(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
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
LATEST STORIES
Senator Ricketts staff to visit Falls City and Auburn
Richardson County Sheriff provides updates to Commissioners
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Marshall Co Commissioner files for re-election
Contested races in Tuesday Primary Election in Nebraska
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
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