Governor Jim Pills
This week, I signed a number of bills, including those that provide funds for property tax relief. The most important bill, LB34, includes caps on the local spending authority of cities and counties. LB34 also provides for an early payout of the property tax credit. This means that Nebrasans will no longer have to borrow money from the state. They will see a direct reduction in their tax payments. This step alone will allow 45 percent of Nebrasans to save 20 percent in taxes that they never achieved before. This is a huge achievement.
Most people see the problem as out-of-control increases in property values. However, the real problem is excessive spending. Implementing caps is a huge step in the right direction. This will reduce property tax increases by county and city governments.
Elections matter – and we need more representatives in our legislature who are 100 percent committed to solving our property tax crisis, rather than being duped by paid lobbyists and special interests to get re-elected for another four-year term. We need elected officials who will do the right thing, in the best interest of our state and the people who live here.
We will work with the new members of the legislature to ensure everyone is focused on representing the citizens of Nebraska, not the interests of special interest groups, to solve the property tax crisis. I urge the new Senators to put this issue at the top of their to-do list and propose their best solutions. On behalf of all Nebraskans, we must do more.
