Nebraska leaders preview property tax relief as 2026 Legislative Session approaches

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — One of the most pressing issues on the minds of people in Lincoln is the rise in property taxes, with many wondering if they’ll ever drop.

It’s a familiar debate, as property taxes in Nebraska continue to be some of the highest in the nation.

Lincoln state senators met at the Lincoln Country Club on Wednesday to preview key issues for the 2026 Legislative Session.

Some state lawmakers suggest increasing sales taxes to decrease property taxes.

SEE ALSO: Pillen signs executive order that provides $20 million in property tax relief to Nebraskans

And some said this session could bring a turning point.

“We are at the point where we are paying more in insurance premiums and property taxes than principal interest,” said Sen. Beau Ballard. “We need to figure out why that is so lopsided.”

Lawmakers said they’re looking at several options, including new funding models for schools and ways to reduce the reliance on local taxes.

Channel 8 asked Sen. Danielle Conrad what she’s saying to reassure Nebraskans.

“The governor has made clear that he’s going to continue to try, as he has many times over the past few years, to increase sales taxes on everybody else to provide additional property tax relief to the largest, wealthiest landowner,” Conrad said. “I look forward to defeating that plan yet again.”

Channel 8 also spoke to Sen. George Dungan, who said for many homeowners and farmers, the promise of relief can’t come soon enough.

“We can’t provide property tax relief for the wealthy on the backs of everyday hardworking Nebraskans,” said Dungan. “So, we’re all coming up with as many ideas as we can and working together to find a solution.”

The sentiment is something lawmakers said they hear loud and clear.

The debate over property taxes will be one of the most heated issues of the session, with lawmakers on both sides pushing for a solution that lasts.

“We’re going to have a very difficult legislative session coming up here, as far as the tough decisions we’re going to have to make,” said Sen. Eliot Bostar.