LINCOLN- Gov.-elect Jim Pillen has highlighted his top priorities for his first legislative session that begins a day before the takes office on January 4th. Gov.-elect Pillen has listed a number of priorities that he looks to check of the list over the coming months.

Pillen first noted that school funding reform is a main priority and talks have already been underway. He noted that the second piece of that equation is property tax reform. Pillen said, "We can focus on the high value to make sure we provide the value of the services in a better way to Nebraska." In the big picture, Pillen said he wants to focus on making sure the state provides equalization aid to every student.

On the topic of taxes and spending, Pillen said, "The key for us to cut property tax and cut income tax is to make sure we don’t spend more money." Pillen believes there are ways to improve Nebraska and its services without forcing people to sell their farm. Pillen did note that spending will need to occur in areas like mental health and caregiving as they are developing issues.

On the topic of prisons, Pillen said he is going to be aggressive in the legislature. He said that the body must appropriate money for a new prison, and doing so is key in the search for the new Director of Correctional Services. For the location of the prison, Pillen said it needs to be near people and near areas that can properly staff it.

On the topic of abortion, Pillen said the thinking process is still underway, but the plan needs to save as many lives as possible. Pillen said he is pro-life and that has not changed since day one. He said he will work very hard to find the 33 votes needed in the legislature.

Pillen spoke on a number of additional topics such as higher education, the environment, immigration, and affordable housing.

For the full article click HERE