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 National Guard for 45 years. I also attended an event to celebrate new funding for four interstate bridges. This project will ensure Nebraskans can safely and more easily get around our capital city and state.
I visited the Tractor Supply Distribution Center in Waverly. I heard how the Working Families Tax Cuts are positively impacting their team and operations. The immediate expensing and bonus depreciation for machinery allows Tractor Supply to invest in Nebraska and across the country.
I traveled to Crawford to tour the South Fork Fire damages. I also met with the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department. I heard about their work combating the South Fork Fire. They saved Fort Robinson State Park and evacuated residents from an assisted living facility. We discussed the support they need to continue their lifesaving work. This includes a FEMA grant I helped secure that will cover 75% of the firefighting costs. This grant makes sure that local communities do not bear the entire cost of the wildfire. Over a million acres have burned across Nebraska this year. I will continue to support our state and local efforts to help Nebraskans rebuild.
I also attended a lunch in McCook with members of the community. We discussed efforts to make housing more affordable and renew economic opportunity in the region. I shared how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help. At McCook Community Hospital, I listened to feedback on how we can improve healthcare in rural communities. And I met with students at Mid-Plains Community College. They are training to become EMS and healthcare professionals. These jobs are needed in our state.
In Peru, I toured the levee with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Nebraska’s 2019 floods were the worst in our history. They damaged this levee at 5 different points. This threatened the town of Peru and caused tens of millions of dollars in damages. With $43 million allocated by Congress, the Army Corps of Engineers is working to repair that damage. We discussed project plans and timeline. They expect repairs to be done by November 5, 2027. The levee protects the town of Peru as well as Nebraska farmland. It also protects lives. Successful reconstruction is necessary for our farmers.
In Norfolk, I attended a roundtable with the Nebraska Farm Bureau. We discussed the importance of a new, five-year farm bill and year-round E15. I shared some of my bills included in the Senate’s farm bill text. The FENCE Act would help with rebuilding efforts by allowing USDA grants for virtual fencing. The AFIDA Improvements Act would restrict Communist China from purchasing American ag land. The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act would strengthen rural small businesses. This has been a tough year for Nebraska farmers and ranchers. We’re working together to recover and strengthen our family farms.
Meeting with Nebraskans while traveling our state is the best part of this job. As Senator, just as when I was Governor, I’ll keep fighting for the Good Life. This is what makes Nebraska great. It is an honor to serve you. I’ll keep working to make Nebraska the best place to live.
My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224. You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.