LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is warning that the coronavirus pandemic will likely lead to state budget cuts and force lawmakers to water down two of his biggest priorities, including a property tax bill for farmers and homeowners and a new business incentive package.
His comments came after lawmakers announced plans to resume their regular session on July 20. It’s not clear whether the property tax or business incentive measures had enough support to pass even before the pandemic.
But the economic damage caused by business closures and social distancing has already led to a sharp downturn in state revenue, making it much harder to approve either proposal.
3 News Now Reporter Jon Kipper provided live updates via Twitter:
Ricketts different parts of the state will be doing testing through Test Nebraska, going as far west as Scottsbluff.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
The state has about $1.83 billion to use from the CARES Act on COVID-19 related expenses. He says he’s still figuring out how to use that.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
He says he supports Rep. Don Bacon’s bill that allows that $1.83 billion to be used for lost revenue as well.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
I’m regard to loosening restrictions, Ricketts says he’ll be honing in on hospital data for his decisions.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
Ricketts says he hopes lawmakers focus on property tax relief and the business incentive bill when they come back.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
That’s been the two biggest priorities for him since January.
Ricketts says we still have 4 testing sites going, still aiming to have 6 sites soon.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
Ricketts says while he still wants to property tax relief/business incentives, lawmakers need to re-set expectations on how much relief/incentives they give out.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
Ricketts says restaurant workers aren’t required but strongly, strongly, strongly recommend doing it.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
Says they’re not required so if they forgot it, or it broke, they wouldn’t be cited with a misdemeanor.
Ricketts asked about a possible second surge, he says he’s not sure on the data that supports a second surge. Says he’ll be ready for it and is looking for more data on it possibly happening.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) May 18, 2020
You can watch the briefing below: