Last week, we celebrated National Police Week, as well as Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15. The week is a solemn observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. I was truly honored to be asked by Lieutenant Newton to say a few words to those in attendance at the North Platte Law Enforcement Memorial located at Iron Horse Park.

In my remarks, I shared how fortunate we are to live in rural Nebraska, where people respect those who put their lives on the line every day to protect our way of life and maintain law and order. Over the past few years, it has become apparent that many in larger cities throughout the U.S. don’t share those sentiments. It has been interesting to watch all those in cities who lead “defund the police” efforts who now are seeing the negative impacts that these initiatives have caused. Downtown areas that have lost many of their business, which have been replaced by homeless encampments, gang activity, and increases in drug activity.

I recall having coffee with a member of the State Patrol a couple of years ago. I asked him what went through his mind when he pulled over out-of-state vehicles, given all the drugs that travel down our interstates and highways. He told me he just focused on his training and knew this was simply part of his job. I think that sentiment runs throughout the law enforcement community. We should all be grateful for everyone who has chosen a career in law enforcement and pray for them every day as they put their lives on the line “doing their job.” They can count on me to support them to the best of my ability to ensure that they have the training, equipment, and support they need to do the best job they can.

Although I hadn’t initially planned to address the mailer many of you received from the Holland Children’s Movement prior to Election Day, I understand that some of you were curious about this organization and its motives. The Holland Children’s Movement, an Omaha-based organization primarily funded by Suzie Buffett, advocates for progressive causes. Their goal, which I believe we can all support, is “to ensure Nebraska children and families are prioritized in budget and policy decisions.” However, there are times when I find myself in disagreement with their methods to achieve this goal.

I take issue with many of the statements made on their mailer. First, they suggested that I do not support public schools because I voted for LB1402, which increases access to private schools through certain types of scholarship funding. My vote on LB1402 was not a condemnation of our public schools and did not shift any funding away from our public education. In fact, LB1402 is in line with how the state treats students in public education. For several years now, we have allowed parents to choose which public school their children can best fit in through option enrollment. The Legislature provides funding to the public schools that accept “option” students into their schools. LB1402 simply carries this concept one step further. I voted for the bill because it saves the state $15 million annually and allows low-income parents to have the same opportunities for their children to have the best opportunities for their children. Moreover, the statement ignores my participation in a strong bipartisan effort last year to send an additional $324 million in additional state aid to K-12 public schools.

Second, the mailer claimed I took away the right of local governments to determine if someone is safe to carry a concealed weapon by voting for LB77. In reality, very few of the local ordinances affected by the preemption provisions of LB77 dealt with whether someone was “safe” to carry. Instead, the bill reduces administrative burdens that keep citizens from enjoying their Second Amendment rights and makes sure laws are uniform across the state so they are easier to comply with. I have long supported the Second Amendment and will continue to do so in the future.

I also was called out for voting against LB840, the Poverty Elimination Action Plan Act, which passed on a vote of 28-19-2. The bill requires all cities with over 50,000 people to create plans to eliminate poverty. I don’t think a lack of planning or desire has stopped community leaders from eliminating poverty. There are many worthy government-funded programs to help those who are truly in need. Growing up in poverty myself, I can tell you that establishing a strong work ethic by getting a job and earning your way can do wonders to encourage self-esteem and open up our true potential. If we can grow our economy, more opportunities for employment and education will be available to every Nebraskan. But we can’t grow if we continue to push unfunded mandates – like the one in LB840 – down on our local governments. These plans will be paid for with property taxes, which is a tax burden that continues to harm all Nebraskans and local businesses.

Finally, I was criticized for my vote to sustain the Governor’s Veto of duplicative spending in LB814, one of the 2023 budget bills, a vote that was framed as a vote “against affordable healthcare.” I absolutely support affordable healthcare when achieved the right way. That is why I sponsored LB1087, the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Act. This bill will bring over $1 billion in federal funding to Nebraska hospitals to expand Medicaid reimbursements. This bill will provide ample funding to expand healthcare access for children and low-income families and will allow many rural facilities to keep their doors open, all without additional state spending.

In the end, I have made it clear that I represent the residents of District 42, which means supporting policies that protect the rights of all Nebraskans and advocating for smart investments of taxpayer dollars. Not every bill is the right policy decision just because it has a noble goal. I will continue to look for and encourage effective, cost-efficient ways to support our children and families. But I will not base my vote on the desires of Omaha special interests. That will not change.

I look forward to continuing to hear from you regarding issues that are important to you. It is a privilege to serve as your State Senator, and I will continue to give my full effort to make a positive difference for the District and the State. You can reach me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2729.