Gov. Jim Pillen highlighted proposals to invest in workforce development, reform the state\u2019s tax system and increase government efficiency in his State of the State address Jan. 15.<\/p>\n
The governor touted several proposals intended to attract and retain talent and grow the state\u2019s economy, including a \u201cGrow the Good Life\u201d incentive to provide a decade-long 10% tax cut to businesses who bring new, high-paying careers to Nebraska.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing Nebraska\u2019s workforce is critical \u2026 and we must support the businesses that recruit new Nebraskans to come here to set down roots,\u201d Pillen said. \u201cWe have to compete to win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pillen also called on legislators to make changes to the state\u2019s \u201cbroken\u201d tax system by broadening the sales tax base in order to shift the revenue burden away from property owners.<\/p>\n
He said tax reform, in combination with passing his budget adjustment proposal that cuts government spending and increases efficiency, would solve the state\u2019s $471 million shortfall \u2014 which he called \u201ca make-believe budget crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Legislature has the opportunity to lead reform efforts and join me in [passing] a budget that delivers lasting and transformative tax relief to Nebraskans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The governor also encouraged lawmakers to support legislation to remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs and critical race theory from the university system. Pillen said doing so would align state institutions of higher learning with \u201cNebraska values\u201d while also attracting students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must \u2026 ensure that Nebraska\u2019s public institutions of higher education remain places of hard research, learning and academic success,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Finally, Pillen encouraged favorable consideration of several pending legislative measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment to return Nebraska\u2019s allocation of Electoral College votes to a winner-take-all system.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to working alongside you \u2026 to do the work of our state this session,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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