LINCOLN - The challenges are many. Senators will have only a small window of time — a mere 17 days — to decide those and other issues. With 33 votes needed to override a filibuster, sponsors face tough sledding in moving the tax and business incentives proposals forward. And if some lawmakers fail to get all that they want, there’s considerable risk they may well sulk, disengage and allow the tax and incentives bills to die, putting their personal pique above the good of the state.

The Legislature must not let that happen. There’s an enormous need for property tax relief across the state. And the current business incentives law expires at the end of this year, which risks putting Nebraska at a major disadvantage against competitor states. The current incentives proposal, Legislative Bill 720, can achieve major improvements over existing policy. LB 720 imposes cost constraints, removes overly complicated procedures, provides incentives for higher-wage jobs and has specific provisions to help rural communities. It would position Nebraska for sound economic development.

So: Lawmakers, get it done.

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