Governor gives the State of the State address

With a vision of making Nebraska the ideal place to create jobs, build a business, obtain an education and have a family, Gov. Dave Heineman delivered his State of the State address to lawmakers Jan. 13.

“Our state is in a position to make these goals a reality because of what we have accomplished together during the past several years,” he said.

Heineman noted that lawmakers have faced tough decisions in the past but, through those decisions, Nebraska has modernized economic incentives, passed the largest tax relief package in the state’s history, established a cash reserve and built up a strong foundation for the future.

“The budget that I am submitting today capitalizes on our positive momentum and sets the stage for a prosperous decade,” he said.

Because of nearly $1 billion projected shortfall, Heineman said, his budget proposal would significantly reduce funding for many agencies and eliminate several programs.

“This budget is about priorities and making difficult decisions about the most important responsibilities of state government,” he said. “I’ve listened to our citizens, and their priorities are creating jobs, improving the economy and strengthening education. This budget reflects those priorities.”

To strengthen education, Heineman said, more accountability is needed in Nebraska’s education system.

He applauded Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford’s legislation passed last session to reduce school truancy and thanked the Legislature for passing statewide reading and math assessments.

But he added that Nebraska still faces challenges in its schools and child welfare system.

For the benefit of children and their families, he proposed that the State Department of Health and Human Services privatize foster care services and provide more in-home care.

“Nebraska continues to have one of the nation’s highest rates of out-of-home placements. That is unacceptable. We need to reform failed policies of the past,” he said.

Along with proposed budget cuts, Heineman proposed new investments.

The governor said his budget prioritizes student internships and private sector research and innovation, while fostering high-tech startups and increasing the number of sites and buildings available for business development projects.

Also included are education initiatives such as creating a virtual high school and a one-time $25 million investment in the University of Nebraska’s Innovation Campus.

Despite the difficult decisions facing lawmakers this session, Heineman said they have worked hard to put Nebraska in a strong financial position.

“I have every confidence that by continuing to work together we can put Nebraska in an even stronger financial position in the years ahead,” he said.