(KTNC) - One of two Democrats seeking their party’s nomination for governor in 2014 brought his campaign to southeast Nebraska last week.
Chuck Hassebrook visited Tecumseh, Pawnee City, Beatrice, Auburn, and Nebraska City as part of a weeklong campaign trip that started in Valentine. Hassebrook is a native of Platte Center, Nebraska, and now lives in Lyons.
During a stop in Auburn Saturday afternoon, Hassebrook cited his 17 years as the Director of the Lyons, Nebraska-based Center for Rural Affairs and 18 years on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents as giving him the experience necessary to lead the state of Nebraska. He says his vision is for “One Nebraska” for all the state’s residents.
Hassebrook said his top budget priority would be expanding early childhood education in the stated. He said he'd like to work with the state's community colleges to expand job training opportunities in the state.
Other priorities Hassebrook cited were improved roads and infrastructure, and expanding wind energy in the state. He called Nebraska the “Saudi Arabia of Wind,” but said the state hasn’t done enough to develop the resource – especially compared to neighboring states like Iowa and Colorado.
The Legislature’s Tax Modernization Committee has been meeting around the state, and Hassebrook says he’s glad they appear to have shifted their focus away from eliminating the income tax. He says the focus should be on providing property tax relief to family farmers and low to middle income homeowners. Eliminating the income tax, he says, would increase the burden on local property taxpayers.
Hassebrook also criticized Governor Dave Heineman for not expanding Medicaid or setting up a state-run insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act.
Hassebrook said he has visited 50 counties in the state so far, and will visit 75 counties by Thanksgiving. He is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for governor along with State Senator Annette Dubas of Fullerton.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Planned outage for Brown-Atchison Electric Tuesday
LATEST STORIES
KDOT to discuss street lights at Monday city meeting
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Bridge work scheduled for Atchison County MO
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Recycling program discussed at Doniphan Co meeting
Two candidates file for Jackson Co attorney
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
RELATED STORIES
Lt. Gov. Heidemann Resigns, Withdraws as Ricketts Running Mate
Hassebrook Selects Raybould as Running Mate
Hassebrook Campaigns in SE Nebraska
Neb. Republicans Nominate Ricketts for Governor
Pawnee County Election Results
Congressional Candidate Visits Falls City
Department of Roads: Keep Political Signs off Right-of-Way
Sasse Enters Nebraska Senate Race