>> Susan: GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO THE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL ILLUSIONS GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY THE NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU.

THIS BROADCAST IS BEING BROADCASTED LIVE AS WE SPEAK.

I AM SUSAN LITTLEFIELD FARM DIRECTOR WITH THE RED ALL-STARED.

HERE'S THE RULES AND STRUCTURES FOR TODAY.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE ONE MINUTE OPENING STATEMENT AND INTRODUCTION.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING STATEMENTS, A QUESTION AND ANSWER SEGMENT WILL BEGIN.

THERE WILL BE NO TIME FOLLOWED FOR REBUTTAL.

FOLLOWING THE Q&A PORTION, EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES FOR CLOSING COMMENTS.

OUR MEDIA PANELS FOR TODAY INCLUDE LORI POTTER, AN AGRICULTURAL REPORTER AND FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

STEVE WHITE, TELEVISION REPORTER FOR NTV.

ELIZABETH REMBERT FOR NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA.

THE CANDIDATES FOR TODAY, -- JIM PILLEN, CHARLES HERBSTER, BRETT LINDSTROM, THERESA THIBODEAU, BRELAND RIDENOUR, MICHAEL CONNELY.

WE START WITH OPENING STATEMENTS.

>> THANK YOU, SUSAN.

MY NAME IS THERESA THIBODEAU.

IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO SERVE AS GOVERNOR FOR THE GREAT STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I HAVE HAD A LOT OF EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT FROM CITY PLANNING TO THE STATE LEVEL.

AND IT'S BEEN ONE-ON-ONE DAY-TO-DAY EXPERIENCE.

AND I UNDERSTAND HOW THE DECISIONS IN LINCOLN AFFECT EVERYDAY NEBRASKANS FROM THE STATE LEGISLATOR TO BUREAUCRACIES WHO ARE MAKING DECISIONS FOR BUSINESSES AND FARMERS THAT IS MAKING IT HARD FOR US TO LIVE OUR LIVES, PASS OUR BUSINESSES AND OUR FARMS DOWN TO OUR FAMILIES.

I AM READY TO TAKE ON THAT ROLE AND MAKE THIS ABOUT NEBRASKANS.

THANK YOU.

>> Susan: OUR NEXT CANDIDATE, BRETT LINDSTROM.

>> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR FARM BUREAU FOR HOSTING AND ALL THE SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS AS I SERVED AS A STATE SENATOR AND THE SUPPORT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO YOU.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

I HAVE WORN MANY HATS IN MY DAY, CURRENTLY AS A HUSBAND AND A FATHER, AS A HUSKER AND STATE SENATOR AND HOPEFULLY AS GOVERNOR OF THE GREAT STATE OF NEBRASKA.

OVER MY TIME IN THE LEGISLATOR I HAVE WORKED ON A LOT OF DIFFERENT BILLS AFFECTING ALL NEBRASKANS, IT WILL TAKE THE EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT WE NEED TO DO IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA TO PUT US IN A POSITION OF COMPETITION FOR THE YEARS TO COME.

I LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES BECAUSE IT AFFECTS ALL OF US.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

CANDIDATE 3, JIM PILLEN.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE CROWD AND FAULK FARM BUREAU FOR HOSTING.

I AM JIM PILLEN.

I AM A CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE.

I AM A VETERAN AND PIG FARMER.

I AM A FATHER OF FOUR AND GRANDFATHER OF SEVEN.

I AM RUNNING TO BE YOUR GOVERNOR FOR THE NEXT GENERATIONS OF NEBRASKA.

I WAS BORN A NEBRASKAN.

SUZANNE AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BEYOND OUR IMAGINATION LIVING HERE IN NEBRASKA BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE IN NEBRASKA.

THAT'S WHY I AM HERE TODAY.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO, CUT TAX ANDS STRENGTH IN OUR AGRICULTURAL AND DEFEND OUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES FOR MAKING NEBRASKA A SPECIAL PLACE.

I AM ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE SO WE CAN DEFEND OUR CHILDREN AND PROTECT THE UNBORN, SO THAT WE CAN WORK TO HAVE CONSERVATIVE VALUES THAT'S MADE NEBRASKA SPECIAL AND SO OUR NUMBER ONE ECONOMY, AGRICULTURAL, CAN STRENGTH.

THANK YOU.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

CANDIDATE 4, CHARLES HERBSTER.

>> MARK, SUSAN, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS EVENT TOGETHER AS A MEMBER OT FARM BUREAU, ALL OF YOU WILL HAVE A IMPORTANT AND SIGNIFICANT CHOICE AS WE LOOK AT THE GOVERNOR'S RACE IN 2022.

I AM A RESIDENT OF FALLS CITY NEBRASKA, FIFTH GENERATION, BORN ON A DAIRY FARM.

WE FARM TODAY.

I OWN FIVE COMPANIES IN SIX DIFFERENT STATES ALONG WITH EMPLOYING PEOPLE IN ALL OF THOSE STATES.

IN NEBRASKA, WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE NO OTHER STATE HAS.

THERE ARE 49.6 MILLION ACRES IN OUR STATE, AND OF THOSE ACRES, 44.6 MILLION ACRES ARE DEDICATED TO AGRICULTURAL AND RANGE LAND.

THAT'S EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

TODAY AMERICA IS IN A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN IT WAS FIVE YEARS AGO OR TEN YEARS AGO.

TODAY IN AMERICA, WE HAVE ISSUES THAT AFFECT NEBRASKA, AND AS YOUR NEXT GOVERNOR I AM MORE THAN READY TO TAKE THOSE ON AND FIGHT FOR EVERY SINGLE NEBRASKAN IN THIS STATE.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MOVING ON, CANDIDATE 5, MICHAEL CONNELY.

>> AGRICULTURE IS THE BACKBONE OF NEBRASKA.

WE HAVE ABOUT 30% OF WHAT WE PRODUCE GETS EXPORTED OVERSEAS.

THAT BRINGS WEALTH BACK HERE INTO NEBRASKA.

NOW, WE DO HAVE SOME PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE TO WORK ON BECAUSE IF WE DON'T TAKE CARE OF THEM IN THE FUTURE, NEBRASKA MIGHT END UP BEING A FLY OVER STATE AS SOME PEOPLE THINK IT IS.

WE HAVE A LOT OF SHRINKING RURAL COMMUNITIES AND THERE ARE THE DIFFERENT THINGS WE CAN DO TO TAKE CARE OF THAT.

ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE, OUR NEW FARMERS TRY TO START SOMETHING UP AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO BEGIN SOMETHING.

OUR EDUCATION IS ANOTHER PROBLEM.

IN YOUR SCHOOLS, WE DON'T NEED TO HAVE A STEM PROGRAM, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATTHEWS, WE NEED TO HAVE A VERY STRONG EXTREME PROGRAM, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AGRICULTURE AND MATHEMATICS.

WE NEED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS IN OUR SCHOOLS AS WELL.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

CANDIDATE 6, BRELAND RIDENOUR.

>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO BE HERE TODAY.

IT'S FORUMS LIKE THAT ALLOW THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO SEE WHO IS RUNNING TO BE THEIR NEXT LEADERSHIP I APPLAUD YOU TAKING THE TIME AND PRIORITIZING OVER PRESSING MATTERS I AM SURE YOU HAVE GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE.

MY NAME IS BRELAND RIDENOUR.

I AM A MIDDLE CLASS NEBRASKAN RUNNING AS A CANDIDATE BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN A LACK OF LEADERSHIP IN THIS COUNTRY, IN THIS STATE THAT I TRULY REPRESENTS THE MAJORITY OF NEBRASKANS, THE VALUES AND IS ALSO WILLING TO GO GREAT LENGTHS TO STAND FOR WHAT'S IMPORTANT, FIRST OF THOSE BEINGTOLOGIST RIGHTS.

I AM A REPUBLICAN, BUT ALSO A CONSTITUTIONALLEST.

ALSO USING THE CONSTITUTION TO PROTECT NEBRASKANS AS WELL OUR AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY FROM FEDERAL OVERREACH.

SECOND THING MY BACKGROUND IS TECHNOLOGY.

>> Susan: SORRY, I HAVE TO INTERRUPT YOU, WE HAVE TO STAY ON TIME.

>> THAT'S ALL RIGHT.

>> Susan: OUR FIRST QUESTION IS COMING FROM LORI POTTER.

>> AGRICULTURE AND RURAL COMMUNITIES HAVE STRUGGLED LABOR SHORTAGES ALL ALONG THE THE FARM TO TABLE DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAINS.

AND THE STATE RECENTLY SET A NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RECORD OF 1.9%.

AS PART OF A SOLUTION, SHOULD NEBRASKA TAKE A MORE POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE APPROACH TO IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND EXCEPTIONS BY ASSISTING IMMIGRANTS WITH LANGUAGE, HOUSING AND OTHER ISSUES THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO FILL SOME LINGERING JOB VACACIES.

>> Susan: WE WILL START WITH MRS. TIBTHOUGH.

>> THANK YOU.

AS FAR AS THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE, IF THOSE IMMIGRANTS HAVE COME TO OUR STATE LEGALLY, WE SHOULD NOT USE FUNDS TO HELP THOSE IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO OUR STATE ILLEGALLY.

IF WE HAVE IMMIGRANTS THAT ARE HERE LEGALLY AND THEY WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEARNING OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND DOING THOSE THINGS, WE SHOULD SUPPORT THAT, BUT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HERE AND THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE SAME RULES THAT EVERYDAY NEBRASKANS FOLLOW.

YES, WE DO HAVE A LABOR SHORTAGE.

EVERYONE IS SUFFERING A LABOR SHORTAGE.

ONE OF THE WAYS TO TACKLE THAT AS WELL IS NOT JUST LOOKING AT THE IMMIGRATION PORTION OF IT, BUT LET'S MAKE OUR STATE MORE ATTRACTIVE TO LIVE IN.

AND THAT IS REDOING OUR TAX POLICY, LOOKING AT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND MAKING SURE THAT OUR AGRICULTURAL AREAS AND OUR RURAL AREAS ARE ATTRACTING AND KEEPING THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE HERE.

WE NEED TO DO THAT IN VARIOUS WAYS, NOT ONLY WITH THE OVERALL TAX REFORM, WE NEED TO LOOK AT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

WE ALSO NEED TO HAVE THOSE THINGS AVAILABLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE THAT THEY WANT TO SEE.

AND ONE OF THOSE IS ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE, RURAL MEDICAL CARE.

WHEN WE DO ALL OF THOSE THINGS, WE WILL SEE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE STAYING HERE AND I THINK WE WILL BE ATTRACTING MORE YOUNG PEOPLE AS WELL COMING TO OUR STATE WHEN THEY SEE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS OUR STATE HAS TO OFFER.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. LINDSTROM.

>> THANK YOU.

LORI POINTED OUT AN INTERESTING STATISTIC THERE 1.9% UNEMPLOYMENT, WHICH SOUNDS GOOD, BUT TO ME IS AN UNHEALTHY PERCENTAGE TO HAVE.

4% IS MORE HEALTHY ECONOMY WE HAVE IN IN THE FRAMEWORK OF UNEMPLOYMENT.

THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY HAS STEPPED UP IN WHAT'S GOING ON IN NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA WITH THE MEAT PACKING.

PART OF THE ISSUE IS HOW DUE FILL THOSE JOBS?

WE HAVE ABOUT 50,000 PLUS UNFILLED JOBS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, PROBABLY MORE THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

HOW DO WE TACKLE THAT?

A GUEST WORKER PROGRAM IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS WE NEED TO BOLSTER, BUT WE MAKE SURE THE RIGHT PEOPLE ARE HERE THROUGH THAT GUEST WORKER PROGRAM AND THE E-VERIFY SYSTEM.

AS WE TRY TO MAINTAIN AND KEEP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE HERE, RURAL BROADBAND IS THE NUMBER ONE THING THE GOVERNOR NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED IN AND MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS IN AN IMMEDIATE FASHION.

I WAS IN BROKEN BOW AND ONE OF THE FAMILIES SAID THEIR STUDENT AND KID HAD TO RIDE ON A HORSE ON TOP OF A HILL AND HIT THE SEND BUTTON TO GET ONE OF THEIR ASSIGNMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE TEACHER.

THAT'S A HUGE POPULATION.

