Our Nebraska Legislature is focused on the wrong issues. On Jan. 10, state Sen. Kathleen Kauth and Gov. Jim Pillen hosted a press conference debuting their latest piece of niche, cultural and controversial legislation. Meanwhile, the state faces a $432 million budget shortfall, and Nebraskans aren’t feeling real property tax relief.
In 2023, an entire legislative session was burned when lawmakers decided this issue was more important than anything else. Whatever your ideological view, it is factual that legislation regarding transgender Nebraskans affects a minuscule portion of the state. It is not even in the top 10 issues that average rural or urban Nebraskans face on a daily basis. So why is it the top priority of Gov. Pillen and certain state senators?
This niche, cultural and controversial battle distracts lawmakers from real issues and legislation that can substantively improve the lives of everyday Nebraskans. Legislation such as Machaela Cavanaugh’s LB14, which would ensure no child goes hungry in Nebraska schools. Perhaps the Legislature could even address the 30-year property tax crisis and finally deliver real tax relief.
Unfortunately, with the current state of affairs, Nebraskans will not receive a Legislature that works for them.
*Letter to the Editor of the Lincoln Journal Star by Jayden Speed
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