Dave Heineman Quotes

For most governors, we find the United States Senate or the United States Congress very frustrating at the slow pace in which they act. There doesn't seem to be a lot of discipline and organization to what they do.

Ultimately, we have to decide, with the Legislature: Are we willing to take some bold steps to make us even more competitive in the future, competing in a global economy? I think Nebraskans are willing to listen to that discussion. They want an opportunity for their kids and grandkids to live here.

You can expect to find these four priorities - education, economic vitality, efficiency in government and the protection of families - woven into my decisions as Governor. They will serve as my compass as I work with you to chart a future course for our state.

I believe education is the great equalizer.

I believe Nebraskans appreciate the fiscal discipline I've brought to state government, balancing the budget without raising taxes and prioritizing education funding.

I am very proud of the quality of public education in Nebraska, but I believe we have an obligation to continually assess whether our system is meeting 21st Century education needs.

I want to emphasize that I am not opposed to pipelines. We already have hundreds of them in our state. I am opposed to the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline route because it is directly over the Ogallala Aquifer.

Economic growth is the most important initiative every governor faces.

Nebraskans have very strong opinions, but we sit down around a table and we solve our problems.

I'll get a three-page letter and the last paragraph says 'I know you'll never read this, but here's my number.' I love to call those people because the first thing they say is, 'Governor, I didn't mean everything I said in the letter about you.'

But, I don't want to assume that our tradition of excellence is a guarantee of future excellence.