Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen addressed his goals for the state, including a number of tax cuts, in his first State of the State address on Wednesday.At the state capitol, the governor introduced a budget limiting the growth of state spending to an annual average of 1.3% during the next two years."We must have the courage to say 'no' to overspending and maintain a focus on investing in our kids and giving this money back to Nebraskans via historic property and income tax cuts," Pillen said. "We, Nebraska’s leaders, must compete for Nebraska to win. The cuts I am proposing to you today make us more competitive. These proposals will not get us in the top 10 states, but we will rank number 15. I hope you will support my vision and this strategy — so Nebraska competes and wins." Pillen also addressed lifting the "burden" of property taxes in the state, proposing an additional $390 million investment for the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund. He recommended that Nebraska take responsibility for funding the state's community colleges. According to Pillen, that will cut property taxes by approximately $300 million per year.Additionally, Pillen proposed $1.5 billion for more income tax cuts for individuals, families, businesses and social security recipients — and dropping individual income and business tax rates to 3.99% by 2027."Our valuation system of our property tax is the problem, and it must be changed. Our first step is addressing valuations of ag and horticultural land. The market value of this land goes up almost every year, creating more and more money for government – and it is spent, simply vaporizing into thin air before our very eyes," Pillen said.Pillen also pledged to create the Education Future Fund, including a $1 billion investment in the fiscal year 2023-24, with $250 million each following year."The hard-core reality is that, at the state level, we have not sufficiently supported special education. This commitment is the State’s job, not that of property taxpayers. This investment will ensure we meet our commitment to special education and enable property tax relief," Pillen said. "Today, I am recommending an allocation of $1,500 dollars annually to every public school student in every Nebraska school district."Under Pillen's budget proposal, the University of Nebraska would receive a 2% increase in state appropriation. He challenged the Board of Regents and President Ted Carter to "focus on students' needs."Pillen also proposed a $39.4 million fund for more than 4,200 scholarships for students in the state who attend Nebraska's higher education institutions.The governor also backed an abortion ban."Many Nebraskans have been praying for 50 years to end abortion. We have to do more. This discussion has gotten too complicated and misleading. Here is what pro-life policy is not in Nebraska – it’s not about preventative contraception. It’s not about in-vitro fertilization. It’s not a fertility medicine discussion. It is simply about stopping what started 50 years ago – the abortion of babies growing in mother’s wombs," Pillen said. "Nebraska will be a state that provides extensive resources to all women in need throughout their pregnancies. And I’ll fight with all my might to make sure Nebraska becomes a place where parents who want to provide a great home for a child can find an easier route for adoption instead of spending years on paperwork and red tape."Pillen also supported funding for replacing the Nebraska State Penitentiary and the Perkins County Canal, plus improving the state's bridges and roads, as well as broadband across Nebraska.He also committed $20 million to continue the marketing campaign: "The Good Life is Calling." "We simply have to brag about Nebraska across this country, with a focus on attracting top talent. We will be reporting back to you next year the results of this investment. I know you, like me, have high expectations for solving our workforce challenge. This is a step forward. We must focus our future on the great careers that exist here in Nebraska," Pillen said. Top headlinesMother of Ryan Larsen files petition to have him declared deadLincoln police find homemade bombs in vehicleUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln researcher looks at 'growing' building materials on Mars