Governor Calls Property Tax Relief Urgent This Year

We really have to deliver property tax relief

- Gov. Ricketts

NEBRASKA CITY – Gov. Pete Ricketts told Nebraska City Rotarians Wednesday that it is critical  for the state Legislature to deliver property tax relief this year. He said sagging commodity prices have rippled through the economy, causing state revenue to fall $1 billion short of economic forecasts. Ag land valuations have more than doubled since 2013 and property taxes paid have increased 150 percent. Ricketts: “Our farmers and ranchers have seen their farm income cut in half and they are paying three or four times as much as their counterparts in other states (in taxes per acre.) It puts them at a competitive disadvantage and so, with low commodity prices, we really have to deliver property tax relief this year.” He proposes a refund of state income taxes based on property taxes paid. The proposal would start this year at 12 percent and rise to 14 percent next year. By 2031, there would be a 30 percent refundable tax credit based on property taxes paid. He said the tax refund has benefits over the current $60 million property tax relief fund. Ricketts: “Right now anyone who owns property in our state, even those absentee landowners, out of state people, get our tax credits, by converting to a refundable tax credit based on property taxes that you pay, we can focus those on Nebraskans.” The governor also discussed economic development, prison system reform and state government’s growth rate of .02 percent. Full Interview with Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2018/02/005000901.mp3"][/audio]

Mike Pence plans 2nd stop in Nebraska — this time for a Ricketts' fundraiser — and donates to local races

By: World-Herald News Service
Vice President Mike Pence is planning at least two stops in Nebraska to bolster Republican incumbents.
Gov. Pete Ricketts’ campaign said Wednesday that Pence is planning to attend a fundraiser for Ricketts on March 6.
That’s in addition to a previously announced fundraiser for U.S. Rep Don Bacon of Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. No date has been announced. In a statement, Ricketts’ campaign manager, Jessica Flanagain, said the campaign is “thrilled” to welcome Pence, a former governor of Indiana, to Nebraska.
Pence is also throwing his financial support into three Nebraska races.
Politico reported Wednesday that Pence’s political action committee, Great America Committee, has donated to Ricketts, Bacon and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, all running for re-election this year. The news outlet said the PAC gave $5,400 each to congressional candidates and donated to 30 House members, three senators and four governors.
In a statement, Bacon's campaign manager, Mary Jane Truemper, said: “We welcome the support of Vice President Pence. Our hope is that Offutt Air Force Base becomes a frequent stopping point for Air Force 2 in 2018 and beyond!"
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