IF YOU ARE ASKING THE YOUNGER POPULATION TO STAY AND MAINTAIN RURAL NEBRASKA, YOU HAVE TO SOME ACCESS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD IN THE SENSE OF RURAL BROADBAND.

>> Susan: MR. PILLEN.

>> WELL, THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR STATE.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT WHAT'S GONE ON IN MY LIFETIME IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, HOW AGRICULTURE HAS CHANGED, AND HOW -- WHAT KIND OF INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES IT PRESENTS FOR US, I JUST GET BLOWN AWAY.

I GO BACK TO OUR KIDS.

IT'S ALL ABOUT OUR KIDS.

IT'S ALL ABOUT OUR BEST AND OUR BRIGHTEST AND THAT WE REALLY HAVE TO FOCUS ON STOPPING THE BRAIN DRAIN TO KEEP OUR BEST HERE NOW.

WE ALL IN FARMING AND AGRICULTURE AND BUSINESS HAVE TO GET IN THE GAME.

I LOVE TO SAY THAT OUR PEOPLE, THE PEOPLE, US LIFETIME NEBRASKANS TAKE OURSELVES FOR GRAND.

WE THINK WE ARE NORMAL JOES AND SUZIES.

THE REALITY IS THAT WE ARE EXTRAORDINARY AND EVERYBODY OUTSIDE OF OUR BOUNDARIES KNOWS THAT AND THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING OUR KIDS.

OUR AGRICULTURE IS GROWING AND PRODUCING MORE THAN EVER BEFORE AND THAT'S WHY WE WILL HAVE SEARCH A BRIGHT, BRIGHT FUTURE.

GETTING BROADBAND ACCESS IMMEDIATELY SO THERE IS A PLACE FOR EVERY ONE OF OUR CHILDREN AND SELLING OUR PRODUCTS.

WE CAN COMPETE WITH ANYBODY IN THE WORLD.

WE CAN COMPETE WITH ANYBODY IN THE WORLD, US NEBRASKANS HAVE TO SELL AND BRING PEOPLE HERE.

WE ARE THE BEST THERE IS.

IT'S BEST PLACE.

I AM EXCITED FOR THAT FUTURE.

>> Susan: MR. HERBSTER.

>> THANK YOU.

BROADBAND, EACH ONE OF US UP HERE I AM SURE WILL HAVE THE SAME ANSWER AND THAT IS HOW INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT IT IS TO US IN NEBRASKA AND ANYWHERE, BUT CERTAINLY IN THIS STATE WHEN YOU GET OUT WEST AND YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK IN JOBS, IN HIGH TECH POSITIONS, NEBRASKA, YOU ALL KNOW AS NEBRASKANS HERE TODAY IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, GREATEST STATES THAT WE COULD POSSIBLY LIVE IN.

I JUST CAME BACK FROM THE BORDER.

I KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH THE LEGALS COMING ACROSS THE BORDER, THE DRUGS COMING IN TO EVERY STATE AND WHAT'S TAKING PLACE IN CRIME AND YET I ALSO KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL IMMIGRATION.

THAT'S HOW AMERICA WAS FOUNDED.

ALL OF US HERE ARE FROM SOME LINEAGE THAT CAME ACROSS TO AMERICA BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO HONOR OUR FLAG.

THEY WANTED TO HONOR GOD.

THEY WANTED TO SPEAK ENGLISH AND THEY WANT TO BE AN AMERICAN.

AND ON THE LEGAL SIDE, WE AS A COUNTRY NEED TO WORK HARDER TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE SO THOSE PEOPLE CAN COME HERE, CAN E-VERIFY, CAN WORK AND DO THE THINGS THAT ARE NECESSARY TO FILL THOSE JOBS AND I ASSURE YOU AS GOVERNOR THAT WILL BE ONE OF THE VERY FIRST THINGS ON MY LIST, ALONG WITH THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE PROPERTY TAX WHERE YOU ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO STAY, TO LIVE HERE, TO NOT LEAVE THE STATE AND TO COME HERE.

WE CAN HAVE ALL THE AGRICULTURE.

WE CAN HAVE ALL THE TECHNOLOGY.

WE CAN HAVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS HERE IN NEBRASKA, WE JUST NEED TO MARKET AND BRAND THE GREATEST STATE IN THE COUNTRY.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. CONNELY.

>> IMMIGRANTS, SHOULD WE ASSIST THEM BECAUSE OF OUR LABOR SHORTAGES?

FIRST OF ALL, TAKE A PEEK AT OUR LABOR SHORTAGES.

WHY DO WE HAVE LABOR SHORTAGES EVERYWHERE?

THAT'S BECAUSE OF SOME OF THE POLICIES THEY ARE PULLING OFF IN WASHINGTON, D.C RIGHT NOW.

THOSE WILL EVENTUALLY BLEED OFF.

WE PROBABLY WON'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN ANOTHER SIX OR SEVEN MONTHS.

I HAVE LIVED IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND I HAVE GONE -- LIVED AND WORKED IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

I HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THE PROCEDURES TO BECOME A LEGAL WORKER IN THESE OTHER COUNTRIES.

OURS IS A LITTLE BIT MORE COMPLICATED THAN A LOT OF THE OTHER COUNTRIES ARE.

IF WE WERE TO ASSIST THEM, ANYONE WHO IS HERE WHO JUST CROSSED OVER ILLEGALLY, THEY ARE OUT.

IF WE WERE TO MAKE ANYTHING, I WOULD BE OPEN TO PERHAPS MAKING A SMALL OFFICE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BORDER WHERE THEY CAN REGISTER.

WE CAN ASSIST THEM IN DOING LEGALLALITIES.

WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE LEGAL BEFORE THEY COME OVER HERE.

THEY CAN HOP THROUGH ALL THE PROCEDURES.

THE U.S. IMMIGRATION SYSTEM IS COMPLICATED.

NOW, AS FAR AS ANOTHER SHORTAGE OF WORKERS AS JIM MENTIONED, WE HAVE A BRAIN DRAIN.

WE LOSE A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE HERE.

GOING BACK TO THE STEAM THING, WE NEED TO HAVE AGRICULTURE TAUGHT MORE IN OUR SCHOOLS AND WE NEED TO HAVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

THE EDUCATION IS GOING TO BE CHANGING A LOT PROBABLY NEXT YEAR.

IN FACT, YOU MIGHT NOTICE THERE ARE SOME INITIATIVES OUT THERE TO REPLACE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. RIDENOUR.

>> FIRST OFF I SUPPORT LEGAL IMMIGRATION, NOT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

IF ANYBODY COMES INTO THIS COUNTRY ILLEGALLY, THEY DO NOT GET LEGAL BENEFITS.

AMERICA WAS DEVELOPED ON A PLAYGROUND WHERE YOU GET TO MAKE OUT OF IT WHAT YOU WANT.

WE TALK ABOUT THE BRAIN DRAIN, WE ARE NOT ATTRACTING PEOPLE IN NEBRASKA.

IN 2020 NEBRASKA ONLY GREW BY 5,000 PEOPLE.

THAT'S A PROBLEM.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE WHO ARE CAPABLE TO WORK ARE NOT GIVEN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS.

RECENTLY OUR LEGISLATOR VOTED TO EXPAND SNAP BENEFITS.

I THINK THAT'S A BAD IDEA.

HOW ELSE DO WE INCREASE LABOR SHORTAGES?

I WAS MENTIONING EARLIER MY BACKGROUND IS TECHNOLOGY.

WE CAN USE TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE THINGS MORE EFFICIENT AND TO BE ABLE TO OPERATE.

THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE GET ROBOTS EVERYWHERE, BUT THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN DO TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY BECAUSE IT'S NOT THE FUTURE.

IT IS TODAY AND WE CAN USE THAT TO ENHANCE OUR BUSINESSES INCLUDING THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY TODAY.

THANK YOU.

>> Susan: JUST A REMINDER FOR OUR CANDIDATES, WE ARE DOING THIS LIVE ON RADIO AND TELEVISION.

WE DO NEED TO HAVE YOU MOVE THE MICROPHONES CLOSER TO YOU AS YOU SPEAK.

THANK YOU AGAIN TO LORI POTTER FOR THAT FIRST QUESTION.

WE ARE MOVING ON TO QUESTION TWO WITH STEVE WHITE.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US TODAY.

I AM A DAD OF THREE, 30 YEARS AFTER OUR TAX SYSTEM WAS REFORMED, THE MAJORITY OF THE NEBRASKA SCHOOLS RECEIVED NO STATE EQUAL AID.

HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS SCHOOL FUNDING.

>> Susan: WE WILL START OUT WITH MR. LINDSTROM.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF DOING THAT AS STATE SENATOR.

WE HAVE A HUGE DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE URBAN AND RURAL DIVIDE.

244 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, ONLY 87 OF THE DISTRICTS GET EQUALIZATION AID.

THERE LIES A HUGE DISCONNECT.

MOST OF THIS IS DEALT ON THE LOCAL LEVEL IN PROVIDING THOSE SERVICES.

WITH THE TEOSA FORMULA, IT'S NEEDS MINUS RESOURCES.

OVER THE YEARS SINCE 1991 WE TRIED TO CHANGE THAT OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

WE ARE STUCK IN THIS SITUATION WHERE MOST OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS DON'T GET THE EQUALIZATION AID.

THE BEST WAY TO DO IT IS GOING BACK TO THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF THE FORMULA, INCREASE THE ALLOCATED TAX PORTION UP TO 20% TAKING PART OF SALES TAX DOLLARS, HALF A PERCENT, AND PUT THAT INTO THE LOWERING THE LOCAL EFFORT RATE.

WE CAN TAKE THE MAXIMUM DOLLAR AMOUNT DOWN AND GIVE A 20 TO 25% PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION RIGHT AWAY.

THAT'S NOT INCLUDING ON WHAT WE DID ON THE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FUND, WHICH IS OVER $1 BILLION.

AS YOUR NEXT GOVERNOR WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE AGENDA OF GETTING LOWER PROPERTY TAX ANDS REFORMING WHAT WE SET UP IN 1967.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE WITH THAT QUESTION I WILL KEEP ANSWERING ON THAT IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW UP.

>> Susan: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

MR. PILLEN.

>> I THINK ONE PIECE OF THIS TOPIC THAT EVERYBODY IS GOING TO AGREE ON, OUR KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE.

WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO HAVE FAIR AND EQUITABLE SOLUTION FOR ALL OF OUR KIDS ACROSS THE STATE.

USE THE NUMBER A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY, 157 OF THE 244 SCHOOLS DISTRICTS IN YOUR STATE GET NO FUNDING OF ZELENSKYIZATION.

FROM MY SEAT, WE ARE NEBRASKANS.

WE ARE ABOUT BEING FAIR.

WE ARE ABOUT TREATING EACH OTHER EQUITABLY.

THAT'S PLAIN WRONG AND PLAIN NON-NEBRASKAN, IT'S ANOTHER PIECE THAT'S HARD TO FATHOM.

BUT WE HAVE FOUR DISTRICTS OUT OF THAT $1 BILLION, WE HAVE FOUR DISTRICTS THAT ARE GETTING HALF OF THAT.

SO TEOSA IS INCREDIBLY COMPLICATED.

I DON'T KNOW IF I FOUND ANYBODY THAT CAN REALLY FULLY EXPLAIN IT, MAY BE THREE OR FOUR PEOPLE IN THE STATE.

IT'S TOO COMPLICATED AND TOO OUTDATED.

WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE FORMULA.

THE STATE OF NEBRASKA HAS AN OBLIGATION TO HAVE FUNDING FOR EVERY STUDENT.

THAT'S THE DIRECTION WE NEED TO GO IN.

THAT'S WHAT I WOULD WORK AT AS YOUR GOVERNOR.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. HERBSTER.

>> WE HAVE WORKED VERY, VERY HARD OVER THE PAST MANY YEARS TO WORK AND BAND AID THE PROPERTY TAX SCENARIO IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I AM THANKFUL TO SAY THAT SENATE ERDMANN TO MY LEFT, ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ENDORSED ME, WE SPENT A LONG TIME TALKING ON PROPERTY TAX IS IN GENERAL AND WE KNOW THAT PROPERTY TAX IS THE FUNDING MACHINE FOR EDUCATION.

