LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — For years when senators come to Lincoln to reconvene another session, the number one topic on the agenda is property tax reform. But is this finally the year when it happens?
Last year, three separate proposals aimed at lowering property taxes were introduced but lawmakers were unable to compromise around one of them.
"People have different ideas on what long lasting property tax relief should look like," says state senator Carol Blood.
State senator Carol Blood of Bellevue says legislators and all Nebraskans should consider what they can pay a little more for, in order to give the state meaningful relief.
"There are a few things that would not hurt the average Nebraskan. That we may want to raise taxes on.” "I'm not a big proponent of raising taxes, but there's a big imbalance and that's why what we have going on is going on," says Blood.
A fresh group of legislators could also shake things up, one of the new senators is Megan Hunt of Omaha, she's optimistic that the unicameral can play nice and maybe even compromise on big issues like property taxes.
"I think we're going to move to a more moderate place in the body. I'm really enthused, I'm really encouraged by the people in the freshman class and I think we're going to be able to work together to make progress."
If you're frustrated about nothing getting done in Lincoln, Blood says let her hear about it and then show up to hearings.
"I want phone calls, I want emails, I don't want special interests involved, I want to hear from the citizens who work and live and play in Nebraska,” says Blood.
"It's one thing to complain on social media, it's another thing to show up in person.”
