LINCOLN— Gov. Jim Pillen announced a new property tax website and hotline to encourage Nebraskans to share concerns about rising property valuations and tax bills, arguing that public pressure will push state lawmakers to act. Pillen said property tax relief remains one of his top priorities and blamed the Legislature for repeatedly blocking his proposals, which have included raising sales and tobacco taxes, reducing state spending, and capping local government spending.

Some lawmakers questioned whether the hotline would make a difference. State Sens. Brad von Gillern and George Dungan said legislators already recognize property taxes as a major concern. Von Gillern said he wants more information about the hotline’s purpose, while Dungan argued that targeted relief for homeowners would be more effective than across-the-board tax cuts, which he said disproportionately benefit larger landowners.

The debate comes as Nebraska property valuations are projected to increase by an average of 5.3% statewide, though higher valuations do not automatically result in higher tax bills because local governments can adjust tax rates. Pillen continues to advocate for stricter limits on local government spending and has pledged to pursue "hard caps" if reelected, while lawmakers and the School Financing Review Commission continue exploring long-term reforms to school funding and the state's property tax system.

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