LINCOLN, NE – Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello (District 5) issued the following statement in response to Governor Heineman’s proposed tax package:

“If Governor Heineman clearly believes that despite our current budget situation, that we can afford to cut taxes, I believe property tax relief should be the focus of that conversation,” said Mello, “My constituents and hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans across the state have been demanding that when we discuss tax relief, that we focus on addressing our state’s high residential property taxes.”

In response to Heineman’s proposal, Mello introduced LB 977, the Property Tax Relief Act. Under the bill, Nebraska homeowners would receive approximately $76 million in property tax relief. Through a homestead exemption of the first $8,000 in a home’s value, the average homeowner in Nebraska would receive more than $150 in property tax relief annually.

Unlike the existing Property Tax Credit program, Mello’s bill is specifically targeted to residential property taxpayers, ensuring that Nebraska residents, not out-of-state landowners, receive the bulk of the benefits.

“LB 977 represents the most significant middle-class tax relief package we could consider this session,” said Mello. “If we are going to discuss any tax proposal in the coming months, property tax relief must be part of the debate.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2011

For More Information:
Senator Heath Mello, (402) 471-2710