Strong Economic Growth Will Continue for the Next Two Years

The year-end analysis shows the state\u27s economy growing rapidly with prospects for continued growth over the next two years. Total nonfarm employment will grow 2.2 percent in 1997 and just under that rate in 1998 and 1999 (Figure 1 and Table 1). Total nonfarm personal income will grow 6.3 percent in both 1997 and 1998, and 6.2 percent in 1999. Despite snow in the middle of the harvest season in parts of eastern Nebraska, net farm income will reach $2.3 billion in 1997, just under $2.5 billion in 1998, and $2.5 billion in 1999. Total net taxable retail sales will grow 5.4 percent in 1997, 5.3 percent in 1998, and 5.6 percent in 1999. Both the sales and income forecasts rely on a slight uptick in inflation in 1999. Nonfarm Employment Nonfarm Personal Income Farm Income Net Taxable Retail Sale