LINCOLN- Gov. Pillen's much-amended and contentious plan to raise sales tax in an attempt to decrease property taxes went down in flames on Thursday, the final day of the 2024 legislative session. Sen. Julie Slama had led the final-round filibuster of the plan, which was housed in Sen. Linehan's LB388, and argued that it was a tax increase that Nebraskans overwhelmingly opposed.

On top of that, Slama argued, the bill might've contained an unconstitutional clause related to taxes on digital advertisements. She continued by stating that the only Nebraskans who would see tax reductions under LB388 are those who aren't already taking a tax credit on their property taxes. "I would much rather handle this particular issue, the state tax code, in a special session," she said.

Sen. Steve Erdman was far more blunt in his opposition. "This bill doesn't mean squat for anybody...bring on a special session," he said. Pillen had previously promised to keep lawmakers in session until Christmas, if need be, to reach his goal of reducing property taxes by 40%. Because LB388 failed, a special session is almost guaranteed later in the year.

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