For two decades, James Leuschen served in influential senior staff positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, culminating as Policy Director to Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. An expert in economic policy impacting American families, he significantly contributed to the Affordable Care Act's passage and expansion, and advocated for the Child Tax Credit. Beyond national work, James collaborated with Congressman Brad Ashford to secure funding for a new VA medical facility in Omaha, Nebraska, now serving tens of thousands of veterans. His career demonstrates a deep understanding of both national policy and local community needsLearn More About James
You are about to dive into a fascinating conversation with a great guest: County Treasurer Candidate, Tony Vargas. As an elected official for over a decade, tony served eight years on the Appropriations Committee in the Legislature. He was known for bipartisan collaboration, successfully balancing the state budget and spearheading Nebraska's first long-term fiscal planning legislation to forecast revenues and plan budgets. As a senator, Tony prioritized civility and pragmatic governance, working across the aisle for Nebraskans and small businesses. His legislative achievements include strengthening public education, expanding healthcare access, promoting tech innovation, and advocating for consumer protections, all contributing to the state's prosperity. Get ready to hear his insights, plans, and vision for our community.
I am absolutely thrilled you're here to join me for a captivating conversation with Nate Ostdiek. Nate is campaigning for the open Legislator seat in District 6, as incumbent Machaela Cavanaugh is term-limited. Nate is a powerful advocate for Nebraskans, particularly in higher education and the state Legislature. He has bravely fought injustices, including the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, recognizing their importance for an inclusive environment. Nate is not just an advocate; he is a dedicated public servant ready to lend his voice and efforts to his neighbors in District 6. He believes in open dialogue and collaborative solutions, ready to listen to diverse perspectives and adapt to evolving needs. Nate wants to ensure every voice is valued in the democratic process.Learn More About Nate
I had the pleasure to sit down with Eric Moyer who is running to seat Mike Flood in CD1. Born and raised in Madison, Northeast Nebraska, Eric holds degrees in Theater and Marketing, Communication, and Advertising (MCA) from the University of Nebraska. He has nearly a decade of experience building renewable energy projects in the Midwest, following a diverse career as an actor, marketer, event manager, rancher, and Sunday School Teacher. This broad background helps him understand challenges faced by working families.
Eric believes in advocating for all Nebraskans, asserting that the state's hardworking people deserve respect and representation in Washington, D.C.
Josh Livingston, a Creighton Law School graduate, began his public service as a Deputy County Attorney, advocating for vulnerable families and ensuring child support. He now continues this mission as a family law attorney, guiding clients through custody and divorce. Running for the Legislature, Josh aims to give working Nebraska families in District 8 a strong voice, using his legal expertise and community passion to create beneficial policies.
Learn More About Josh
Today, I am speaking with Crystal Rhodes, a dedicated and passionate individual who is currently running for Congress in District 2.
Crystal brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public service, having significantly impacted the communities she serves through her various roles for over 20 years. In congress, Crystal will seek to foster a more responsive and responsible political landscape, where the voices of the people are heard and their needs are addressed with the utmost dedication. We delve into this and much more. I am excited for you to hear our discussion.
I'm delighted you've taken time out of your busy day to learn more about Robin Richards.
Robin is an independent candidate once again running to unseat Merv Reipe in District 12 in Ralston. Her dedication to public service is evident in her current role as President of the Ralston Public School Board of Education, where she has been a tireless advocate for students, teachers, and parents.
With a robust background in state accounting and a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility, Robin brings a pragmatic and accountable approach to governance. Robin is deeply passionate about arts and education. She believes these pillars are crucial for fostering well-rounded individuals and a vibrant community, contributing to both economic growth and social well-being.
We have an exciting conversation lined up with another fascinating candidate from Congressional District 2,Kishla Askins. I am absolutely stoked that you've tuned in to learn more about her, her vision, and what she hopes to achieve for CD2. Get ready for an insightful discussion that will shed light on her journey and her commitment to serving the people of CD2.
I so appreciate you dropping in to tune into my interview with State Senator John Cavenaugh, who is now running for Congress in Congressional District 2. Senator John Cavenaugh, representing Midtown Omaha since 2020, was a Douglas County Public Defender for seven years.
As a state senator, he championed Nebraskans' well-being through legislation, including domestic violence protections, preventing child support fund diversion, streamlining Medicaid enrollment for formerly incarcerated individuals, safeguarding homes from predatory property tax speculators, and eliminating sales tax on diapers.
Cavanaugh consistently opposed extreme measures, such as abortion bans and tax increases on working Nebraskans benefiting wealthy out-of-state entities. He is a vocal proponent of democratic principles, opposing actions that defy voter will on issues like paid sick leave, minimum wage increases, and medical cannabis legalization. We will explore his vision, achievements, and candidacy for Washington.
Denise Powell joined the Swing Left Nebraska Pod for a second time to discuss her candidacy for Congress in district 2. Denise is a dedicated mom, and successful small business owner. She is driven by a profound belief that the current representation is failing to adequately address the pressing needs of the state's residents. Her campaign is centered on a commitment to tangible action and a rejection of empty political promises, aiming to be a genuine and impactful voice for Nebraskans in Washington.
