Pillen to highlight schools using extra state funding to cut property taxes

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen will highlight school districts using extra state funding to cut property taxes on Monday.

This comes after the governor met with several superintendents across the state earlier this year to clear up any misunderstandings about how they should use that extra money.

According to the Nebraska Examiner, Pillen asked districts back in September to use 97% of the recent $300 million increase in state aid to public schools toward property tax relief.

However, school districts aren’t required to use all the extra funding right away. The new law does allow it to carry over to next year’s budget.

Sen. Robert Clements, who helped push this bill forward during the last legislative session, said that’s not the point of the new law. He would rather see immediate action from school districts to drop property taxes.

Pillen will honor Norris and Elwood school districts for doing just that. The superintendents for both schools will be in attendance for a press conference at 2 p.m. on Monday along with the Nebraska Commissioner of Education.