Gov. Pillen threatens veto over property tax caps

NEBRAKSA -- Gov. Jim Pillen announced Friday that he will veto any legislation that weakens local government spending caps in the property tax relief package that's currently under consideration in the Legislature.

Pillen's statement comes in response to efforts by some senators to water down the proposed caps.

“I will veto any bill that comes to my desk with local government property tax collection caps that are weaker than those included in LB34, when passed general file consideration on Aug. 13,” Pillen said.

The bill, as it stands, allows for property tax collection growth of zero percent or inflation, whichever is higher, and includes reasonable exceptions for law enforcement and public safety investments necessary for community security.

Pillen emphasized that while the existing plan provides meaningful relief for Nebraskans, any further weakening of the caps would not meet the expectations of the state's residents.

“Unchecked government spending is major driver in our spiraling property tax crisis,” he added. “I will therefore veto any watered-down caps.”