Peter Ricketts on Welfare & Poverty

	Peter Ricketts on Welfare & Poverty Republican Senate Challenger

Vetoed expanding food-assistance benefits

LB108: Change provisions relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP, known as "food stamps"].

Summary by KOLN 1011-AM-NOW: The Republican governor says in his veto letter that the measure would create a disincentive for recipients to seek better-paying jobs at a time when many businesses are desperate for workers.

Veto message:LB 108 would dramatically expand a taxpayer-funded food assistance program that is only intended to benefit those who are truly in need. While the bill contains a sunset for the expansion provision, history proves that it is nearly impossible to reign in a public benefit.

Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Governor Pete Ricketts on May/25/21; Legislature voted 30-19-0 to override veto on May/26/21.

Source: KOLN 1011-AM-NOW on Nebraska Legislative voting record LB108 , May 25, 2021

Vetoed expanding energy assistance qualifications

LB306: Provide eligibility requirements for the low-income home energy assistance program.

Summary by KETV, ABC-7: LB 306 raises the income qualifications for federal energy assistance. It would use money left in the program each year and give it to newly qualified families rather than send it back to Washington, D.C., or people who already received assistance.

Veto message:This would be a permanent benefit expansion funded with one-time federal dollars. When those one-time federal dollars run out, the most in need will be disadvantaged by receiving a smaller share of the regular LIHEAP program funds.

Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Governor Pete Ricketts on May/25/21; Legislature voted 32-15-2 to override veto on May/26/21.

Source: KETV, ABC-7 on Nebraska Legislative voting record LB306 , May 25, 2021

$56M of vetoes sustained, to cut budget

In a statement, Gov. Ricketts commended lawmakers for sustaining his $56.5 million worth of vetoes in the two-year budget ending June 30, 2019. But State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha said the votes produced "probably one of the darkest days I've had here." The defeated motions included one that would have restored $32.5 million for the care of low-income Nebraskans and people with developmental disabilities or mental health problems. Source: Omaha World Herald on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race , May 18, 2017

People-centric services: hand up to get back on their feet

We need a culture in our state agencies that is people-centric. The people who need our help do not fit neatly into the silos we have created. We need a system that cares for the entire person, helps them reach their full potential and if possible helps them live a life free of public assistance.

There are people who will continue to need our help. We must serve them effectively and with dignity and respect. When we start getting better outcomes for people, our costs will come down too.

Many people who receive services just need a hand up to get back on their feet. We have to prevent government from getting in their way. [But we have a] need for a common sense approach in government--one that does not create disincentives for people and families to work.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Nebraska Legislature , Jan 22, 2015

Focus welfare on states & religious non-profits

Continue to give states and local governments flexibility in and responsibility for welfare programs through federal block grants.
Direct federal poverty aid through religious, community-based, or other non-profit organizations.

Source: 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test , May 2, 2006