RSS
August 15, 2011 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson met with constituents, agriculture producers, business leaders, educators, and public officials in Scottsbluff and Gering to hear their views on a wide-range of issues, including highway funding, international trade agreements, job creation, and the next Farm Bill.
“Nebraskans in every part of our state deserve to have their voices heard. While we share many of the same values across Nebraska, the concerns in Gering and Scottsbluff are sometimes very different from those in Lincoln and Omaha. It was great to be in the Panhandle today to hear about issues such as highway funding, job creation through trade, the value of conservation, and the need to maintain the safety net for American agriculture,” Senator Nelson said.
One constituent pointed out that Western Nebraskans often feel left out of farm legislation because of the heavy national focus on corn and soybeans, while there is a lot more diversity in the crops grown out west. Nelson said he understands that concern and has mentioned it to Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Nelson said it is important to make sure research dollars are used for a diverse range of projects, especially now that there are likely to be cuts to the amount of federal support that is available.
Another producer mentioned the importance of protecting the safety net programs in the Farm Bill, such as ACRE and SURE, despite the need for budget cuts. Nelson said he believes those programs should be improved and made more efficient, but he does think budget cuts need to be fair to rural Americans.
Nelson was also asked about the status of pending trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia, and Panama which have the potential to open up new markets for Nebraska agricultural products. Nelson explained his efforts to work with diplomats from these countries and members of Congress to move the agreements ahead.
“Increasing trade isn’t flashy, but Nebraskans know that trade is a big part of what keeps our economy so sound. Last year, we exported $5.8 billion of Nebraska products, trade that supports nearly 100,000 jobs in our state,” Nelson said. “The Korea trade agreement, for instance, would boost exports of soybeans and that will boost jobs in Nebraska. The trade agreements with Colombia and Panama would have a similar impact by opening access to their markets for Nebraska exports, prompting more job creation.
“With unemployment at more than 9 percent nationally, focusing on job creation should be one way to bring Washington together. Members of Congress need to stop listening to what their party leaders and special interests tell them to do, and vote for these trade agreements.”
Transportation issues were another hot topic among the Western Nebraskans Nelson heard from this morning, who asked about both the proposed Heartland Expressway and the future of Essential Air Service. Nelson explained that he continues to support these transportation priorities as key links to economic development and rural vitality.
“Without adequate transportation options, rural America will continue to lose jobs,” he said.
The senator also met with officials at Western Nebraska Community College, who told him that their new Harms Advanced Technology Center is planning a business incubator project. It is part of the college's strategic plan to partner with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce to help new businesses get off the ground and expand. Starting this fall, the college will provide space, support, and education for participating businesses.
“Economic development is different in rural than it is in urban areas, and it’s important that a rural job-promoting initiative like this is offered in western Nebraska,” said Nelson. “People leave rural areas because of the lack of opportunity and initiatives like the one Western Nebraska Community College is heading up can help provide jobs so Nebraskans will have opportunities they want to stay in the state.”
###
Search: Issues, Economy, Budget, Families, Health Care, Taxes, Labor, Medicaid/Medicare, Rural Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, Ethanol, Farmers and Ranchers, Infrastructure, Sportsmens Caucus, Press