Dave Heineman in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Education:
Increasing state aid to education from $852M to $939M
We are on the right path and that path starts with a quality education. Education is the great equalizer and education is one of our state's top priorities. We invest in education because we know how important it is. Our P-16 Initiative strengthens
academic achievement for all students in Nebraska.In 2008, I signed into law LB 1157 that provides for statewide assessments in reading, writing, math and science. Thanks to that legislation, more than ever before the focus of our school districts is
now on academic achievement. We can be very proud that Nebraska's high school graduation rate is 86%--the 4th best in America. We have good schools, and they want to be even better in the future.
My proposed budget continues to make K-12 education a
priority by increasing state aid to education from $852 million to $895 million in fiscal year 2014 and to $939 million in fiscal year 2015. Additionally, I am proposing a 5 percent increase in special education funding in each of the next two years.
Source: 2013 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 15, 2013
On Education:
Two-year tuition freeze for State colleges via more funding
Our students of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is critical to our future that they have affordable access to a quality higher education. Last week, I announced that the University of Nebraska and Nebraska's State Colleges are prepared to
implement a two-year tuition freeze for Nebraska students if you adopt my proposed budget. My recommendation provides the necessary state funding to achieve this two-year tuition freeze for UNL, UNK, UNO, UNMC, Chadron State, Wayne State and Peru State.
This is very good news for Nebraska families who are working very hard to ensure that their sons and daughters can afford to go to college. Community colleges are an important component of our education system, as well.
I am proposing a similar increase in community college funding for each of the next two years so that each of our six community colleges can also consider adopting a two year tuition freeze.
Source: 2013 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 15, 2013
On Free Trade:
Trade mission: Nebraska exports to China grow rapidly
Exports are important to Nebraska, and last summer I led a trade mission to China. We continue to expand and strengthen our relationship with China, just like we have done with Canada, Mexico, Japan and many other countries. During the past few years,
Nebraska exports to China have grown rapidly and China is now Nebraska's fourth largest trading partner. The Nebraska-China relationship is just beginning and I am confident this will be a growing and improving relationship for many years to come.
Source: 2013 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 15, 2013
On Tax Reform:
Eliminated sales tax exemptions, to eliminate income tax
Did you know that the State of Nebraska provides $5 billion in sales tax exemptions? Nebraska exempts more than we collect. Is that fair to our small businesses and working Nebraskans?Imagine if we eliminated just half of the current exemptions.
Nebraska wouldn't need to have an individual income tax or a corporate income tax.
I have asked business leaders if they would give up their sales tax exemptions if we could eliminate the individual income tax and the corporate income tax or at least
lower the individual and corporate tax rates. You may be surprised, but many are willing to have that discussion. They want simplicity and fairness. They want a modern tax code that rewards productivity, profits and job creation rather than having
their lawyers and accountants spending time mining the tax code for exemptions. Our tax system shouldn't favor one industry over another. Change is not easy, especially when it involves taxes, but this is the discussion that our state needs to have.
Source: 2013 Nebraska State of the State Address
Jan 15, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018