LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers working with Governor Jim Pillen on his property tax reform plan for the special legislative session this summer have said that if the state does take on the majority of K-12 school funding, the process would occur over multiple years. While a group of 17 lawmakers have been continually meeting with Pillen, it's been said some details still need to be fleshed out. Pillen has made the possibility of having the state absorb K-12 school funding a large part of his property tax reform plan, which has been the main focus of his gubernatorial term so far.

While some lawmakers have expressed concerns over Pillen's lack of a substantial plan, others are satisfied with going off of his public statements and their discussions with him. “We’ll have the plan in black and white before the special session comes,” Pillen said. Lawmakers are also worried about the tax burden simply shifting elsewhere rather than being relieved. Regardless, the group working with Pillen is prepared to present bold ideas during the special session.

Opponents of Pillen's ideas are distressed by the possibility of local control over schools being taken away but have been assured that power would remain with school boards. Spending and growth are two key issues that have been pointed out within this context due to possible tax exemptions being revoked. Pillen has remained confident that he will get the votes needed to get his reform plan passed despite criticism.

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