News

Lawmakers advance property tax relief and incentive bill to final vote

By Andrew Ozaki, KETV — Nebraska lawmakers voted 41-4 with four senators not voting, to send a bill that combines property tax relief, business incentives and money for UNMC's NExT project to final reading. The bill advanced before the Big Ten's announcement to delay its fall sports season until October.Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne worries about the financial impact...

Big winners emerge from grand legislative bargain

By Don Walton, Lincoln Journal Star —  Wrong again. No way this reporter would have bet that the Legislature would reach agreement on a new property tax reduction plan this year. I'd have told you it couldn't get the necessary 33 votes to hurdle a filibuster. It got 43 last Wednesday night — so, uh, maybe I was right. One...

Seeking a grand bargain, senators approach the finish line

By Don Walton, Lincoln Journal Star — The clock is ticking. Calendar pages are flipping. Suddenly, it's August. And on Monday, this pandemic-interrupted legislative session will convene for the 54th day of a 60-day session. Senators are down to a precious few. A legislature interrupted, as it was three months ago by this deadly stranger in our midst, is difficult...

Local View: Tax reform crucial right now

By Lou Ann Linehan, Lincoln Journal Star op-ed,  The Lincoln Journal Star April 17 editorial ("Virus should lead senators to take new look at taxes") is absolutely correct that “property tax relief for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers remains sorely needed.” Nebraska’s businesses and homeowners also need relief. Taxes are too high when they force retirees to move,...

As Nebraska’s state budget takes a hit from coronavirus, chances for property tax relief dwindle

By Martha Stoddard, Omaha World-Herald, LINCOLN — One key state lawmaker said Wednesday that economic damage caused by the coronavirus wiped out the chances for major property tax relief this year, while another said it is too early to give up hope. State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, the Appropriations Committee chairman, said the state will not...

Revised property tax relief, school aid bill awaits senators after recess

By Don Walton, Lincoln Journal Star, The Legislature's Revenue Committee has revised its property tax relief and school aid reform package in an attempt to meet objections raised by its opponents. "As our communities and families are reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, it is even more urgent we deliver property tax relief," Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of...

Conversation with Sen. Lou Ann Linehan

Capitol Digest: Nebraska senators advance bill to help trafficking victims, but funding still needed

By Martha Stoddard and Paul Hammel, World-Herald Bureau —  The World-Herald’s Statehouse reporters round up news highlights from the Legislature and state government into the Capitol Digest — a daily briefing for the political newshound with a busy schedule. Nebraska lawmakers gave first-round approval Monday to a bill that would build a framework — but provide no...

Rally at the Nebraska State Capitol for School Choice

By Associated Press, KMTV 3 News Now —  LINCOLN, Neb. — Several hundred parents, children, and community members will rally for increased educational opportunity at the Nebraska State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The indoor rally will take place 11 a.m. to noon inside the Warner Chamber and will feature speeches from community members about why school...

Proposal Could Cut School Property Taxes By 15 Percent

By Fred Knapp, NET News —  Nebraskans’ school property taxes could drop by 15 percent over the next three years, under a bill introduced by the Revenue Committee and agreed to — in principle — by Gov. Pete Ricketts. And bills were introduced on subjects ranging from advertising by state officials to taxing escort services. The property...