Gov. Heineman to Highlight Good Legislative Session for Nebraska Taxpayers in 2014 Sine Die Address

Press Release

Tomorrow, Gov. Dave Heineman will deliver his 2014 Sine Die Address to the Nebraska Legislature, marking the closing of the second session of the 103rd Legislative Session. Today, previewing his address, Gov. Heineman is highlighting a good legislative session for Nebraska taxpayers, noting meaningful, responsible and sustainable tax relief.

"We are providing $412 million of tax relief to Nebraskans over the next five years which is meaningful, responsible and sustainable tax relief," said Gov. Heineman. "We've indexed Nebraska's individual income tax brackets for inflation. We've begun the process of exempting social security income and military retirement income from taxation. We have helped farmers and ranchers by eliminating the sales tax on repair parts for ag machinery and equipment."

The Governor shared that tax relief of $412 million will be provided to Nebraskans over the next five years. He also discussed other important actions of the session, including noteworthy legislation on water sustainability, developing a long-term prison strategy, and the rejection of Medicaid expansion and roads bonding.

Gov. Heineman said, "We've expanded Nebraska's homestead exemption program so that more Nebraskans will qualify. We've provided homeowners, farmers, ranchers and small businesses additional direct property tax relief by increasing the Property Tax Credit Program by $25 million and we need to do even more in the future."

The state will address water management and water quality issues through new water law. "We've also addressed the water sustainability issue with noteworthy legislation that preserves our water supply for generations to come. This legislation is aimed at planning for better future water use in our state."

Gov. Heineman addressed the issue of prison capacity. "We will be working with the Council of State Governments to develop a pathway to a long-term prison strategy."

Gov. Heineman commended the Legislature for rejecting Obamacare's Medicaid expansion. "We prioritized future education funding by rejecting Obamacare's Medicaid expansion program."

Regarding roads bonding, Gov. Heineman said, "I believe it's important to maintain a pay-as-you-go, debt-free roads construction program."

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