The Nebraska legislature begins its 60-day session on Jan. 7. Of course, the $471 million budget deficit will have to be addressed.
The Nebraska Examiner reports the republican big ugly bill will cost Nebraskans $216 million over the next two fiscal years. Our representatives have some tough decisions to make. However, lets not rob Peter to pay Paul.
There are rumblings that Gov. Pillen wants to take money from, “The Nebraska Veterans Aid” fund. This program started in 1921 when our government invested a small amount of tax revenue earmarked for veterans. This emergency fund can help with dental/medical bills, utilities, transportation, daycare, food, rent/mortage or funeral expenses. This program over time has grown so now just the interest is spent annually. It is not a burden on the taxpayer today.
To use this money for anything else but for our beloved veterans is unconscionable. I ask you to let the governor and your representative know what you want.
I will also let my representative know I am against any expansion of the McCook concentration camp on principle and there is no money. I have to wonder how much federal money was funneled there as well as any kickbacks? Nebraskans deserve an accounting on how we got in this huge deficit in the first place.
Let’s leave the Nebraskans Veterans Aid Fund alone when figuring out how to be better stewards of our money.
By Beth DeFreece, North Platte
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Governor Pillen, leave the Veteran’s Aid Fund alone. You, who claim to do what’s best for Nebraskans and their children, you would refuse to help them? They went to war, protected our country, our state, our families, and what do they get for that? You claim to be a man of faith, and yet you only show us hate and division. Go home to your hog farms. Let a true leader do what is right for all Nebraskans.