I WOULD SAY AS THE NEXT GOVERNOR FOR THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, I HAVE A SIMPLE PLAN AND THAT IS WE HAVE TO REWRITE THE ENTIRE TAX STRUCTURE FOR OUR STATE AND THAT MEANS WE NEED TO LOOK AT EVERY SINGLE THING.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ENTITLEMENTS.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT CONSUMPTION BASED TAX AND LOOK AT PROPERTY TAX AND LOOK AT THE FORMULA AND WHAT'S TAKING PLACE NOW IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

PARENTS IN NEBRASKA SHOULD NUMBER ONE HAVE THE EMPOWERMENT TO CHOOSE THE EDUCATION CHOICES FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

THAT'S INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THAT WE HAVE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, WE HAVE CHARTER SCHOOLS AND WE HAVE HOME SCHOOL.

WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT PARENTS SHOULD EMPOWER THEIR CHILDREN, EMPOWER THEIR FAMILIES TO MAKE THOSE CHOICES AND AS GOVERNOR WE NEED TO EMPOWER THEM TO MAKE THOSE CHOICES BECAUSE THOSE ARE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.

THE FUTURE OF THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IS THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BECOME OUR NEXT LEADERS.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. CONNELY.

>> EDUCATION, ACTUALLY, THAT IS MY STRONG SUIT.

I WAS THE EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR OVERSEAS IN JAPAN IS A VERY HIGH LEVEL ACADEMIC SCHOOL THERE FOR ALMOST A COUPLE OF KICKING.

I WORKED WITH THE JAPANESE MINISTER OF EDUCATION AS WELL.

THEY ACCOMPLISH MUCH MORE THAN WE DO ON ABOUT HALF OF OUR BUDGET.

WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WASTE IN OUR EDUCATION PROGRAM.

NOW, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO, IN FACT, WHEN YOU LEAVE OUT THERE, IF YOU STOP OVER AT MY TABLE, YOU WILL SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF INITIATIVES OVER THERE ON THE TABLE.

ONE OF THEM IS THE ONE THAT REPLACES THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITH ITS 500 PLUS EMPLOYEES THAT ARE SUCKING UP A LOT OF THE MONEY THAT COULD BE USED FOR AID IN ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT AREAS, AND IT WILL BE REPLACING IT WITH A SMALL, EFFICIENT OFFICE OF EDUCATION WITH A LOT OF THE VARIOUS SOCIALIST PROGRAMS AND THINGS LIKE THAT SNIPPED OUT.

WE -- WE SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM, EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS.

I KNOW MILITARY MEMBERS THAT TRAVEL AROUND THROUGH THE UNITED STATES AND THEY SAY NEBRASKA IS EXTRAVAGANT IN ITS TECHNOLOGY, BUT IF YOU WALK INTO THE CLASSROOM, HALF THE KIDS ARE PLAYING GAMES ON THEIR COMPUTERS INSTEAD OF PAYING ATTENTION TO THE INSTRUCTOR.

THE INSTRUCTOR WILL SAY CHECK ON YOUR GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

MENTAL ME AT MY DESK IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.

I WORKED IN ONE OF THE SCHOOLS TO SEE WHAT IT WAS LIKE.

THAT IS WHAT IT'S LIKE.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. RIDENOUR.

>> WELL, AS IT'S ALREADY BEEN MENTIONED THE FUNDING MODEL FOR OUR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION SYSTEM GOES HAND IN HAND WITH OUR PROPERTY TAXES.

AS YOUR PROBABLY KNOW THE GOVERNOR DOESN'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE PROPERTY TAXES.

WE MUST WORK WITH THE LEGISLATOR TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

FIRST OFF, WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT CAN HELP OUR LEGISLATORS TO PRIORITIZE TO DIRECT AND PRIORITIZING LEGISLATION MEASURES THAT WILL ACTUALLY FIX OUR PROPERTY TAXES BECAUSE THIS IS A TOP PRIORITY.

IT HAS TO BE FIXED.

IT HAS TO BE FIXED NOW.

THE OTHER THING WE HAVE RUN INTO IS REPORTING.

2019 ONLY TWO STATE ENTITIES USED THE PROPER REPORTING METHODS, THE COUNTY AND THE CITY.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE KNOW WHERE OUR MONEY IS GOING.

WE NEED TO FIX THE IDEA OF USE IT OR LOSE IT.

I HAVE SEEN THAT FROM MILITARY HEALTHCARE AND PRIVATE SECTOR BUSINESSES.

THIS DOESN'T WORK.

IT RESULTS IN A LOT OF WASTE OF MONEY.

WE NEED TO HAVE A PLAN THAT WORKS WITH ENTITIES LIKE SCHOOLS TO SAY IF YOU HAVE MONEY LEFT OVER, BRING IT BACK TO US.

THERE IS AN INCENTIVE FOR YOU.

WE NEED TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX AND ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH A WHOLE 360-DEGREE PERSPECTIVE AND FIND A SOLUTION THAT WILL BE SUSTAINABLE FOR YEARS TO COME.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MRS. TIBTHOUGH.

>> WE ALL AGREE THE ENTIRE STATE NEEDS TO REWRITE THE ENTIRE TAX CODE.

WE NEED TO START OVER.

IT'S NOT WORKING FOR THE STUDENTS AND NOT WORKING FOR THE RURAL AREAS OF OUR STATE AND WE ALL KNOW THAT.

IN ORDER TO ACTUALLY GET A PLAN TOGETHER, IT CAN'T JUST HAPPEN IN LINCOLN AT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OR THE LEGISLATIVE.

IT HAS TO HAPPEN ON THE LOCAL LEVEL AS WELL.

THE GOVERNOR IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE A LEADER IN GETTING THE LEGISLATOR, THE CITIES, THE COUNTIES, AND THE SCHOOL BOARDS AT THE TABLE AND MAKING SURE THAT WE GET PEOPLE ELECTED TO THOSE POSITIONS IN WHICH THEIR PRIORITY IS REDOING OUR SCHOOL FUNDING AND REDOING OUR TAX SYSTEM.

YOU ALSO WILL HAVE TO HAVE PEOPLE THAT ARE VERY, VERY BOLD BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO VERY LARGE UNIONS IN THIS STATE AND THEY CONTROL A LOT OF REASON WHY WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET TAX REFORM PASSED THROUGH OUR STATE.

I CAN TELL YOU THOSE UNIONS DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE PAYING IN TAXES.

THEY CARE ABOUT INDOCTRINATING YOUR STUDENTS.

THEY CARE ABOUT CREATING DIVISION AND THEY CARE ABOUT PUSHING THROUGH SEX STANDARDS THAT NOBODY WANTS.

AND WE NEED EVERYBODY FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ON DOWN TO LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS TO HAVE THAT AS THEIR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AND TO BE READY TO STAND UP AGAINST THOSE LOBBYISTS.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

WE ARE NOW HEADED ON TO QUESTION THREE THIS AFTERNOON.

THIS QUESTION WILL COME FROM ELIZABETH REMBERT.

>> THANK YOU.

I WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS ON RURAL BROADBAND.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT RURAL BROADBAND DEVELOPMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS OF OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO ENSURE THAT COMPANIES ARE USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO INVEST IN ACCESS TO RURAL COMMUNITIES.

>> Susan: FOR THIS WE WILL START WITH MR. PILLEN.

>> THANK YOU.

I THINK EVERYBODY IS AGREEING IN THE 21ST CENTURY BROADBAND ACCESS IS ESSENTIAL.

WE ARE IN AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME TO GROW OUR ECONOMY THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGY OF BROADBAND AND BRING COUNTLESS KIDS HOME THAT WILL NOT HAVE TO GO BACK TO THEIR OFFICE, BUT BE ABLE TO MOVE BACK BECAUSE OF OUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND BECAUSE OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN HERE WITH THEIR JOB.

LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES ALL THE WAY AROUND FROM A TECHLOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE.

BROADBAND SOLUTION NEEDS TO BE SOLVED NOW.

I AM A FISCAL CONSERVATIVE, I AM AN ADVOCATE OF DOING BONDLY IN A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE BECAUSE WE NEED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM NOW.

WE HAVE MARKET HOLES AND THAT'S WHERE WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STATE TO STEP UP MUCH LIKE THE RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION DID 80 YEARS AGO.

THE OTHER PIECE I THINK THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT, IT SHOWED THAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE MISLED BELIEVING THAT WE HAVE BROADBAND EVERYWHERE BUT IN THE VERY, VERY RURAL HOMES.

WE HAVE A BROADBAND HOLES IN A LOT OF COMMUNITIES.

OUR EDUCATION THROUGH THE PANDEMIC, WE HAVE A LOT OF KIDS THAT HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND.

SO WE HAVE MARKETS THAT HAVE TO BE SOLVED.

WHERE LARGE COMPANIES HAD THE OPPORTUNITY, WE HAVE TO IMPROVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUR VALUE FOR OUR DOLLAR.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. HERBSTER.

>> WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF NEBRASKA COULD BE THE SILICON VALLEY OF THE MIDWEST.

WE CAN DO THAT.

WE ALL KNOW THAT BROADBAND IS THE KEY TO KEEP THOSE YOUNG INDIVIDUALS, TO BRING BUSINESSES INTO THE NATIVE, NEBRASKA, FILL BUILDING LIKE WE HAVE IN SYDNEY THAT ARE NOW EMPTY.

WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT.

IN FALLS CITY WE HAVE GREAT BROADBAND AND WE ARE FOREIGN POLICY AND BLESSED TO DO THAT BECAUSE WE HAD A GREAT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MONEY.

AS THE NEXT GOVERNOR I WILL LEAD THE CHARGE TO MAKE SURE WE CAN NEGOTIATE AND PUT TOGETHER AN INCREDIBLE BROADBAND PACKAGE FROM THE EAST TO THE WEST.

THAT WILL CHANGE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT CAN STAY AND HAVE STAY IN OUR STATE AND ATTRACT BUSINESS, TECH BUSINESS ALONG WITH OUR AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS, WHICH WILL CHANGE OUR TAX BASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

YOU KNOW, SINCE 2010, WE HAVE ONLY GROWN THE POPULATION IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA BY 135,000 PEOPLE.

WE NEED TO CHANGE THAT.

AND WITH PROPERTY TAX, WITH BROADBAND, WITH THE SCHOOL, EDUCATION POLICIES THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, WE CAN CHANGE THAT.

IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

WE NEED TO BRAND AND MARKET NEBRASKA.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. CONNELY.

>> WELL, I DON'T NEED TO TELL EVERYONE THE IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND.

YOU ALL KNOW IT.

BUT WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION IS HOW WE GO ABOUT DOING IT.

I USED TO WORK IN COMMUNICATION NAVIGATION SYSTEMS IN THE MILITARY AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WOULD DO, WE WOULD CARRY AROUND RADIATION DETECTERS TO MAKE SURE WE DIDN'T GET EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE FROM THE ANTENNA RAYS.

I KEEP THE RADIATION DETECTOR WITH ME STILL AND WHEN I DRIVE PAST HIGH SCHOOLS AND MIDDLE SCHOOLB, IT BUZZES.

WE NEED FIBER OPTICS.

IN INDIA, THEY PULLED DOWN MANY OF THE TOWERS AROUND THE SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS BECAUSE OF EXTREME HEALTH RISK.

THERE WAS RECENTLY A COURT CASE IN WASHINGTON, D.C AGAINST THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION.

THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION LOST, IT WAS ABOUT TOWERS POPPING UP ALL OVER THE PLACE SHOWING THE DANGERS OF THE ARRAY OF ANTENNAS.

WE NEED BROADBAND, BUT WE NEED TO DO IT A SAFE WAY TO NOT ENDANGER THE POPULATION.

CHECK OUT THE FCC COURT CASE ON THAT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED.

FOLLOW THE NEWS ON THAT.

>> Susan: THAT YOU CAN.

MR. RIDENOUR.

>> ELIZABETH, WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS WE NEED TO START BY ELECTING A LEADER THAT UNDERSTANDS TECHNICALLY COMPLETELY.

I AM A PROPONENT FOR BROADBAND ACROSS RURAL AREAS, BUT HOW DO WE HAVE CAPABILITY?

-- ACCOUNTABILITY?

WE HAVE A PLAN THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY OVERSIGHT.

I TALKED TO GOVERNOR RICKETTS PERSONALLY ABOUT THIS.

