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Nebras ka Examiner LINCOLN — We all know what’s coming.
Legislative sessions are rough whenever state government is short of money, and Nebraska spent the last legislative session checking couch cushions.
The state’s projected budget deficit sits at $471 million, pretty close to the $500 million target for spending cuts set by Gov. Jim Pillen.
This budget-cutting session starts a political year in which Nebraska could see competitive races for Congress in the Omaha- based 2nd Congressional District and the U.S. Senate, plus the possibility of a 2026 rematch from the 2022 GOP primary for governor.
Nebraskans don’t need reminding of what happens when elected leaders need to goose supporters to show up. Many can close their eyes and hear the familiar promises of property tax relief offset with loosely defined cuts to waste and fraud.
But stop before we reach the point when political interests align into camps that argue who will be the losers of what they will again describe as a zero-sum game. One that often isn’t.
Take a deep breath and relax. Because no matter your politics or beliefs, this season is set aside for breaks from the daily grind. It’s meant for love, kindness and reflection. And to remind us to think of our neighbors, friends and family.
To remember that people who are hungry need to be fed, that people who are sick need care, that people who are old and young need love and that we are all part of a human family that cares.
We also need to think about the people for whom this time of year brings pain, thoughts of loved ones lost and the digital-fed epidemic of loneliness. If you see someone alone, say hello.
This is also a moment to act with our thoughts and wallets to help families impacted by job loss in Lexington or elsewhere, farmers who are fighting economic disruption and more.
You’re going to be bombarded this month by appeals to help others, including by the Nebraska Examiner, the work of which we hope you’ll support.
But do what makes you and yours feel good. Not out of duty but hope.
This is not the first time Nebraska has faced headwinds, nor will it be the last. The boom and bust economic cycle is the political world’s only constant. But that means better days are coming.
Nebraskans face a number of outside influences competing for our attention, from national and international news to far-flung football games. We cannot let any of that distract from who we are.
We are a prairie people, proud and private and strong. And this is our month to celebrate what makes us one. We chose to live here. This is home. And no matter our fights, I’m glad you’re here.
Aaron Sanderford is the Editor-in-chief of the Nebraska Examiner. He and his family live in Omaha.
