Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: For Wildfires, Nebraska Must Be Better Prepared
Wildfires are a natural part of the prairie landscape. This year, we had the largest wildfires in our state’s history. Over a million acres were burned. Property was lost and livestock were hurt. We are grateful for our first responders who helped contain these fires. Their dedication and sacrifice protected communities across the state. In […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: The Karly Rain Wood Act
In 2022, Karly Rain Wood, a 20-year-old from Omaha, was murdered. She went to a friend’s birthday party and was shot eight times. She was there for only 15 minutes. Five other victims were also shot. Karly Rain’s killer was previously convicted of four different felonies. But he had been released. In February, Stephanie Minter […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Stop Congressional Insider Trading
When Nebraskans send lawmakers to Washington they expect them to serve our communities. Polling confirms that many Americans believe politicians are abusing their positions for personal financial gain. Over 80% of Americans believe Members of Congress do a bad job keeping their personal financial interests separate from their Congressional work. As a result, only 15% […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Traveling Nebraska
The last two weeks I have been traveling across Nebraska. I received updates on critical projects in our state. I heard from Nebraskans about what’s on their mind. We talked about how we can collaborate to improve our communities. In Lincoln, I celebrated the retirement of Brigadier General Gary Ropers. Gen. Ropers served the Nebraska […]
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Happy 4th of July, Nebraskans! This Independence Day is special. This year, we are celebrating 250 years of American freedom. Our nation was founded 250 years ago, not only through a revolution, but through a revolutionary idea. Our Founders believed that God gave people their rights, not the government. This was a radical idea at the time. Other […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: 250 Years of the American Dream
Our country was founded on the belief that all Americans have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These building blocks make the American Dream possible. We live in a nation of opportunity. A nation that enables kids to have it better than their parents. A nation that believes that hard work […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Proven Nebraska Housing Solutions Ready for America
Nebraska is the best place in the world to live. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Omaha as the second-best city for recent college grads to live. This is great news. It also emphasizes the work we need to continue to do to increase housing stock. More homes mean more affordable housing. […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: 250 Years of American Agriculture
America has always been rooted in agriculture. George Washington didn’t want to be known as our first president. He wanted to be known as our first farmer. Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other Founding Fathers were steeped in agriculture. The U.S. Capitol was designed as a testament to our farming heritage. There are columns throughout the […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Securing Our Nation for the Next 250 Years
As we celebrate America’s birthday we reflect on what has led to 250 years of success. We are the home of the free because of the brave. From our Founding we’ve affirmed that our people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We’ve created a country where any American, regardless of […]
Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we recommit to helping one another and fighting against social isolation. No one should feel lonely. Every Nebraskan and American should feel supported. When I was Governor, we worked to strengthen mental health care in Nebraska. As a result of these efforts, U.S. News and World Report […]