ONCE THEY PROVIDE THE STATISTICS THAT THEY HAVE TO MEET, THEY PROVIDE IT IN THE BEGINNING WHEN IT'S SET UP AND THEN THERE IS NOTHING AFTER THAT.

WE CAN'T VERIFY THAT PEOPLE ARE GETTING THE SPEEDS OUT OF BROADBAND THAT THEY WERE INITIALLY ADVERTISED THAT THEY WERE EXPECTING.

I KNOW HOW THIS WORKS.

I WORKED WITH INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR MANY YEARS.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT UNDERSTANDS THIS AND FLUSH OUT WHAT WE CONSIDER SMALL ISSUES THAT WILL BECOME BIGGER ISSUER AND NEED PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO GET PROJECTS LIKE THIS FORWARD.

IF WE DON'T UNDERSTAND, WE NEED TO GET THE FULL 360-DEGREE PERSPECTIVE ON THIS TO MAKE SURE THAT WILL HAPPEN.

WE NEED THE LEGISLATION TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE CLAUSES AND MAKE SURE WE ARE COVERING OUR BASIS THAT COMES WITH TRUE LEADERSHIP, OVERSIGHT AND SUPERVISION OF OUR PROJECTS.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MS. THIBODEAU.

>> THANK YOU.

WE KNOW FOR A LONG TIME BROADBAND IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR STATE AND HAVING ACCESS TO IT HAS BEEN CRITICAL ESPECIALLY OVER THE LAST YEARS OF COVID WHEN WE HAD STUDENTS WHO COULDN'T GET ACCESS TO THE INTERNET TO COMPLETE THEIR SCHOOL WORK.

IN ADDITION TO BROADBAND AND MAKING SURE THAT THOSE DOLLARS THAT THE LEGISLATORS PASSED LAST SESSION AND WERE JUST PASSED IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL ARE BEING SPENT WISELY IN OUR STATE AND IN THE RIGHT WAY, WE ALSO NEED HAVE A VISION FOR NEBRASKA IN WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

IS THE FUTURE TRULY BROADBAND OR BY THE TIME WE GET THE BROADBAND LEAD, ARE WE ALL OF A SUDDEN BEHIND IN TECHNOLOGY AGAIN?

WE ARE SEEING A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES WITH SATELLITE.

IT'S CHEAPER THAN BROADBAND.

THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES THERE AND IT'S MORE SAFE AND SECURE, AND HARDER TO HACK WHEN YOU ARE DOING YOUR TECHNOLOGY THROUGH SATELLITE THAN ACTUALLY RELYING ON THE BROADBAND.

WE NEED BROADBAND RIGHT HERE AND NOW.

IT'S AN IMMEDIATE NEED, BUT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT JUST RESPONDING TO RIGHT HERE AND NOW.

WE HAVE TO HAVE A VISION AND WHAT IS NEBRASKA GOING TO LOOK LIKE TEN YEARS FROM NOW AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE INCLUDING ALL OF THOSE THING IN OUR PLAN.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. LINDSTROM.

>> THE GOAL IS TO BECOME SILICON PRAIRIE.

WE HAVE ARPA FUNDS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JUST PASSED THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL JUST RECENTLY, SO NEBRASKA IN THE YEARS THAT I HAVE SPENT AS A STATE SENATOR WILL HAVE THIS NEXT SESSION MORE MONEY IN THE SENSE OF WHAT IT KNOWS TO DO WITH IN HOW DO WE EMPLOY?

BECAUSE OF THE SHORT TIME WE HAVE, THE NEXT GOVERNOR WILL HAVE TO CARRY ON THE LEGACY AND MAINTAIN THAT AND MAKE SURE IT REACHES ALL PLACES.

AS GOVERNOR, I MAKE SURE THAT I DO THAT.

THE WAY TO DO THAT IS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CONSERVATIVES WITH -- CONVERSATION WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS TO MEET THE NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE OF THOSE COMMUNITIES AND FOR THE FUTURE OF THOSE CODES.

IT GOES HAND IN HAND WITH REFORMING THE TAX CODE AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDING OUR ROADS AND TIES INTO WORKFORCE HOUSING.

IT'S WORKING WITH YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS AND MAYORS AND COUNTY OFFICIALS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DEPLOYING THIS IN THE PROPER WAY TO CREATE THAT SILICON PREPARE TO KEEP RESIDENTS HERE, ESPECIALLY THE NEXT GENERATION AND AS GOVERNOR I WILL MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

THANK YOU ELIZABETH FOR THAT QUESTION.

AS WE CONTINUE ON NOW, WE WILL BRING LORI POTTER BACK ON NOW TO ASK HER NEXT QUESTIONS.

>> STATE INCENTIVE WERE USED YEARS AGO TO PROMOTE ETHANOL PRODUCTS IN NEBRASKA.

SHOULD SIMILAR OR OTHER INCENTIVES BE OFFERED FOR OTHER PROJECTS THAT COULD ADD VALUE TO MAJOR AG COMMODITIES, SUCH AS OTHER TYPES OF BIO PLANTS OR THE BEEF PROCESSING PLANT THAT'S PROPOSED AT NORTH PLATTE BUT ALSO FOR NICHE CROPS.

STATE LICENSED FARMERS WHO GROW STATE LICENSED HEMP AND CBD MARKETS SAYING THAT INDUSTRY CAN'T GROW UNLESS THE LEGISLATURE CHANGES THE REGULATIONS.

>> Susan: SHE'S ASKING YOU TO ANSWER SHOULD SIMILAR OTHER INCENTIVE BE OFFERED FOR OTHER PROJECTS THAT COULD ADD VALUE TO OUR COMMODITIES IN THE STATE.

WE WILL START OUT WITH MR. HERBSTER.

>> CERTAINLY ETHANOL IS HUGE HERE IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

IT TAKES 35% OF ALL THE CORN WE RAISE IN THIS STATE AND WE HAVE 25 FACILITIES ACROSS THE STATE AND IT'S MORE THAN JUST THE ETHANOL.

IT'S ALSO THE GRAIN THAT COMES FOR THE CATTLE INDUSTRY THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PROCESS THAT IN AN ETHANOL PLANT.

I HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT KAPPA HERE A FEW WEEKS AGO.

IT'S AMAZING FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND A LOT ABOUT THE PRODUCTION OF ETHANOL.

I WOULD JUST SAY THIS, ANYTIME WE LOOK AT GIVING MONEY TO OTHER POINTS OF BUSINESS IN THE STATE, WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET A RETURN ON INVESTMENT.

AND PART OF THE PROPERTY TAX DILEMMA THAT WE HAVE IS WE LOOK INTO IT IS WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING AND HOW IS IT BEING SPENT?

I THINK ALL OF YOU HERE UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS.

YOU ONLY HAVE SO MUCH MONEY THAT YOU CAN SPEND OUT OF YOUR MONTHLY INCOME.

NOW, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IS THE ONLY PLACE OF BUSINESS THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN THAT CAN JUST CONTINUE TO PRINT MONEY AND SPEND.

THAT DOESN'T WORK WELL IN THE STATE.

IT DOESN'T WORK WELL FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES.

SO I WOULD JUST SAY AS GOVERNOR I AM GOING TO BE OPEN MINDED TO ANYONE THAT HAS THE AVAILABILITY, AND THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT AND CAN SHOW THAT IF WE CAN ADD THIS TO THE STATE, IT WILL ADD JOBS, IT WILL ADD BENEFITS, AND IT WILL PAY ITSELF OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

>> OTHERWISE -- >> Susan: , SIR, WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

MR. CONNELY.

>> ALL RIGHT.

AID FOR OTHER TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY.

LET ME HIT THE CATTLE ONE, MANY OF YOU ARE PROBABLY AWARE THAT RIGHT NOW FOUR BIG CATTLE OPERATIONS, TWO OF THEM ARE OWNED BY BRAZIL, ONE OWNED BY CHINA THE OTHER ONE IS OWNED BY THE BIG COGGER -- CAR GILL CORPORATION.

HAVING BEEN FORMER MILITARY IN THE MARINES, I WAS MILITARY INTELLIGENCE IN A FEW OTHER FIELDS, I KNOW THAT SECURITY IS IMPORTANT.

HERE IN NEBRASKA, OUR SECURITY IS AGRICULTURE.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN OUR CATTLE INDUSTRY, WE ARE NOT SECURE IN OUR CATTLE INDUSTRY.

WE HAVE GOT ALL OF THESE VARIOUS COUNTRIES AND A WEALTHY FAMILY IN A DIFFERENT STATE CONTROLLING OUR CATTLE INDUSTRY.

I SAW YOU VISITED RUSTY KEMPF THE OTHER DAY, WE NEED TO DO THINGS LIKE THAT WITH THE NORTH PLATTE FACILITY.

AS FAR AS THE ETHANOL, YES, WE NEED TO HAVE BIO DIESEL.

WE NEED TO HAVE ETHANOL, ALL OF THOSE OTHER AREAS BECAUSE DO WE MAKE GASOLINE AND A LOT OF OTHER FUELS HERE IN NEBRASKA?

NO, THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN HERE.

IN CASE OF FUTURE PROBLEM SITUATIONS, WE NEED TO HAVE AT LEAST A BASE INDUSTRY THAT WE CAN PROGRESS UPWARD.

AS FAR AS PAYING FOR ALL OF THIS, HEY, WE NEED TO JUST TAKE SOME SCISSORS OUT AND CUT A LOT OF THE WASTEFUL PARTS OF OUR GOVERNMENT THAT WE DON'T NEED THAT WILL ALLOW US TO INVEST IN A LOT OF THESE AGRICULTURAL AREAS TO STRENGTHEN, NEBRASKA INDUSTRY AND OUR SECURITY.

>> Susan: THANK YOU, MR. RIDENOUR.

>> WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE FULL SPECTRUM RESEARCH TO MAKE SURE THE MONEY AND TAXPAYER'S DOLLARS THAT WE ARE INVESTING WILL PROVIDE A GOOD AND LONG-TERM SUSTAINING RETURN OF INVESTMENT.

SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, THOUGH, IF THERE IS A MARKET FOR THINGS LIKE HEMP AND ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH IT'S A VASTLY GROWING MARKET, THEN, YES.

LET'S CONSIDER ALL OF OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND LET'S CONSIDER EVERYTHING THAT WILL BE HELPING NEBRASKANS.

AND WE CAN PUT MONEY TOWARDS THAT AND THAT WILL FIX HELP THAT GROW, YES.

MONEY DOESN'T SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS THOUGH, SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE HOW WE ARE CONSERVATIVE IN SPENDING THAT.

ALSO WHERE IS THAT MONEY COMING FROM?

IS IT STATE TAX THERE'S OR IS IT FEDERAL?

IF IT IS FEDERAL, I BELIEVE IT'S AN ISSUE.

I AM A CONSERVATIVE AND I BELIEVE WE NEED TO START WEANING OURSELVES OFF OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE MONEY WE ARE INVESTING WILL NOT COME BACK TO BITE US IN THE END.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MS. THIBODEAU.

>> THANK YOU.

IF WE COULD NOT GET OVERALL TAX REFORM IMPLEMENTED IN OUR STATE, WE HAVE NO OTHER OPTION TO OFFER INVENTIVES.

I AM A BIT SKEPTICAL OF INCENTIVE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GIVING THEM TO THE PEOPLE THAT NEED THEM, THE PEOPLE THAT ARE JUST GETTING STARTED AND THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BRINGING IN NEW IDEAS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR STATE.

FOR EXAMPLE, HEMP, THAT IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY THAT WE CAN LOOK AT.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT OUR FARMERS CAN USE THEIR LAND TO PRODUCE.

AND THAT'S NOT A BAD THING, BUT LET'S MAKE SURE WE MAKE THOSE INCENTIVES SET UP SO THAT WE CAN'T END UP CREATING A MONOPOLY IN HAVING LARGE CORPORATIONS POSSIBLY, USING THAT INCENTIVE TO PAY NEW OR EMERGING FARM DOORS GROW OR DO SOMETHING JUST FOR THEM AND THEREFORE CONTROLLING THE MARKET AND CONTROLLING COSTS AND MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR OTHER FARMERS TO GET INTO THE MARKET OR TO DO BUSINESS.

WE DEFENSIVE LINED JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE ARE DONE IN THE RIGHT WAY AND THAT WE ARE NOT PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS WHEN INCENTIVES ARE OFFERED.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. LINDSTROM.

