Smith addresses big topics with Kimball youth

A new $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan, federal tax cut legislation and a little advice on student loans were among the topics covered as Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) visited Monday with Kimball High School civics students.

The 3rd District congressman spent about an hour with 19 seniors in Jeri Ferguson's civics class, touching on a variety of current political topics and sharing a few personal stories from serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Smith joined all GOP lawmakers from Nebraska by voting for the tax bill-a sweeping tax reform package approved on a 224-201 vote--but voted against the federal budget deal passed by Congress on Feb. 9, saying it fails to take steps to rein in the national debt.

"From raising spending caps by $300 billion to pushing off crucial decisions on the debt ceiling for another year, I could not support the (budget) deal," he said in a press release the students located on Smith's website.

As he addressed the students Monday, Smith spoke of how times have changed from when high school students were told that the only way to make a good living was to go to college and get a four-year degree.

"And now we find ourselves short on electricians, plumbers, technicians and other trade workers," Smith said, concluding, "So find your passion and get your training there."

He also cautioned those seniors heading off to college against overextending on student loan debt. "Don't take more than you need," he said.

Ferguson said an ad-hoc survey of the students showed positive feedback from Smith's classroom visit.

"I thought Adrian Smith was very informative and knowledgeable," wrote KHS senior Justine Heeg. "Very enjoyable."

"I thought it was cool that he came to talk to us," added classmate Amber Birkhoffer. "It was interesting to hear what he had to say."