A group of state senators in Nebraska will be hosting public forums in Omaha and Lincoln ahead of an expected special session next week. The meetings will focus on state property taxes and school funding, addressing Governor Jim Pillen’s tax plan and promise to cut Nebraska property taxes in half. The first session will be held at the UNO Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha on Sunday from 1-3 p.m., followed by a second session at the UNL Wick Alumni Center in Lincoln on Monday from 5-7 p.m. Nebraskans who are unable to attend can submit comments online.
Governor Pillen initially called for a 40% reduction in property taxes, but is now seeking a 50% reduction, with some possibly seeing up to 65% or 70% reduction. However, Mayor Jean Stothert and some state senators have expressed skepticism and concerns about the lack of details in Pillen’s plan. Mayor Stothert criticized the potential impact on city services, while State Senator Julie Slama called the plan “corrupt”.
Some senators question the necessity of a special session and doubts about reaching an agreement on a tax plan that failed during the spring session. Only two senators appeared in support of the governor’s plan at a recent news conference. State Senator Blood stressed that special sessions should be reserved for urgent matters, not for reconsidering bills that failed previously. The forums aim to gather input from the community and address concerns surrounding property taxes and school funding in Nebraska.
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