Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of blog posts by Nebraska’s term-limited senators reflecting on their time in the Nebraska Legislature. We thank them for their dedication and service to Nebraska. In this post, Senator Beau McCoy looks back at his eight years representing District 39.
Looking back over the past eight years, the Legislature addressed several tough issues.
During my first year the state faced a significant budget shortfall that eventually required a special session. Each committee was tasked with locating significant budget cuts and every senator felt the gravity of our votes and decisions.
I am particularly proud that we chose to continue supporting K-12 and higher education funding. While I take seriously my commitment to fiscal responsibility, I view the education of our children in more than just dollars and cents. Each child deserves a quality education and the opportunity to work towards their goals.
In 2012, I prioritized a bill that reduced state income taxes for low- and middle-income families. I want my five kids, and all children across Nebraska, to have more and better opportunities than I have had to live, start a business and raise a family in our state.
I want our retirees, like my parents, and retired veterans to stay in Nebraska. Their contributions are vital to the stability and growth of our communities.
Over the last several years, we have made significant progress in lowering the tax burden on Nebraska families, but we can and must do better.
As I finish out my year, I continue to serve as national chairman for The Council of State Governments (CSG), our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government.
I have enjoyed continuing CSG’s focus on workforce development with my fellow legislators across the county. In 2016, we expanded this focus to include new and innovative pathways to meaningfully engage people with disabilities in the workforce.
As I transition back to a being a full-time husband, father and citizen, I am reminded just how much our families sacrifice while we are in office. My wife and five young children have served the state every bit as much as I have, and I am forever grateful for their love and support.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve in the nation’s only unicameral Legislature.
Senator Beau McCoy
District 39
