Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Senator Deb Fischer, right, joins Kimball citizens at Java Blend for coffee and conversation. Pictured from left are Maury Schuddinck, Jan Sears, Becky Schuddinck and Fisher
"My job is to look at policy," stated United States Senator Deb Fischer to a group of nearly 20 Kimball citizens at an informal get-together at the Java Blend on Monday of this week. "How does this (policy) affect people?"
Fischer spoke about recent bills that she helped to pass, as well as some of her passions regarding the state and it's people and to answer questions from the public in attendance.
Many vets struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when they return from serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. Antidepressants or therapy may not work for every given situation, so research was conducted to create the new pilot program using animal-assisted therapy.
According to the senator, research shows that this type of therapy can help to lessen the symptoms of PTSD.
She explained that before the Congress took their recess in August, she was instrumental in passing the new pilot program of the PAWS Act passed.
The PAWS Act gave cause to the Veteran's Association to begin a five-year pilot program, which will give qualifying veterans a certified service dog to aid in treatment. These same vets would then receive the follow-up support services from certified providers for the rest of the dog's life, as well as veterinary health insurance.
Though several attendees posed questions for the Senator, prior to her departure, one particular question asked of Fischer during her visit was to explain power sources directly affecting Kimball.
"Can you tell me why the Nebraska Public Power have so much control over all of the electricity produced in the State," asked Kimball's Paul Heidemann.
The Senator answered that Nebraska is a public power state and that this was decided a great number of years ago. We are with co-ops here in the western part of the state, and it has only been recently that the public power will work private companies because of Legislation that was passed in 2010.
Heidemann concluded with his opinion regarding Senator Ben Sasse and his opinion on Presidential contender, Donald Trump, stating the Sasse's views may help elect Democratic contender, Hillary Clinton.
Although, Fischer states that she is not thrilled with the way Trump chooses to express his views, she does support Trump for the Presidential election and stated "I know what we will get with Hillary."