VOTE411 Voter Guide

Teachers and administrators are dealing with burn-out at higher rates than ever before, schools are facing workforce shortages as seen in other sectors, students have had a difficult time recovering from lost learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and tax dollars have been diverted away from funding public schools, putting added pressure on already burdensome property taxes. I will: Prioritize equity-focused policies that will close gaps and aid recovery from unfinished learning; Support policies that invest in a strong teacher pipeline, bolster competitive compensation, and improve teaching and learning conditions; Ensure parents continue to have involvement in their children’s education; and protect taxpayers from shifted resources.

I will continue to support efforts that are recommended in Best Management Practices that consider business, environmental and neighborhood interests.

One of our biggest challenges facing the state, besides the aforementioned issues, is that state policy makers are becoming more divisive and ONLY representing their party interests rather than finding common ground to best represent their constituents. Our Unicameral has historically been the most effective legislature in our nation, and it is important that we preserve that legacy and not let Washington D.C.-type politics get in the way of progress. Our one-house legislature is as unique and special as we are, and I want to serve to protect the interests of the people.

I am concerned by the number of people leaving the teaching field. Teacher retention is critical not just for our youth, but also for the success of our communities and state. Low salaries for teachers is certainly part of the problem that needs fixing, but we can also address this by making sure we have the proper supports in the classrooms so teachers are able to teach. Whether that support is a para-educator to assist in elementary school or updated technology for high schools, teachers need our support. As a former substitute teacher and adjunct professor, I believe being supported in the classrooms creates a better environment for learning, which results in better outcomes for students, which creates a better workplace for educators.

I had the opportunity to visit the site for Water2.0 for Lincoln and southeast Nebraska. This project is vital for Nebraskans. I have supported and will continue to support funding for this project to bring clean water to and between the communities from the Missouri River to the Lincoln area. Having a second water source for Lincoln is imperative for our health, growth, and economic development. I am also aware of the significant concerns by rural water districts, and this project will also help smaller communities by providing a clean water source.

Property taxes in Nebraska are completely out of control. People who own their home and live on a fixed income are being taxed out of our state. People who are growing their families cannot afford larger homes because of the property tax increases. This problem has long term effects on economic growth and development. We need to address our spending and find ways to be more efficient in our government agencies. We need to identify opportunities to grow our tax base through economic development.

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