Gov. Heineman Delivers State of the State Address;
Identifies Four Priorities
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today delivered his first State of the State Address before the Legislature. He described the unique opportunity before him, as the first Lieutenant Governor in 45 years to become Governor by operation of the state constitution.
“That fact only intensifies my determination to provide effective and insightful leadership,” Gov. Heineman said. “I will do everything in my power to earn the trust, respect and confidence of the citizens of this great state as I begin my tenure in this new capacity. I promise you this: I will not shy away from difficult issues. I am committed to making our state an even better place in which to live, work and raise a family.”
Gov. Heineman outlined four priorities of his administration; education, economic vitality, efficiency in government and protecting families.
The Governor said, “I believe education is the great equalizer. Our children are our hope for the future, so we have an obligation to provide them with the tools to succeed. There is no more powerful tool than knowledge.”
The Governor pledged to make economic vitality a central focus of his leadership, saying, “The population of our state shows only modest growth while the average age of our citizenry increases. As we care for our aging population, we must contemplate the future implications of this equation. It is critically important that we grow our economy.
“We must support the industry that drives our state’s economy. That means being very attentive to the needs of our farmers and ranchers. It means aggressively exploring opportunities in the areas of biotechnology, value-added agriculture, and foreign markets.”
Gov. Heineman continued, “Inspiring growth also requires that special attention be paid to small business development, entrepreneurial support, business attraction, and worker recruitment and training. My budget sends a message to small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in rural Nebraska, that we are eager to support them in an effort to expand the economy of this state.”
The Governor said that technology is one key to achieving efficiency in government, adding, “Technology has revolutionized farming, it is helping to bring health care services to the smallest of our communities, and it has opened new doors of learning in our schools. We must build on the superb progress that has been made. That means striving to be a customer friendly, customer responsive government in everything we do, from issuing permits to answering telephones.”
About his fourth priority, protecting families, Gov. Heineman said, “The previously mentioned priorities matter little, however, if we fail to protect our families and provide for safe communities – my fourth priority. We are fortunate to live in Nebraska, where the crime rate is low and the level of neighborly concern is very high. Yet, we do not take the good life for granted.”
Gov. Heineman outlined two steps he has already taken to protect families. The first is the methamphetamine legislation he and Attorney General Jon Bruning announced in December which restricts the sale of a key meth-making ingredient, pseudoephedrine, and stiffens the penalties for meth manufacturers and dealers. The second is the funding identified in his budget for 21 new state troopers.
The Governor called on lawmakers to join him in engaging the citizens in a statewide conversation about the future of Nebraska, adding, “Our citizens are ready for change. The question is whether we, in government, are ready to make the necessary changes to meet future challenges. I say that it is time to put Nebraska's future interests above any past special interests.
“I believe we are ready. I am calling on every Nebraskan to share their thoughts, their concerns and their suggestions with me about how to strengthen our state. Send me a letter or an email with your ideas and I will read every one.”
Gov. Heineman concluded his address by urging lawmakers to seize the unique opportunity before them to leave a lasting legacy. He said, “Over the next few years we must address the needs of today and then look beyond them to our future needs… With input from our citizens, I am confident that together we will meet the challenges before us to ensure a vibrant future for our state.”
