LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – The Nebraska Education Collaboration (NEC) has criticized proposed changes to the property tax law (LB 9), arguing that such changes to state school aid are reckless. The NEC claims that adjustments to the Local Effort Rate could mess up the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act formula, potentially leading to the misallocation of a significant portion of state school funding.
According to the NEC, the changes could result in key funding decisions being taken out of the control of local authorities and placed in the hands of the legislature.
“Property tax reform is urgently needed, but increasing funding for schools is equally important, particularly to address the shortage of teachers,” said an NEC spokesman.
The NEC claims that the proposed plan does not include provisions for new school funding and would result in a reduction in levy power, which in turn would result in budget cuts and reduced support for students.
State Senator Lou Ann Linehan expressed her disappointment with the NEC’s comments.
“Obviously the Collaboration doesn’t fully understand what the bill is trying to do,” Linehan said. “The proposal provides $1.8 billion in additional funding for public schools. It still gives schools the ability to raise $950 million. The plan also increases school funding by 3% each year.”
Statement from NEC:
Statement from Senator Linehan:
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