LINCOLN, Neb. – Four conservative Nebraska state senators, Bob Andersen (LD-49), Tanya Storer (LD-43), Jared Storm (LD-23), and Paul Strommen (LD-47), announced a pledge to Nebraska taxpayers in advance of the 2026 session of the Nebraska Legislature.
These legislators state any legislative tax proposal must:
(1) Not increase the total tax burden on Nebraska taxpayers. This includes state income and sales taxes in the General Fund, property taxes, local sales taxes, fees, and other cash fund revenues.
(2) Provide direct and explicit dollar for dollar decreases in other taxes if any tax rate is increased or tax base expanded. This includes increases in state revenues to offset local property taxes and increases in fees or cash fund revenues to offset general fund expenses.
Senator Tanya Storer of Whitman emphasizes the need to account for the total tax burden on Nebraskans. “Despite directing in excess of $1.6 Billion to offset the property tax burden, Nebraska property owners have only seen a $6 Million decrease in the total property taxes collected. We have to plug the hole in the bottom of the bucket.”
Senator Storer’s Legislative District 43 contains much of the KCNI/KBBN listening area.
“We must exercise fiscal restraint as state legislators and set an example for all elected officials across Nebraska” comments Senator Jared Storm of David City. “The cost to run state government has increased by 18% over the past two budget cycles, which is unsustainable.” General Fund Agency Operations, the cost to run state agencies, has increased by $661 Million for the current biennium compared to 4 years prior.
Senator Bob Andersen of Omaha underscores the importance of a comprehensive view of tax policy in Nebraska, from local property taxes up through federal funds expended by the state. “Total state appropriations approaches $20 Billion annually, with in excess of $6 Billion more in local property, sales, and other taxes and fees. For a state of 2 million people, we need a sharper focus on keeping money in Nebraskan’s pockets.” Anderson is seen as a fiscal hawk who championed legislation to inventory federal funds in Nebraska.
Senator Paul Strommen of Sidney states the importance of transparency with Nebraska taxpayers. “A sustainable tax structure starts with getting spending under control and decreasing the overall size of government. Good policy looks at every dollar Nebraskans are paying, not just select taxes and fees.”
The group has invited other state senators, local officials, and candidates to join them in their commitment to Nebraska taxpayers.
They look forward to working with all stakeholders in the coming session and beyond to craft and advance tax policy that protects Nebraska taxpayers through these basic concepts of fiscal responsibility.
