Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Delivering Excellent Customer Service for Nebraskans

President John F. Kennedy once said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers. On Veterans Day, we honor the women and men who have protected our country’s freedoms. It’s important to fight for those who have fought for us.  I’m committed to taking care of our veterans.

When I was Governor, we focused on providing great services to Nebraskans.  The federal government should do the same.  In the Senate, my team and I are helping Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.  My team is specially trained in assisting constituents with their concerns.  We have helped over 2,200 Nebraskans access federal services.  We helped constituents save or recover nearly $12 million from the federal government. I’m proud of our work to cut red tape and deliver wins for Nebraskans. 

Rural Nebraskans have struggled to find accessible daycare.  Jen and Shelly worked hard to open a new daycare in Manley.  Southeastern Nebraska needed more childcare.  They applied for a grant through the Department of Health and Human Services to open their new facility.  But red tape and regulations made it difficult for Dayspring Academy to receive the funding.  

Jen and Shelly exchanged nearly 90 emails with the Department of Health and Human Services.  They were approaching a critical deadline.  That’s when they reached out to my office.  My staff called the agency.  We identified the reason their grant money had not been delivered.  We cut through the red tape and helped them get the grant. 

We made sure that Dayspring Academy could open their doors.   

Now, families in Southeast Nebraska have access to high-quality childcare closer to home.  That’s not just a win for Dayspring.  It’s a win for every Nebraskan who deserves accessible childcare.   

Many other Nebraskans reach out to my office for help navigating the federal bureaucracy.  Paul helps run Off Broadway Apartments.  Off Broadway is a senior living community in Central Nebraska.  Their services are critical to Kearney and Broken Bow. 

COVID requirements made it difficult for Paul to pay his staff.  The IRS implemented an Employee Retention Credit to help administrators like Paul.  Without it, he would have been forced to close. But bureaucratic red tape made it difficult for Paul to receive the credit.   

Paul contacted the IRS without receiving a response.  After a long wait to hear from the IRS, Paul contacted our constituent caseworker in Kearney.  My team was able to contact the IRS for him.  We made sure that Off Broadway received the proper tax credits.

These are just two examples of how my team and I help Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.  We have served over 2,200 Nebraskans and visit every single county through mobile office hours. 

We’re continuing the fight to protect taxpayer dollars.  We’re ensuring federal agencies serve citizens.  From streamlining government to cutting taxes, I’ll keep working to make government work better.  We’re going to continue delivering excellent customer service for our constituents.  Nebraskans deserve nothing less. 

My team and I are always here to serve you.  We can also answer questions about services, eligibility, or benefits.  This includes questions about Veterans Affairs, Medicare, or the Internal Revenue Service. 

My offices are open in Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Washington, D.C.  Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also see more of Jen, Shelley, and Paul’s stories on my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.