(Lincoln, Neb.) SINE DIE READING (PDF) | PHOTO GALLERY - Gov. Dave Heineman delivered remarks to the Nebraska Legislature today as lawmakers closed the first session of the 102nd Legislative Session, which ended this afternoon.

He highlighted a cooperative, productive relationship with lawmakers in approving major initiatives including: a balanced biennium budget without raising taxes, new investments in education and career development opportunities, significant reform of the Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR), and state and congressional redistricting measures.

“We made great progress by working together in this legislative session,” Gov. Heineman said. “We knew this would be a challenging budget year. We knew we would have to make tough decisions, and we focused on our top priorities. We made fundamental investments in education and the economic vitality of our state. We kept our focus on creating jobs and developing a more highly educated workforce.”

The Governor proposed and signed into law a balanced two-year budget that closed a projected budget shortfall of nearly $1 billion without raising taxes. Funding for education is prioritized in the budget with state funding for K-12 education increasing to $822 million in FY12 and $880 million in FY13. Funding for the University of Nebraska, state colleges and Nebraska’s community colleges is held steady in the coming biennium.

Additionally, the Governor proposed and lawmakers supported providing a $25 million infusion of state funds for the initial development of the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln.

One of the most important achievements was the passage of Talent & Innovation Initiative, a four-part proposal including bills to increase internship opportunities for college-age students, promote new research and development opportunities, create new commercial and industrial sites ready for business development, and encourage private investment in high-tech and start-up businesses in Nebraska with the creation of an Angel Investment Tax Credit.

Gov. Heineman said, “This initiative puts a laser-like focus on growing Nebraska’s innovation economy.  Nebraska now has one of the strongest public policy strategies in place to advance business recruitment and development of new, technology-focused companies here in Nebraska.”

Other priorities included approval of comprehensive, significant and meaningful reform of Nebraska’s CIR, and approval of redistricting plans for state and congressional districts following the 2010 Census.

Lawmakers passed and the Governor signed bills that provide additional assistance to Nebraska entrepreneurs, reduce truancies and stiffen penalties for drunk drivers.