Thomas County Republican Party meets, discusses 30x30, Sasse

THOMAS COUNTY March 22, 2021, more than 40 members of the Thomas County Republican Party met at the Sandhills Corral to discuss a number of current political issues. The attendees agreed to remain focused on the agenda items and determine if any path forward was required for each.

On the agenda were: The Resolution from the Nebraska Republican Party Central Committee regarding the performance of Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Sasse; President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on the formation of the “30x30” Program; The Thomas County Board of Commissioners Resolution stating their position on the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Nebraska State Constitution, Article 1, Section 1-1; and a discussion on the Nebraska Department of Education DRAFT Health Education Standards.

Those attending held a robust discussion on the behavior and attitude of Senator Sasse. The final decision from the group was the development and communication of a “Censure of Senator Sasse” on behalf of the Thomas County Republican Party. Although the State Central Committee developed and communicated a resolution in strong terms condemning Senator Sasse actions, it did not “censure” him and the Thomas County Party did not feel it was strong enough.

With regard to the Presidential EO and the “30x30” Program, the discussion was lengthy and included information from a Resolution from the Keith Co. Republican Party, the American Stewards of Liberty, attendees at the meeting in Valentine on 30x30 the previous week, and information by Spike Jordan for Tri-State Livestock News. The final position of the Thomas County Republican Party was the development and communication of it’s own Resolution in Opposition to the “30x30” Program.

The 2nd Amendment legislative issues were discussed with unanimous support for the resolution developed by the Thomas County Board of Commissioners. In addition, the group decided to contact as a party, all Nebraska Legislators and stress support for the referenced bills, LB188 and LB236. Additionally, the group stressed support for any and all efforts by the Nebraska State legislature to make Nebraska a Non-permit Required Concealed Carry State; and, any effort to officially declare Nebraska a Second Amendment Sanctuary State.

Last on the agenda was an information session on the Nebraska Department of Education development of DRAFT Health Education Standards. While the group is supportive of the need to have standards for children’s education, this draft standard of 60 pages is rife with government over reach and an agenda that does not align with the conservative values of our state. The attendees were informed that the Thedford Public School Board is developing and will communicate a letter in opposition for those parents who wish to raise the alarm; the Superintendent of Thedford Public Schools has sent his comments in opposition to the current draft; and finally, attendees were encouraged to research the issue and comment as well. The information for research and comment can be found at: https://www. education.ne.gov, by contacting your district representative Robin Stevens at Robin Stevens, 2220 Avenue H, Gothenburg, NE 69138, 402-615-4095, robin. stevens@nebraska.gov

The meeting closed with a brief discussion on future representation for governor, state and U.S. Senators.