GUEST COMMENTARY
by Senator Tanya Storer
The following commentary was submitted by State Senator Tanya Storer. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sandhills Express or KCNI/KBBN.
With another election behind us, Nebraskans have made their voices heard, and the
results will shape the direction of our state over the next several years. Republicans
maintained control of Nebraska’s statewide elected offices, including the Governor’s
Office and our U.S. Senate seat. However, the election also brought changes to the
makeup of the Nebraska Legislature, creating a different political landscape as we
prepare for the 2027 legislative session.
While Republicans are expected to retain a majority in our officially nonpartisan
Legislature, we have lost the supermajority of 33 senators that we previously held. This is
significant because 33 votes are generally required to invoke cloture, the procedure used
to end a filibuster and bring legislation to a vote. Losing that supermajority does not
mean meaningful legislation cannot move forward, but it does mean we must be more
deliberate in building support for good, responsible policy.
Nebraska’s Unicameral was designed to operate without formal party divisions, and that
principle deserves renewed attention. While we may have different perspectives on the
challenges facing our state, our responsibility remains the same: to advance sound
policies that strengthen Nebraska families, communities, and businesses.
Over the past year, affordability continues to be the top issue brought up by constituents
across District 43. Families are stretching their budgets to cover groceries, utilities, and
insurance premiums. Gas adds up quickly when getting to work or seeing a doctor means
a long drive. Farmers and ranchers are paying more for fuel, feed, and equipment, while
local businesses are trying to keep prices within reach for customers as their own
expenses rise, including meeting the higher minimum wage requirements. For young
families deciding whether they can stay in our rural communities largely depends on
finding housing they can afford, jobs that pay a good wage, access to quality education
and health care. And of course, taxes. Property taxes are decided by locally elected
boards and sales and income are determined by the state.
These are not Republican or Democratic problems. They are Nebraska problems, and
they deserve Nebraska solutions.
As we look toward the upcoming legislative session, our focus must remain on these
priorities while recognizing the difficult budget decisions ahead. Meaningful tax relief
must be accompanied by responsible spending, greater government efficiency, and a
commitment to maintaining the essential services Nebraskans depend upon. We must be
willing to make difficult decisions and measure our success by results, not simply by the
number of bills we pass.
That responsibility extends beyond the Legislature. It begins with leadership in the
Governor’s Office and continues through state agencies, departments, and local
governments. Every level of government has a role in ensuring taxpayer dollars are used
wisely, policies are implemented effectively, and the needs of Nebraska residents remain
the priority. Leadership must set the example, and accountability must follow at every
level.
Elections bring competition and differing viewpoints, but governing requires a
commitment to the people we serve. Nebraskans expect us to address the issues that
affect their families, farms, businesses, and communities. That expectation should guide
our decisions throughout the legislative session.
As your State Senator, I remain committed to representing the people of District 43,
listening to your concerns and ideas, and carrying them forward into the work of the
Legislature. Regardless of the political changes in Lincoln, my focus remains on
advancing responsible policies that strengthen our rural communities and improve the
lives of Nebraskans.
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature
Email [email protected]
Phone: (402) 471-2628
District #43 Website
tanyastorer.wixsite.com/tanya-storer
