George W. Norris Legislative Chamber, (Nebraska Legislature, Courtesy)
LINCOLN — Governor Jim Pillen expressed strong disappointment that state senators failed to pass LB388, which contained provisions aimed at providing property tax relief to Nebraskans.
The bill failed to reach a final vote. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan asked that LB388 be removed from the agenda during the last round of debate.
The governor’s statement follows:
“I appreciate the efforts of the Revenue Committee and particularly Chairwoman Linehan who worked hard and thoughtfully to bring a bill that would reduce property tax by 40%. They identified revenue that would support that cut and provide a better balance to our state’s entire tax base. Special interest groups stopped this legislation, preferring to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to halt this bill, rather than prioritizing the needs of the people of this state. This is a failure for all hard-working, commonsense Nebraskans who say at every turn their top priority is property tax relief.”
During his Sine Die Address to the Legislature, Gov. Pillen indicated his intent to call a special session, and other special sessions if necessary, to achieve significant property tax reform. The announcement as to when a special session will happen will come at a later date.
The address started with a tribute and a moment of silence to fallen Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett. Bartlett was killed last Friday when his cruiser was struck during a traffic stop on Highway 77.
Gov. Pillen noted that the Nebraska Legislature did achieve significant objectives this year, including passage of most of his personal priority bills. Those signed into law so far include:
- LB1300 – Ensures necessary preparations and protections are undertaken in case a Pacific conflict were to arise that would involve the United States or its allies.
- LB1301 – Updates statutes and provides additional restrictions on land ownership by foreign individuals and foreign-owned companies.
- LB1377 – (Passed via 1329) – Gives more flexibility to school districts when it comes to required trainings. .
- LB1385 – (Passed via 1329) – Streamlines the application process for teaching certificate approval and creates reciprocity between states for the issuance of teaching certificates.
- LB1393 – Provides institutions in Nebraska with the flexibility to take a more proactive approach and adapt to the frequent changes of the NIL environment.
- LB1394 – Incentivizes the recruiting and retention of members of the Nebraska National Guard by providing income tax exemptions.
- LB1416 – (Passed via LB164) – Creates grants designed to incentivize the creation of child care programs.
