LINCOLN- Sen. Ben Hansen's LB644 was discussed at length over a two day period with the body hoping to answer the question if a postcard could prevent further property tax increases or at least better inform taxpayers when taxes might be going up. Sen. Hansen believes government boards enact budgets and increase taxes without getting input from taxpayers.

The amended LB644 would apply to cities, counties, school districts and community colleges.

Hansen called this an 'informed consent' bill that would increase government to constituent transparency. Opposition came from senators who call this an 'unfunded mandate' on local governments, further stating the state should pay for it if this postcard is necessary. For example, this legislation would cost counties - whose primary source of revenue is the property tax - over $560,000. “It’s not lowering taxes, it’s increasing the cost of doing business at our counties,” said Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt.

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