Gov. Pillen Promotes ‘Cap, Cover, Cut’ Strategy to Fix Nebraska Property Taxes

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Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Promotes 'Cap, Cover, Cut' Strategy to Fix Nebraska Property Taxes

LINCOLN, NE - Delivering a direct message following Tuesday's election, Governor Jim Pillen held a news conference declaring that Nebraska voters have issued a clear mandate for state leaders to solve the property tax crisis once and for all during the upcoming 2027 legislative session.

While acknowledging that previous state efforts, including expanding tax credits, removing community colleges from property tax rolls, and capping local budget growth have helped roll back the actual taxes paid on land and homes, Gov. Pillen emphasized that temporary fixes are no longer enough.

"Even with all of this effort, it is not enough," said Gov. Pillen. "We cannot keep up with this property tax credit game. Property valuations continue to increase, and not enough of our local political subdivisions are lowering their levies - resulting in your property tax bill continuing to increase."

In order to see real change, Gov. Pillen spoke on the importance of Nebraska ending its reliance on credit offsets and enacting structural reform built on a three-pillar strategy: Cap, Cover, Cut. The administration will push to cap valuations and local government spending growth, cover school funding at the state level, and cut overall property tax collections to ensure Nebraskans can afford to stay in their homes.

Gov. Pillen also pledged to hold future and returning state lawmakers accountable for breaking their own election promises of property tax reform by bringing the question directly to voters if there is no action.

"I will be on the frontlines of holding the Legislature accountable to the expectations of our people," said Gov. Pillen. "And if they fail, I will make sure the people, Nebraska's Second House, are heard loud and clear on the ballot."