Saying tax relief for middle-class Nebraskans should be the state\u2019s top priority, Gov. Dave Heineman delivered his annual State of the State address to lawmakers Jan. 12.<\/p>\n
The governor began by thanking several senators who are beginning their last session due to term limits, including Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndividually and as a group, you\u2019ve done an outstanding job and Nebraskans appreciate your service,\u201d Heineman said. \u201cI\u2019m proud of the Legislature and what we\u2019ve accomplished together.\u201d<\/p>\n
The governor praised past efforts to put Nebraska in a strong financial position and make the state economically competitive. Heineman cited the Nebraska Advantage program and other tax reforms as important incentives to businesses and families to locate in Nebraska.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with our citizens, we have developed a bold, innovative and strategic vision to grow our economy and to strengthen our education system,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As a result, Heineman said, Nebraska\u2019s net tax receipts grew by $349 million in 2011. Lawmakers should use that revenue to provide tax relief to Nebraskans, he said.<\/p>\n
The governor said he would propose a major tax relief initiative this session. Among the provisions included in the package are reductions in the state\u2019s corporate and individual income taxes and elimination of the inheritance tax.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur hard-working, middle class taxpayers need more discretionary income to take care of their families and to provide their kids with a good education,\u201d Heineman said.<\/p>\n
Among future challenges outlined by the governor was ongoing reform of the state\u2019s child welfare system. Heineman said senators and other stakeholders must work together to develop a more collaborative and coordinated approach to serving the state\u2019s vulnerable children and families.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, we need to bring stability to Nebraska\u2019s child welfare system,\u201d he said. \u201cThe focus should be on the future and on measurable results.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heineman also said the state should move forward with the planning and design of a state health insurance exchange in spite of uncertainty over the future of federal health care reform.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to assure you and our citizens that Nebraska will not default to the federal government regarding a health insurance exchange,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Finally, the governor proposed merging the state Department of Labor into the Department of Economic Development. The merger would provide a more coordinated effort at job creation and worker training and retention, he said.<\/p>\n
Heineman said Nebraska is in an excellent economic position relative to other states and should continue to build on past successes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about our future,\u201d he said. \u201cTogether we can make it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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