>> WITH THE QUESTION OF ETHANOL, I AM VERY PRO ETHANOL.

IF YOU LOOK BACK THROUGH THE ECONOMY THE LAST TEN YEARS, WE HAD LOTS OF UPS AND DOWNS WHEN THE STOCK MARKET AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN LINCOLN FLOUNDERED IN '080-09, THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR PICKED THAT UP AND THAT IS TIED INTO ETHANOL.

I PASSED A BILL WORKING A TAX CREDIT ON THE OFFSHOOTS OF WHAT ETHANOL WAS 20 YEARS AGO.

THIS IS THE FUTURE OF NEBRASKA.

WITH THOSE PRODUCTS WE CAN DO ALGAE FOR SALMON FARMS, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT BUILDING OUT THE ECONOMIES AND THESE SPOKES IF YOU WILL, ADM, COMPANIES LIKE THAT, NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVE HUGE INVESTMENTS WORKFORCE, BUT ALSO YOU HAVE SPOKES THAT ARE BUILT OFF WITH OTHER COMPANIES THAT ARE BUILT UP AROUND IT THAT ARE INNOVATIVE.

IT GOES BACK TO HOW WE BUILD NEBRASKA.

SOMETIMES WE DO HAVE TO DO INCENTIVES IF WE ARE GOING TO GET SOMETHING OFF THE GROUND.

WE DO NEED TO GET OUR TAX CODE UNDER CONTROL.

AT TIMES WE NEED TO DO THINGS TO INCENTIVIZE NEBRASKA COMPANIES TO HELP COMPANIES THAT WILL HELP US ALL.

I AM PRO DOING THAT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT AS GOVERNOR.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. PILLEN.

>> I VIVIDLY REMEMBER 2007 WHEN PRESIDENT BUSH GAVE THE STATE OF THE UNION AND THE NIGHT THE RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD WAS ENACTED.

I BELIEVE THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE WORLD THAT HAS BENEFITED MORE THAN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

OUR AG ECONOMY HAS FLOURISHED BY MORE CROP PRODUCTION AND ETHANOL INDUSTRY GROWING AND WHAT IT'S DONE TO GROW MY DEFINITION AGRICULTURAL LIFE -- LIVESTOCK.

SO THE RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD IS HUGE.

THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY HAS GROWN AND ALLOWED OUR FAMILIES TO BRING KIDS HOME AND ALLOW OUR COMMUNITIES TO GROW.

IT'S A BIG DEAL.

I AM A BELIEVER AT THE STATE LEVEL THAT WE NEED TO STAND UP AND HAVE LESS GOVERNMENT AND HAVE BUSINESS SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS.

WHEN I HEAR ABOUT INCENTIVES AND PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS, IT FLAT TURNS ME OFF.

IT MAKES SENSE NO SENSE.

THE MARKET NEEDS TO MAKE THE OPPORTUNITY HAPPEN.

I AM A BELIEVER IN BUSINESS SOLVING THE PROBLEMS.

GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

I JUST RECEIVED TWO TEXT MESSAGES, CANDIDATES, ASKING YOU TO MOVE YOUR MICROPHONES CLOSER ONCE AGAIN SO THEY CAN HEAR YOU BETTER ON THE RAE.

RADIO.

ONE GENTLEMAN SAID HE'S IN HIS TRACTOR AND NEEDS TO HEAR YOUR BETTER.

I WILL BRING STEVE WHITE BACK IN TO ANSWER THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> SPEAKING OF TRACTORS OUR AG PRODUCERS SHOULDER A LARGE BURDEN FOR FUNDING SCHOOLS.

THE BROADER TAX CODE SITUATION, I AM GETTING ALERTS ON MY PHONE URGING ME TO BUY CHRISTMAS PRESENT OMAHA AND THAT SORT OF THING.

>> Susan: WE WILL START WITH MR. CONNELY.

>> ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS WE HAVE WITH TAXES IS RIGHT NOW NOT CURRENTLY OUR BALANCE, WHICH WHEN THE GOVERNMENT SETS THINGS UP, YOU ALWAYS KNOW THEY SCREWED UP.

THEY NEVER GET ANYTHING RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WE HAVE IS THAT WE WASTE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY AND WE SPEND MONEY WE SHOULDN'T BE SPENDING.

IMAGINE, YOU WENT THROUGH THE PROGRAMS HEALTH HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVES, HOW IF WE CHANGED IT TO A WELFARE WORK PROGRAM AND THEY SHOWED UP AND YOU HANDED THEM A SHOVEL OR A NOTEBOOK, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PREFER FOR YOUR WELFARE AND WORK PROGRAM.

THERE ARE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PROGRAMS THAT WE CAN CHANGE AND SAVE A LOT OF MONEY.

AS FAR AS THE OVERALL BALANCE OF EVERYTHING, I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH ALL OF THE BALANCE.

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE ME COMMENTS ON HOW THEY WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE SOME OF THESE THINGS IF THEY DON'T HAVE BALANCE OR MAYBE UNFAIR IT -- FOR THIS INDIVIDUAL OR UNFAIR FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL, SEND ME A MESSAGE AT VOICES OF NEBRASKA DOT COM.

COMMENT THERE AND TELL ME THE COMMENTS YOU HAVE ABOUT THE TAXES BECAUSE ANYTHING I KNOW IS SMALL COMPARED TO THE MASS OF ALL OF YOU.

TELL ME YOUR IDEAS.

TELL ME YOUR OPINIONS.

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK IS MISSING THE IMBALANCES WE HAVE.

SEND IT TO ME SO I CAN WORK ON IT.

THANK YOU.

>> Susan: THANK YOU, MR. RIDENOUR.

>> WHEN YOU SAY BALANCE, THOUGH, THAT MEANS WE ARE INCLUDING A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING.

I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO BALANCE TAXES.

WE NEED A TAX CODE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS FOR NEBRASKANS.

NOW, IF THAT'S A TAX CODE THAT PRIORITIZES ONE TAX OVER THE OTHER, LET'S SAY CONSUMPTION TAX, WHICH I AM A PROPONENT FOR, I BELIEVE THAT'S THE ANSWER.

THAT MAKES SENSE, THERE ARE A LOT OF PROPOSALS OUT THERE FOR CONSUMPTION TAX THAT WILL BETTER NEBRASKANS AND ACTUALLY BRING IN MORE REVENUE, YET REDUCE THE TAXPAYER'S BILL AND THAT'S WHAT I SUPPORT.

HOWEVER, AGAIN, A GOVERNOR DOESN'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE THE TAXES, THE LEGISLATOR DOES.

SO WE NEED LEADERSHIP.

AGAIN, LIKE I SAID BEFORE THAT WILL HELP LEGISLATORS PRIORITIZE OUR TAX CODE AND BE ABLE TO CHANGE IT.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CONSUMPTION TAX THAT ELIMINATES THE INHERITANCE TAX.

IT ELIMINATES THE INCOME TAX AND ELIMINATES OUR PROPERTY TAX.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MS. THIBODEAU.

>> THANK YOU.

THAT BALANCE HAS BEEN OUT OF BALANCE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND NEBRASKANS HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM A MANY YEARS.

MOSTLY ON THAT PROPERTY TAX ISSUE, AND IT IS AFFECTING THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES SO MUCH AND MOST OF THOSE COMMUNITIES WHO ARE BEING AFFECTED BY THAT SO MUCH ARE NOT EVEN IN THE EQUALIZED SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

NOT ONLY IS IT OUT OF BALANCE, IT IS AFFECTING OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES THE MOST.

AND WE REALLY DO NEED TO REFORM THE ENTIRE TAX SYSTEM.

IT IS GOING IN AND LOOKING AT ALL OF THOSE AND IT ALSO LOOKING AT THE INHERITANCE TAX.

THE INHERITANCE TAX IS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR FARMS TO CONTINUE AND GO ON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION BECAUSE WHEN SOMEBODY, THEIR FARM IS PASSED DOWN TO THEM, THEY NOT ONLY GET HIT WITH A HUGE INHERITANCE TAX BILL, THEY ARE THEN HIT WITH A HUGE PROPERTY TAX BILL AND THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO KEEP THE FARM IN BUSINESS.

THERE ARE ALL AREAS, AGAIN, REWRITING THE TAX CODE, TAX REFORM ACROSS THE BOARD AND IT CAN'T JUST BE DONE AT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OR IN THE LEGISLATOR.

IT NEEDS TO BE DONE AS WELL, AT THE LOCAL CITIES, COUNTIES AND SCHOOL BOARDS.

THAT'S THE WAY THAT WE GET OVERALL TAX REFORM DONE.

WE ALSO HAVE TO LOOK AT OUR SPENDING.

THERE ARE SO MANY AREAS WHERE WE CAN REDUCE SPENDING AND GOVERNMENT WASTE.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THOSE.

IT'S AN OBLIGATION FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THAT SPENDING.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. LINDSTROM.

>> SO WE HAVE A 1967 TAX CODE.

AND OVER THAT TIMEFRAME WE HAVE PUT BAND-AIDS OVER IT.

WE HAVE ERODED THE TAX CODE, 175 DIFFERENT EXEMPTIONS IN THE TAX CODE.

TO GIVE NEBRASKA A COMPETITIVE SITUATION, WE NEED TO BREAK IT DOWN TO ITS FUNDAMENTAL CORE.

WE CAN NO LONGER PENALIZE PEOPLE FOR MAKING MONEY IN THE TUNE OF INCOME TAX AND NO LONGER PENALIZE PEOPLE FOR OWNING PROPERTY IN THE TUNE OF PROPERTY TAX.

IF WE IMPLEMENT CONSUMPTION TAX, WE LOSE A LOT OF CONTROL IN THE KRAUTS.

THE PREMIUM TAX ON INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT WOULD FORCE A LOT OF COMPANIES TO LEAVE NEBRASKA AND 15,000 EMPLOYEES TO ALSO LEAVE WITH IT.

I HAVE TAKEN STEPS OVER THE PAST COUPLE YEARS TO MAKE SURE NEBRASKA IS IN A COMPETITIVE SITUATION.

I PASSED THE LARGEST TAX CUT IN THE LAST TWO DECADES WITH SOCIAL SECURITY TAX.

WE TOOK STEPS TO ELIMINATE THE MILITARY RETIREMENT.

SO AS WE LOOK AT THIS, THE GOVERNOR WILL HAVE TO LEAD THE CHARGES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LEGISLATOR BECAUSE IT IS LONG OVERDUE.

THE POLITICAL WILL TO GET THIS DONE, I HAVE TRAVELED THE STATE, EVERYBODY KNOWS WE NEED TO DO IT AND IT'S JUST HAVING THE POLITICAL WILL TO DO IT.

WITH THIS THREE LEGGED STOOL THAT WE TALK ABOUT, OR A THIRD, A THIRD OR A THIRD, IT'S OUTDATED.

WE DON'T GET OPERATE IN THE 1960S AND THEREFORE WE NEED TO ADAPT AND MAKE SURE WE ARE MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE FUTURE.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR.

PILL.

>> IT'S TIME FOR TRANSFORMATIVE TAX CHANGE.

IT'S ESSENTIAL.

NEBRASKA HAS TO HAVE IT HAPPEN TO BECOME COMPETITIVE FOR OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

TO GIVE IT A PERSPECTIVE, IT THREE LEGGED STOOL, THE PROPERTY TAX IS SO OUT OF WHACK IF YOU HAD TO MILK A COW, YOU WOULDN'T GET ANYTHING DONE.

WE DON'T HAVE A FUTURE FOR THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WITH OUR PROPERTY TAX SO FAR OUT OF BALANCED.

IT HAS TO GO TO THE SOLVED NOW.

I BELIEVE THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE BECAUSE TODAY IT AFFECTS EVERY SINGLE NEBRASKAN IN THE STATE.

IT AFFECTS WHERE PEOPLE ARE RENTING AN APARTMENT AND WHERE PEOPLE ARE BUYING THEIR HOMES AND AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ON FARMS AND RANCHES.

I AM A BELIEVE AND WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE THOUGHT PROCESS AND THE ASSESSMENT IS NOT FAIR FOR AG LAND.

ASSESSING OUR PROPERTY AS IT CONTINUES TO GROW UP DOES NOTHING BUT CONTINUE TO RISE OUR PROPERTY TAX.

