Special Session Update – Ag For Property Tax Relief
As the special session of the Nebraska Legislature continues, several bills have been brought forward and senators are working to identify all the necessary components to address the property tax burden in Nebraska. Public hearings began and the media is abuzz with discussions about the governor’s plan, which is encompassed in LBs 1, 2, and 3. LB 1, the revenue generator for his plan to have the state take over school funding, includes a 2% tax on agriculture machinery and equipment. LBs 2 and 3 are appropriations bills that involve diverting state accounts to pay for schools, including a measure to divert corn check-off dollars to fund other agriculture related state programming. NEFB President Mark McHargue testified at the hearing for the governor’s proposal, explaining Nebraska Farm Bureau's and the Ag Leaders Working Group position.