Weekly Column: Eager to Hear Your Thoughts

Statement

I'll be spending the majority of August hosting coffees open to the public across the state. I enjoy hearing your views and ideas, and answering questions that arise. I began in Omaha and Lincoln and will head to Scottsbluff after hosting open coffees in Columbus, Stanton and Osceola. In the past I've gone through central and southern Nebraska, so I'm making sure to get up north this time around, including Harrison, Chadron, Gordon, Valentine, Hartington, and Butte.

This month I'll also be continuing my forums called Ag Policy Perspectives. Congress is preparing for the upcoming farm bill reauthorization, and it's helpful to me to hear from Nebraska farmers, ranchers and nutrition advocates about farm bill programs that are working and efficient versus programs that are not living up to expectations. This is particularly important to me, given my position on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Nebraskans know best when it comes to farming and ranching, and your insight is invaluable. I cherish being able to pass it on to my colleagues on the committee. During August, I'll be hosting these ag forums in Lincoln, West Point, Grand Island and Gering. Contact my office or visit my web site for details.

I certainly haven't forgotten about those impacted by this summer's devastating flood. In Omaha, Blair, Decatur, Winnebago, Santee, and Niobrara I'll be touring affected areas and visiting with citizens and community leaders. There are still numerous questions to be answered, notably related to disaster relief, flood insurance, and the Army Corps' plan going forward. Though relief is still our first priority, many Nebraskans -- myself included -- have questions as to how the flooding happened, whether it could have been prevented, and what we can do to ensure we avoid future summers of devastation. I also intend to ensure that each and every Nebraskan who experienced flood damage is treated fairly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I remain committed to getting these issues sorted out in an orderly fashion.

Your thoughts, opinions and concerns are why I enjoy representing our great state, and I encourage you to voice them as a way to actively participate in our government. I encourage you to visit my website at www.johanns.senate.gov for detailed information about where I'll be in the upcoming weeks. I look forward to hearing from you.

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