with established local operations and a proven record of creating jobs, rather than relying primarily on costly relocation incentives.
As a candidate in a predominantly urban district, my responsibility would be to advocate for the needs of the people who live and work there while also working constructively with colleagues from across the state. Urban and rural communities face different challenges, but both depend on strong infrastructure, education, and economic opportunity. Effective policymaking requires listening to the priorities of other districts, finding common ground where possible, and developing policies that recognize Nebraska’s geographic diversity while supporting growth and stability statewide.
A state senator’s role is to represent the people of the district by listening carefully to their concerns, communicating openly about policy decisions, and exercising thoughtful judgment when crafting legislation. No elected official can represent every viewpoint perfectly, but it is essential that constituents who take the time to share their perspectives are heard and taken seriously. I believe strong representation means staying attentive to issues as they emerge, responding respectfully to feedback, and working to advance policies that improve the well-being and long-term stability of the community.