Nebraskans express frustrations with lawmakers on People’s Day at the people’s house

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Thursday was emotional for some Nebraskans, who showed up in force at the state Capitol to ensure their voices are heard.

“I want to believe, man,” Lia Post said through tears. “I want to believe this can happen.”

It was The People’s Day at the Legislature, hosted by the League of Women Voters.

Nebraskans were encouraged to come meet with their senators and share their concerns.

It was far from Post’s first time holding signs and waving down politicians inside the Capitol Rotunda, though she said she hates it and calls it trauma-inducing.

“People coming up here and being activists and giving our heart and soul for this, for nothing,” she said.

Post suffers from severe chronic pain and is a vocal advocate for medical cannabis.

But a recent committee vote delayed the implementation of medical marijuana in Nebraska — despite being passed by voters last year.

Connie Arends was also concerned about that very thing.

“If the people have spoken on an initiative, we would prefer if that’s listened to and heard and not continually brought up, and we have to do it over and over and over again,” Arends said.

Like Nebraskans, those tasked with passing these laws are divided, too.

Sen. Dave Murman said it’s always a challenge due to the state’s diversity but said he believes the body as a whole does a good job.

“Whether we agree or disagree, we truly do work together to try and do what’s best for the state,” Murman said.

But Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln was frank in his disagreement.

“I absolutely think that the Legislature is trying to subvert the will of the people,” he said.

Dungan added that he’s heard overwhelming frustration from constituents that the government is walking back decisions voters already made.

“It’s really an insult to the people of Nebraska to come in here and then have the 49 of us say, ‘We don’t think you know what you’re talking about,'” Dungan said.