Nebraska's pro-business climate

This week, expert Brent Pollina released his annual study of America's Most Pro-Business states. Nebraska climbs from last year's #15 position, to a current #6. This ranking is a further example of what we as Nebraskans already know. Nebraska's strength is visible in the way our economy has managed to remain, by and large, steady and secure through the past few years of recession. It is an impressive feat, as most state economies have suffered and are struggling to regain footing.

Even more remarkable, Nebraska's Unemployment Rate recently dropped from a low 4.9% to an even lower 4.8%. This is equivalent to our unemployment rate in July of 2009, a year ago, which illustrates that employment in Nebraska is stable and dependable. 4.8% is also reasonably lower than the national average, which still hovers somewhere between 9 and 10%. Pollina states that "Nebraska is clearly focused on building job opportunities for its citizens."

How have we been able to remain consistent while so many other states are faltering? To start with, we have exceptional leadership. Nebraska's officials fight to keep taxes low, and to keep our unemployment at a rate that other states envy. Often there are difficult decisions to be made in regards to our state finances, but our elected leaders are not afraid to make those tough calls. Governor Heineman, the Nebraska State Legislature, and our Constitution Officers have stepped up to the plate to ensure that our fiscal health will remain high in the months and years to come.

Nebraskans also understand the importance of living within our means. The general mindset of our state is to buy only what we can afford, and to work hard to earn a living. Much of the rest of the country seems to have lost sight of this in recent years. You should take pride, Nebraska, in knowing that your smart financial choices have allowed your state and its economy to remain on solid ground through what has been called the worst recession since the Great Depression. Let us to continue to show the rest of the country what we already know: Here in Nebraska, the possibilities truly are endless.