State lawmakers have gathered in Lincoln for the start of the special session aimed at reducing property taxes across Nebraska.
Following the reading of Governor Jim Pillen’s proclamation by Clerk of the Legislature Brandon Metzler, 25 different pieces of legislation including five proposed constitutional amendments were introduced before the Legislature adjourned about an hour later.
Three bills, LB-1, 2 and 3, comprise the legislation sought by Pillen to expand sales, use and sin taxes to pay for state aid to K-12 schools, and cut local property taxes by up to 50 percent. Additional proposals from lawmakers include providing income tax credits to renters, a taxing delivery sales, modification of individual and corporate income tax rates, and repeal of the Perkins County Canal Project Act, with termination of the related fund.
As anticipated, Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard has introduced measures to implement a statewide consumption tax and eliminate all other taxes, proposed as both a statute or constitutional amendment.
Lincoln Sen. Elliot Bostar has introduced a proposed law and constitutional amendment to legalize online wagering and change the distribution of taxes from sports wagering.
Among the five proposed constitutional amendments there’s also a measure that would authorize the Legislature to provide for a different method of taxing owner-occupied housing, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth.
