March 2023

My colleagues and I on the Senate Agriculture Committee have already begun working on the 2023 Farm Bill, a package of critical agriculture legislation passed only once every five years. Those of us on the Agriculture Committee often agree on many aspects of the Farm Bill, and one of the most popular solutions we hope to implement this year is an increase in the accessibility of precision agriculture technologies.

Last week, Senator Linehan’s LB 753, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, advanced to the next round of debate. This is historic as it marks the first time in many years that a “school choice” bill has moved forward in the Nebraska Legislature. However, it is important to note that LB 753 is part of a larger school finance and property tax reduction plan proposed by Governor Jim Pillen. I am proud to support this legislation (along with the other legislation included in the package) as it is a win-win for Nebraska taxpayers and our state’s children. LB 753 helps to expand educational options for families who might not otherwise have the means to afford private school tuition, while at the same time reducing the burden on our public school system. By providing scholarships to students in need, we can help to level the playing field and ensure that every child in Nebraska has access to options for education. Parents are the best judges of their children’s educational needs and deserve to be able to choose the educational environment that best suits their children’s needs, regardless of their income.

Agriculture producers in Nebraska have earned their standing as world leaders in agriculture through their excellence and tradition of respecting the natural resources with which our state is blessed. No one cares more about the land and water of our state than the farmers and ranchers whose livelihoods depend on careful management these resources.