The U.S.-Japan Alliance Stands for Freedom and Opportunity

REPRESENTING YOUThe Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, home of the Thomas Jefferson, the Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials, is encircled by scenic cherry trees. Each spring the trees bloom in a picturesque display, drawing visitors from around the world.

Cat Update

BETH’S BITSThis last weekend, we got a cat. We got a few more carpets cleaned, went to the local shelter. The cat we saw online was already adopted, so we walked around the cat rooms. My daughter and I petted a lot of cats, tried to pick some up to make our selection.

Victory for Nebraska Courts

REPRESENTING YOULast week, the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Susan Bazis to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. That vote was a victory for Nebraska, and it was a long time coming.

Community Connection

Call Annie Jeffrey Health Center at (402) 747-2031 for more information April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects approximately 10–20% of the general population.

Belonging: Life Lessons at the Cancer Center

I’ve learned a lot about life in the waiting room of a cancer treatment center in Lincoln. I’ve been thinking about writing about it for several weeks, but last week I met a man who captured it all in one short conversation.

War Brewing In Holtz House

There is a war brewing in my house. You can just feel it in the air. If we had pets, I’m pretty sure they would be acting strangely. This war is not a long-standing family feud. It’s not between the Hatfields and McCoys or the Capulets and Montagues.

Cost of Chemo

Recently I logged into my health insurance, and I like seeing things process and how much I owe. I worked in health insurance for a while. I have experience in a hospital, entering insurance into the computer and also on the billing side. I billed insurance companies and would record what they paid.

Communication Networks

The government closest to the people serves the people best. But too many in Washington stay in Washington, and don’t get back to what I know is “real America.” These people tend to make decisions and policy by listening only to each other.

Moving Bills Along

My update this week is a bit brief, not because there has been a lack of activity here in the Legislature but because we have been very busy in the waning days of the session.

April

BETH’S BITS Here it is April already. April means spring, showers hopefully. April also means taxes. Tax day is coming up. We also have Earth day and Arbor day in April. April seems like the month to have activities. Yes, track and golf is during the day, so weekends are filled with other things.