Sarah Centineo
Sarah Centineo has lived in Bellevue since 2004. She worked as a nurse at Children’s Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit before going to law school. She now practices law in the field of medical negligence and is acutely aware of the healthcare discrepancies across Nebraska. Centineo is running for the legislature because she feels that her diverse background and long history of advocacy make her the best person to represent her district.
Centineo said that the biggest problem facing Nebraskans right now is that our state is not bringing in or supporting a dynamic workforce. This has far-reaching implications for all Nebraskans, and Centineo said that a healthy workforce needs access to affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare.
When asked about public service shortfalls in Nebraska, Centineo said that she knows public health inequity is a big issue. She doesn’t feel that the legislature understands how important it is to have educational programs for healthcare employees.
Centineo said that she would ensure that public services are fully funded by showing the legislature how the decisions to cut funding affect people around the state. She also stated that she opposes the privatization of state services because the risk of mismanagement is greater and there is a lack of transparency.
Centineo supports the right of State of Nebraska employees to unionize and collectively bargain the wages and conditions of their employment. She would support a bill expanding public sector collective bargaining rights to include legislative and judicial branch employees. She also stated that she would oppose any legislation that aimed to take away public sector collective bargaining rights in Nebraska.
When asked about legislative procedures, Centineo said that committee chairs should continue being chosen by secret ballot and she supports the current filibuster rules.
Centineo said she is the best candidate for her district because she knows how to take on a leadership role and feels that her careers have equipped her to successfully advocate for her constituents in the legislature.
Rita Sanders (Incumbent)
Senator Sanders did not respond to our request for an interview.