LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers, led by State Sen. Justin Wayne, are pushing for more substantial property tax relief before their term ends. Wayne proposed three options to expand Legislative Bill 34, which initially offered modest tax relief. The options include targeted tax credits for different property types, new tax credits for natural resources districts, and significant property tax reductions funded by increased sales taxes and other measures.

Many term-limited senators, including Wayne, are pushing for these expanded options to leave a more significant impact on property tax relief before they exit the Legislature. Some lawmakers, like State Sen. Steve Erdman, advocate for more drastic measures, such as eliminating property, income, and sales taxes altogether, while others urge caution to avoid harming local services. The frustration among lawmakers stems from the narrowing of LB 34 from an original 30% tax cut proposal to just 3%, prompting demands for more comprehensive solutions.

Wayne's proposals aim to provide up to 40% total property tax relief by combining various tax credits, new taxes on goods and services, and adjustments to current tax policies. These proposals seek to balance immediate tax relief with long-term revenue generation, ensuring that Nebraska's property tax system is more equitable and sustainable. The final outcome of these debates will determine whether the Legislature can achieve meaningful property tax reform before the session concludes.

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