Today, I am honored to be joined by four remarkable individuals who are not just involved in education but are at the very heart of shaping its direction here in Nebraska. We have with us Deborah Neary, Kristen Christensen, Liz Renner, and Maggie Douglas. All four of these dedicated public servants are esteemed members of the Nebraska State Board of Education
They've joined me today for what promises to be a candid and illuminating discussion. We're going to "spill some tea," so to speak, about the inner workings of the NSBE – offering you a behind-the-scenes look at the crucial decisions and challenges they face daily. More importantly, we're going to delve into a topic that has become increasingly prevalent and concerning: the spread of misinformation.
Today, I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Jayden Speed, an inspiring candidate who is currently running for Legislature District 2. This vital district encompasses a significant portion of Cass County, along with a substantial chunk of Lancaster County, making it a diverse and important area within our state. I truly enjoyed my in-depth conversation with Jayden, finding his insights and dedication to the community both refreshing and thought-provoking. Jayden is focused on the issues that matter to everyday Nebraskans. He is committed to making the good life achievable for everyone. I believe you will find this discussion as engaging and informative as I did.speedfornebraska.com
Today’s episode is a special detour from our usual content. I’m joined by three remarkable women: Karin, Jamie, and Thia. These incredible ladies are united by a mission to cause "good trouble" – challenging the status quo and inspiring others.
Prepare to be captivated as Karin, Jamie, and Thia share impactful stories: powerful actions they've taken, inspiring initiatives planned, and how you can get involved. Their experiences highlight the power of collective action and individual courage.
Fair warning: this episode contains some spicy language, reflecting the authentic spirit of our guests. It’s a small price for the profound inspiration and actionable ideas you're about to receive. So, sit back and get ready to be enlightened, entertained, and empowered to make your own "good trouble."
Adam Gotschall of Metropolitan Community College calls for violence against women
What an exciting moment to wrap up this chapter. In this special episode, we're taking a deep dive into the whirlwind that was this past legislative session. We'll be celebrating some of the victories we fought so hard for, acknowledging the progress made, and sharing the highlights of our successes. Of course, we’ll also be candid about the challenges we faced and the losses that remind us of the work still ahead.
This marks the end of our current season, and we'll be taking a bit of a break. Don’t worry, though! We'll be back in full force come January to dissect and analyze the 2026 legislative session. In the meantime, I might just drop in with some bonus episodes and special interviews. So, make sure you are subscribed so you won't miss a thing!
nebraskalegislature.gov/
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nelegislativestudygroup.com/
In this episode, we will be delving into several key pieces of legislation that have garnered significant attention. We will be unpacking the details surrounding the recently vetoed bedbug bill, examining the rationale behind its initial passage and the subsequent decision to veto it.
Furthermore, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the anti-trans bill, exploring its potential implications and the broader context surrounding this contentious issue.
Beyond these prominent bills, we will also be covering a range of other noteworthy happenings within the unicameral.
nebraskalegislature.gov/
swingleftnebraska.com/
nelegislativestudygroup.com/
We have a packed agenda today, focusing on several key areas that have recently captured public attention. Firstly, we'll be dissecting the Governor's recent veto actions, specifically examining the implications of the veto of a bill addressing the growing concern of bed bugs.
We will provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of the voter-approved minimum wage increases. Beyond these significant issues, we also have a range of other important updates to cover within the unicameral.
To reach your U.S. House Representative or Senators, you can call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121
nebraskalegislature.gov/
We're delighted to have you tune in as we delve into the latest developments from the previous week's session in the unicameral legislature. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, debates, and decisions that transpired. Furthermore, we'll offer insights into the upcoming week's legislative agenda, highlighting the bills and issues that are likely to take center stage. Stay with us as we unpack the complexities of Nebraska's unicameral system and help you understand how these proceedings impact our state.
Today, we're going to be diving deeper into the fascinating discussions and developments surrounding the unicameral legislature from our previous episode.
But that's not all! We also want to give you, our valued listeners, a little sneak peek, a little taste, if you will, of what you can expect in the coming week's episode. We've got some really interesting topics lined up, including where things are at with the medical cannabis bill and the budget bill scheduled to resume on Monday.
We think it's going to be a really insightful and engaging discussion, and we can't wait to share it with you
nebraskalegislature.gov/
Our discussion begins with a recap of the impactful "People's Day" event at the state capitol. Next, we'll provide a comprehensive update on the contentious anti-transgender bill currently moving through the legislature. Following that, we will examine a noteworthy bill that proposes removing the lifetime ban on accessing SNAP benefits for certain individuals with drug felonies. Our conversation will then turn to a bill that could have significant implications for the minimum wage earned by 15-year-old workers in Nebraska. Beyond these key issues, we will also touch upon several other important legislative developments from the past two weeks, providing you with a well-rounded overview of the current political landscape in Nebraska.
nebraskalegislature.gov/
swingleftnebraska.com/
nelegislativestudygroup.com/
We have a packed show for you this week, where we'll discuss various legislative topics.
First, we'll delve into a controversial bill that would mandate healthcare facilities performing procedural abortions to dispose of fetal remains through cremation or burial. We'll explore the implications of this bill for healthcare providers, patients, and the broader community.
Additionally, we'll examine other significant bills from last week, covering various topics and policy areas.
Looking ahead to next week, we'll preview a bill that aims to define and restrict the rights of transgender women in various areas. We'll examine the potential consequences of this bill for the transgender community and discuss the broader debate surrounding transgender rights.
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