Lynne’s Commitment
to Nebraska
Putting People First with Common-Sense Leadership
Dear Neighbor,
Over the last year I have traveled the state listening to Nebraskans. I’ve visited over 20 communities, held countless town halls and round tables and what I heard validated what I was feeling — Nebraskans have more in common than the issues that divide us.
We are ready for leadership that will unite neighbors, not pit them against each other. We are ready for leadership that listens and respects us. We are ready for common-sense solutions to grow our economy and find meaningful tax relief for everyone, not just the wealthiest individuals and corporations.
I’m running for Governor because we have gotten off track. We’ve lost our focus on community and economic development to grow our state. Our farmers and ranchers are facing one of the worst financial situations we’ve seen in decades. And, in the last 4 years, we’ve gone from a $1.2 billion surplus to a $750 million deficit that continues to grow every month.
Today, I’m making a commitment to Nebraskans that I will stay focused on the issues that matter most in your everyday life. I will work tirelessly to better the lives of all Nebraskans. In this commitment, I’m proposing some of those ideas.
Over the next few weeks you’ll hear more ideas from me and my campaign. My commitment to you will never waver. Nebraskans deserve a Governor committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Here is my commitment: my door will always be open and I will always put you first.
Best,
Unifying Nebraska
Lynne has met with thousands of Nebraskans and has been reminded that what unites us is
stronger than what divides us. Nebraska can and should be better than the divisive politics in Washington. Government only works for people when we can move past politics to find common-sense solutions together.
Hold unscripted town halls so that all Nebraskans have the ability to have their voice heard.
Hold office hours across the state to ensure my office is open and accessible to all Nebraskans to share ideas.
Appoint Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to key positions to ensure all voices in state government are heard by our administration.
Meet with all 49 senators to build a legislative plan focused on finding common sense solutions to our most pressing issues.
Bring industry leaders together to work together on a comprehensive 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year plan to grow Nebraska’s economy to work for all Nebraskans.
Day 1 Actions
Restore fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in the Governor’s office.
Declare that Nebraska is Open for Business Again!
Lynne will assemble working groups of industry and community leaders to craft a 10-year, comprehensive plan to grow our economy.
Sign a Proclamation declaring Nebraska as Agriculture and Livestock Friendly and develop an agricultural advisory council.
Call for the Legislature to immediately pass an emergency bill to restore the Veterans Aid Fund.
Sign an Executive Order immediately legalizing medical marijuana for consumption with a doctor’s prescription. Fire the commissioners and replace them if they can’t pass meaningful regulations in a timely manner that accurately reflect what Nebraskans voted for.
Reject any and all forms of school vouchers to follow the will of Nebraska voters.
Hire an independent auditor to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse of power by the state government. This will help guide Lynne’s approach to making government more effective and efficient and solving the Pillen Budget Crisis.
Preserve Nebraska Values
Work Ethic
FREEDOM
Government should be protecting our freedoms, not taking them away. Politicians should not control how you live your life or what you think. You know what is best for yourself, your children and your community better than the government. Any attempt to undermine your personal freedoms must be stopped.
COMMUNITY
HONESTY
In Nebraska, integrity and honesty are what really count and we deserve that from our
leaders. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up to both Democrats and Republicans
to tell it like it is. There should be no backroom deals that benefit a few people while everyday Nebraskans are left in the dark.
FAMILY
KINDNESS
Addressing The Pillen Budget Crisis
When Pillen took office, the state had a $1.2 billion surplus. In 2026, the Legislature had to close a $646 million budget deficit, and that deficit is still growing. Pillen’s band-aid approach raided cash funds designated for emergencies and depleted the state’s rainy-day fund. Courts found his actions illegal. Pillen’s shortsighted mismanagement stripped money from vital programs and offered no long-term solution to solve budget shortfalls in years to come.
STOP DRAINING OUR CASH RESERVES
Depleting our cash reserves has real long-term consequences and has been used by the Pillen Administration to hide the real budget shortfall from Nebraskans. Responsible budgeting is needed so we don’t blow through the state’s entire savings account with no options in cases of emergencies.
STOP THE PILLAGING OF CASH FUNDS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES
To close the budget deficit, the Pillen Administration has taken taxpayer money from over 90 independent cash funds. These cash funds were designated to be used for specific purposes, not for general operations. Many of these cuts were illegal and should be restored at the earliest possibility. These are a few of the cuts impacted:
Veterans Aid Fund – provides emergency aid funds to veterans, their spouses, and dependents when an emergency occurs. These funds help pay for food, shelter, and medical expenses.
