LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An economist who specializes in economic development says Nebraska could increase statewide wages by focusing on education.

Timothy Bartik of the W.E. Upton Institute for Economic Research says programs such as high school career academies, mandatory summer school for elementary students, small group math tutoring and adult job training all have proven benefits. Bartik made his comments Thursday at a forum sponsored by the OpenSky Policy Institute, a Nebraska tax policy think tank.

Bartik says areas with large numbers of well-educated people tend to command higher wages. He argues that across-the-board tax cuts aren’t as effective, but says tax incentives can work when targeted at companies that export goods and services.

Nebraska lawmakers are expected to debate tax policies when they convene for a new session in January.