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Editorial

MAIL FOR THE LITTLE BLUE

Mail service was a matter of vital importance to frontier Nebraskans, especially to those who depended on the mails for their livelihood. Mark J. Kelley editor of the Little Blue at Jenkins Mill in Jefferson County, editorialized repeatedly during his paper's brief life (1869-71) on the need for better, faster mail service. His newspaper was the first one to be published in Jefferson County and was Republican in politics. It was discontinued in 1871.

Property Tax Deja Vu

This week, the Legislature will debate the largest tax increase in Nebraska history. LB 289 raises the state sales tax rate by 9%, cuts property tax relief from the state in half, imposes new taxes on a variety of services (including car and home repair), raises the cigarette tax, and increases the tax on buying a house.

Smith: Leading The Way

While it may not be widely reported, the U.S. is leading the way in environmentally-friendly technology and innovation. Market demand for more efficient energy has transformed the way the U.S.

Moisture Woes Have Plant ‘19 Spitting & Sputtering:

Plant ’19 has been rather like the old Tin Lizzie that was having trouble starting. It spit and sputtered to life under the old crank starter and then died. By

Strengthening Social Security

When Americans think of retirement, the first thing which comes to mind is often Social Security and the second is often its solvency. The program has remained largely unchanged since it was created in 1935. American workers and employers pay a payroll tax into Social Security, and when those Americans reach retirement age they are eligible for benefits based on what they paid in over their working lives.

When the Congressman Comes To Call:

Good Friday morning Hubby inquired, “What are you doing next Thursday?”

The tone of the question clued me in that something requiring my presence was about to occur and I gently reminded him that was the day of our church women’s group salad luncheon fundraiser. “Why?” I asked.

“Oh, Farm Bureau called this morning and they were needing a place for Congressman Smith to visit to observe planting and visit about ag issues. We’re supposed to invite some of the neighbors and they’ll bring lunch.”

The Recovery Process

As Nebraskans recover from the historic storms, I have worked with my colleagues and the Administration to ensure our state has the proper federal resources available so hard-working, dedicated Nebraskans

Supper vs. Dinner Reveals Regional Mealtime Name Divide:

On the heels of December’s scoop vs. shovel discussion, Daughter No. Two discovered yet another regional divide when it comes to discussing mealtime names in Washington, D.C. For the past

Affordable Healthcare

Prescription drugs are vitally important to all Americans – every one of us included. Advances in science and technology have opened the doors to treat or cure thousands of diseases

Garden Fever Somewhat Abated:

While April snowstorms are not uncommon, they are a down right nuisance for avid gardeners. This year after an unusually hard, wet winter I am especially anxious to get out