Education Future Fund – provides stability for education funding for K-12 schools and was intended to be a solution to help lower property taxes to ensure the state pays its fair share for public schools.
Environmental Trust – provides funding for environmental conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and many community-based projects.
Nebraska Arts Council – Support for the arts and entertainment is a way to bring Nebraskans together, enhancing our communities, and helping make Nebraska a fun and welcoming place to live and work.
HIRE AN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
To address waste, fraud, and abuse of state government in contracts and operations. This auditor will work with Lynne to find efficiencies in state government that result in cutting wasteful spending while maintaining essential services that protect and serve Nebraskans.
GROW NEBRASKA’S ECONOMY
Growing Nebraska’s economy will be essential to providing long-term stability for Nebraska’s budget. We must broaden the tax base because Nebraskans cannot afford to pay more in taxes and we cannot just cut our way out of Pillen’s crisis.
END NO-BID CONTRACTS
No-bid contracts should be used only in cases of declared emergencies where there is not time to do a full bidding process. No-bid contracts are prone to favoritism and higher costs and must always be transparent and open for public scrutiny.
RESPONSIBLE BUDGET CUTS
The current approach of cutting 5% across the board is lazy and irresponsible budgeting. Just like with your household budget, you wouldn’t cut your highest priority items or the items that are bringing you additional revenue. Lynne will carefully examine what is working and what is not to improve efficiency and effectiveness of state government.
Fixing Nebraska’s Broken Tax System
Nebraskans are dealing with the rising costs of gasoline, groceries, housing, healthcare and more. While the state may not be in control of all the factors leading to those costs, we can work to take steps to keep more money in the pockets of hard working Nebraskans.
TARGETED PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Property tax relief should be targeted to benefit Nebraska homeowners, businesses, farmers and ranchers, not-out-of state billionaires and large corporations that are buying up Nebraska’s housing supply and agricultural land without contributing to our economy.
EXPANDING THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
By increasing the amount of the exemption to the first $100,000 of your valuation to make more families eligible, we will ensure that Nebraska residents who need relief the most will feel it.
A FAIR INCOME TAX STRUCTURE
Working people like firefighters, teachers, truck drivers, and small business owners should not pay more in taxes than the highest income earners. We need to close loopholes and adjust rates that allow our businesses to remain competitive while also keeping more money in your pockets.
ADJUSTING THE SCHOOL AID FORMULA
When TEEOSA was created, 20% of the state’s income taxes were dedicated to fund public schools. Today it’s 2.23%. This means fewer community schools receive their fair share of state support and property taxes have shot up. Lynne will find a consistent way to fund schools while lowering property taxes and keeping local control.
SLOW VALUATION INCREASES
Valuations have skyrocketed year after year. Lynne will work to slow valuation increases for all land, businesses, and residences that do not have major renovations or new construction.
NO NEW TAXES ON WORKING FAMILIES
Lynne will fight any new taxes that add burden to working families. She will stop any efforts to add on taxes on food, water, medicine, or other essential products. Lynne will oppose eliminating sales tax exemptions that add costs for consumers, businesses, and farmers.
Growing Nebraska Communities & Businesses
Lynne will prioritize family farms and rural communities by supporting investment in the bioeconomy and ethanol production and usage. This will directly benefit Nebraska farmers, create good jobs in rural communities, and add clean, sustainable energy for our nation.
FUND AND RESTRUCTURE THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Attracting New Business – Nebraska continues to lose businesses looking to relocate because state leaders have not made growth a priority. This will be a top focus for Lynne.
Growing Existing Business – Our small businesses are struggling with hiring people. Many incentives are focused on large businesses. Lynne will emphasize efforts focused on growing small and medium sized businesses within Nebraska.
More Emphasis on Funding Local Economic Development Efforts and Collaborating with Local Leaders – You know your local community’s unique needs. The state should provide the tools without the top down approach of the current administration.
CREATE ADDITIONAL POWER SOURCES
Lynne will support our public power districts in their ability to grow Nebraska’s power infrastructure if we intend to grow as a state.
INVEST IN CRITICAL WORKFORCE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED FOR GROWTH
Lynne will work with Nebraska leaders to address shortages and high costs in areas like housing and childcare. Without addressing the key infrastructure problems, Nebraska will not be able to find enough workers to fill jobs that are created.
