LINCOLN- As the governor signed the budget into law on Monday, he called for more tax relief. He issued no vetoes on the $9.7 billion which he praised for controlling spending and increasing property tax relief.

“As the Legislature continues their work, there are additional opportunities to deliver significant tax relief,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to working with senators to deliver even more relief for the people of Nebraska.”

The budget is leaving lawmakers with $206 million but is able to change. A state panel will meet to update the official revenue forecasts for the two-year period. Without endorsing any particular measure, Ricketts urged more tax relief which will be discussed at length in the legislature this week.

Through some one-time factors, the state was able to keep spending growth lower than usual. Some of those factors include higher federal match for Medicaid, lower school aid and federal pandemic relief dollars. The governor also noted that the budget funds the state school aid formula and expands his career scholarships program to those attending private schools. He is also excited that the budget includes $15 million to kick off the process of creating a new state prison. Lawmakers set aside $100 million for a new prison but emphasized that construction will not be starting this year.

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