by CBI Lobbyist Jeff Boeyink - Partner, LS2 Group Overview / Major Events Day 100 has come and gone (it was on Tuesday). We are now officially in OVERTIME and the per diem paid to legislators has ended. This week marked minimal floor activity in the General Assembly, but a great deal of behind-the-scenes work on budget and tax policy between the House, Senate, and Governor’s office. Governor Reynolds canceled an economic development trip to NYC this week to remain at the Capitol and directly engage with House and Senate leaders in negotiations on the tax legislation. According to a number of knowledgeable sources, the issues on the tax legislation have been significantly resolved and a deal could be consummated as early as the end of this week. If this comes to pass, budget differences will quickly fall into place and we could make a run to adjournment next week. |
March Survey Results at a Glance:
OMAHA, Neb. (March 15, 2018) – The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index slipped in March, but remained above growth neutral for a second straight month, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. This is the first time since the middle of 2015 that we have recorded two straight months of overall indices above growth neutral.
Overall: The overall index dipped slightly to a solid 54.7 from 54.8 in February. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Surveys over the past several months indicate that the Rural Mainstreet economy is trending upward with improving, but slow economic growth. However, weak agriculture commodity prices continue to weigh on the rural economy,” said Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business. Jim Eckert, president of Anchor State Bank in Anchor, Illinois, reported, “Recent commodity price increases have helped the mood of our farmers. Our area is somewhat dry and good spring rains will be essential for a good 2018 crop.” Farming and Ranching: The farmland and ranchland-price index for March dropped to 42.7 from February’s 46.3. This is the 52nd straight month the index has fallen below growth neutral 50.0. February Survey Results at a Glance:
OMAHA, Neb. (Feb. 15, 2018) – The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index sprang higher in February from January’s below growth neutral reading. This is the first time since July 2015 the overall index has advanced above growth neutral, according to the latest monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.
Overall: The overall index soared to 54.8 from 46.8 in January, the highest reading for the overall index since May 2014. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Given that fewer than one in four, or 23.9 percent, of bankers reported economic growth in their area, the solid February reading surprised me. However, weak agriculture commodity prices continue to weigh on the rural economy,” said Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business. Jim Eckert, president of Anchor State Bank in Anchor, Illinois, reported, “We are seeing farmers with somewhat reduced income and moderate operating loan carryovers. However, without rain prior to planting, 2018 could be a bad year.” Farming and Ranching: The farmland and ranchland-price index for February rose to 46.3 from 42.2 for January. This is the highest reading since July 2014, but it is the 51st straight month the index has fallen below growth neutral 50.0.
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