ADDRESS BRAIN DRAIN AND EXPAND THE WORKFORCE
Young people are looking for ways to grow their professional careers while living in communities with amenities, gathering places, and fun activities. Nebraska has a great foundation, but local communities need encouragement and support as they strengthen their attractiveness and promote themselves.
SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
The University of Nebraska is the largest economic driver for the state. Restoring cuts to research, education, and our world-class Medical Center is paramount to ensuring we can grow our businesses and agriculture and keeping our next generation of leaders in Nebraska.
SUPPORT THE STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
These schools are vital to building our workforce of skilled labor for agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and more. These schools are especially important in supplying rural areas with the workforce they need to thrive.
EVALUATING INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Incentive programs are necessary to attract and retain businesses and high-paying jobs. These economic development tools should be transparent and evaluated frequently to ensure taxpayers have a positive return on investment while adapting to the changing economy. Lynne will also introduce more programs that target start-ups and small businesses.
MARKET NEBRASKA
Nebraska is in the heart of the country. We have quality schools, great opportunities for business and families, and a comparatively low cost of living. We love it here. Let’s promote Nebraska the way it deserves!
STRENGTHEN NEBRASKA’S HEALTHCARE ECONOMY
Lynne will treat healthcare as a core economic development strategy. Every hospital, clinic, and nursing facility supports local jobs and helps communities grow. She will expand partnerships with local universities and community colleges to build the future healthcare workforce. We must leverage the strong healthcare foundation we have to make Nebraska the hub for healthcare innovation, increase access to quality and affordable healthcare, and make Nebraska the healthiest state in the U.S.
SUPPORT INNOVATION
Lynne will position Nebraska as a national leader in innovation for healthcare, agriculture, technology, business services, and more by encouraging public-private partnerships.
INVEST IN RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Reliable broadband, healthcare, childcare, housing, and transportation are all economic development issues. Lynne will prioritize investments that help communities compete for businesses and talent rather than relying solely on tax incentives.
REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN ON EMPLOYERS
Lynne will review state regulations and administrative requirements to reduce costs and improve outcomes for businesses. We must modernize state government processes to reduce paperwork, speed up permitting, and make it easier to start and grow a business.
Growing Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. When farmers and ranchers do well, our state does well. We deserve leaders who understand how hard farmers and ranchers work and recognize the multi-year crisis in profitability. Lynne will work just as hard to reduce input costs, grow new opportunities and markets for our ag products, and prioritize investments for our rural communities.
PROPERTY TAX REFORM
Farmers and ranchers are dealing with one of the worst financial crises in decades. Lynne will lead a renewed effort to reduce property taxes over the next four years.
OPEN NEW MARKETS
The ongoing tariffs at the national level have closed existing markets that Nebraska farmers and ranchers helped build and grow for decades. We need an aggressive approach to open new markets so we can sell our ag products, manufactured goods, and services.
GROW NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK SECTOR
The ongoing tariffs at the national level have closed existing markets that Nebraska farmers and ranchers helped build and grow for decades. We need an aggressive approach to open new markets so we can sell our ag products, manufactured goods, and services. Lynne will standardize and streamline planning and zoning procedures and timelines to ensure producers know the timelines and can complete their projects in a timely and cost-efficient manner, while maintaining local control.
Lynne will improve preparedness and response plans for foreign animal disease.
Lynne will work to increase access to more process facilities to give producers more opportunities to grow our livestock economy.
REDUCE BURDENSOME REGULATIONS AND INCENTIVIZE GOOD PRACTICES
Nebraska farmers and ranchers are good stewards of our land and natural resources, allowing generation after generation to use the land. We need less regulation and more incentives to ensure farmers and ranchers can thrive while protecting our land and water quality.
GROWING BIOECONOMY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Lynne will prioritize family farms and rural communities by supporting investment in the bioeconomy and ethanol production and usage. This will directly benefit Nebraska farmers, create good jobs in rural communities, and add clean, sustainable energy for our nation.
Supporting Nebraskans
Nebraskans do not expect a handout from government. We work hard and take pride in personal responsibility. We expect the government to assist in reducing costs to make life affordable again, work with the private sector to create opportunities so all Nebraskans can pave their own path to success, and take action to keep us safe. Lynne will focus on getting Nebraska back to those fundamental priorities.
ADDRESSING RISING COSTS
While many of the rising costs are not unique to Nebraska, there are common sense policies that can be enacted to help working families:
Stop Price Gouging: Lynne will stand up to price gougers who raise the cost of everything from groceries to prescription drugs by making the practice illegal and enforcing the law.
