Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) recently highlighted his office's efforts to assist Nebraskans with federal services during a weekly press call with local media. Ricketts shared that in 2024, his team helped nearly 800 residents access federal services and saved or recovered almost $5 million for constituents. This year, they have already achieved $1.3 million in constituent savings.

"I'm proud of our work to cut red tape and deliver wins for Nebraskans," stated Ricketts. "We continue that work this year."

The senator emphasized the importance of providing quality service, similar to when he served as governor. His offices in Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and Washington D.C., focus on assisting constituents with inquiries related to federal agencies such as Veterans Affairs and Medicare.

Ricketts recounted two specific cases where his intervention made a significant difference. One involved Richard, a disabled veteran from the Panhandle who faced an unexpected debt due to an outdated dependent status with the VA. After contacting Ricketts' office, Richard's status was updated, eliminating nearly $20,000 in debt.

Another case concerned a healthcare provider in Eastern Nebraska listed incorrectly on TRICARE's website. This omission led to confusion among patients and financial losses for the provider. Ricketts' team worked with TriWest to correct the listing on TRICARE’s network, benefiting both the provider and military families seeking care.

Ricketts concluded by affirming his commitment to improving government efficiency and customer service for Nebraskans: "We're going to continue delivering excellent customer service for our constituents. Nebraskans deserve nothing less."