As Nebraskans, we pride ourselves on being open-minded, willing to hear the other side of the argument.

That is why we are concerned with Sen. Russ Karpisek's LB 1076, legislation that would empower government officials to block the public from testifying before government boards and councils.

Sen. Karpisek is viewing this issue from the eyes of a legislator - someone who sits through hours and hours of public testimony during his service in the Legislature. And let's be honest, there's a reason not many people watch C-SPAN or public access television. Admittedly, the testimony can be dry, monotonous and often the testifiers themselves can be 'regulars'.

Yet, public servants must avail themselves to the public. Legislators cannot limit public input because they find that input to be stodgy, boring, repetitive or uncomfortable.

Public testimony also gives an opportunity to receive public feed back, hear arguments from real people instead of lobbyists or political insiders and provides the public the opportunity to rally on important issues. Remember, the public can change the course of legislation.

Most importantly, the public cannot be shut out from the corridors of power. The intent of LB 1076 is to make life a bit easier for government officials at the cost of transparency and public input. For that reason, LB 1076 must be defeated.

Read LB 1076
Contact Sen. Karpisek by clicking here or calling (402) 471-2711