This year, the Nebraska legislature has demonstrated a troubling desire to undermine citizen-led initiatives that empower communities and foster grassroots democracy. These efforts to sabotage our initiatives ignores the will of the voters and threaten the very essence of civic engagement.

Citizen-led initiatives are a crucial tool for addressing issues when the legislative process falls short, ensuring that the voices of ordinary people are heard. They enable us to propose and vote on measures that directly impact our lives, effectively allowing the people to act as Nebraska’s “Second House.”

However, legislative sabotage, often driven by special interests, can weaken policies supported by the vast majority of voters, stripping away the power of the people. This not only undermines democratic principles but also erodes trust in the political process.

Let us be clear: Nebraskans deeply value their ability to influence policy through the initiative process. We strongly oppose any attempts to sabotage these efforts, which only serve the interests of those who seek to control and manipulate the democratic process for their own gain. Protecting citizen-led initiatives is essential for maintaining a vibrant and responsive democracy.