BUSINESS WOULD SAY IT MAKES TOTAL SENSE TO DO LIKE WE DINE BUSINESS AND HAVE AN INCOME-BASED APPROACH BECAUSE THEN WE ARE IN BUSINESS AND WE CAN PAY TAXES.

THE OTHER PIECE THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT IN THIS WHOLE CONVERSATION IS SPENDING.

REMEMBER WE WRITE OUR PROPERTY TAXES TO OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

I AM A BELIEVER IN LOCAL CONTROL AND OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND ALL OF US HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY IN HELPING HOLD OUR NEIGHBORS ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT WE SPEND.

>> Susan: MR. HERBSTER.

>> JOHN MAXWELL SAYS EVERYTHING RISES AND FALLS ON LEADERSHIP.

THERE IS ONE PERSON HERE THAT DOESN'T REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF REWRITING AND RESTRUCTURING OUR TAX BASE TO MAKE THIS STATE MORE AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES TO COME, FOR FAMILIES TO LIVE HERE, EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN, KEEP THEIR CHILDREN HERE.

AS I SAID EARLIER, 44 MILLION ACRES IS DEDICATED TO FARM LAND AND RANCH LAND AND THAT LAND IS GOING TO PASS FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT.

AND IF WE CRIPPLE THOSE INDIVIDUALS BY THE TAXES, NOT ONLY THE PROPERTY TAX, THE INHERITANCE TAX, ALL THE THINGS THAT'S BEEN TALKED ABOUT UP HERE, YOU WILL VERY QUICKLY NOT ALLOW THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONTINUE A FOURTH OR FIFTH OR SIXTH GENERATION THAT IS BEEN BUILT HERE IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I HAVE MORE THAN ONCE ACROSS THE STATE THAT AS GOVERNOR I AM NOT GOING TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN LINCOLN.

I AM GOING TO SPEND IT ALL ACROSS THE STATE BECAUSE ALL OF YOU, AND I THINK MOST PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE, ARE READY TO TAKE A CHANGE.

THEY ARE READY TO LOOK AT THE EXEMPTIONS.

THEY ARE READY TO LOOK AT THE A CONSUMPTION-BASED TAX.

THEY ARE READY TO LOOK AT THE THINGS THAT ARE NECESSARY TO MAKE OUR STATE ATTRACTIVE LIKE SOUTH DAKOTA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, TENNESSEE AND THE LIST GOES ON.

I COMMIT TO YOU I WILL DO THAT IN TWO YEARS AS THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT QUESTION WILL?

FROM ELIZABETH REMBERT.

>> NOW, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE.

I AM WONDERING WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE ACTION IN RANCHING AND FARMING LOOK LIKE TO YOU AND HOW WOULD YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT RANCHERS AND FARMERS AND THE RURAL COMMUNITIES IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS?

>> Susan: OUR FIRST ANSWER WILL COME FROM MR. RIDENOUR.

>> THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO DO IS TO BE OPEN TO WHAT NEBRASKANS NEED.

WHAT DO OUR COMMUNITIES NEED AND WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

YOUR QUESTION DOESN'T NAIL DOWN ANY PARTICULAR CLIMATE OR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE, SO I AM GOING TO HAVE TO GIVE YOU A BROAD ANSWER ON THAT.

AS GOVERNOR, I AM AN INDIVIDUAL THAT I HIKE TO USE COMMON SENSE, AT LEAST I TRY TO AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE.

WE LOOK AT THESE ISSUES AND WE FRIDAY SAY WHAT'S GOING TO WORK AND FIND A SOLUTION AND UNDERSTAND THEPUB, 360 PERSPECTIVE, UNDERSTAND EVERY ANGLE OF THE PROBLEM AND IDENTIFY EVERY SOLUTION THAT WILL WORK.

AS FAR AS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS, WE WANT TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY, STATE AND FEDERAL.

BEING ABLE TO GET OUT THERE AND LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE AND MEET WITH THEM AND HAVE THE TOWN HALLS AND CONNECT WITH THEM AND FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF SOLUTION WE CAN PUT IN PLACE AND WORK ON THAT SOLUTION WILL BE THE BEST IN MY OPINION.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MS. THIBODEAU.

>> OUR FARMERS AND RANCHERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GOOD STEWARDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE LAND THAT THEY FARM, OF THE WATER THAT THEY USE.

YOU WOULDN'T SEE PEOPLE WHO CARE MORE ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT OR TAKE CARE OF OUR RESOURCES LIKE THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS DO.

AND THAT'S THE GREAT THING ABOUT THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF NEBRASKA.

THERE IS NO NEED TO PUT REGULATION ON THEM IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE TAKING CARE OF THE FARM LAND AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES THAT THEY USE EACH AND EVERY DAY.

AND THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER AREAS WHERE FARMERS ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS, WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE USING THE FREE MARKET.

I AM A VERY BIG PROPONENT OF FREE MARKET IN DEALING WITH THINGS.

SO ALTHOUGH OUR FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE GREAT AT TAKING CARE OF OUR RESOURCES, THERE ARE THINGS COMING DOWN, UNFORTUNATELY, FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND AND WE HAVE GREAT EXAMPLES RIGHT HERE IN OUR STATE OF HOW THE FREE MARKET IS DEALING WITH THEM.

WE HAVE GREAT EXAMPLES OF HOW WE ARE USING ETHANOL SO THAT WE DO NOT PUT THE ETHANOL PLANTS OUT OF BUSINESS AND THAT WE DON'T TAKE AWAY ETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM OUR FARMS.

WE ARE LEADING THE CHARGE ON MAKING ETHANOL CARBON NEUTRAL AND THAT IS ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS I LOVE ABOUT NEBRASKANS.

WHEN WE ALL SIT DOWN TOGETHER, WE MAKE THE BEST SOLUTIONS, AND ALLOWING IT TO COME FROM THE FREE MARKET AND NEBRASKANS THEMSELVES, AND THE ONES THAT ARE DOING IT EACH AND EVERY DAY IS THE BEST SOLUTION.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. LINDSTROM.

>> WATER IS A HUGE ASPECT OF THIS CONVERSATION AND DISCUSSION.

WITH THE AQUIFER AND AS I TRAVELED THROUGH PLACES LIKE McCOOK AND ARAPAHOE AND WE TALK ABOUT THE RECHARGE AND IRRIGATION ACROSS THE NEBRASKA, IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY.

YEARS AGO WE GOT IN IT BACK AND FORTH IN KANSAS IN AN ISSUE THAT DEALT WITH WATER.

THAT WILL COME TO FRUITION IN THE SENSE OF WHAT WE DO TO COLORADO WHERE THE NEXT GOVERNOR MAY HAVE TO PUT UP A LAWSUIT AGAINST COLORADO WITH THE MIGRATION FROM CALIFORNIA INTO THERE AND THEIR GROWING POPULATION THAT HURTS AGRICULTURE IN THE WESTERN PART OF NEBRASKA.

IT MAY COME TO A POINT WHERE WE MAY HAVE TO SUE THEM.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT, WHAT DO WE DO TO INCENTIVIZE THE AG COMMUNITY FOR CONVERSATION.

THEY ARE VERY GOOD STEWARDS TO THAT, BUT THERE IS TECHNOLOGY THAT WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS IN THAT ASPECT.

I AM WORKING ON A TAX CREDIT OUT THERE.

IT PROVIDES SENSORS VOLUNTARILY, FOR OUR PRODUCERS TO MEASURE THE WATER THAT THEY ARE INPUTTING INTO THEIR BUSINESS.

TO ME IT MAKES SENSE FROM A CONSERVATION LEVEL, BUT AUSTRALIA -- ALSO A BUSINESS SENSE.

YOU HAVE MORE RETURN ON INVESTMENT.

I THINK THERE IS A GOOD WAY OF BALANCING THAT OF MAKING SURE WE MOVE TOWARDS PRECISION AG GOING BACK TO THE BROADBAND AND HOW WE EXPAND THAT THROUGHOUT RURAL NEBRASKA.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. PILLEN.

>> THIS IS A SUBJECT I GET REALLY FIRED UP SPENDING MY LIFE IN AGRICULTURE AND THE INCREDIBLE PRACTICES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE BY ALL THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA IN MY LIFETIME.

WE HAVE INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY FIVE X.

IN THE HILLS IPPLAT COUNTY WHEN I WAS A KID, IF WE RAISED 60-BUSHEL WE WERE HAPPY.

THIS YEAR WE TIPPED OVER 300.

IT'S ABOUT OUR LAND AND AGRICULTURAL ZONES THAT ARE INCREDIBLY COMPANY.

WE DON'T NEED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TELLING US WHAT TO DO WITH THEM.

THE AQUIFER IS A POT OF GOLD AND THE RESOURCES.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT.

ALL NEBRASKANS HAVE BEEN PRACTICING IT FOR GENERATIONS TO PROTECT OUR WATER AND OUR SURFACE WATERS.

TITLE 130 BECAME LAW IN 1972.

WE HAVE ADAPTED AND WE HAVE -- IT'S THE MOST STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN THE UNITED STATES AND WE HAVE ADAPTED AND WE HAVE ALL MADE MONEY BECAUSE OF IT.

IT'S MADE OUR BUSINESSES BETTER.

THE THING THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT AND WE CAN BE SUSTAINABLE GROWING OUR AGRICULTURE, USING THE WATER FROM THAT POT OF GOLD AND CONTINUE TO RAISE MORE AND PROCESS IT HERE.

IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO REALIZE WE FEED THE WORLD -- WE FEED THE WORLD HERE IN NEBRASKA AND WE SAVE THE PLANET.

AND AS YOUR GOVERNOR, I WILL WORK MY TAIL OFF TO HELP ALL OF OUR PRODUCERS TO CONTINUE TO GROW THAT AND SELL THAT PRODUCT AROUND THE WORLD.

WE ARE AT THE BEST AT IT ANYWHERE.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. HERBSTER.

>> ALL OF US WANT TO MAKE NEBRASKA GROW AND PROSPER, SO I WILL SAY THIS, IT'S BEEN PROVEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN WHEN YOU ARE LESS TAXES, LESS GOVERNMENT, LESS REGULATION, LESS CONTROL THAT THE AMERICAN FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM WILL THRIVE.

AND AS YOUR GOVERNOR, I AM COMMITTED TO HAVE LESS OF ALL OF THOSE.

WE ARE BEING TOTALLY CONSTRAINED TODAY WITH OUR FREEDOM LOSSES OF BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO NOT ONLY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, BUT SOMETIMES EVEN FROM STATE GOVERNMENT.

LESS OF ALL OF THOSE THINGS WILL MAKE ALL OF OUR BUSINESSES PROSPER AND IT WILL ATTRACT NEW PEOPLE INTO OUR STATE AND IT WILL ATTRACT KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE HERE TO CONTINUE TO BE THE PRODUCERS OF AGRICULTURE, NOT ONLY FOR THE UNITED STATES, BUT FOR THE WORLD.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

FINALLY, MR. CONNELY.

>> HOW DO WE SUPPORT FARMERS AND RATHER THANKERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS?

I HAVE TO TELL YOU A SHORT STORY.

MAN WAS RIDING ALONG ONE DAY AND HE SAW THIS BEAUTIFUL FARM WITH THE WONDERFUL FIELDS AND TREES ALL LINED UP AND EVERYTHING WAS VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF.

HE HAILED THE FARMER AS HE SAW THE FARMER GO BY AND HE SAID GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH A WONDERFUL FARM.

HE SAID YES, HE HAS, BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT WHEN HE HAD IT ALL TO HIMSELF.

YOU SEE, OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, IN FACT, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THESE BIZARRE IDEAS THAT WE NEED TO CONTROL THE FARMERS AS IF THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN PROPERTY, AS IF THEY DON'T WANT TO MAKE IT THE VERY BEST THEY POSSIBLY CAN.

MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE OF WE ARE CURRENTLY IN A MINI ICE AGE.

WHEN WE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL WE WERE WORRIED IF WE WOULD GO-TO A MINI ICE AGE.

WE ARE CREEPING OUT OF AN ICE AGE TO A MELTING PERIOD.

DO YOU KNOW THE CARBON CREDIT THINGS THEY TRY TO PULL, INDIA AND CHINA WHEN THEY HAVE PEOPLE DO SOMETHING FROM CARBON CREDITS THEY TOOK THE HYDRO FLUORO COMPANIES AND MADE A MANUFACTURING COMPANY FOR THEM, THEY MADE THEM, THEY DESTROYED THEM.

