As Shortfall Looms, Pillen Installs Allies on Board Meant to Keep Politics Out of Budget Forecast
Critics say the appointments could tilt the October revenue outlook as Nebraska faces recurring budget shortfalls and a projected $208 million deficit in 2027.
- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen reshaped the nine-person Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board this month, replacing three members with former state senators Lou Ann Linehan and Tom Briese and Omaha accountant Tim Wilson in an unprecedented move.
- Pillen's move follows years of gloomy assessments, as the board has overestimated state revenues 17 times since 1984, missing by an average of 4.6% and contributing to budget shortfalls affecting state finances.
- Former Gov. Bob Kerrey and other critics argue the shakeup is a political maneuver to secure favorable forecasts. Kerrey said, "You don't like the number they produce, so you get rid of the board, put a board in there that's going to give you the number you want."
- The board convenes next month to project Nebraska's budget shortfall for the coming year, as the state faces a projected $208 million deficit in 2027, marking the third consecutive year of budget holes.
- Influential lawmakers championed tax cuts that will slash Nebraska's top earner and corporate rates to 3.99% by next year, raising questions about whether revenue forecasts will remain objective under the reshaped board's leadership.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Cherokee Tribune Ledger News
As shortfall looms, Pillen installs allies on board meant to keep politics out of budget forecast
In an unprecedented move, Gov. Jim Pillen has reshaped the state board that predicts Nebraska’s tax revenues for budget writers, replacing three members with appointees that include two former Republican allies in the Legislature. Pillen appointed former state Sens. Lou…
Omaha World-Herald
Pillen changes face of state forecasting board, appointing two ex-lawmakers, accountant
Gov. Jim Pillen is replacing three members of the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board after their terms expire this week.
Gov. Pillen plucks two familiar state allies for forecasting board appointments
Gov. Jim Pillen’s spokesperson Laura Strimple confirmed Wednesday that Pillen is filling three positions on the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board with familiar state government faces. Pillen is appointing former state treasurer and former state Sen. Tom Briese to the board, as well as former state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. Tom Wilson, a retired CPA […]
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