Lynne Walz

Where Walz stands

Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Taxes & spending

A Fair Tax System

Property taxes and taxes in general are too high. I will responsibly look at ways to cut taxes while ensuring vital services remain strong and that we can balance our budget. That relief needs to be more targeted so it helps the working families, not just the state’s top earners. I have a proven track record of producing bipartisan plans to help all Nebraskans.

How would you manage the state budget while protecting services that support Nebraska families and communities?

In the past three years, we have gone from a $1.2 billion surplus to a $656 million dollar deficit. During that time, costs of everything have gone up and property taxes are still too high. Families have already tightened their belts and government is failing them. While I agree that government should cut waste where it exists, these cuts go beyond that. Our state is cutting funds for survivors of domestic violence, veterans, people with disabilities, and more. We all want lower taxes. We also all need clean drinking water, the police to show up when you need them, and nice roads. The way to stabilize our budget and economy is to grow Nebraska by bringing in more business, creating more high paying jobs, and building our workforce.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

Respecting the Will of the Voters

Nebraskans have had their voices heard on key issues, like medical marijuana, paid sick leave, minimum wage, school vouchers, and more. When the voters speak, our job as representatives is to listen. Unfortunately, our current leadership believes their personal stances on specific issues supersedes Nebraskans. That’s wrong and disqualifying.

Grow Nebraska

Nebraska has so much potential. We are in the center of the country and can be a hub for transportation, manufacturing, and so much more. I will provide tools to grow and support businesses and attract new businesses to our state. I will grow our rural communities by investing in broadband, agriculture, and small businesses on Main Street. I will create an environment that keeps our young people and families here.

Addressing Affordability

Nebraskans work hard for a living and should be able to afford to take care of their families. The essentials like housing, childcare, healthcare, and groceries are too expensive. I will work with state and national leaders to address our affordability crisis.

How would you pitch Nebraska to a business looking to locate here?

First, I would declare that Nebraska is open for business. Whether you want to start a business, expand your business, or re-locate your business, Nebraska wants you here. Economic development is my top priority and I’ll be looking to work with business leaders, farmers, ranchers, and others to grow Nebraska in both our urban and rural communities. We need to be competitive with our tax rates and our incentive programs and ensure that those programs are working as they should as technology and our economy shifts. The best asset Nebraska has is our people. Nebraskans are hard working. And Nebraska is a great place to raise a family. We have quality public schools and a low cost of living compared to other states.

Elections, ethics & government

Honesty & Transparency in Government

Nebraskans deserve honest leaders who will tell people what they need to know, not just what they want to hear. I will fight for an honest, transparent government. It’s time to provide full transparency to Nebraskans and stop corruptive behaviors.

Protecting Freedom

The government should be protecting our freedoms, not taking them away. I believe that our elected leaders should not be telling people how to live their lives, raise their children, or take care of their own health and well-being. My focus won’t be on policing our personal lives: instead, it’ll be to grow Nebraska’s economy.

What is your approach to balancing states’ rights and federal authority?

I value local control. What is best for California or Alabama is not what is best for Nebraska. The same is true at the state level. The needs that communities, like Valentine face, are very different from communities like Omaha and Lincoln. Most of the decisions that impact our daily lives are best coming from our neighbors who understand the communities they are elected to represent. The state and federal governments roles should be to create opportunities for businesses, farmers, ranchers, and the people to be successful. Government should keep citizens safe, and to provide the basic framework and accountability measures to ensure that government is efficient, responsive, and supportive to the people they serve.

Describe your top three Nebraska values.

1. Work-ethic. A strong work ethic is the Nebraska way of life. It’s what you do to take care of your family and give back to your community. When you work hard, you should be able to earn enough to take care of your family. 2. Freedom. Government should be protecting our freedoms, not taking them away. No one should tell Nebraskans how to live, how to love, or what to think. Everyone should be free to make their own decisions about what is right for their lives. 3. Honesty. Nebraskans expect our neighbors to be honest. Our leaders should do the same. We need leaders who will stand up to political parties and special interest groups to do what is best for Nebraskans. We need to restore integrity in state government.

Other priorities

Unifying Nebraska

The things that bring us together are far stronger than what divides us. I believe in freedom, hard work, and personal responsibility. I want a better life for our families. I want low taxes, strong schools, and a bustling economy where we have opportunities to get ahead. I cannot let political elites and large tech and media companies continue to divide us. Nebraska can once again rise above the dysfunction. I am a …