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