Opinion

Nebraska voters face six statewide questions in November. Four are statutory initiatives proposed by the initiative petition process. Two are constitutional amendments proposed by the Legislature. Today we’ll look at those amendments and one of the initiative petitions.

Last week, I proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska to recognize the great work of our state’s innovators, builders, and creators. While most people recognize agriculture as Nebraska’s top industry, it’s also important to recognize that manufacturing is our second-largest economic sector.

As you may know, each week I have been writing about what I am calling the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Last week I discussed what is wrong with taxing incomes. This week I will expose what is wrong with taxing property. Property taxes come in two forms, personal property taxes and real estate taxes. In Nebraska personal property taxes are imposed on all business equipment, whereas real estate taxes are imposed on commercial, residential, and agricultural real estate.