(KLZA)-- Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen delivered his first State of the State address in the state Capitol on Wednesday, spelling out plans to drastically cut taxes while increasing funding to state schools.
Pillen reiterated his plans announced earlier this month to increase K-12 public education funding by more than $2 billion over the next six years while cutting income and property taxes.
His proposed two-year budget would hold annual growth to just 1.3%, increasing spending by $164.6 million next fiscal year over the current year, and keeping the budget nearly flat the following 2024-25 fiscal year, with a proposed $500,000 increase. Nebraska- annual budget is about $4.5 billion.
The Governor said it is critical for Nebraska lawmakers to take steps to solidify the future for Nebraska. He said what the Legislature does with the current surplus funds, is critical to the future of every Nebraska family.
Pillen also says it is critical for Nebraska to overhaul the state tax policies, noting current policies chase young people as well as retiree's out of the state.
The Governor proposed exempting income tax on social security income in Nebraska by 2024, and reducing the individual and business tax rate to 3.99 percent by 2027 as part of a $1.5 billion tax cut proposal.
Governor Pillen says it is up to the state to fund special education needs, not property tax payers. Pillen is recommending a 3% cap on spending for school districts which could only be overridden by a 75% vote by local school board members or 60% of district voters.
The proposal also includes the state providing $1,500 per student to every public school district in the state.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
LATEST STORIES
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
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned