As I write this, it feels like March 175th, not late August. March, the month that just wouldn’t end in 2020, the year that wouldn’t quit.
The Nebraska Legislature’s “short session” went much longer than usual this year due to coronavirus. While the session didn’t wrap up until August, it was worth the wait for Nebraskans. From property tax relief to career scholarships, several key priorities were achieved to help grow our state both now and for future generations.
As Governor, property tax relief has been my number one priority. Every year, I’ve worked with State Senators to increase the amount of state relief from local property taxes. From 2015-2019, we nearly doubled the amount of direct property tax relief from $140 million annually to $275 million annually. This relief helps pay your annual property tax bill. It is applied directly to your property tax bill, and appears as a credit on your statement. I have also proposed many other ideas about how to make structural changes to Nebraska’s property tax system over the years.
A three-subject bill (LB1107) passed at the last minute by the 2020 Legislature has been called the Grand Compromise. But, now that the ink has dried, it’s really hard to find anything “grand” about it.
This year has been uniquely challenging for rural America and for farmers and ranchers. In the face of new stress and uncertainty, agriculture has continued to feed the world. The men and women in our agriculture sector put in countless hours to provide for the rest of us. It is of the utmost importance these producers have the Wednesday, September 17, 2 tools and resources to continue their efforts, especially in these challenging times. In 0order to hear from producers and exchange ideas, I am happy to host the 2020 Agriculture Summit.
PO Box 400
Bridgeport, NE 69336-0400
(308) 262-0675