Dawn Liphardt
Dawn Liphardt did not respond to our request for an interview.
Jason Prokop
Jason Prokop grew up in Crete, Nebraska. His career background has been focused on policy and he started his professional career with Senator Ben Nelson, for whom he served as a staffer in Lincoln before moving to Washington D.C. to work as a policy advisor and legislative director. Prokop is running for the legislature because he is focused on public service and good public policy. He wants to make sure that policy is carried out responsibly and with an eye toward creating opportunities so people want to stay here in Nebraska.
Prokop said that the most important issue facing Nebraskans today is the workforce shortage. He knows that effective policy and collaboration in the legislature can help support workers and create circumstances that support a flourishing workforce. Prokop believes that Nebraska is at its best when the whole state is working together.
The public services provided by State of Nebraska employees that Prokop uses the most are the roads and he appreciates all that the Nebraska Department of Transportation does to maintain them. He also noted that NDOT workers need more support to be able to continue effectively doing the work to keep our highways safe for travel. When asked about other state services that he thinks are lacking, he noted that the Nebraska Department of Corrections has been in the news a lot and he knows that the conditions and overtime expectations place a burden on employees.
In order to make sure public services and programs are fully funded, Prokop said that proponents need to take a data-driven approach to explaining why it’s essential that these things are properly funded. He does not support the privatization of state service because he does not believe in cutting corners.
Prokop comes from a union family — his dad is a 52-year member of his union at the Crete grain mill. He stated that he supports the right of Nebraska State Employees to unionize and collectively bargain the wages and working conditions of their employment. He would support a bill expanding public sector collective bargaining to include legislative and judicial branch employees, stating that it’s important to retain quality employees in these positions and collective bargaining will help with that retention.
Prokop stated that he would oppose any bill introduced that would take away public sector collective bargaining rights in Nebraska.
When asked about legislative procedures, Prokop stated that committee chairs should continue to be chosen by secret ballot and the filibuster rules should remain in place.
Prokop said that he is the best candidate because he brings a wealth of experience across different sectors. He is knowledgeable about the different levers of government and how to rally people around good ideas. He is interested in solutions, not partisan warfare.