LINCOLN — Below are statements from OpenSky Policy Institute Executive Director Dr. Rebecca Firestone regarding LB 34, the proposal debated on Tuesday. 

“The legislature made a wise decision this evening by not voting to advance legislation that entails a regressive tax shift with poorly targeted property relief directing tax cuts to wealthy property owners at the expense of everyday families. All Nebraskans benefit from strong public schools, and we’re pleased that our legislators showed their commitment to sustainable, predictable education funding directed by locally elected officials with the unique interests of their communities in mind.” 

“We recognize that there is broad consensus among Nebraska’s legislators to address property taxes and understand the complexity of the issue. We look forward to being part of continued discussions on how to increase state investments in K-12 education without shifting our tax code to be even more regressive.”

“With regards to the amended legislation that advanced to Select File, we look forward to a robust fiscal note and additional modeling to determine potential impacts of hard caps on cities and counties. We appreciate the additional transparency that changing delivery of the 1107 tax credit will bring, but want to ensure that the source of funding for that measure doesn’t come at the expense of the most vulnerable Nebraskans.”