Pete Ricketts

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

This year, we also have the rare task of spending the $1.04 billion that Nebraska has been allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act. These ARPA funds can help our state grow into the future. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

I am also requesting $200 million be allocated to the water projects presented by the STAR WARS Special Committee. These projects will also secure our access to water—and they provide the additional promise to grow the Good Life in tourism and recreation. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

We must act to preserve, protect, manage, and steward our water supply for our future Nebraskans. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Access to water enables farmers & ranchers to produce, protects drinking water, & ensures NE remains the best place in the world to live, work, & raise a family. If we fail to secure our supply from the So. Platte, we could expect to lose 90% of water that comes to us from CO — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

This year, we can also help secure our water resources for generations to come. After our people, water is Nebraska’s greatest natural resource. To secure our water supply, I am recommending $500 mil to construct a canal & reservoir system from the South Platte River. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

I am not asking anyone to choose between supporting a modern State Penitentiary and pursuing policies that aim to reduce crime and recidivism. These solutions are not at odds. There is room for both as we work to strengthen Nebraska. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

For those wishing to pursue criminal justice reform, this should be a no-brainer. A modern facility will give our inmates a better quality of life. It will allow us to offer enhanced services and programming to prepare these men for life after time served. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Finally, we must fully fund the replacement of the Nebraska State Penitentiary. The existing penitentiary was built over one hundred and fifty years ago. Its walls are crumbling, and its infrastructure is aged beyond simple repair. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

I am also requesting $16.9 million to enhance our state crime lab, which analyzes forensic and physical criminal evidence to better secure justice for victims of crime. And $47.7 million to go toward the expansion of our Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Historic agreements were struck to provide substantial pay increases for our 24/7 public health and safety positions. This will help us attract and retain quality corrections teammates. We’ve already seen a 5x increase in NDOC applicants since this announcement was made. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

It’s imperative that we also remember our core responsibility: to protect public safety. After all, people are our greatest resource. There are several opportunities this session to strengthen our commitment to keep Nebraskans safe. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

For those who may try to brand this as a tax cut for the rich, I challenge you to ask Nebraskans earning $33,180 a year, or families earning $66,360 a year, if they feel rich. They make up the 418,900 Nebraskans in this tax bracket who deserve relief. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Over the next 5 yrs, we must reduce the top individual tax rate by 1% – from 6.84 to 5.84%. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

We also need to ensure that we are building upon the historic amount of property tax relief provided during last session. This FY – and next - $548 million in annual property tax relief will go back to our people through LB1107. We must make sure it does not drop below this floor — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

To start, we can build on last session’s reforms by accelerating the phase-in of social security tax exemptions to 5 years, instead of the current 10-year period. This would allow our older neighbors and friends to keep more of their hard-earned money. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

By the end of FY23, the State of NE is anticipated to have an estimated $1.5 billion in its Cash Reserve Fund. Let me say that again. 1.5 billion dollars… Folks, this is the people’s money. We must support tax relief that puts this money back into the pockets of the people. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Given our current financial situation we must deliver. Last year, we passed a 2 yr budget that set priorities for this year&next. While there is opportunity to fine-tune this plan, I expect state agencies & partners to live within our existing budget & limit growth to under 3%. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

It’s likely not a surprise to any of you that I am starting with tax relief. It’s been a staple of my budget recommendations every year. I was elected on the promise that I would bring tax relief to our state. It’s what the hardworking men and women of our state deserve. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

We’ve come a long way in one year. But there is still work to be done. Work that will help everyone in our state thrive. This legislative session, there are priorities we must accomplish to keep Nebraska strong for years to come. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

We must also recognize all the doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, whose stalwart selflessness and excellent care has helped us weather this pandemic. Thank you to all our healthcare heroes. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Nebraska continues to serve as a beacon for life. This includes the amazing aid our crisis pregnancy centers and other organizations provide to new mothers and their babies. It also includes the work our people do for some of Nebraska’s most vulnerable—born and unborn. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Our students continued to pursue personal development. We enter 2022 with 3,900+ Nebs in apprenticeship programs throughout the state- including through our 6 great community colleges. That’s 3,900 more Nebs pursuing growth & contributing to our diverse, skilled workforce. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Other Nebs continued to step up for one another. In 2021, over 200 of our men & women accepted the call to join the thin blue line that protects & serves NE. They’ve earned that badge. They were trained, challenged, & tested – thanks, in part, to our LE Training Center in GI. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

In the home of famed Buffalo Bill Cody, North Platte ranchers felt the pinch that comes w a lack of options for meat processing. Instead of accepting status quo, they've launched Sustainable Beef -- it promises to bring nearly 900 jobs to N. Platte and $1bil+ in annual revenue. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

In North Omaha, business & community leaders are developing & revitalizing Omaha’s historic N 24th St. Through physical improvements such as providing high-speed fiber optic upgrades & a new streetscape plan, their work promises to bring businesses & customers back to the area. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Behind the numbers, we’ve experienced intangible growth as well. Throughout Nebraska, our people’s grit, drive, and selflessness were on full display in 2021. From North Omaha to North Platte, folks stepped up to solve problems in their communities. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Senators Brewer and Gragert shepherded through legislation that fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. Reforms like this are how we will keep talented veterans in NE. All this & more was accomplished while managing state spending to only 2.4% growth. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Chairman Friesen, Speaker Hilgers, & the Telecommunications & Transportation Committee joined forces to secure passage of the NE Rural Broadband Bridge Act. As a result, 30,000 more Nebraska households will have access to high-speed broadband. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Last year, we supported their work and helped them grow Nebraska. Thanks to the leadership of Chairwoman Linehan & the Revenue Committee, the 2021 session ushered in a historic level of tax relief—relief that will deliver $2 billion to Nebraskans over the next 2 yrs. — PolitiTweet.org

Pete Ricketts @PeteRicketts

Our economic successes are a testament to Nebs’ desire to work hard & earn. From teachers to truck drivers, mechanics to medical professionals, farmers to fast food workers, & every job in between, Nebs invest their time & effort to better their communities & support their fams. — PolitiTweet.org