Opinion

Imagine how just over one hundred years ago, nearly one-third of people in the upper Great Lakes and upper Midwest regions walked around with a goiter on their neck. A goiter is a lump on the throat, which could be as big as an orange, a grapefruit, or larger. Actually an enlargement of the thyroid gland, a goiter can come from an overactive thyroid gland, an under-active thyroid gland, or an autoimmune condition, but in the United States before the 1920s, the reason was almost always deficiency of iodine.

Our nation’s government was founded on a system of checks and balances. We have three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. After escaping from a tyrannical monarchy, our founders were concerned that one branch might become more powerful than the others, focused on accomplishing its own goals rather than those of the American people.

with Kirt Manion Nebraska healed old wounds at its annual spring game. In the lead up to 2023 and a new era of Husker football, the timing could not be better.

As many of you may already know, many of my colleagues in the Nebraska Legislature are using every parliamentary trick in the book to avoid getting to certain legislative bills. They are attempting to obstruct the legislative process and prevent important legislation from being brought to a vote. This is a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the majority and it is completely unacceptable; however, I am happy to report that we have still been able to move forward and accomplish important legislative goals.

From calving and planting to spring cleaning to graduations, busyness often seems to take on a special intensity across the early months of the year. This year has been no exception, and in the House of Representatives the new Majority has been hard at work on behalf of the American people.

Americans everywhere are still struggling under record inflation. The March Consumer Price Index, a key inflation indicator, showed a five percent inflation rate, with overall food prices up 8.5 percent over March of last year.

This past week has personally been one of the most difficult ones in my life. I “lost” a dear, dear friend. We said our goodbye – for the time being, but I wasn’t ready to let Elaine Zahn leave. My heart is still too wounded to write about her. Another time. . .

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel home to Nebraska and visit with many of you in the state. It’s always a delight to be back home interacting with fellow Nebraskans, and I’m thankful I was able to participate in some great events.