Dr. Jeremy Heneger
Non-partisanQ12 In what ways, if any, would you incorporate scientific evidence when developing or evaluating public policy? How would you weigh scientific evidence alongside economic, ethical, and policy preferences when making decisions?
“For me, scientific evidence will be the primary source for making policy decisions. I have spent my career focused on the benefits of educational assessment data for making educational policy decisions. Relying on data and scientific evidence is far more important than relying on gut feelings, which is how many educational decisions were made in the past. Legislation should not be different. Lawmakers must set aside personal feelings and/or beliefs to make the best policy decisions for the public we serve.
I would also rely on experts to provide testimony and/or evidence when considering legislation. From outside the Unicameral, I have noticed a distinct disregard among many Senators for scientific evidence and expertise. Legislators cannot be experts in everything and should strongly consider the evidence presented by experts.
A Senator’s moral code and/or religious beliefs matter, but that code or those beliefs should be informed by scientific evidence when available. The public good is more important than an individual’s beliefs or code.”
KEYWORDS: Primary Source, Expertise, Public Good
Q13 What is your vision for science and research in the state over the next decade? What programs within state departments will you prioritize funding that relate to the state’s science strengths?
“Scientific research often stimulates the economy and provides a significant return on state investments. Budget cuts to the University System and to areas like biomedical research are terrible and short-sighted. These cuts may help balance the budget in the short term, but they hurt the state’s economy in the long run. It is important for Nebraska to be a leader in research and innovation. Leading in these areas helps the economy grow and helps fight brain drain.
I don’t know much about state programs connected to Nebraska’s science strengths, but I am eager to learn more. I will fully support those programs that allow us to lead. I see these programs as ways to improve society, which is something we should all want and invest in.
We should look for other ways to balance the budget instead of cutting scientific research that will benefit the economy in the long run. Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy or one-time taxes on extreme wealth are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for important research and programs.”
KEYWORDS: Investment, Priority, Fight Brain Drain
Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?
“State government should be eager to partner with universities, industry, and nonprofits to strengthen scientific research. These types of partnerships allow us to accomplish more together than we can alone. Often, these partnerships also multiply impact and benefits. Partnerships offer real potential, and I love finding new solutions to existing problems. One of the best ways to tackle problems is to partner with like-minded groups.
I stand ready to partner on legislation that can bolster scientific research. I am eager to engage potential partners and find ways to strengthen Nebraska.”
KEYWORDS: Stand Ready, Partnerships, Potential
Q15 Legislative appropriations for Nebraska’s public universities have not kept pace with inflation, and state universities are now being asked to further reduce their budgets (Peal, 2026). What role should the Legislature play in providing funding for higher education? What policies, if any, would you support to balance the state budget while also supporting Nebraska’s research capacity and student opportunities?
“I mentioned before that cutting research is a mistake, and we should be finding other ways to balance the state’s budget. Funding our public universities is an investment in our State’s future and our children’s future.
Raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy, or imposing one-time taxes on extreme wealth, are better ways to balance the budget than cutting funding for the public university system.
The Legislature has an obligation to ensure our public universities are strong and can support the learning and research needed to propel us into the future. Today’s leaders are not future-focused, which is a theme of my campaign. We need leaders who are helping prepare our institutions, education system, and people for a promising future. Right now it feels like the future we were promised will only be available to the ultra-wealthy and the politicians they bought along the way.
The promising future should belong to all Nebraskans and all Americans, and I will fight for this reality when in the legislature.”
KEYWORDS: Investment, Future Focused, Promise
Q16 What role do you believe science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development should play in Nebraska’s economy, state revenues, and accountable investments in the infrastructure and services that improve quality of life?
“Government’s primary focus should be on improving citizens’ quality of life. I think many political leaders focus only on improving their own lives.
We should be making big investments in science, research, innovation, and STEM workforce development. We are behind where we should be in supporting these areas, and we need to catch up quickly. Of course, it would be great if the federal government would stop enacting policies that make this type of investment more difficult. Legislators at both the state and federal level need to get to work making people’s lives easier and better. There is a palpable lack of progress on legislation that most citizens clearly agree on. Inaction seems to be the status quo at both the state and federal levels. “
KEYWORDS: Primary Focus, Investing
Q17 Can you describe your approach to evaluating whether a policy is achieving its intended outcomes, and what evidence would prompt you to revise it?
“Ideally, policy should only be passed with a known evaluation criterion in mind. Also, the evaluation timeline should be established before enacting the policy. Too often, we pass policies without knowing what measurable metrics we will use to understand the policy’s effectiveness, and this is a poor way to run government programs.
We should review evidence of policy effectiveness regularly to determine whether the policy needs to be revised. We should also watch for unintended consequences when evaluating policy.
I will work to include evaluation criteria and a timeline in legislation. This will help us be on a path of continuous improvement.”
KEYWORDS: Continuous Improvement, Timelines