From November 3, 2022 post

Attack ads have been all over TV, radio, and in mailboxes, trying to deceive and scare voters like you into not voting for Tony. With all of the misinformation out there, it’s important that voters like you have the facts as you’re considering who to support.

We’ve broken down the false claims about Tony and his record below. If you have questions about things you’ve heard that aren’t listed here on this page or on any of the issues pages, please reach out to us at info@vargasfornebraska.com and we’ll get back to you with an answer.

The truth about Tony’s record on public safety

Don Bacon and his dark money supporters have spent millions of dollars to run attack ads against Tony to try to scare and confuse voters about this issue. Here are the facts:

_{As a state senator for the last six years, Tony voted to fund law enforcement, support public safety, and invest in violence prevention programs. Tony voted to increase law enforcement funding every year he has been in the legislature.}

_{Several attack ads cite Tony’s vote on LB1004, a bipartisan bill that would have addressed prison overcrowding by allowing some offenders to meet with parole boards, who could determine whether or not they should be eligible for release. LB1004 passed with bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats on an overwhelming 29-11 margin. The bill does not release criminals from jail.}

_{Several ads also attack Tony for “joining rioters.” This is completely false. In May 2020, Tony joined constituents and neighbors downtown – in the district where he lives and that he currently represents in the Nebraska Legislature. He condemned both the violence against peaceful protestors and the violence against police, as well as the property damage that occurred. And the following day, he went back downtown to help clean up the neighborhood, talk with Nebraskans, and try to find a pathway forward.} 

The truth about Tony’s record on taxes and spending

Don Bacon and his dark money supporters are desperately trying to mislead voters about Tony’s record on taxes. Here are the facts: 

_{Tony was named a “Taxpayer Defender” by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative policy group.}

_{As a state senator, Tony has supported over $1 billion of property and income tax relief.}

_{Tony voted with Republicans for two of the largest property tax cuts in Nebraska history – LB873, introduced by Senator Friesen in 2022, and LB1107, introduced by Senator Scheer in 2020. Governor Ricketts called these bills “the biggest tax relief package in state history” and a “grand compromise.”}

_{Several ads also attack Tony for introducing a bill in 2017, LB50, which would have cut taxes on low income and middle class taxpayers while ensuring those making more than $1 million a year paid their fair share. This bill would have lowered, not increased, taxes for the middle class.}

_{The truth about state senators’ salaries}

_{Don Bacon and his dark money supporters are misleading voters about state senators’ salaries. Here are the facts:} 

_{Currently, state senators like Tony earn an annual salary of about $12,000 – a salary that hasn’t been increased since the 1980’s. Meanwhile, Don Bacon has made over $1 million from taxpayers as a Congressman.}

_{Tony introduced LR295CA in 2018, a bipartisan bill that would have allowed voters to decide whether or not state senators should earn 50% of the median household income in Nebraska. This bill was co-sponsored by 5 Republicans and had bipartisan support from senators who recognize that the low salary makes it very difficult for regular citizens to run for office and serve in the Legislature.}

_{Original source can be found here.}