LINCOLN — State lawmakers gave first-round approval Thursday to a measure that would allow communities, by a public vote, to provide a generous tax benefit for unique retail developments.

There was very little mention, however, of the “Good Life District Economic Development Act” during the debate over Legislative Bill 1317, a combination of several bills advanced from the Revenue Committee.

Over the past several years, Nebraska’s leadership has helped put our state on the map for energy production. Today, more than a third of our electricity comes from renewable energy sources, which Nebraska has in great abundance, and we are reaping significant economic benefits as a result.