Erin Feichtinger
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?
“In my experience working on legislation at the Nebraska Legislature, it is always best to go to the experts when developing, honing, and voting on any piece of legislation. Additionally, I have spent years fighting against legislation that disregards evidence and data in favor of strictly moral considerations such as those policies that seek to limit access to both reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care.”
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?
“Science and research at our premier institutions are some of the largest economic drivers in the state. We need to promote and celebrate those programs, not denigrate them or threaten them with funding cuts. I have also done considerable work trying to increase access to maternal and reproductive healthcare across the state which fundamentally requires increasing the availability of doctors and research to implement that access and those programs.”
Q14 What opportunities, if any, do you see for partnerships between state government, universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen scientific research?
“First and foremost, stop funding cuts to the universities. Rather, we need to promote funding for the whole spectrum of education in our schools and support partnerships across the sectors mentioned so that students can continue to develop their skills in science and we can keep those students here in Nebraska with good opportunities that allow them to utilize their skills and pursue their goals. The state government’s job is to help promote those partnerships with funding, not standing in the way of these programs because they don’t fit a separate morality-based legislative agenda.”
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?
“There is no silver bullet in our current budget crisis, but I do know that we only undermine our future stability and success if we continue to erode our university funding. At the same time, the university system can do a lot more to support the professors and researchers who inspire students and provide opportunities rather than continuing to spend a disproportionate amount of their funding on administration. There is absolutely a balance to be found, and we can get there by recognizing the critical role the university system plays in our long-term success.”
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?
“As stated above, we have some of the best science and research institutions right here in Nebraska and it serves no one to undermine them. These jobs are good-paying jobs that allow families to support themselves (not to mention their availability allowing future generations of Nebraskans to dream big and do really cool things). When we ignore the importance of science, research, and innovation, we cannot actually work towards improving the quality of life for Nebraskans.”
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?
“I’ve spent nearly a decade in the policy world, and have learned over those years how to develop policy by hearing first from the experts and those impacted, and being honest about the limits of the policy-making process as a bill moves through the Legislature. As Senators and lobbyists seek to change a bill throughout that process, my constant question is always: “is this bill still going to help people? Does this change mean it won’t do anything?” and that evaluation is always on a case-by-case basis and requires being in constant honest and transparent communication with stakeholders.”