WE PAID THEM MONEY IN OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS AND THEY MADE A LOT OF MONEY OFF OF US AND WE HAVE RUN OUT OF TIME.

>> Susan: WE HAVE TIME FOR ANOTHER QUESTION.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE, EACH ONE OF OUR PANELISTS SUBMITTED ONE EXTRA QUESTION OF WHICH I WILL ASK.

TIME KEEPERS, IS THE TIME RESET TO ONE MINUTE?

YOU WILL HAVE ONE MINUTE TO ANSWER THIS FOLLOWING QUESTION.

WHAT SHOULD BE PRIORITIES FOR USE OF NEBRASKA'S PORTION OF THE FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS?

>> WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE INVESTING IN PROJECTS THAT WILL INCREASE REVENUES FOR THE FARMERS AND ALSO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN LOOK AT THOSE FUNDS AND SEE WHAT AREAS WE CAN USE THEM IN AND MAKE SURE THAT WE DO NOT FUND ANY NEW PET PROJECTS, THAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING TO SPEND MORE MONEY, CREATE NEW PET PROJECTS BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY OUR FOCUS NEEDS TO BE TO GET TO A POINT WHERE WE CAN PROVIDE TAX RELIEF.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

WE WILL GET THE CLOCK RESET, PLEASE.

MR. LINDSTROM.

>> TWO MAIN AREAS HERE THAT NEED TO BE A ONE-TIME SPEND, NOT AN INVESTMENT, SOMETHING WE CAN REALLY INTERJECT INTO OUR SOCIETY AND MAKING SURE THAT OUR COMMERCE IS SUCCEEDING.

WE COVERED A LOT OF THAT WITH BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.

THAT'S A HUGE PRIORITY NUMBER ONE IN MY BOOK.

BUT THERE IS ALSO THE ISSUE OF ROADS FUNDING.

AND AS YOU TRAVEL THE STATE OF NEBRASKA AND YOU LOOK AT OUR TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS, WE ARE IN A DEFICIENCY IN OUR FOUR FOUR-LANE HIGHWAYS.

IF YOU TRAVEL FROM NORFOLK DOWN TO COMMERCE -- >> Susan: YOUR IS MINUTE.

IT GOES FAST.

I APOLOGIZE.

IT'S NOT STOPPING.

ONE MINUTE, THEY HAVE ONE MINUTE FOR THIS ONE.

>> THAT WAS 30 SECONDS.

>> Susan: MY APOLOGIES.

YOU STILL HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> I WILL GO FOR IT.

THAT'S OKAY.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL THE STATE OF NEBRASKA AND YOU LOOK AT GETTING A PRODUCT FROM POINT A TO POINT B -- >> Susan: I WILL LET YOU FINISH YOUR LAST FEW SECONDS.

>> IT CREATES A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION.

YOU HAD FLOODINGS THAT WENT ON AND BRIDGES AND RURAL NEBRASKANS AND WE NEED TO SPEND MONEY ON MAKING SURE OUR AG PRODUCERS ARE NOT DRIVING MILES AND MILES OUT OF THE WAY TO GET THEIR PRODUCT FROM POINT A TO POINT B AND THAT GOES FOR ENTIRE STATE OF THE NEBRASKA.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. PILLEN.

>> WELL, WE HAVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ROADS AND BROADBAND, BUT LET'S TAKE IT A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS OUT OF WHACK.

WHAT HAS GONE ON IN THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS INCREDIBLY CRIPPLING.

THERE ARE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE IT -- BIG GOVERNMENT SOCIALISM.

COULD WE USE SOME MONEY FOR ROADS AND BROADBAND?

MAYBE, BUT NOT TODAY.

THEY ARE NOT THAT BAD.

WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE CONSERVATIVES GET BACK IN CHARGE AND THEN WE GET MONEY AND USE IT CORRECTLY.

SPENDING MONEY AND PRINTING MONEY AND SPENDING MORE MONEY, AS YOUR GOVERNOR, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WE WILL NOT TAKE ALL MONEY AT ALL COSTS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

THAT'S PURE SIMPLE HOGWASH.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. HERBSTER.

>> AMERICA IS BROKE.

WE CONTINUE TO DOLE OUT MONEY.

THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

AND IF WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO IT AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE STATES DO THAT.

SO I WOULD JUST SIMPLY SAY THIS, ANYTIME WE TAKE ANY .50 FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THERE IS AN ATTACHMENT OF A RULE OR A RELATION OR A CONTROL AND THAT WILL HURT THIS STATE.

IT WILL NOT HELP THE STATE.

>> Susan: MR. CONNELY.

>> PRIORITY FOR FEDERAL FUNDING -- WOW.

IT'S HARD TO NOT AGREE WITH ALL OF THESE GUYS ON THE TABLE.

MR. WAS SOMETHING CALLED THE BRENTON WOODS AGREEMENT AFTER WORLD WAR II AND THAT MADE THE U.S. DOLLAR THE WORLD RESERVE CURRENCY.

BECAUSE OF THAT OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN PRINT MONEY WHENEVER THEY WANT TO AND EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLDS TO BEAR THE SAME INFLAMMATION THAT WE -- INFLATION THAT WE DO BECAUSE THEY CARRY THEIR CURRENCY WITH US.

THEY ARE THROWING MONEY AT EVERYTHING AND AS CHARLES MENTIONED THERE ARE STRINGS ATTACHED TO IT.

YOU NEED TO SEE IF THERE ARE STRINGS ATTACHED TO THIS MONEY.

IF NOT, IF YOU DO SPEND IT, LOOK AT SOMETHING THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE GREATEST RETURN.

BUT ALWAYS WATCH FOR THE FEDERAL STRINGS BECAUSE THEY NORMALLY HAVE THEM ATTACHED.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. RIDENOUR.

>> IT'S TRUE THE COUNTRY OF AMERICA IS BROKE.

IT IS TRUE, BUT WE CAN'T IGNORE THE NEEDS THAT WE HAVE IN HERE IN OUR COUNTRY AND IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT MONEY SPENT ON.

ONE, NEBRASKA IS KNOWN FOR BEING THE STATE WITH HORRIBLE ROADS.

WE NEED BETTER ROADS.

NEXT THING WOULD BE BROADBAND, AS WELL AS RE-INVESTMENT TO NEBRASKANS AS WE PREVIOUS TALKED ABOUT SUCH AS GETTING LOCAL START-UPS OF MEAT PROCESSING PLANTS AS WELL AS TAX RELIEF AND BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE DON'T HAVE AN INFRASTRUCTURE ALREADY MADE.

WE HAVE BUSINESSES WHO ACTUALLY WANT TO COME TO NEBRASKA EVEN WITH OUR CURRENT TAX STRUCTURE AND THEY SAY WE DON'T WANT TO BE THERE BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO WAIT TWO YEARS TO BUILD THE ROADS AND GET THE GRIDS AND LOYAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN -- ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE.

WE BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

IT IS NOW TIME FOR CLOSING COMMENTS TO COME FROM ALL SIX CANDIDATES.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES TO SHARE THEIR FINAL THOUGHTS.

WE WILL START OUT WITH MR. LINDSTROM.

>> AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE TODAY.

I APPRECIATE YOU SPENDING TIME WITH US.

THIS ELECTION REALLY IS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NEBRASKA.

AND WITH THE GENERATIONS TO COME.

AS A DAD OF THREE YOUNG KIDS, THIS IS WHY I AM IN THIS RACE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE.

THE TWO THINGS THAT STAND OUT TO ME IS EXPERIENCE, AND NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP.

WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT HERE TODAY, IT'S GOING TO TAKE EXPERIENCE TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING JANUARY 2023.

HAVING RELATIONSHIPS AROUND THE STATE CAPITOL AND WORKING WITH THE SENATORS I HAVE, 2/3RD OF THEM WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ON THESE CHALLENGES FACING NEBRASKA IN A HURRY, AND WE WILL DO THAT.

IT'S ALL GOING TO COME DOWN TO POLITICAL WILL.

RISING ABOVE ALL OF SPECIAL INTEREST, POWER AND MONEY THAT RESIDE IN NEBRASKA THAT FORCE US TO PIT EACH OTHER AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, BUT HAVING THE EXPERIENCE TO OVERCOME AND POINTING TO THE SUCCESS I HAVE HAD IN THE LEGISLATOR PASSING 60 BILLS AND PASSING THE BIGGEST TAX CUT IN DECADES ALL OF THOSE THINGS MATTER ON EXPERIENCE.

NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP MATTERS.

HAVING THE ENERGY TO GO OUT AND WORK HARD AND GET THESE THINGS ACCOMPLISHED BECAUSE FRANKLY, GENERATIONS, WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THESE THINGS FOR 20 YEARS, 20 YEARS PLUS.

IN THE CASE OF THE TAX CODE, 1967, LONG TIME.

WE ARE JUST NOW STARTING TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE THINGS, SO IT WILL TAKE BOLD LEADERSHIP TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND MAKE SURE WE PUT OURSELVES IN A COMPETITIVE SITUATION IN 2023 AND FAR BEYOND THAT AND AS YOUR GOVERNOR I WILL MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS DAY ONE.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. PILLEN.

>> IT'S AN INCREDIBLE PRIVILEGE WHEN I THINK ABOUT HOW I GREW UP AND MY BROTHERS ARE HERE, WE COULDN'T RUB TWO QUARTERS THAT I AM STANDING BEFORE YOU TO BE CONSIDERED YOUR NEXT GOVERNOR.

IT'S INCREDIBLY, INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.

THE NEXT TEN YEARS ARE THE FUTURE.

THE NEXT TEN YEARS ARE GOING TO BE MORE IMPACTFUL THAN ANYTHING THAT IS TAKEN PLACE SINCE THE FOUNDING OF OUR STATE.

I HAVE LIVED MY ENTIRE LIFE IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I HAVE RAISED MY FAMILY IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I HAVE MADE MY LIVING IN AGRICULTURE IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I KNOW THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

AND I KNOW THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

OUR FUTURE IS ALL ABOUT OUR KIDS.

IT'S ALL ABOUT OUR KIDS, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KEEP THEM HERE AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR KIDS ARE ALL SKILLED.

WE HAVE 25,000 KIDS GRADUATING, HALF OF THOSE KIDS ARE NOT GETTING THE SKILL SET.

WE NEED INTERNSHIPS TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE TO DECREASE TAXES AND WE HAVE TO COME TOGETHER AND GROW AND STRENGTHEN AGRICULTURE AND DEFEND OUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES.

I WOULD BE HONORED AND PRINTED TO RECEIVE YOUR VOTE, THANK YOU.

>> Susan: THANK YOU, MR. HERBSTER.

>> FIRST OF ALL, THANK LYOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY.

I JUST SAY TO ALL OF YOU THAT I AM COMMITTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS GREAT STATE OF NEBRASKA.

PEOPLE ASK ME ALL ACROSS THE STATE AS I TRAVEL WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR?

MY ANSWER IS BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENTIRE NATION CALLED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE FACT THAT IN THE LAST SEVEN MONTHS WE HAD A TOTAL DISASTER AS WE LEFT AFGHANISTAN.

WE HAVE HAD A TOTAL DISASTER ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER.

PEOPLE SAY THAT DOESN'T REALLY AFFECT NEBRASKA.

LET ME SHARE SOMETHING WITH YOU, AN OPEN BORDER AFFECTS EVERY COUNTY, EVERY CITY, EVERY STATE.

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THAT WILL CHANGE THE ENTIRE CULTURE.

WE HAVE 400 MILLION-DOLLARS WORTH OF DRUGS COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES ACROSS THE SOUTHERN BORDER EVERY SIGNAL MONTH.

I HAVE A GOOD FRIEND IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

I HAVE A NEPHEW HERE IN NEBRASKA, HE TOOK A PILL ONE NIGHT.

HE WAS NEVER INTO DRUGS AND IT IT FENTANYL IN IT AND HE DIED.

BESIDES THE PROPERTY TAX AND OTHER THINGS WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT, CRITICAL RACE THEORY, ALLOWING PARENTS TO BE INVOLVED IN THE CURRICULUM IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THEIR SCHOOL SYSTEMS FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND BUILDING BUSINESSES, AND AGAIN, TAKING THE STATE OF NEBRASKA, PUTTING THE STATE LOGO ON EVERYTHING THAT WE MANUFACTURE, EVERYTHING THAT WE PRODUCE.

