Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Nebraska Tourism Awards Banquet hosted by the Nebraska Tourism Board at the Marriott Riverfront Hotel in South Sioux City on October 27th. Leaders from around the state helped acknowledge and support their colleagues as they promote tourism throughout the state of Nebraska. According to Governor Ricketts Facebook post, “Tourism in the Good Life is thriving. In 2021, the industry brought in a record $3.6 billion as people from near and far enjoyed all Nebraska has to offer.”

I encourage everyone to explore Nebraska. From hunting and fishing to winerys and rodeos, there is something for everyone. Please checkout the Nebraska Passport program at www.nebraskapassport.com. According to their website, The purpose of the Nebraska Passport is to help travelers discover Nebraska’s hidden gems. The Nebraska Passport is special because it offers a wide variety of travel adventures, including museums, parks, restaurants, wineries, retail stores and more. The 2022 Nebraska Passport program ran from May 1 to September 30, 2022. The Nebraska Holiday Passport will run from November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023. Enjoy exploring Nebraska.

On Thursday, October 20th, the news came out that the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommended including the COVID-19 vaccine to the childhood and adult immunization schedules (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s1020-immunization-vote.html), I know that many of you are concerned about the COVID-19 vaccine and have received many emails about your concern.

According to the website, the CDC only makes recommendations for use of vaccines, while school-entry vaccination requirements are determined by state or local jurisdictions. Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer released the following statement on October 20th: “If approved, these recommendations DO NOT require a child to take the vaccine to attend school. The State of Nebraska establishes vaccine requirements, NOT ACIP or the CDC. If the CDC follows ACIP’s recommendation, it would put the COVID-19 vaccine at the same level as the flu and HPV vaccines. I encourage parents to consult with their child’s physician regarding the benefits of receiving the vaccine as they make their own decision.” – Dr. Gary Anthone, CMO (https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Statement-from-Dr–Gary-Anthone-DHHS-Chief-Medical-Officer.aspx)

The weekend of October 22nd fires broke out in the state of Nebraska. I want to personally thank the local firefighters and farmers who give of their time and energy to put these fires out and other volunteers who came to the aid and rescue of their local fire departments. Losing a life, property, and crops is not something we want to happen. With weather and drought conditions as they are, conditions are right for fires to continue to break out. Please be careful and heed all Red Flag warnings.

This past Saturday, October 29th, I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for the Emerson Post 60 Market. Emerson is happy to have a local grocery store in their community. Hats off to everyone who helped bring this to town. It will be a staple for years to come.

I am always mindful of staying close to home during harvest. Over the past week, I have been called in to drive the grain cart. What an experience. I am always grateful when harvest is over.

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by contacting me by calling (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.