Julie and I enjoyed driving our 1968 Camaro in the annual Hershey Fall Festival parade. It was great seeing so many friends who attended the parade and the delicious prime rib feed following. I continue to be impressed with the organizers as to how they come together each year as they organize multi-day events to bring people to the village to gather and celebrate Hershey’s heritage. The same can be said for all the small villages in the District that do the same. Well done!

Since the announcement of the merger between the Union Pacific and the Norfolk Southern Railroad, there have been many rumors regarding the workforce here in North Platte. I did have the opportunity to hear from UP this past week regarding the accuracy of the news coverage and what it means for the North Platte area. As union negotiations continue, these issues will become clearer, but nothing has been agreed to at this time and may not be soon. I appreciate the efforts to keep these jobs in North Platte and hope that will be the outcome of the negotiations. In the meantime, it is important we support efforts to make North Platte a more attractive place for people to live, which will pay dividends in the future. If those living in larger cities are to choose to live here, they want to have modern housing to choose from, good retail opportunities, recreational opportunities, and competitive taxes.

North Platte is in a different place than it used to be just a few years ago. We are growing our housing stock, have a new recreational facility under construction without raising property taxes. We are also growing our population as Sustainable Beef opens its doors and begins processing. Improvements at the District 177 mall are continuing, and sales tax revenues are growing. Since the City charges a Local Option Sales Tax, the city sales tax revenues are growing, which has contributed to a direct reduction in their property tax ask three years in a row. That’s how it is supposed to work!

Taking pressure off property taxes involves growing our tax base so we can collect fewer taxes from more taxpayers. Shifting tax collections from property taxes to sales and income taxes is huge. Growing our population brings more shoppers and more retail sales. More retail sales bring more retailers and more jobs. Economic development efforts are important, and they don’t happen by accident. That is why I am so proud of all our political subdivisions who are working hard to make the right investments and right focus to create a climate that encourages growth.

The State is also doing its part to lower local property taxes. I hope that many of you have noticed that the Legislature’s decision to take over funding of Community College operating expenses has kicked in, and are no longer listed on your property tax statement. This seems to be one of the best-kept secrets at a time when many are told we are doing nothing to reduce property taxes. This is in addition to property tax credit programs that reduce the overall tax burden, as well as foundation aid and other state funding that now make up more of school budgets. We are not done, but we are continuing to look for ways to find relief at a time when resources are limited.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.