Saying tax relief for Nebraskans is his top priority, Gov. Pete Ricketts delivered his annual State of the State address to lawmakers Jan. 14.<\/p>\n
Ricketts focused on the strain that rising property tax valuations place on the state\u2019s agricultural sector. He offered an example of a Nebraskan whose property tax bill increased by nearly 10 percent in one year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile farm incomes are subject to variation and fluctuations each year, property taxes go up and up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The governor encouraged lawmakers to pass a proposal this session that would make structural changes to the state\u2019s property tax system. Such changes would help to improve the state\u2019s \u201csluggish\u201d economic growth rate, he said.<\/p>\n
Ricketts said his proposal would tighten current spending limits on local governments, control growth within the school funding formula and limit the statewide aggregate increase in agricultural land valuations to 3 percent per year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to working with you to bring about tax relief to our property owners,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is my number one priority this session.\u201d<\/p>\n
The governor also highlighted the importance of infrastructure to Nebraska\u2019s economic development.<\/p>\n
Every industry in the state depends on 21st century roads and bridges, he said, which could be achieved through passage of an initiative to provide a one-time infusion of $150 million to accelerate completion of the state\u2019s expressway system and improve county bridges.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s help our local leaders keep and attract business,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s pass the transportation infrastructure bank [proposal].\u201d<\/p>\n
Ricketts also acknowledged the 11 state senators who are beginning their last session due to term limits and praised the Legislature\u2019s past work on sentencing and corrections reform.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be a part of the work that we do here in our State Capitol,\u201d he said. \u201cThank you for your dedication, for the long hours you put in and the service you provide to the citizens of our state.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ricketts\u2019 remarks also praised the spirit of volunteerism in Nebraska and the work that agencies have done to improve service provision across the state. He cited improvements in wait times for the AccessNebraska system and the success of a new reemployment program at the state Department of Labor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are embracing new ideas to make government work and to make the business of life happen for our citizens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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