Tom Brewer (born August 6, 1958) is an American politician serving as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 43rd district. Elected in 2016, he assumed office in 2017.
Early life and education
Brewer was born in Casper, Wyoming and was raised around Gordon, Nebraska and Whiteclay, Nebraska.[1][2] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Doane University and attended the United States Army War College.
Career
For 36 years, Brewer served as a member of the United States Army, including six tours in Afghanistan.[3] Brewer was awarded two Purple Hearts.[4] During his service, Brewer was severely injured by a grenade, losing his eye and suffering shrapnel wounds.[5] Brewer was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2016, succeeding Al Davis.[6]
As a legislator, Brewer has focused on veterans issues, sponsoring a bill to provide tax breaks to veterans.[7][8] Brewer has advocated against Medicaid expansion, stating "These programs will each be trying to protect their piece of the budget pie. When the music stops, some of them won’t have a chair. It’s unavoidable."[9]
In 2022, Brewer made headlines for visiting the front lines and meeting with local officials in Ukraine for a "mission" trip, saying he thought that if the US did not help Ukraine, then American troops would eventually be fighting Russians.[10]
Personal life
Brewer and his wife Kelli have two children.[11] Kelli has served in the Nebraska National Guard.[12] Brewer is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the first Native American elected to the state legislature of Nebraska.[13]
References
- ^ Bosman, Julie (March 25, 2017). "Nebraska May Stanch One Town's Flow of Beer to Its Vulnerable Neighbors (Published 2017)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ Young, JoAnne. "Nebraska state senator's two-man team takes first place in international sniper competition". JournalStar.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ COLUMNIST, Matthew Hansen WORLD-HERALD. "Hansen: Col. Tom Brewer eager for one last tour". Omaha.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Biography « District 43 News and Information". news.legislature.ne.gov. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Nebraska advances bill to help first responders with PTSD". AP NEWS. February 26, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Colonel Tom Brewer ousts Al Davis from 43rd District legislative seat". KNEB. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Veterans income tax break bill advanced". AP NEWS. May 16, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Tax exemption for military retirees wins initial approval". AP NEWS. January 13, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Medicaid expansion backers fear measure could be sabotaged". AP NEWS. November 18, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Nebraska state senator spends Fourth of July in Ukraine". WOWT. July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
- ^ Star, KEVIN ABOUREZK / Lincoln Journal. "After 36 years of service, Col. Brewer stepping back, speaking out". JournalStar.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ writer, David Hendee / World-Herald staff. "3rd District House race: Tom Brewer battle-scarred but still itching for the front lines". Omaha.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "A Lakota Warrior Swaps Bullets for Ballots". The Wounds of Whiteclay. Retrieved October 13, 2020.