Madison County GOP talks tax transparency

NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Madison County GOP met at the Black Cow Fat Pig in Norfolk, where attendees listened to a what party leaders say is a new way the government can transparent about taxes.

On Wednesday, Elizabeth Hallgren, the community engagement director for the Platte Institute spoke at the meeting about the Property Tax Request Act. The act is a transparency law in Nebraska that proponents say allows taxpayers to see why their taxes have been increased and what the taxes are being used for. The four main taxing entities in Nebraska will hold a public hearing explaining why an increase is taking place after a 2% increase occurs plus real property growth.

"If they're wanting to seek more funds from the taxpayers, then they need to have these public hearings where they will make their case and be transparent about the ask," Hallgren explained. "Most importantly...taxpayers in Nebraska will now have the opportunity to give their feedback to the people who they elected to represent them."

During her speech, Hallgren stated similar laws in other states saw many communities have a decrease in taxes.

"Utah has had it since the early 80s and they went from 24th in lowest taxes to 14th in all time," Hallgren said. "Kansas implemented it in 2021...and 52% of their taxing political subdivisions choose not to raise taxes because they didn't want to make the case for additional dollars and that the kind of traction we want to see here in Nebraska."

The period for these meetings across Nebraska will take place between September 17-28. Madison County's meeting will take place on September 26 at  Northeast Community College's Lifelong Learning Center at 6 p.m. To learn how these public hearings will take place, the Platte Institute will be holding a free class at the Lifelong Learning Center on September 13 at 6 p.m.