Nebraska Advances Altered Property Tax Relief Plan

Nebraska lawmakers are advancing a significantly altered version of Gov. Jim Pillen's property tax relief plan, LB 34, during a special session. The revised bill caps local budget increases at the rate of inflation, allocates $750 million for property tax relief, and maintains existing income tax credits for school property taxes but eliminates new tax relief proposals and sales tax exemptions. The plan has faced substantial opposition, with critics arguing it offers minimal relief — only offsetting about 3% of property taxes statewide — and fails to meet the governor's initial promise of cutting property taxes by 50%. Sen. Justin Wayne led a filibuster, proposing alternative solutions and suggesting a recess for further negotiations. The bill, though stripped down, has passed key hurdles but continues to spark heated debate among legislators.