During the Senate’s most recent state work period, I was fortunate to spend time in 15 communities across eastern and south central Nebraska. I am always grateful for the chance to meet directly with Nebraskans as I tour businesses and hospitals, visit schools, and take part in local events. I also held open coffees in Fairbury, Red Cloud, and Holdrege to listen to your thoughts and concerns on policies coming out of Washington.
I was encouraged to see strong economic growth in many of these cities and towns. For example, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new addition to Lexington Regional Health Center, which will enhance local access to health care. In 2013, the hospital added an estimated $27 million to the local economy. The renovation and addition to the hospital will further bolster the local economy and ensure more Nebraskans are able to receive quality care in their own community.
While visiting businesses, I was impressed by the vision of business owners and their employees who are working hard to put quality products into the marketplace for consumers. In Superior, I toured their Main Street with the Chamber of Commerce and heard more about issues facing local small businesses, which are the driving force behind job creation and economic growth. The input I receive during these meetings with Nebraskans is invaluable to helping me represent your interests in Washington.
The time I spend traveling the state also deepens my appreciation for Nebraska’s vast land and abundant natural resources. From the rolling Sandhills to bountiful farmland and winding rivers, our state is blessed with diverse landscapes and a healthy natural environment. Enjoying the nature that surrounds us and taking care of our natural resources have been proud traditions of Nebraskans for generations.
Recently, the nation observed Arbor Day, a national holiday founded in Nebraska 142 years ago that brings Americans together to plant trees. A native of Nebraska City proposed the holiday in 1872, and since then millions of trees have been planted across our state and country in honor of Arbor Day.
In addition to planting new life, Nebraskans also understand the importance of protecting the resources entrusted to us and practicing conservation. A recent article in the Omaha World-Herald highlighted a paid fellowship program offered by The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska and funded by the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation in Omaha. The program was created to help recent college graduates and young leaders pursue career paths in the conservation field.
As full-time jobs in conservation are limited, the fellowship allows those in the program to gain experience in just one year that is typically acquired over the course of several seasonal jobs. The article notes that this program is the “first-of-its-kind” and is gaining national interest across other chapters of The Nature Conservancy.
These young conservationists are blessed with many fine role models right in our state who show exemplary commitment to taking care of our environment. The Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award is presented annually by Nebraska Cattlemen to families who have demonstrated outstanding land stewardship and management. This year’s award recipients were Duane and Nancy Pelster, ranchers from Ericson, Nebraska, who own land along the Cedar River that has been in the family since 1934. The Pelsters established a management plan that has enriched land health, weathered considerable droughts, and boosted livestock profitability. The positive results of their wise conservation practices have also served as inspiration to other landowners who have employed similar techniques.
The Pelster family is a shining example of a principle that is deeply rooted in Nebraska’s values: that taking care of our precious natural resources benefits our land and wildlife, but it also benefits all of us.
Thank you for taking part in our democratic process, and I’ll visit with you again next week.
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