Pete Ricketts Nebraska Inauguration: Jan 2015 4 NE Next Election: 2022 State Control Party Governor Party Nonpartisan Republican OVERALL RANK
PREVIOUS GOVERNORS AND PARTY AFFILIATION Results Rank (1=best, 50=worst): Dave Heineman 2005-2015 A situational measure based on Mike Johanns 1999-2005 4 the state’s economic outcomes Ben Nelson 1991-1999 (equal-weighted average).These variables are highly influenced by Kay A. Orr 1987-1991 the Governor’s policy. RESULTS RANK
UNICAMERAL Policy Rank (1=best, 50=worst): A Measure of policy stances and 100% Other decisions based on each Governor’s 6 legislative history regarding 6 key areas (equal-weighted average). Democrat 0 Republican 0 Other 49 POLICY RANK
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS RANK ABOUT GOVERNOR PETE RICKETTS TAX POLICY Governor Pete Ricketts ranks fourth best among America’s Sales, Personal Income, Fuel, and Other Tax Changes 9 governors. His commitment to fiscal conservatism has improved Nebraska’s fiscal situation when most other states are beginning to struggle under the weight of their unfunded SPENDING POLICY pension and OPEB obligations. Nebraska now has the Proposed and Enacted Changes in State Spending 24 second lowest outstanding state debt including pension obligations. A stellar fiscal situation also enabled Nebraska to respond with flexibility to the unforeseen COVID-19 crisis. CARES POLICY Nebraska’s state savings accounts and conservative fiscal Handling of Federal Funds as of July 2020 4 policy in past fiscal years allowed Nebraska to cover its entire budget gap with reserve funds and avoid raising taxes. Part of Gov. Ricketts successful response to COVID-19 UNION POLICY Public Employees, Public Employee Raises, was his refusal to order a draconian shutdown Nebraska’s and Prevailing Wage Laws 20 economy after following advice from state health officials. Keeping businesses open, even in a limited fashion, allowed Nebraska to avoid costly shutdown consequences WELFARE POLICY while also limited COVID-19 infections. While other, less Welfare Spending per Capita 6 prepared states are still grappling with a fiscal calamity, Nebraska has a reopened economy and no budget deficit, EDUCATION POLICY all without higher taxes. Gov. Ricketts has been a leader in School Choice Participation, NAEP Scores, communicating his concerns with a federal bailout of states. and per Pupil Spending 12
ALEC | American Legislative Exchange Council 2020 THE LAFFER-ALEC REPORT ON ECONOMIC FREEDOM GRADING AMERICA’S 50 GOVERNORS
RESULTS
2 13 8 26
DEBT RANK SPENDING RANK PREPAREDNESS RANK ECONOMIC RANK
TAX POLICY DATA RANK
State Spending Top Marginal Personal Income Tax Rate 6.84% Yearly Spending per GSP, 2009-2019: 32
11% Top Marginal Corporate Income Tax Rate 7.81% 34 Inauguration 10% Personal Income Tax Progressivity (change in tax liability per $1,000 of $18.66 9% income) 44
8% Property Tax Burden $39.19 (per $1,000 of personal income) 41 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19
Sales Tax Burden $23.38 (per $1,000 of personal income) 25 2020 Unemployment Rate Monthly Unemployment Rate from January to July, 2020: Remaining Tax Burden (per $1,000 of personal income) $13.87 30% 11
25% Estate/Inheritance Tax Levied Yes 20% 50 15% Recently Legislated Tax Changes 9% 10% (2018 & 2019, per $1,000 of personal -$3.18 6% income) 1 5% 5% 5% 3% 3% 4%
0 Debt Service as a Share of Tax Revenue 5.7% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul 22
THE LAFFER-ALEC REPORT ON ECONOMIC FREEDOM GRADING AMERICA’S 50 GOVERNORS