** Click here to download audio of this week’s column **

There is nothing like springtime in Nebraska—wonderful people, warm sunshine, and a preview of Huskers football. I recently spent two weeks traveling our beautiful state and meeting with Nebraskans. Our discussions focused on your ideas about how we can solve problems and promote prosperity.

Hearing from you is an important part of my job.

During my time on the road in Nebraska, I hosted discussions about the economy in Plattsmouth, Beatrice, and Sarpy County. In Plattsmouth, I spoke with community leaders to discuss challenges they face. I also met with Charles Jones, the Director of the Main Street Association, who gave me a walking tour of the town. I had the chance to visit several great local businesses including Main Street Jewelers and Perfect Touch Binding.

In Beatrice, I held a question and answer session with community people. I also learned some fascinating information about the city: Beatrice was recently named one of the best ten places to see the solar eclipse this August. Preparations are already under way for travelers from around the world who will be coming to Nebraska to see this wonder of our solar system.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. We discussed the exciting news of the new Facebook data center being built near Papillion. I gave a legislative update to people ranging from city officials to business owners, union members, and educators. We discussed how we can work together to make life better for Nebraska families. All three meetings in southeast Nebraska were productive conversations about how we can work together to grow strong and successful communities in our state.

Another highlight of my travels across our great state came in Omaha. I visited the Marriott Call Center and learned how innovative Nebraskans expanded the company’s Work from Home Program to Columbus after a call center was closed in that city. The Marriott call center is proof that Nebraskans know how to tackle problems and be successful.

Meeting with young people is always a highlight for me. Listening to students in Omaha and Lincoln was fun and informative. Their optimism for our future was exciting to hear.

I also had an opportunity to meet and honor those who serve on the frontlines, both at home and abroad, to protect our communities. On April 12, my mom and I accepted an invitation for lunch with her neighborhood Lincoln firefighters, and we discussed ways to keep them safe and healthy as they work to protect us.

I was honored to attend two sendoff ceremonies for some of Nebraska’s finest citizens, the Detachment 1 A Company 641st AV Regiment and the National Guard 402nd Military Police. The 641st will be providing mission support to Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa for 400 days. The 402nd are deploying to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for ten months to support the confinement facility there. These brave military personnel, and their families, make significant sacrifices to keep all of us safe.

Additionally, I had the privilege of showing our state’s gratitude and welcomed thirty-five members of the Nebraska National Guard who recently returned safely from duty. We should all be thankful for everything our service members do for our nation and keep them in our prayers as they defend us.

I was blessed to meet so many inspirational Nebraskans during my travels across the state. Your thoughts will always guide me as I pursue meaningful solutions for our families and communities.

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

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