As we enter the final weeks of the long session, it only seems fitting that our legislative days would extend into the twilight of each day, as well. However, this past week was a productive one, packed with late-night debates, filibusters, and continuous wins for Southeast Nebraska.

The Nebraska Legislature has continued to debate the budget these past few weeks and I would like to highlight a provision that is both incredibly important and needed in Southeast Nebraska. As you are probably aware, Southeast Nebraska is one of the highest-need regions for county bridge repairs to keep our county roads open. AM 1623, which was adopted and included in LB 818 (one of the main budget bills), funds Nebraska’s County Bridge Match Program. With this program, counties are able to get the assistance they need to accelerate either the repair or replacement of deficient bridges on county road systems. This takes some of the burdens off of our property taxpayers.

Last week, we also debated Senator Sanders’ LB 583, which proposes an increase in state aid for K-12 public school students and additional funding for special education. This piece of legislation is beneficial for not only Southeast Nebraska but other rural communities and schools around the state. In most cases, rural school districts are almost completely reliant on property taxpayers to keep their lights on and doors open. By giving much-needed support to rural schools, LB 583 seeks to help with that! Rural schools frequently confront particular difficulties that can make it difficult for them to give their children a quality education, such as limited resources and a lack of teachers. However, LB 583 can offer extra funds and resources that can be especially helpful for rural schools by investing $1,500 annually for each student.

Senator Linehan’s LB 754 advanced to final reading last week! LB 754, would gradually
reduce the top-tier tax rate for individuals to 3.99 percent for the tax year beginning January 1, 2027, and each subsequent tax year after. For the tax year beginning January 1, 2027, LB 754 would also gradually reduce the corporate income tax rate for all earnings over $100,000 to 3.99 percent for that year and each tax year after. This bill is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about the people of Nebraska and giving them the freedom and flexibility to make their own decisions about how to spend and invest their hard-earned money. This fosters an environment where businesses can flourish and provide our workforce with well-paying jobs, and allow Nebraskans to take home more of their hard-earned money!

Senator Briese’s LB 243 also advanced to final reading last week! Many of my colleagues all campaigned on a promise to lower property taxes and it’s high time we finally deliver on that promise. LB 243 aims to do just that, providing over $3 billion in property tax relief over the next six years. LB 243 increases the funding for the Property Tax Credit Fund from $275 million to $700 million and also requires the fund to grow equal to the increase in the assessed value of real property in the state. In other words, without this provision, property tax relief would likely slowly diminish over time. LB 243 includes many other provisions, such as the contents of LB 242, the Property Tax Incentive Credit, which would remove a cap on the amount of income tax credits provided for property taxes paid. The credits, which are taken on yearly income tax forms, were capped last year at increases of no more than 5% a year. With this language, that cap would be lifted and allowed to rise based on the total increase in statewide property tax valuations! Thus, providing much-needed property tax relief to Nebraskans! It’s finally time we put our money where our mouth is and give Nebraskans the break they deserve, helping those that are trying to keep their homes and businesses afloat in the face of rising property taxes.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov.