Nebraska Governor Calls Special Legislative Session on Property Taxes

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has announced a special legislative session to address the state's escalating property taxes, giving lawmakers only a day's notice. This decision follows the failure of the Legislature to pass significant tax relief during the regular session in April. Over the past decade, property tax revenue in Nebraska has surged by nearly $2 billion, significantly outpacing income and sales tax revenue. The proclamation, however, has drawn criticism for its timing and lack of clarity. Notably absent from the agenda is a proposal to change Nebraska's electoral vote system to a winner-take-all model, a change long sought by the Republican majority. Currently, Nebraska and Maine are the only states that split their electoral votes, and while Pillen could call another session to address this issue, it remains unaddressed for now. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the abrupt notice, which disrupts their summer plans and personal commitments. State Senator Julie Slama criticized the governor's approach, suggesting that he expects the Legislature to comply with his demands without proper consideration. Meanwhile, Senator Justin Wayne has called for an immediate adjournment of the session, advocating for a more respectful notice period in the future. The lack of advance notice for the special session has raised concerns among legislators, who typically receive at least a week's warning. Wayne described Pillen's last-minute proclamation as "blatant disrespect," highlighting the tension between the governor's office and the Legislature as they prepare to reconvene.