Tom Brewer (politician)

Tom Brewer
Member of the Nebraska Legislature
from the 43rd district
Assumed office
January 4, 2017
Preceded byAl Davis
Personal details
Born (1958-08-06) August 6, 1958 (age 65)
Casper, Wyoming, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Oglala Lakota
Political partyRepublican
SpouseKelli
Children2
EducationDoane University (BA)
Websitewww.VoteTomBrewer.com
Military service
Branch/service United States Army

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Young, JoAnne. "Nebraska state senator's two-man team takes first place in international sniper competition". JournalStar.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  3. ^ COLUMNIST, Matthew Hansen WORLD-HERALD. "Hansen: Col. Tom Brewer eager for one last tour". Omaha.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  4. ^ "Biography « District 43 News and Information". news.legislature.ne.gov. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  5. ^ "Nebraska advances bill to help first responders with PTSD". AP NEWS. February 26, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  6. ^ "Colonel Tom Brewer ousts Al Davis from 43rd District legislative seat". KNEB. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  7. ^ "Veterans income tax break bill advanced". AP NEWS. May 16, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  8. ^ "Tax exemption for military retirees wins initial approval". AP NEWS. January 13, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  9. ^ "Medicaid expansion backers fear measure could be sabotaged". AP NEWS. November 18, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  10. ^ "Nebraska state senator spends Fourth of July in Ukraine". WOWT. July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  11. ^ Star, KEVIN ABOUREZK / Lincoln Journal. "After 36 years of service, Col. Brewer stepping back, speaking out". JournalStar.com. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ "A Lakota Warrior Swaps Bullets for Ballots". The Wounds of Whiteclay. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
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