Ricketts Highlights State Work Period, Meeting with Nebraskans

Yesterday, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) recapped his time travelling across Nebraska and highlighting how the Working Families Tax Cuts are putting more money in Nebraskan's pockets.

"The last two weeks, I got to be home - traveling across Nebraska," said Ricketts. "I heard directly from Nebraskans about what's on their mind. I was also able to share how Senate Republicans are putting more money in your pockets through the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts."

Watch the video here.

TRANSCRIPT:

Senator Ricketts: "The last two weeks, I got to be home, traveling across Nebraska.

"From East to West, I received updates on critical projects in our state.

"I heard directly from Nebraskans about what's on their mind.

"I was also able to share how Senate Republicans are putting more money in your pockets through the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts.

"In Blair, I toured Novonesis and Evonik.

"These manufacturers provide good Nebraska jobs.

"Novonesis and Evonik keep Nebraska at the cutting edge of biotechnology.

"They make animal feed more efficient and nutritious.

"This helps ranchers feed the country.

"They work to turn Nebraska crops into biofuels.

"In turn, Nebraska farmers fuel the world.

"With the working families tax cuts, we expanded demand for Nebraska biofuels and beef.

"We returned the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit profits to agriculture producers and doubled trade promotion programs.

"By providing no tax on overtime, the Working Families Tax Cuts also help workers at these facilities.

"I also met with the dedicated healthcare workers at Blair's Memorial Community Hospital.

"We discussed the challenges of providing rural healthcare.

"The following week, I went out to Kimball to visit the new Kimball Health Services facility.

"I was impressed by the facility.

"It's beautiful, with state-of-the-art tools to keep Nebraskans healthy.

"At both facilities, we discussed how the Working Families Tax Cuts provide them with funding and support.

"More funds are available for healthcare, while nurses and hospital staff benefit from no taxes on overtime.

"We discussed the Rural Health Transformation Fund and the opportunities to improve it in the future.

"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved Nebraska's state-directed plan.

"This last year, the plan provided almost $900 million in federal funds for Nebraska hospitals.

"And this can be renewed.

"I will continue working to ensure Nebraska is well represented in healthcare funding opportunities.

"In Kimball, I also met with community leaders to discuss the new Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, program.

"They're already planning for thousands of new jobs with replacement of the Minuteman III system.

"In the Working Families Tax Cuts, Senate Republicans provided additional money for this upgrade.

"We're strengthening America's nuclear deterrence with this system, partly based in western Nebraska.

"Beyond construction workers and Air Force personnel, we expect new businesses will be coming to Kimball.

"We discussed the additional resources the surrounding counties will need to provide roads, law enforcement, and judicial services.

"Nebraskans are recovering from natural disasters with historic wildfires.

"In Scottsbluff, I met with the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center.

"We discussed the impact of the wildfires on Nebraska rangeland and what potential recovery periods would look like.

"In Hyannis, I met with the Sandhills Fire Prevention District.

"These brave first responders saved the town of Ashby in the middle of the night.

"Their work is critical for our rural communities.

"I am committed to making sure Nebraska volunteer firefighters have the support they need.

"That includes connecting the firefighters with grant opportunities to upgrade their equipment.

"That also includes helping recovery efforts and restoring the health of burnt rangeland.

"Together, we will recover.

"Last week, I also brought Adam Telle to Nebraska.

"He is the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, which oversees the Army Corps of Engineers.

"Together, we toured the Missouri River and met with local stakeholders.

"I was able to share the river's importance to Nebraska with Secretary Telle.

"One of the most important roles the Army Corps of Engineers has is preventing future flood events.

"In 2019, our flood in Nebraska had devastating impacts.

"During this flood, four people lost their lives.

"It cost Nebraska more than $3 billion in damage.

"Our farmers and ranchers lost a billion dollars.

"We're working together to make sure this doesn't happen again.

"We're fighting to improve the infrastructure that helps prevent future flooding events.

"Meeting with Nebraskans while traveling our state is one of my favorite parts of my job.

"As Senator, just as Governor, I'll keep fighting for the good life and all that makes Nebraska great.

"It is an honor to serve you, and I'll never stop working to keep Nebraska the best place to live."