Johanns takes on tough issues

A year ago in this column, the editorial writers of the McCook Daily Gazette took Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns to task for not offering thoughtful leadership during tough economic times. The criticism was based on the governor's call for a 10 percent across-the-board cut in state spending.

While a reduction in spending was necessary in 2003, the problem with Johanns' plan was that it cut all programs equally instead of evaluating which were crucial state services and which were not.

What a difference a year makes. This year, we're happy to report, Gov. Johanns is offering the leadership this state needs to pull itself out of the prolonged economic slump.

In the State of the State address, delivered Jan. 15, the governor unveiled his plan for managing the state's projected $211 million budget gap, doing so -- significantly -- without an increase in taxes.

That's needed. That's necessary. While Nebraska's economy is finally showing signs that it is coming out of the slump, continued conservative fiscal management is needed.

But, even though that's true, Nebraska can't stand still. We can't ignore pressing state concerns. And that's where the governor has stepped up to the plate. In the State of the State message, he focused on five areas of major reform: Mental Health, Education, Initiative 300, Water Policy and Protection of Children.

In so doing, he was not afraid to face up to strong opposition. For example, in the area of mental health reform, the governor is calling for a transition to community-based mental health services by contracting with hospitals, nursing homes and other care providers. The plan would spread mental health services throughout the state, but, at the same time, it would lead to the closing of the Norfolk and Hastings Regional Centers. That, as you might expect, is bringing strong opposition from those two cities, who would lose multi-million dollar payrolls.

The governor also showed leadership by calling for an examination of Initiative 300. Well intended as a way to halt large corporate farming operations, the initiative has turned out to be a roadblock for families and neighboring farmers who want to pool their resources. Again, the governor took on a tough issue despite the possibility of strong repercussions from staunch opponents of Initiative 300.

And, just this morning, there was further evidence of Gov. Johanns' willingness to go on the line for causes of importance. In a news report, the governor threw his support behind a proposal by Sen. Tom Baker of Trenton and Sen. Chris Beutler of Lincoln to aid cities and counties by raising fuel taxes by 2 cents per gallon. Yes, it will be a tax hike for drivers. But the legislation is badly needed to help cities and counties make up for the other programs cut by the state.

Time is precious because this will be a short legislative session. But, with Gov. Johanns' leadership, significant changes are possible in 2004 while still holding the line on spending.