Facts Matter

by Mary Reiman

I watch a television program, Alaska Daily, because the main character, a journalist, is always looking for the truth. As she says, ‘because facts matter.’  Eileen is tenacious. Later in last week’s segment she said ‘...so do the right thing.’

It confirmed what I have been thinking all week. 

Facts matter...at least they should matter.

It was a cold, blustery afternoon when I walked up to the big green door on the south side of our State Capitol. Perhaps the weather was an omen. 

I did not expect a warm and fuzzy reception. I was an opponent to the bill.   

But I did not expect what was ahead as I walked through those majestic hallways. 

I located the committee room with closed curtains making the room feel colder than the air outside, there to testify against a bill that would curtail access to educational resources. Age appropriate information. Accurate information. Information on both sides of the issues to help us form our own opinions. Facts. 

As I listened to the proponents of the bill, I realized there was a deeper agenda. A hidden agenda? 

For the 2 weeks since then, I have been trying to figure it out. What was the true purpose of the bill? Why were so many of the proponents from other states? 

I have testified in years past, this seemed more ominous.  

What did they truly want to accomplish? Why did the senator sponsor this bill? I wanted to ask those questions when I was testifying but each of us had only three minutes to speak. Three minutes to try to explain why we are concerned about the ramifications of the bill they are proposing. 

At the end of each bill being considered, the chairman of the committee announces how many on-line comments have been received. The number of proponents and the number of opponents. Six bills were discussed that afternoon. By the third bill when I testified, three of the eight senators on the committee were still in the room, plus the senator who had sponsored the bill seated in the audience.

And then it was over. 

I wanted to talk with the senators during their break. However, I believe the men in the red coats were in the room to stop people like me who had questions for the senators. Could these concerns have been addressed without legislation? Where did the proponents locate the salacious material they described? Would they please cite their sources? Most importantly, did anyone consider having a discussion with representation from both sides of the issue before it was determined that new legislation was needed? So many questions. 

The whole afternoon was a wake-up call for me. 

In the past, I looked over the legislative updates in the daily newspaper but did not always go to the Nebraska Legislature: Search Bills and Resolutions to give my position on bills coming up for a vote. 

Since last week, it’s different.  

I am reading bills more carefully, trying to get into the minds of those writing bills, as well as those sponsoring the bills. 

Opposing bills that are intrusive or unnecessary to protect our individual rights, supporting much needed humanitarian legislation. 

Consider LB 739. This bill will increase appropriations across the state to support funding for services to survivors of domestic assault and sexual violence. Mostly women and children, these survivors need a variety of services. Medical, psychological and legal services, as well as shelter. Sadly, demand for these services has increased greatly in the last 5 years, at the same time significant cuts have been made to a federal funding source. This funding is needed. Your support of this bill must be submitted by noon tomorrow, Monday, March 20th.

When you see a bill that raises the hair on the back of your neck OR one that makes you nod in agreement because it needs to be funded, go to Nebraska Legislature: Search Bills and Resolutions and give your opinion. In the top right corner, type in the bill number. Follow the screen directions and designate if you are a proponent, opponent or neutral. Click on the “Find Your District” box and your district will magically appear. 

Share your comments/opinions.

It is our right, whether we are a proponent or an opponent. Show them we are listening, we are watching.

Now, more than ever, make your voice heard. You don't need to attend the hearings at our Capitol. Make your voice heard from the comfort of your home. Check on the bills every day and share your thoughts.

Facts matter. Our voices matter.