After criticizing State Senator Matt Connealy during the election, Mike Johanns now supports the tax increase needed to balance the state budget.

Omaha World-Herald
Published Thursday
November 11, 2004

LINCOLN – Gov. Mike Johanns won’t attempt to roll back the 2003 tax increases passed by the Nebraska Legislature – even though he vetoed them once and criticized the tax increases in ads during election season.

In response to a question Wednesday, Johanns said the state budget remains too tight to consider tax cuts in 2005.

“I don’t see any chance of that at all,” he said.

Johanns’ statement raised some lawmakers’ eyebrows.

“I’m very surprised and puzzled, considering all the pounding he gave the Legislature and some candidates,” said State Sen. Roger Wehrbein of Plattsmouth, a Republican and chairman of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, who voted in favor of the 2003 tax bill.

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So Mr. Johanns, let’s get this straight. Only a few weeks ago, you were hammering Matt Connealy about raising taxes but you don’t support rolling back the tax increase Connealy voted for? You are saying we can’t afford to get rid of it.

Are you for the tax increase or against it? If you are against the tax increase, you should support rolling it back. You used this issue to drive a wedge between Matt Connealy and Jeff Fortenberry but it turns out you support Matt Connealy’s position.

Is Mr. Johanns now the “biggest road block to lower taxes” in the state of Nebraska?

Mr. Johanns, you are a flip-flopper of the worst kind. You deceived the voters of Nebraska for political gain and you should be ashamed of yourself.