Seward taxpayers push for property tax relief at Pillen town hall

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen says he is not giving up on property tax relief and is promising Nebraskans a special legislative session on the issue.

Pillen hosted a town hall meeting Friday at Seward Memorial Library.

People in Seward told the governor that Nebraskans are paying way too much in property taxes.  

“There’s no way that we should be one of the highest property tax states in the country,” said Bob Weber, a property owner. “There is no reason for that.”

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A proposed property tax relief bill died on the final day of this year’s legislative session. 

Since then, the governor has been meeting with lawmakers to find consensus. 

“We’re working with all the senators one by one,” Pillen said.

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He said property taxes are the main concern he hears from constituents. 

“Young kids have lost the dream to own a home – their own home – because property taxes are so high,” the governor said. 

Pillen said property taxes are also a barrier for people trying to move to the state. 

He urged voters to ask their senators to take action. There is still no date for a special session.