Sen. Fischer: Investing In Rural Health Care

Senator Fischer's (R-NE) weekly update from Washington focuses on rural health care.

Last week, I wrote about my team’s work to secure federal tax dollars Nebraskans

already sent to Washington to improve the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand

Island. This week, I want to update you on my recent visit to Avera St. Anthony's

Hospital in O'Neill and share my team’s efforts to invest federal tax dollars there

as well.

Founded in 1952, Avera St. Anthony's now stands as one of the largest critical

access hospitals in the state. The facility provides 24/7 emergency care, along with

primary care, surgery, rehabilitation, and specialty services. It is truly a

lifeline for O’Neill and the surrounding communities.

But in October 2024, a vehicle struck a gas line and caused an explosion and fire

nearby. While thankfully no one was seriously injured, the damage forced the

hospital to temporarily close. Despite the setback, hospital staff worked diligently

to reopen the emergency department and accept inpatients again just three weeks

later. This level of resilience speaks volumes about the people who work there and

their commitment to their community.

During my visit, I learned more about both the challenges they’ve faced and the

progress they’ve made since that incident. It was a pleasure meeting with the

hospital’s leadership team, doctors, and nurses, and seeing firsthand how critical

reliable infrastructure is to their continued success.

First, we viewed the hospital’s boiler system, which was in urgent need of

replacement as a result of the explosion and fire that occurred just 17 months ago.

Through the federal funding process, I secured a $3.5 million investment for a new

boiler and hot water system at the hospital. Reliable heat and hot water are

essential for patient care, sanitation, and day-to-day operations, especially during

a Nebraska winter. This practical, necessary investment will help ensure the

hospital can continue serving patients safely and effectively for years to come.

This project is a great example of how I use my role on the Senate Appropriations

Committee. Let me explain: A significant portion of what Nebraskans pay in federal

taxes goes to Washington and doesn't always find its way back home. That’s why I

push to ensure that Nebraska gets a fair return on what our families, farmers, and

businesses are already contributing.

There is also a practical reason this matters for your wallet. Projects like this

one, if they weren’t funded federally, would be extremely difficult to complete at

the local level. Nebraska property taxes are already a burden for many families.

When we can direct federal dollars toward these needs instead, it helps alleviate

some of that pressure.

I have always believed that federal funding works best when it starts with listening

— taking the time to understand what a community actually needs — and then working

collaboratively to deliver real solutions. And I feel strongly that these decisions

should be made by people accountable to Nebraska voters, not handed off to unelected

officials in Washington who may not understand our communities. That’s why it

matters to have elected representatives involved in the federal funding process.

Please know that I will keep working to make sure Nebraska’s tax dollars come back

home and are directed toward even more projects that tangibly improve Nebraskans’

daily lives. That’s what this work is about: making the Good Life even better.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting

with you again next week.