Gas Tax Holiday: Lynne will provide a temporary two-week gas tax holiday to provide immediate relief from rising gas prices.
School Supply Holiday: Lynne will propose a school supply tax holiday on the first full weekend in August to allow families and teachers to get the supplies they need and lower costs.
Ending Taxes on Tips and Overtime: Lynne will match the federal administration’s policy to end taxes on tips and overtime to help working people.
PROTECTING NEBRASKA FAMILIES
Public safety is the most important function of government. Lynne will always stand up for our first responders and decline any attempt to defund or weaken those who protect us every day. Lynne will work to ensure all Nebraskans, regardless of where you live, feel safe.
REDUCING CRIME
Lynne will make strategic investments in mental health services, job training, and other services to reduce homelessness and prevent crime from happening in the first place.
EMPHASIS ON EARLY LITERACY
At third grade, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Lynne will place more emphasis on reading proficiency by enhancing curriculum and ensuring all students have quality teachers. Early intervention will ensure that students don’t fall behind and don’t have to repeat grades.
ADDRESSING THE TEACHER SHORTAGE
As a former elementary school teacher, Lynne recognizes and celebrates Nebraska’s teachers. She knows strong, quality teachers are the backbone of education. Lynne will explore options to recruit and retain teachers, such as apprenticeships and mentorship opportunities for new teachers, and she will work to improve certification reciprocity with neighboring states.
EXPANSION OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Lynne will increase access to apprenticeships, dual credit courses, and skills and trades training during high school to allow more students to find their niche and work toward productive careers.
EXPAND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE
The first five years of a child’s life are the most fundamental to a prosperous life. Lynne will work to increase affordable childcare options and access to early childhood education for working families.
PROTECTING AND EXPANDING RURAL HEALTHCARE
Rural communities will struggle to survive if families don’t have access to quality healthcare close to home. Lynne will work to improve coordination between hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental and behavioral health providers, and emergency medical services so patients receive the right care at the right time. She will encourage innovative care models—including telehealth, mobile health services, and regional partnerships—that improve access while being mindful of taxpayer dollars.
INCREASING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Many Nebraska counties have zero certified mental health professionals. Lynne will incentivize more individuals to enter the field and work in underserved areas. Lynne will work to ensure that any individual who is struggling will get the care they need so more people may live long, healthy, and productive lives.
KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER
Nebraskans should be able to retire near their family in dignity. Yet, assisted living and nursing home facilities across the state have faced financial hardships, causing many to close and leaving an aging population with fewer options. Lynne will address the rising cost and accessibility of long-term care facilities to ensure care remains available in local communities.
PROTECTION FOR NEBRASKANS ON DATA CENTERS
Nebraskans are asking for protections as it impacts energy and water supply, as well as energy costs for families, farmers, and businesses. Lynne will create a statewide strategy to track and monitor new developments while maintaining local control for communities to ultimately approve or decline building them.
Restoring Good Governance
Today, Nebraskans have less confidence in their government than ever before. Our leaders are not being transparent or honest. Every day, hard-working Nebraskans don’t have a voice when elections are being bought and politicians are serving their donors’ interests, rather than serving the interests of the public. The Walz administration will focus on bringing Nebraska values back to the Governor’s office to restore the faith that the government is efficient and responsible with your tax dollars and is looking out for you.
INCREASE TRANSPARENCY
Nebraskans deserve to have a clear view of what the government is doing. We expect our leaders to be open and accessible. Lynne will restore the tradition of making the Governor’s calendar and public records available to the public. Lynne will also work to make the budget process easier to understand so that you know where your tax dollars are being spent.
END CORRUPTION
Politicians in both parties spend too much time looking out for themselves and their wealthy donors when they should be focused on Nebraskans. Lynne will strengthen independent oversight, use transparent bidding processes, and enforce conflict-of interest-rules.
ENACT A CODE OF ETHICS FOR ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Voters have lost trust in government at all levels. Leaders should reflect the values of the people they represent. Lynne will work on a nonpartisan code of ethics for all elected and high-level government officials.
RESPECTING NEBRASKA VOTERS ON BALLOT INITIATIVES
Elected officials’ job is to enact the will of the people. Lynne will work to raise the threshold
of votes required for the legislature to overturn a ballot initiative. She will veto any attempt to ignore the will of Nebraskans.
