For Immediate Release:

6:00PM CT on April 30, 2019

Media Contacts:

Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

Eric Maher, 402-471-1974

Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts to Legislature: Largest Tax Increase in State History Threatens Working Family Budgets

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that the Legislature’s Revenue Committee voted 6-0 to advance LB 289, which contains the largest tax increase in state history.

“Today, the Revenue Committee voted for the largest tax increase in Nebraska’s history. I am especially appalled that the committee is proposing a $170 million property tax increase by cutting existing property tax relief in half for farmers and homeowners. If the full Legislature approves LB 289, working Nebraskans will be footing the bill for nearly $600 million in new government spending. Nebraska has tried this approach before, it has failed, and it has resulted in record high property taxes. I urge Senators to do the right thing and kill these tax hikes.”

The bill raises the state sales tax rate, raises the cigarette tax, imposes new sales taxes, and cuts existing property tax relief by over 50%. New taxes contained in LB 289 include: pet-related services, moving services, storage, hair care and hair removal services, nail care, skin care, tattoo, home services and repair (including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical), interior design, taxi, limo, rideshare, lawn care, parking, swimming pool cleaning, dating, telefloral, wedding planning, weight loss, personal training, clothing alteration, candy, pop, bottled water, car repair (including brakes, scheduled maintenance, and body repair), and ice.

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