A habit that Coach Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska’s basketball coach, developed this past year—and one that drew national attention during the team’s March Madness run—was asking his players in the locker room after each game, “Are you satisfied?” The resounding response was always a thundering, “No!” The team wanted more: more chances to win, more chances to play, and, of course, they wanted the championship. We now know that championship was not to be, but it speaks to the character, grit, and determination of a team that far exceeded expectations during the 2025-26 season, and their exceptional coach-leader.
Folks ask me all the time why I am running for a second term. My answer echoes the Husker ballplayers’ response during the Sweet Sixteen: I am not satisfied with what I’ve accomplished in the Legislature.
So, what have I done, and what is left to do?
- Carrying the bill that reduced Nebraska’s income tax rate by nearly half during my first year was tremendously satisfying. However, I constantly keep watch on our neighboring states and those across the nation to ensure that we remain tax-competitive.
- Applying more than $1 billion in surplus funds (by the way, your tax dollars!) to the Education Future Fund for Nebraska’s public schools, and another nearly $1 billion to the Property Tax Relief Fund, was a significant accomplishment while I served as Vice Chair of the Revenue Committee. Yet property taxes continue to rise, and the relief is not being felt. My hard-cap bill, which will be introduced in January, will limit spending increases by counties, cities, and school districts, thereby limiting property tax increases and eliminating the windfall effect of rising valuations.
- Working with educators across the state on funding, curriculum, teacher recruitment, and classroom safety has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but those educators will tell you that I’ve been a good partner and have helped get good things done for our kids and Nebraska families. Looking at declining outcomes in some areas, however, shows that there is still much left to do, and the funding formula for schools definitely needs an overhaul.
- Working with cancer research organizations and Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that critical cancer illness and mortality data is transmitted in a timely manner has been one of my most satisfying efforts. I continue to stand with those organizations to make sure they have the tools they need to be successful and to positively impact all of our lives.
- Being a healthy antagonist and a leader in the call for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine to “pump the brakes” on their new business structure and buyout of Clarkson Medicine may prove to be one of the most important achievements of my first term. Introducing philanthropy into the conversation will result in significant long-term savings for Nebraska taxpayers. I continue to strengthen my relationships with these important partners, and there is more work to do in the coming years.
In my business career, I embraced a concept called “continuous improvement”. It means exactly what it says: never accept the status quo as the best way forward. Never, EVER say the words, “Because we’ve always done it that way.” Always be on the lookout for better solutions and for ways to save resources, including both time and money.
These same concepts can—and should—be applied to how we govern. Some say that government should be run like a business, and I agree with that to a large extent. Of course, no business could sustainably provide services to those in need, care for those who cannot care for themselves, or provide healthcare, food, shelter, and clothing without a financial return. That is where the comparison ends. However, sound business practices can and should be applied wherever they have merit.
Will I ever be satisfied? Unlikely. But I will know that I’ve given it my all and never left anything “on the court.”
There will always be more work to do to improve the lives of Nebraskans, but I hope you’ll reach out and share your thoughts. My legislative email is bvongillern@leg.ne.gov, and my office phone number is 402-471-2621.