Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has asked Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly to replace him in leading a trade mission to Indonesia this month — a change made in light of the upcoming special legislative session.
Pillen has pledged to convene a special session on property taxes immediately after the trade mission ends on July 24, the governor’s office said in a statement Friday afternoon. The Indonesia trip will begin on July 15.
“Due to the upcoming special session…last week, the Governor asked Lt. Gov. (Joe) Kelly to lead the delegation on his behalf,” the statement said.
Pillen will not participate in any part of the week and a half of trade-related activities that will begin with a briefing by the U.S. Embassy, a spokesman said.
The governor’s announcement that Kelly would lead the trip follows criticism on social media from some state lawmakers over the mission’s timing.
Among them were Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha and Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar. Slama called the measure a “taxpayer-funded boondoggle” and asked to see Pillen’s property tax plan in writing before the trip.
Hunt said Pillen, who runs a massive Columbus-based hog operation, had scheduled the special session around a “taxpayer-funded trade mission/vacation to Indonesia, which is also a major trade market for pork.”
Major economic opportunity
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populous country in the world, providing economic development opportunities for the Cornhusker State, the statement said. It is one of Nebraska’s top 10 export markets, worth $139 million, and its GDP and population are growing rapidly.
Other notable activities for the 20+ member trade team include attending the Indo Livestock Expo and Forum, visiting the Southeast Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology Center, meeting with Indonesian beef import associations, and visiting dairies, feed mills and fuelling operations.
The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, the University of Nebraska and agricultural producers.
Beef, pork and more will be offered
Additionally, the group will highlight Nebraska beef, pork, soybeans and other food products. Last fall, Nebraska beef was featured in the “MasterChef Indonesia” cooking competition, the governor said in his statement.
Kelly and the delegation are expected to meet with government officials, businesses and other stakeholders to promote Nebraska’s value to Indonesia.
“Indonesia is growing rapidly and is a major market for Nebraska agricultural exports,” Kelly said. “We are excited to explore this dynamic market and build new partnerships that will directly impact Nebraska’s economy.”
Sherry Vinton, director of the Department of Agriculture, said Nebraska is well positioned to meet the region’s growing demand for agricultural products and to identify other new partnership opportunities.
“The most exciting thing about Nebraska is our people. When we meet with new business partners face to face, it delivers results in the short and long term,” Vinton said. “We’re laying the foundation for future generations.”
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