Ricketts: We will cut government

Although Gov. Pete Ricketts is not ready to discuss details about his approaching state budget recommendations, it appeared more clear on Wednesday that the governor is focused on reducing state government while slicing taxes.

"We will cut the government," Ricketts said during an hourlong morning session over coffee and cinnamon rolls at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce that attracted about 100 people.

Two years ago, the governor's first biennial budget recommendation would have sliced the growth of state tax-supported spending from 6.5 percent to 3 percent. Ricketts ultimately accepted a 3.6 percent growth figure.

A reduced rate of budget growth is not the language of today as the state faces declining revenue forecasts.

Read more: http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/ricketts-we-will-cut-government/article_68bb9d15-946a-5a80-bae6-ab40e01597a8.html

[font color=330099]In related news, a bill has been introduced to rename the state "North Kansas".[/font]