For many months, Nebraska has experienced declining tax revenues. Since last year, I have been working to constrain spending in my agencies in preparation for budget cuts. In the first part of this year, the Legislature and I worked together to make cuts for the current fiscal year
Weekly Columns
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Protecting the Taxpayer
May 16, 2017 -
Budget Games
May 09, 2017The State of Nebraska has seen declining revenues over the past year. This reality has made balancing the state budget without increasing taxes my number one priority during this legislative session. To achieve this, I have been working to constrain spending since last summer and into this year.
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Expanding Educational Opportunity
May 02, 2017George Washington Carver famously said that “education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.” America has exemplified that truth with countless examples of individuals who have improved their position in life through education. Access to education is the foundation of the American dream. And the foundation to education and educational achievement is basic literacy.
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Reforming Ag Property Taxes
April 25, 2017Discussion on tax reform is underway in the Legislature. Last week, senators started debate on LB461, the 2017 Nebraska Taxpayer Reform Act. The discussion on the floor was thoughtful with many senators voicing support for dealing with Nebraska’s high tax problem. This bill would make the most significant changes to our state’s property and income tax system in a generation by changing how we value ag land for taxation purposes and cutting income taxes for working families and Main Street... read more
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Tax Reform in 2017
April 18, 2017Tax reform is a key component to Grow Nebraska. It allows working families to keep more of the money they earn. When companies consider their options to expand, headquarter, or relocate, the tax climate is one of the first things they consider. Additionally, it can help grow our largest industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
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Responsible Tax Reform
April 11, 2017One of my top priorities as Governor is to reduce the tax burden on all Nebraskans to grow our state. The Tax Foundation ranks Nebraska 14th highest for income tax collections per capita and USA Today rates us 5th highest for property taxes. We can, and must, do better.
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Honoring Their Service
April 03, 2017One hundred years ago this week, the United States Congress passed the Declaration of War against Germany requested by then President Woodrow Wilson. The catalyst for America’s entry: Unrestricted German submarine warfare sunk several American merchant ships, which resulted in the deaths of numerous American citizens. The war would forever change our country and reshape the global balance of power.
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Mid-Session Update
March 28, 2017We are over halfway through the 90-day legislative session. Working with senators, we have already accomplished a few key priorities including important budget cuts. Even with this progress, a lot of work remains ahead to pass a balanced budget, deliver tax relief for Nebraska families, and pass other important bills before session concludes in early June.
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Celebrating Agriculture
March 21, 2017The spotlight will be on Nebraska’s number one industry this week as Nebraskans across the state celebrate National Ag Week. I’ll be joining Nebraskans from Scottsbluff to Omaha at 11 events over three days to highlight how our state’s number one industry continues to grow Nebraska. While commodity prices in many markets are lagging, there are many reasons to be optimistic about agriculture’s future in Nebraska.
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Competing for Growth
March 14, 2017Over the last two years, Nebraska has hit some key growth benchmarks. In 2015, for the first time, Nebraska had over one million non-farm jobs. Our population hit an all-time high of 1.9 million people last year. And just a few weeks ago, Nebraska won the Governor’s Cup for the most capital investment projects per capita in the nation. Over 100 new investments helped Nebraska garner this coveted award.
