LINCOLN- Under a pair of proposals presented to the Legislature, Nebraskan renters would receive financial relief through an income tax credit. State Senators Terrell McKinney of Omaha and Eliot Bostar of Lincoln each introduced bills seeking to compensate renters who would not otherwise receive any direct benefit from Governor Pillen's tax reform plan. McKinney serves a portion of Omaha where the renters are the majority, and he believes that just because landlords will receive tax breaks does not mean relief will trickle down.

McKinney's Legislative Bill 20 would give refundable credits against income tax to renters of 4% of the total annual rent, or $200, whichever is greater, not to exceed $1,000. Bostar's LB 14 would grant renters a credit of 5% of their lease expenses during the taxable year. Bostar, whose district also represents a large population of renters, voiced that providing relief to renters has been a frequent topic of conversation during the special session, and he wants both renters and property owners to benefit.

McKinney and Bostar are not the only legislators who don't have faith in property owners to pass down the benefits to renters. The topic arose during listening sessions on property taxes in Lincoln and Omaha conducted by legislators. Data shows that Nebraska is comprised of about 66% homeowners and 34% renters.

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