Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen officially calls special session on property taxes
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued a proclamation Wednesday officially calling for a special session on property taxes.
The proclamation comes just less than 24 hours before the special session is set to begin. State lawmakers will return to the State Capitol on Thursday at 10 a.m.
In a press release sent by Pillen’s office, officials said the scope of the session is “limited to enacting legislation related to reducing state property taxes.”
SEE MORE: ‘It’s just ridiculous’: Lincoln homeowners react to property valuations
Several state senators — including Megan Hunt, Machaela Cavanaugh and Carol Blood — have voiced their concerns on the session via social media.
I guess a proclamation has been made for a special session and sent to the media? Nothing yet sent to the actual policymakers who have had their lives in a holding pattern.
— Senator Carol Blood For Congress (@senatorblood) July 24, 2024
It is 7:30pm on July 23. I am expected to show up for a Special Session at 10am July 25. The legislature still has not received a formal proclamation from the governor. What does this mean Nebraska? now less than 40 hours for special session without the fullscope of session. https://t.co/uS1D5CL7tC
— Senator Machaela Cavanaugh (@senatormachaela) July 24, 2024
Everyone agrees that the property tax problem exists, but no one believes that this tax shift on the backs of the middle class is how we should fix it.
My colleagues and I have solutions on the table to help Nebraska families come out ahead, and we look forward to robust debate https://t.co/ZYElv8ugOJ
— Senator Megan Hunt (@NebraskaMegan) July 24, 2024
Last week, Pillen detailed his tax overhaul plan, which includes increasing “sin taxes” on cigarettes, consumable hemp products and keno gambling.
Critics of the plan, including free-market think tank Americans for Prosperity, said it would shift more taxes onto “working- and middle-class” families.
On Monday, more than 300 Nebraskans crowded into the Wick Alumni Center in Lincoln to share their opinions on the special legislative session.
Some people who attended the meeting were frustrated that Pillen wasn’t there to hear the public’s thoughts on his plan.
SEE MORE: ‘We have the people’s work to do’: Pillen announces special session on property taxes
