Nebraska: Investing
in the Future of Research

According to researchers at Economy.com, a web source for economic data on the U.S. and world economies, the Cornhusker State continues to be one of the cheapest states in which to do business. Unemployment in Nebraska is well below the national average, but the state is not resting on its laurels.
        Gov. Mike Johanns is looking ahead to the future. In early January, as part of his legislative package, Gov. Johanns proposed $16 million in funding for biomedical research in Nebraska. The funding comes courtesy of the state's $1.2 billion tobacco settlement and will be divided among Creighton University in Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Boys Town National Hospital in Omaha. This three-part plan would boost economic development and biomedical research in the state.
        "I propose that a major endowment be dedicated to biomedical research at these facilities," said Gov. Johanns. He hopes this plan will attract more researchers, students and entrepreneurs.
        Additional redevelopment proposals include dedicating $37.5 million in cigarette tax proceeds to Omaha's riverfront redevelopment and Lincoln's Antelope Valley project. The Omaha plan will include construction of a new convention center. The Lincoln Antelope Valley project will address traffic, renovation of the inner city and infrastructure investments.

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