By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman says some state programs will be cut or eliminated in the new biennial budget.
Heineman delivered his State of the State address Thursday. Nebraska faces a $986 million dollar budget deficit in the 2011-2013 biennium. The Governor says his budget plan fully funds schools and would create jobs.
"We also propose a new Talent and Innovation Initiative to help continue our economic momentum. We're also proposing a new Nebraska virtual high school and a bold $25 million dollar one-time investment in the University of Nebraska's Innovation Campus," Heineman says. "All of these things are important for Nebraska's ability to move forward and to continue to provide job opportunities for our families and our young people."
Heineman also discussed his goals for the next four years, which include lowering income taxes and restoring the state's cash reserve. He also called on the Department of Health and Human Services to reform the state's child welfare system.
Nebraska's new fiscal year begins July first.