IF WE WANT TO BUILD A GREAT STATE, WE HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE THE STATE.

WE HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.

I HAVE BUILT BUSINESSES IN 40 STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE BOLD, BOLD, BOLD LEADERSHIP.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE A FIGHTER AND I WOULD JUST SAY TO ALL OF YOU, I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEENBER AND IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO BE THE NEXT GOVERNOR.

>> Susan: THANK YOU, SIR.

MR. CONNELY.

>> TWO MINUTES.

THAT'S A LOT LONGER THAN 90 SECONDS.

FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THESE GUYS UP HERE AND LADY GAL AS WELL, THEY ALL HAVE TO UPROOT THEMSELVES FROM THEIR LIVES AND THEY HAVE TO WORK AND PUT THEMSELVES OUT THERE IN FRONT OF EVERYONE.

IT IS TIE REQUEST THAT WHEN YOU ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR POLICIES, TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT AND TREAT THEM WITH CONSIDERATION AND DON'T BE SLINGING MUD AROUND AND TALKING ABOUT HOW THIS IS BAD AND HOW THAT IS BAD.

EVERY ONE OF THEM IS GOING OUT OF THEIR WAY, DISRUPTING THEIR PERSONAL LIVES JUST SO THEY CAN COME HERE AND RUN.

I HAVE A TEAM OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WILL BE RUNNING WITH ME.

WHEN I SAY TEAM, I MEAN TEAM.

VOICES OF NEBRASKA DOT COM, IT'S NOT JUST ME.

I HAVE SOMEONE WHO WILL BE RUNNING FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL, SOMEONE WHO WILL BE RUNNING FOR SECRETARY OF STATE AS WELL.

THE CURRENT TREASURY, LOVE THAT GUY, I WANT TO KEEP HIM.

BUT WE HAVE VARIOUS DIFFERENT POINTS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

LIKE ONE OF THEM IS WELL, THE EDUCATION I MENTIONED THAT BEFORE.

I WON'T BEAT THAT HORSE ANYMORE.

THE OTHER ONE IS MEDICAL FREEDOM.

I WILL LIST THESE THINGS BECAUSE RIGHT NOW I HAVE INITIATIVES SITTING OUTSIDE ON A TABLE THAT I WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU WOULD ALL SIGN THESE.

THESE ARE ALL WESTERN NEBRASKA VALUE CONSERVATIVE TYPE OF ISSUES THAT THE WEEK PUSH TO GET ON THE BALLOT IN OF NOVEMBER.

WHY WAIT AROUND FOR AN ELECTION BEFORE YOU START GETTING THE THINGS DONE.

ALL OF THESE GUYS SHOULD LOVE THESE BECAUSE IT WILL GIVE THEM THAT MUCH LESS WORK WHEN THEY GET IN THERE IF THEY DO.

WE HAVE A FEW THINGS.

ONE I WANT TO MENTION IS ELECTION INTEGRITY.

I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OF YOU PEOPLE ARE GOOD AT ANALYSIS AND STATISTICS, BUT THERE WERE A LOT OF PROBLEMS IN THERE.

MEDICAL FREEDOM.

THE MEDICAL VACCINE MANDATES THAT THEY HAVE HERE, WHEN THEY START PUSHING YOU AROUND AND TELLING YOU THAT YOU HAVE TO GET A STICK, WHAT ELSE WILL THEY START PUSHING YOU AROUND ON.

YOU NEED TO HAVE -- >> Susan: THANK YOU.

MR. RIDENOUR.

>> FIRST OFF, TONK FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TODAY.

WE ALL APPRECIATE IT.

MR. HERBSTER IS RIGHT.

WE NEED BOLD LEADERSHIP.

SOMEBODY WHO HAS THE PASSION AND STRENGTHS AND ENERGY TO STAND UP EVERY SINGLE DAY THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AND BEYOND.

IF YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED I AM THE YOUNGEST CANDIDATE UP HERE AND I HAVE A LOT OF ENERGY AND I HAVE A LOT OF PASSION.

I BELIEVE I WILL BE ABLE TO ADD THAT TO OUR LEADERSHIP IN THIS STATE.

WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT CAN WORK WITH PEOPLE.

THIS STATE ISN'T JUST REPUBLICANS.

I AM RUNNING ON A REPUBLICAN TICKET AND OBVIOUSLY I AM A BIT BIASED, BUT THERE ARE PEOPLE WITH GREAT IDEAS THAT WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY ARE ELECTED OFFICIALS.

WE NEED MEANINGFUL CHANGE IN THIS STATE AND I AM ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT.

NEXT THING IS FIGHTING THE CR T STANDING UP FOR MEDICAL FREEDOMS.

I HAVE BEEN AT SCHOOL BOARDS ON THE STREETS AND HOLDING SIGNS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT I BELIEVE IN.

AND THAT'S THE KIND OF LEADER I WILL BE OF THIS STATE.

I ASK YOU WHO DO YOU WANT LEADING YOUR STATE?

I MAY NOT HAVE THE SAME BACKGROUND AS YOU DO AND THAT'S GOOD.

WE NEED PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS WITH A DIFFERENT MINDSET, WE COME TOGETHER AND FIND SOLUTIONS ON HOW TO HELP NEBRASKANS AND WE IMPLEMENT THEM AND SUSTAIN THEM.

I APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE.

GO TO RIDENOUR FOR GOVERNOR DOT COM TO FIND MORE INFORMATION AND FEEL FREE TO DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT TO ME.

>> Susan: THANK YOU.

MS. THIBODEAU.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO REITERATE MY THANKS TO THE FARM BUREAU AND TO THE PANEL AND THANK YOU FOR MODERATING.

WHAT A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO ALL OF YOU HERE IN THE AUDIENCE AND THE OVER 50,000 MEMBERS OF THE FARM BUREAU.

IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO RECEIVE YOUR VOTE AND THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE FARM BUREAU.

THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF NEBRASKA DOES NEED TO BE BOLD.

THE NEXT GOVERNOR NEEDS TO HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY.

THE NEXT GOVERNOR NEEDS TO REALIZE THAT THEY NEED TO REPORT TO THE CITIZEN.

THEY NEED TO LISTEN.

THE SITS FROM ALL OVER THE STATE NEED TO HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE AND YOU ARE LISTENING TO YOUR CITIZENS ABOUT WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE AND YOU ARE FACING EVERY SINGLE DAY.

IT'S OUR NEXT GOVERNOR'S JOB TO WORK WITH THE STATE LEGISLATOR AND ALL THE OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THAT THE RIGHT THING HAPPENS FOR NEBRASKA.

IT IS GOING TO TAKE SOMEBODY WITH A SERVANT'S HEART, WITH THE PASSION TO SERVE, THE LOVE OF NEBRASKA, AND SOMEONE THAT REALIZES THIS IS ABOUT, NEBRASKA, NOT ANY ONE PERSON THAT IS UP HERE ON THIS STAGE TODAY.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE.

AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING SOME OF YOU THIS AFTERNOON, AND THE REST OF YOU THAT ARE ON TV THROUGHOUT MY TRAVELS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

>> Susan: LET'S GIVE ALL SIX CANDIDATES A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[ APPLAUSE ] YOU GUYS CAN TAKE A SIGH OF RELIEF.

WE ALL KNOW THAT'S HARD TO BE ON POINT LIKE THAT AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR SUNDAY TO BE HERE TO SHARE WITH US YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NEBRASKA.

EXCUSE ME.

NOT ONLY IN A SENSE FROM WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE ECONOMY, BUT WHAT HAPPENS IN AGRICULTURE AND WHAT'S AFFECTING US IN RURAL NEBRASKA.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK AGAIN OUR CANDIDATES.

JIM PILLEN, CHARLES HERBSTER, BRETT LINDSTROM, THERESA THIBODEAU, BRELAND RIDENOUR, MICHAEL CONNELY.

THEY ALL HAVE BOOTHS OUT IN THE HALLWAY.

YOU CAN WALK OUT AND TALK TO THEM.

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE NEBRASKA FAM BUREAU, NEBRASKA RURAL RADIO NETWORK AND NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA.

YOU CAN FIND A COPY OF THIS ON THE NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU'S WEB PAGE.

IT WILL BE PUT UP THERE AT A LATER DATE.

IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK AND RECAPTURE SOME OF THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO THERE AND CHECK THAT OUT.

WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU GUYS AS AN AUDIENCE SITTING HERE FOR THE LAST 90 MINUTES AND LISTENING TO THE STATEMENTS FROM ALL SIX CANDIDATES.

I WATCHED A LOT OF PEOPLE YOU TAKING NOTES AND THERE ARE A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS FROM THE CANDIDATES.

THAT'S THE OPPORTUNITY IN THE DEMOCRACY THAT WE HAVE AND THAT'S TO BE ABLE TO ASK THE QUESTIONS OF THE FOLKS THAT ARE UP HERE.

THERE WILL BE FURTHER EVENTS AS TIME GOES ON AND WE WILL HAVE FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES AS YOU ARE ALL ON THE ROAD TALKING ABOUT WHY YOU SHOULD BE THE NEXT GOVERNOR FOR THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

THE PRIMARY IS SET FOR MAY 10TH.

IF YOU DON'T VOTE, YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE A SAY IN WHAT'S GOING IN THIS PRIMARY AS WE MOVE ON TO THE FINAL NOVEMBER ELECTION.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE READY TO VOTE ON MAY 10TH.

AGAIN, A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR PANELISTS SITTING IN FRONT, IF WE COULD GIVE OUR PANELISTS A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[ APPLAUSE ] A QUESTION WAS ASKED EARLIER BEFORE WE STARTED HERE AT 2:00, ABOUT THE PANELISTS.

AND THE QUESTIONS THAT WERE DISTRIBUTED BY THE PANELIST CAME FROM THE PANELIST THEMSELVES.

THERE WAS NO INFLUENCE FROM NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU, NEBRASKA RURAL RADIO NETWORK OR NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA, NOR WERE THERE INSURANCE FROM THE SIX CANDIDATES THAT YOU SEE IN FRONT OF YOU.

PPANELISTS INCLUDE LORI POTTER, FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

STEVE WHITE, TELEVISION REPORTER ON NTV.

ELIZABETH REMBERT.

WELCOME BACK HOME.

SHE JUST MOVED BACK FROM THE NEW YORK.

WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.

[ APPLAUSE ] YES.

SHE'S THE FOOD, ENERGY AND AGRICULTURAL REPORTER FOR THE NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA.

TO OUR LISTEN HERE'S ARE LISTENING THROUGH THE NEBRASKA RURAL RADIO NETWORK, WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME WHETHER YOU ARE SITTING AT YOUR KITCHEN TABLE, TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE OR RURAL BACK ROADS OR LIKE THE GENTLEMAN WHO TEXTED ME EARLIER IN THE TRACTOR BECAUSE THE WEATHER IS SO GOOD, THEY ARE OUT IN THE FIELDS GETTING SOME WORK DONE.

WE APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU ARE TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR SUNDAY TO LISTEN.

TO THE FOLKS OF NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SIT IN FRONT OF YOUR TELEVISION TO BE MORE EDUCATED ON WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL RURAL FORUM THAT TOOK PLACE TODAY.

NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHAVE TIME OUT OF YOUR ANNUAL CONVENTION TO HOST THIS EVENT HERE TODAY.

THERE ARE BOOTHS OUTSIDE.

EACH ONE OF THE CANDIDATES NOT ONLY HAS THEIR FOLKS HERE TO HELP THEM, THEY HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE THEY ARE FROM, SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THEY BELIEVE AS THEY RUN FOR NEBRASKA GOVERNOR.

LET'S ONCE AGAIN AS WE WRAP THIS UP, GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO OUR SIX CANDIDATES FOR TAKING TIME TODAY.

[ APPLAUSE ] WITH THAT BEING SAID, WE ARE WRAPPING UP TODAY.

THERE IS AN EVENT TAKING PLACE WITH NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS THAT IS TAKING PLACE NEXT DOOR.

HAVING SAID THAT, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

SAFE TRAVELS TO THOSE THAT DROVE.

SAVE TRAVELERS TO OUR VIEWERS