OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says it’s a problem that is handcuffing Nebraskans: enormously high property taxes. He vows to cut those taxes by more than $2 billion, by taxing other things.
Nebraska taxes are divided into three main groups, and in 2024, the state expects $5.3 billion from local property taxes, $3.6 billion in state income taxes, and $2.5 billion in state sales taxes.
Gov. Pillen wants to get that $5.3 billion in property taxes down near the $3 billion mark — a 40 percent reduction.
But in order to do that, one of those other numbers would have to go up, and the most likely candidate according to policy experts, is sales tax.
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Gov. Pillen spent half an hour explaining why he believes property taxes are too high in Nebraska, how local taxing bodies need more oversight, and that lawmakers and citizens need to come together to find solutions.
But the Governor also none of his own solutions — only that taxing groceries is off the table since they’re a necessity. Gov. Pillen says all the wants are in the sales tax crosshairs, plus, the thousands of items that are currently exempt from sales tax are getting a second look.
“From my seat, everything is on the table,” Gov. Pillen said. “Items that aren’t going to put business or agriculture or manufacturers at a disadvantage and items that are non-essential — there are a number of items that are. We’re looking at every sales tax exemption and trying to make sure no stone is unturned.
Open Sky Policy, a non-profit think tank in Nebraska, responded to the Governor’s remarks that needs won’t be taxed, but should be.
“It’s difficult for a Nebraskan who goes to work to get by without a car,” Open Sky Policy representatives said in a statement to 6 News. “And our young families, those so important to our state’s future, must account for the expenses of car seats, diapers, and clothes. All of those items are subject to sales taxes in Nebraska, for which low and middle-income residents pay a higher share of their income.”
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Gov. Pillen said he’s been talking with stakeholders, along with the chamber, for months about reducing the property tax burden. He says he wants Nebraskans to open new ideas as this debate moves forward.
Those ideas will come in the form of priority bills from state lawmakers, the details of which are not yet revealed.
Nebraska has added a secondary commitment to the 2027 class, safety/cornerback Brennan Drummond. Drummond, from Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School, made an official visit to Nebraska on June 12 and to Georgia this weekend. He is a three-star recruit and the No. 118 safety in the country, according to the Rivals Industry ranking.
Drummond’s style of play in the secondary is a great fit for Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, Rob Aurich. Drummond wants an aggressive defensive approach that will bring pressure from multiple spots on the football field.
“This Nebraska staff wants to attack blocks, stop the run, and create confusion with pressure, movement, and multiple fronts, and my game is a natural fit,” Drummond said.
Another reason Drummond is a great fit for Aurich’s defense is his versatility. Drummond played cornerback last season, which he admits is out of position, but he does have the ability to cover, which could lead to getting a look at nickel as well as safety.
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“I’m a downhill, physical strong safety who can play near the box, support the run, and rotate into coverage when needed,” Drummond said. “My strengths are versatility and physicality. I played out of position last year at corner, but it helped with my coverage ability.”
Drummond is the 20th commitment for the Huskers in the 2027 class. Nebraska has commitments from four-star safeties Tory Pittman of Millard North in Omaha (Neb.) and Corey Hadley of Sandy Creek in Tyrone (Ga.).
The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division (DOR), reminds property owners that the Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application, Form 458, and all required forms and documentation must be filed with their county assessor on or before June 30, 2026.
The homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the taxable value of the residence.
The State of Nebraska reimburses counties and other governmental subdivisions for the property taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.
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In Nebraska, a homestead exemption is available to the following categories of property owners:
Persons age 65 or older before January 1, 2026;
Qualified disabled individuals; or
Qualified disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.
Some categories are subject to household income and residence valuation limitations. The income limitations are on a sliding scale based on filing status and homestead exemption category.
Homestead exemption forms and information are available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/homestead-exemption. For more information on the homestead exemption program, please contact your county assessor or DOR at 888-475-5101.
