Governors gathered in Nebraska for an economic summit say the federal government is hindering state economic growth.

Gov. Dave Heineman, hosting the summit in Omaha as chairman of the National Governors Association, worries about the tax climate in Washington as well as federal regulations and the federal health care law.

“Those three things are creating uncertainty at the federal level and that’s why you see more cash on the sidelines than ever before,” Heineman says. “I would like to see the federal government provide stability when it comes to taxes, regulation and health care.”

The regional summit in Omaha is designed to exchange ideas about how to grow state economies and create jobs. Joining Heineman at the summit are Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. All are Republicans who complain that the administration led by President Barack Obama, a Democrat, retards economic growth and has kept the economy from fully emerging from the recession.

Snyder of Michigan added that the politics of Washington gets in the way.

“I believe the dysfunctionality of Washington is holding back our economic recovery in our states,” Snyder says. “And, if that could be resolved, we’d move forward faster.”

Branstad of Iowa says regulations being pushed by the Obama Administration threaten a big economic advantage enjoyed by the Midwest.

“We have an economic advantage, because we have reliable, low-cost energy,” Branstad says. “If that’s taken away from us by the EPA, that’s going to be a real downer for economic growth.”

The summit, part of the initiative promoted by Heineman as NGA chairman called “Growing State Economies”, wraps up today.

The three previous regional summits were held in Connecticut, Washington and Tennessee.

AUDIO: Brent Martin reports [:45]

AUDIO: Gov. Heineman, Gov. Branstad and Gov. Snyder discuss federal obstacles to economic growth [5:20]

Economic growth, education and health care; all topics being discussed the next couple of days in Omaha, the site of the National Governors Association regional economic development summit.

Gov. Dave Heineman, chairman of the NGA, launched an initiative called Growing State Economies, featuring four regional summits.

Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa and Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan have joined Heineman at the summit that will focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. State officials from Nebraska and surrounding states will meet with business leaders from throughout the Midwest at the summit.

All three governors met with the news media this morning, discussing a variety of topics.

Michigan Gov. Snyder said his state has focused on helping business promote exports.

“Part of the key for America’s future is making us more and more an export-oriented state and country,” according to Snyder.

The tie between education and jobs has been emphasized during the meeting. University of Nebraska President, J.B. Milliken, delivered the keynote address today on how universities can contribute to a state’s economic growth.

Gov. Heineman said the states must push advanced education.

“Because a high school education is no longer sufficient,” according to Heineman. “Every single student today needs at least a two-year associate’s degree or a four-degree from a collegiate institution. So, we’re going to continue to prioritize education and jobs.”

Funding education has to become more of a priority, according to Iowa Gov. Branstad.

“We have had a decline in recent years in our state and in many states in terms of public support for higher education,” according to Branstad, “I’m proud to say we’re turning that around this year.”

The summit wraps up tomorrow. The three previous regional summits were held in Connecticut, Washington and Tennessee.

AUDIO: Gov. Heineman hosts news conference at economic summit [7:40]

A regional economic development summit will be held in Omaha, beginning tomorrow, the fourth and final regional summit to be held by the National Governors Association this year.

The summits are being held as part of Gov. Dave Heineman’s initiative as chairman of the NGA, entitled Growing State Economies. They bring public officials and business executives together to discuss how to foster job growth in states. Summits have already been held in Connecticut, Washington and Tennessee.

State Economic Development Department Director Cathy Lang says the summit will allow discussion about how best to grow the economies of the various states in attendance.

“The Department of Economic Development is excited for the opportunity to hear from other states and business leaders and learn from their strategies,” Lang says.

The summit in Omaha features Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa and Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan who will focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Lang says the summit will give Nebraska an opportunity to share how the state has foster a strong business climate that has led to a state economy boasting an unemployment rate hovering around 4%, the second lowest in the nation. It also provides an opportunity for Nebraska to pick up ideas from other states.

“We look forward to hosting this summit in Nebraska and the opportunity to learn from everyone who’s participating,” Lang says.

The summit will be held tomorrow and Wednesday at the Embassy Suites in Omaha.