(KTNC) - One of two Democrats seeking their party’s nomination for governor in 2014 brought his campaign to southeast Nebraska last week.
Chuck Hassebrook visited Tecumseh, Pawnee City, Beatrice, Auburn, and Nebraska City as part of a weeklong campaign trip that started in Valentine. Hassebrook is a native of Platte Center, Nebraska, and now lives in Lyons.
During a stop in Auburn Saturday afternoon, Hassebrook cited his 17 years as the Director of the Lyons, Nebraska-based Center for Rural Affairs and 18 years on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents as giving him the experience necessary to lead the state of Nebraska. He says his vision is for “One Nebraska” for all the state’s residents.
Hassebrook said his top budget priority would be expanding early childhood education in the stated. He said he'd like to work with the state's community colleges to expand job training opportunities in the state.
Other priorities Hassebrook cited were improved roads and infrastructure, and expanding wind energy in the state. He called Nebraska the “Saudi Arabia of Wind,” but said the state hasn’t done enough to develop the resource – especially compared to neighboring states like Iowa and Colorado.
The Legislature’s Tax Modernization Committee has been meeting around the state, and Hassebrook says he’s glad they appear to have shifted their focus away from eliminating the income tax. He says the focus should be on providing property tax relief to family farmers and low to middle income homeowners. Eliminating the income tax, he says, would increase the burden on local property taxpayers.
Hassebrook also criticized Governor Dave Heineman for not expanding Medicaid or setting up a state-run insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act.
Hassebrook said he has visited 50 counties in the state so far, and will visit 75 counties by Thanksgiving. He is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor along with State Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
Richardson County accepted into managed call handling program
LATEST STORIES
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
RELATED STORIES
Lt. Gov. Heidemann Resigns, Withdraws as Ricketts Running Mate
Hassebrook Selects Raybould as Running Mate
Hassebrook Campaigns in SE Nebraska
Neb. Republicans Nominate Ricketts for Governor
Pawnee County Election Results
Congressional Candidate Visits Falls City
Department of Roads: Keep Political Signs off Right-of-Way
Sasse Enters Nebraska Senate Race