Gov. Pete Ricketts revealed his upcoming budgetary and legislative priorities in his State of the State address to lawmakers Jan. 13. Top priorities outlined by the governor include property tax relief, construction of a new state penitentiary and a new water reservoir system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the years, the guiding light of my administration has remained the same: to grow
\nNebraska,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cAnd, despite weathering floods, fires and a global pandemic, we have
\ndone just that.\u201d<\/p>\n
By the end of fiscal year 2023, he said, Nebraska is anticipated to have an estimated $1.5
\nbillion in its Cash Reserve Fund.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the people\u2019s money, and we must support tax relief that puts this money back into the
\npockets of the people,\u201d Ricketts said.<\/p>\n
Accelerating the phase-in of Social Security tax exemptions to five years, instead of the current
\nten-year period, would allow older Nebraskans to keep more of their hard-earned money, he said.
\nAdditionally, Ricketts said, the individual tax rate should be reduced by one percent over the
\nnext five years.<\/p>\n
Citing public safety concerns, the governor proposed spending $16.9 million to enhance the state
\ncrime lab and an additional $47.7 million toward expansion of the Law Enforcement Training
\nCenter in Grand Island, in addition to funding a new state penitentiary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe existing state penitentiary was built over 150 years ago. Its walls are crumbling and its
\ninfrastructure has aged beyond simple repair. A modern facility will give our inmates a better
\nquality of life,\u201d Ricketts said.<\/p>\n
The governor also recommended $500 million be spent on construction of a canal and reservoir
\nsystem from the South Platte River to protect quality drinking water, keep electric generating
\ncosts manageable and ensure farm and ranch production.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we fail to secure our supply from the South Platte River, we could expect to lose 90 percent
\nof the water that currently comes to us from Colorado,\u201d he said. \u201cWe must act to preserve,
\nprotect, manage and steward our water supply for our future Nebraskans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ricketts\u2019 proposed budget also includes an additional $200 million for water projects presented
\nby the Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability
\nCommittee, also known as STAR WARS, which he said would secure access to water and
\nadvance state tourism.<\/p>\n
Finally, the governor proposed a number of one-time initiatives for allocating Nebraska\u2019s $1.04
\nbillion share of federal coronavirus relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Among his
\npriorities are securing funds for low-income children who have experienced learning loss due to
\nthe pandemic and funding behavioral health and nursing incentives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to the challenge, opportunity and honor of working with you,\u201d Ricketts said.
\n\u201cRemember, Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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