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Nebraska senators spar over LB170 tax package aimed at property tax relief
Summary
Senators debated a multi-part bill (LB170/AM13‑18) that would broaden sales and excise tax collections and redirect $100 million annually to the school district property tax relief credit. Supporters said the package would deliver sustainable relief; opponents warned it would shift taxes onto everyday Nebraskans and small businesses.
Senator Brandt opened debate on LB170 and an associated amendment package meant to generate revenue for property tax relief, saying the measure ‘‘is a responsible, targeted effort to address the burden by broadening Nebraska’s tax base.’’ The package would remove sales‑tax exemptions for a list of discretionary services, raise the cigarette excise from 64¢ to $1.36 per pack, subject certain sodas and energy drinks to sales tax and replace Nebraska’s bifurcated vape tax with a 40% wholesale excise. Sponsor estimates given on the floor projected roughly $28 million annually from the service changes, $42 million from the cigarette increase and $25 million from taxing soda; the package would transfer $100 million a year to the school district property tax relief credit fund (tier 2).
The measure…
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