Nebraskans call on lawmakers to shift focus to domestic issues including healthcare and housing

[Wayne, Nebraska]  On Tuesday, June 16th, community members from across the state joined a panel discussion to spotlight critical perspectives of Americans represented by the Rural Listening Project - 250, a multi-state research initiative examining the attitudes, values, and concerns of rural and remote Americans. As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the American republic, the study from United Today, Stronger Tomorrow, highlights strong support across the political spectrum for limiting the influence of money in politics and an end to partisanship.

“As a longtime public servant, lifelong Republican activist, and engaged voter, I’m concerned about the partisan divide in this country. People no longer seem to have friends on the other side of the aisle,” said Edward Boone, a combat veteran and longtime public servant.

The study focused on nine states in the midwest and mountain west including Nebraska. The findings show a strong majority (94%) saying that there should be term limits with Republicans showing the highest level of support. Additionally 83% of those surveyed expressed support for the concept of age limits.

One issue that produced near-universal agreement across groups, was the role of money in shaping political decisions. Participants consistently pointed to lobbying and campaign financing as the mechanism through which corporations and wealthy interests exert influence over government. 

“Hyperpartisanship is not the way forward, and I believe it’s being exacerbated by the growth—in Nebraska at least—of moneyed interests’ unprecedented spending on political ads,” said Boone.

Focus group participants see money in politics, particularly from corporate actors, as something that directly affects rural communities. They point to policies around agriculture, energy, and land use as areas where corporate influence shapes outcomes and the economy in ways that disadvantage local residents.

“Even the small stuff adds up, like choosing not to drive somewhere because gas is too expensive that week, or skipping things just to make sure rent and bills get paid first,” said Wayne State College student Ashly Villeda-Guillen.

“In order to preserve small town life, we need to focus on recruiting people to live here and ensuring they can thrive and grow. Right now, the cost of living makes that very difficult. That is why initiatives focused on affordable housing and higher wages are so imperative” said small business owner Chele Meisenbach.

Over one third of survey respondents identified as independent voters who aligned closer to Democrats in several key questions including 81% of independents who say checks and balances are not working, compared to 99% of Democrats and just 54% of Republicans. While a similar pattern emerges surrounding concerns about presidential power: 88% of independents say presidents have accumulated too much power, compared to 90% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans; independents also say both parties are responsible for the country’s shift to authoritarianism.

Executive overreach was a major concern by a large majority. More than 80% reject the idea of concentrating power in a single leader, even if it would make government more efficient.

Conducted over six months, the Rural Listening Project-250 includes results from more than 3,300 surveys, 23 issue-based focus groups, and 91 interviews with community leaders. The full findings, including messaging takeaways, participant demographics, and responses from more than 300 people can be seen at website: rlp.unitedtoday.org
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Evan Schmeits