Gov. Heineman Testifies in Support of Nebraska Super Advantage Proposal

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today testified in support of the Nebraska Super Advantage, a legislative proposal that will help Nebraska take the next step in advancing economic development and business recruitment efforts across the state. The Governor appeared before the Legislature’s Revenue Committee to urge senators to advance LB 895.

“LB 895 is an innovative approach to how we attract the jobs of the future here to Nebraska,” Gov. Heineman said. “I’m here today because I’m excited about the possibilities the Nebraska Super Advantage could unlock for our state. Advancing this bill would give Nebraska new leverage in our economic development efforts.”

Sen. Ray Janssen of Nickerson, Chairman of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, introduced LB 895 on behalf of the Governor. The proposal would expand the state’s existing business incentives, known as the Nebraska Advantage, by attracting companies capable of creating higher-paying jobs.

The new tier of incentives would provide tax credits to businesses creating new jobs paying at least $50,700 or double the average wage in the county where the business is located, whichever is higher. To be eligible, companies also would have to create at least 75 new jobs in an industry other than retail and invest $10 million in capital.

In his testimony, Gov. Heineman said, “We’re challenging businesses in virtually every industry to create jobs in our communities throughout our state. If you’re willing to bring high-salary positions here to Nebraska, jobs that pay at least $50,700 a year or twice the average county wage, we’ll provide more incentives than ever before. It’s worth it if we can create truly high-paying jobs that give our young people more options and we begin to retain the best and the brightest.”

Others testifying in support of LB 895 were State Tax Commissioner Doug Ewald and Richard Baier, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, as well as Dennis Hirshbrunner, a licensed professional engineer in the state, Cindy Johnson, President of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and Lon Lowery, representing Novartis Pharmaceutical Group.