Your input is important

During the last several weeks I have traveled across the Third District to meet with Nebraskans, answer questions, and most importantly, to listen to your thoughts and concerns on the issues facing our country. Public input is a critical element of our republic, and helps me better represent our district in Congress.

This month I have hosted several public forums on health care and trade, and held mobile office hours across the district. I appreciate the hundreds of Nebraskans who came to these meetings to voice their opinion, ask questions, or learn more about an issue. If we did not have an opportunity to meet in-person, my office has resources to help you stay informed on what is happening in Washington, and to let me know what you think.

My office regularly hosts mobile offices across the Third District. These meetings allow constituents to express concerns about federal issues and agencies, and learn about other services available through my office.

I encourage all Third District residents to visit my online office at http://adriansmith.house.gov to receive the latest policy news, information on public events, and discover what services are available. On the website, you can tell me your opinion or ask a question by sending me an e-mail. You also can sign up for my weekly e-mail newsletter and take online surveys.

I also host telephone town hall meetings regularly. These calls are a convenient way to stay in touch with folks from all corners of the Third District from the comfort of your phone. This technology allows me to speak with thousands of Nebraskans and take your questions. I often hear from Nebraskans how much they appreciate these calls, and I am grateful for the positive feedback. To sign-up to be called for every telephone town hall meeting, please send me an e-mail through my website with your name, street address (including zip code), and telephone number.

The Committee on Ways and Means, of which I am a member, is also making it easier to share your stories and ideas on how to reform the tax code. The committee has setup a new website, http://taxreform.gov to serve as a platform for the American public to weigh in on the current tax code and their ideas for tax reform. Public comments will help inform the committee on the best way to create a simpler, fairer, and more competitive tax code.

It is important to stay engaged and informed in the democratic process however you choose to be involved. Your stories, examples, and questions help inform me and best represent you. We may not always agree, but your engagement helps enrich and improve our government. I hope to hear from you soon.