LINCOLN- This year, as has been the case several times in the past, a new round of opposition is stirring over Gov. Jim Pillen's call to eliminate sales tax exemptions, and possibly increase the state sales tax by one-cent, in order to shift an additional $1 billion in taxes off property and onto state income and sales tax.

Others have grumbled over the governor's proposal to sweep $274 million from excess cash reserves, which are built up by things like hunting fees, telephone bills, and probationers, to aid his ambitious goal of reducing property taxes by 40%. Normally, discussions about tax policy in the Nebraska lobbyist are pretty calm, but, according to Walt Radcliffe, a Lincoln-based lobbyist, things have changed.

"But the governor has aimed a loaded gun at many people, taxwise. And they're going to speak out," he said. Debate over Pillen's proposals is set to begin this week in the Legislature's Appropriations and Revenue Committees. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan said she's heard a handful of the complaints, but defended the governor's proposals. "We have to tackle this problem," she said, "Everyone's going to have to give a little bit."

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