First-year senator Ibach starts new job serving 44th District

    As the 108th Legislature kicked off its first day of the 2023 session Wednesday this week, District 44 constituents have a new senator representing them.
    Elected in November, Teresa Ibach is now in Lincoln for the start of the 90-day session.
    She replaces Dan Hughes of Venango, who served eight years as Dist. 44 state senator, and could not seek re-election due to term limits.
    The 2023 session is expected to conclude sometime in early June.
    Ibach operates a cow/calf and row crop operation with her husband, Greg, near Sumner. Her husband is a former Nebraska Director of Agriculture under three different Governors, and recently served in the USDA during the Trump Administration.
    Ibach responded to a series of questions from High Plains News.

    1) Tell me about yourself and your work/political background.
Ibach: I have been married to my husband, Greg, for 34 years. We have a cow/calf and row crop operation near Sumner. We have three children, triplets, who are 31 years old and all married. Additionally, I have two granddaughters; one in Bennington and one in Kearney. All five of us hold degrees from the University of Nebraska, East Campus, and my daughter also has her Master’s degree in Communications from UNL. Both my daughters-in-law also hold degrees from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
For 28 years, I managed shopping centers as a career. The day-to-day challenges of maintenance, security, marketing and administration developed my ability to multi-task and work with tenants and the public to insure a safe and profitable space for businesses to thrive. My husband was Director of Agriculture for Governors Johanns, Heineman and Ricketts before his appointment as a USDA Undersecretary in Washington, DC during the Trump administration. This transition created an opportunity for me to take over management of our farming and ranching operations in his absence, and I resigned from my career in property management to focus on our operation full time.
    2) Describe your path to become a senator in Nebraska.
Ibach: As a spectator throughout my husbands’ career, I was able to learn how and why government affects the lives of Nebraskans every day. By participating in domestic and international trade missions, commodity conferences, industry meetings, as well as networking with farmers, ranchers, and business owners, I was able to identify and relate to the needs of rural Nebraska, and rural America. Following the events of the pandemic it became apparent to me that the needs of rural Nebraska – property tax relief, workforce, housing, child care, rural health, education, natural resources – deserve a strong voice to represent our recognize needs, resolve shortages and be an advocate to cut through red tape. Due to the redistricting that occurred last legislative session, as well as term limits for the seated senator, District 44 needed a candidate that would share their everyday values, challenges and search for answers and solutions to our needs.
    3) Why did you want to be a senator in Nebraska?
Ibach: My grandchildren represent the 6th and 7th generations to grow up in our community and state. I want to ensure that common sense and everyday values are the basis for the decisions that the legislature is tasked with addressing.
    4) What committees will you serve on this year?
Ibach: Although committees aren’t assigned until the legislature convenes, I have preferenced Natural Resources, Transportation and Communications, and Agriculture. All of the committees have value; I intend to learn and contribute to any committee I am appointed to.
    5) Will you propose any bills in the 2023 session?
Ibach: I’ve been working on language for a few bills that will address our workforce shortage, child care limitations and energy assistance. I am working with organizations that represent rural Nebraska and agriculture to help them introduce legislation as a sponsor or co-sponsor.
    6) What will be your priorities this session and long term?
Ibach: Property tax relief, school funding and formulas, water and broadband are the most prevalent issues brought to my attention. Any issue that affects rural Nebraska, and all of Nebraska, will be a priority for me. Additionally, I often hear constituents compare our laws and regulations to neighboring states; identifying circumstances where we can cooperate or amend our statutes to more effectively work with neighboring states will be to our benefit. An example would be allowing teachers and health care professionals locating in our state apply for positions without additional testing or licensure.
    7) What should people in Chase & Perkins counties and your district be paying close attention to the session?
Ibach: The Perkins County Canal is going to have a major effect on the area with regard to water rights and tax-payer funding. The drought was a major issue for farmers and cattle owners to navigate, and we will have to work through some assistance needs for many producers. Additionally, health care in rural communities is a real need, and navigating tele-heath, in person care, as well as home care and assisted living opportunities are all at a pivotal stage in rural Nebraska.
    8) How can people get involved?
Ibach: Residents of rural Nebraska understand the need to cooperate and collaborate in order to get things done. Local Chambers of Commerce, Development Councils and city/county policy groups are a great way to stay engaged. I also want to continue to hear from the constituents who placed their trust in me to represent District 44.
    9) Will you have specific dates when you go visit your constituents? How else will you stay up with what people are saying, wanting or needing from your district?
Ibach: I have met some incredible folks along the campaign trail; folks who I will have on “speed dial” with regard to identifying those needs of the district. Additionally, I welcome any and all invitations to join civic groups, local village meetings or clubs and organizational gatherings across the district. I will continue with the weekly and bi-weekly Zoom, radio and newspaper columns.
    10) What challenges do you see ahead for the State of Nebraska and for your district? How does this play into what is affecting America as a whole?
Ibach: When you think outside your town, your county, the district, the state and even the country, policy affecting our decision-making reaches well beyond our borders. The world is our customer, and if we can’t prove that we use best practices, sound science and sustainable resources to care for our own families and businesses, we can’t expect the world to continue to support us. Our biggest challenges lie in workforce and security.
    11) Can you the review background on the Perkins County Canal, where it is now in the process, and what your thoughts are on it? Will the canal have a big effect, or any effect, on the area?
Ibach: The need for the canal dates back to the 1923 South Platte River Compact with Colorado. Basically, if we want to collect, store and use the water that is guaranteed us according to language in the compact, we have to build the canal. If you look at updated maps that outline Colorado’s intention of diverting the water that currently flows downstream to Nebraska to supply Denver and the front range with water to support their record growth, we have no claim to the water UNLESS we construct the project. Funds have been committed, and as of Dec. 8, the newest number/cost of the project is projected to be $567-$628 million. The real question is, can we afford to NOT do it?
    12) What are your thoughts on the State GOP and where it is headed? Will you work with that group?
Ibach: Change is never a bad thing as long as the change is good for the group. I think the State GOP has laid out very practical goals, and I look forward to working with the group to do good things for all Nebraskans
    13) Will you happen to have media calls with area media once a week?
Ibach: Senator Dan Hughes was very helpful in transitioning the position; his eight years of experience is undeniably valuable. He, and previous senators from District 44, have volunteered their scheduled weekly meeting calendars, their opinions and their advice whenever anyone in the district, including myself, ask. I will continue to submit regular columns when the legislature is in session, Zoom calls to leaders and updates whenever and wherever possible.