On the recordSeptember 11, 2024
my home of Nebraska is home to an array of people, places, and pursuits. It is home to Husker football and the College World Series, our beautiful State capitol building in Lincoln, and our world-famous zoo in Omaha. Nebraska is home to plains and prairies and cities and small towns and to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills. That unique beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills, where we raised our three sons, is where I began my travels last month during the August State work period. In total, I visited over 35 communities with over 100 stops, from Kimball to Blair and Red Cloud to Norfolk. One visit especially near and dear to me was the Valentine Community Schools. Years ago, I served on the Valentine School Board, where I saw these schools up close and advocated for their improvements. The Valentine Community Schools are still doing great, educating bright kids who will go on to lead our State. Farther west, I toured the Scottsbluff and Bridgeport schools. The Scottsbluff school system follows a career academy-focused curriculum, and I was impressed to see the creativity and innovation that educators are applying to that work. It is a testament to Nebraskans' dedication to progress in our local communities. Along with the schools and educators across the State, I visited healthcare facilities and the doctors and nurses and medical professionals who keep them going.…





