Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley

Story by Claire Murphy

On June 8, approximately 800 citizens of Girls and Boys State gathered to witness an address given by the lieutenant governor of Nebraska, Mike Foley.

As Gov. Pete Ricketts was on vacation the week of Girls and Boys State, his lieutenant served as governor during Ricketts’ absence. Being the standing-in governor of Nebraska, Mike Foley assumed the task of speaking in front of the most elite teenagers in the state.

Foley’s address did not disappoint the campers of Girls and Boys State. He began his speech by launching into a detailed explanation of his history in politics and his qualifications for the office of lieutenant governor.

The lieutenant governor revealed that he possessed an impressive resume, full of experience in the state legislature, economics, business and even as the Nebraska state auditor.

Foley then proceeded to give his call to action. He highlighted the fact that the citizens of Nebraska, and of the United States as a whole, have become largely disengaged in politics.

“The vast majority of people in the United States have written off any meaningful participation whatsoever in the political process,” Foley said.

He then challenged the students to encourage their generation to be the people at the forefront of a renewed revolution of political involvement.

“You must take the gifts God gave you and use them to shape the world.” Foley encouraged the audience.

Foley continued to explain Nebraska’s current economic situation. He expressed that he hoped that our economy had hit rock bottom so the state recession could end and the economy could begin to expand and grow stronger.

Another topic that Foley had very strong opinions on was religious freedom.

“Religious freedom is under attack, and we must stand firm,” Foley insisted to the crowd. As a devout Catholic, the lieutenant governor keeps his religious beliefs close to him when making political decisions. He encouraged all of Girls and Boys State to hold strong in their beliefs, and to not let society sway them from their faith.

The address ended by the lieutenant governor taking questions from the crowd. He answered inquiries over a wide variety of topics, including: stem cell research, property taxes, the budget, public education, transgender rights, the second amendment and the death penalty.