Governor highlights business advantages in weekly column

The Advantage of Doing Business in Nebraska

By Governor Dave Heineman

August 22, 2014

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

For the last decade, we’ve worked hard to create an environment in our state to grow jobs and today we are seeing the results. Nebraska is a leader in a diversity of industries, including the insurance, telecommunication, agriculture, food processing, transportation and manufacturing sectors of our economy. 


The Nebraska Advantage Act continues play a critical role in our state’s economic growth and development. This tiered incentive program was first designed to make Nebraska the go-to destination among those business owners and leaders interested in finding the right place for either starting or growing their businesses. 

The program was upgraded in 2013 making it easier than ever for applicants to be considered and further enhancing Nebraska’s competitive edge.


That year, LB 34 made a number of changes that simplified and standardized the Nebraska Advantage Act. For those applications filed on or after September 6, 2013, the legislation: simplified the definition of taxpayer; standardized project years as calendar- instead of tax-years; authorized the Nebraska Department of Revenue to disclose project and prior benefits information to an acquiring taxpayer; and established a 180-day approval or denial application deadline.


In 2013, we were in receipt of the third highest number of signed agreements under the Nebraska Advantage Act since it first took effect in January 2006. In addition, I am pleased to announce we have now received more than 450 applications representing nearly $12 billion in investment and more than 30,000 new jobs.


Since the Act first took effect, there have been a number of upgrades and enhancements made, always with our number one priority in mind: Making Nebraska a key competitor for high-wage jobs and cutting-edge technology-driven industries that support and grow our free market economy.


The Nebraska Advantage Act will represents our best efforts to attract key global companies and fully support and assist Nebraska companies with some of the most business-supportive incentives found anywhere in the U.S.


When coupled with our solid reputation for providing dedicated, hard-working employees, excellent high-quality educational opportunities, a low cost of living including some of the most affordable housing found anywhere, low cost utilities, clean air and water, and overall safe environments in which to raise families, Nebraska is poised to remain a highly attractive and prime location for companies, and to grow and expand.


The bottom line is Nebraska has good jobs, good schools, safe communities, affordable homes and an unmatched quality of life. Our goal is to make Nebraska an even better place to live, to work and to raise a family. The Nebraska Advantage is helping us achieve that goal.

~Governor Dave Heineman