1940: Nebraska

Area and Population.

The 'Cornhusker State,' with an area of 77,520 sq. mi., is 15th in size among the states. It is an important member of the block of midwestern agricultural states of rich fertility. More than a third of its area is under full cultivation; more than half is in pasture and cattle ranges.

The 1940 census showed Nebraska to be one of the five plains states to have lost in population since 1930; it is now in 32d place, down by 62,129 to 1,315,834. More than a third are city-dwellers; and a large majority live in the eastern end of the state, as in Kansas and Iowa. Some 11 per cent are foreign-born; mainly Germans, Swedes, Czechoslovakians, and Irish. The leading cities are Omaha, 223,844; Lincoln (the capital), 61,984; Grand Island, 19,130; and Hastings, 15,145.

Agriculture.

Nebraska is predominantly agricultural; but its large-scale farming is so highly streamlined and mechanized, by the use of machinery, that the latter constitutes an important industry. Corn is the leading crop, followed by wheat, hay, oats, and barley. Livestock and dairy products are almost as important as these crops. In the drier western areas, both irrigation and dry-farming are extensively developed.

Events of the Year.

After a year's oil production in the Forest City basin of southeastern Nebraska, 18 wells were completed or under way in 1940, with a potential daily output of from 10,000 to 15,000 bbls. The proved area comprises 1,200 acres; with 50 to 100 additional wells expected. General business in the district has risen by from 25 to 50 per cent.

In the election, Nebraska was one of the 8 midwest states that supported Wendell Willkie, giving him a plurality over President Roosevelt of 85,973; or 57 per cent of the total vote of 604,843. Of the ten states that voted Republican, Nebraska and Kansas tied each other in giving Mr. Willkie the largest percentage of their vote.

Industry.

Meat-packing and the processing of poultry products are more important than all other industries combined. The only leading industries not concerned with food products are printing and publishing, and machinery.

Education.

The latest figures available from the Superintendent of Public Instruction show that on June 30, 1938, the state had 382,601 residents of school age (5 to 21); 289,916 attending 6,635 public schools; 25,125 in private and parochial schools. There were 206,779 in elementary grades, 83,137 in secondary. Men teachers numbered 1,966, women, 11,899. The average salary was $749. State expenditures for education totaled $20,067,257.

Banking.

The State Banking Department reported on Oct. 4, 1939, for the 289 commercial and savings banks as follows: capital stock, $7,709,500; loans and discounts, $35,361,180; surplus fund, $2,528,350; undivided profits, $1,651,750; reserve for contingencies, $298,651; total deposits, $69,314,965.

Finance.

Nebraska prides itself on having no state income tax, no sales tax, no luxury taxes, and no state debt. The policy is strictly 'pay as you go,' with the issuance of state bonds forbidden by the state Constitution.

Receipts for the year ending June 30, 1939, were reported by the State Treasurer as $42,680,096; expenditures, $42,589,242. Gasoline tax collections were $11,801,840, expended, $11,247,346. Federal funds received were $7,687,834; expended, $8,225,422.

State Officers.

Governor, Dwight Griswold; Lieutenant Governor, Wm. E. Johnson; Secretary of State, Frank Marsh; Auditor, Ray C. Johnson; Treasurer, L. B. Johnson; Attorney General, Walter R. Johnson; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Charles W. Taylor.

United States Senators:

George W. Norris, Hugh A. Butler.