Gov. Pillen’s budget administrator, Lee Will, presented the governor’s plan Tuesday to sweep out $274 million in cash reserves from state agencies to help “jump-start” his property tax plan. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)
LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to use excess cash reserves to “jump-start” his property tax relief proposal got a rough reception Tuesday during a state legislative hearing.
A long line of representatives of wildlife, hunting, banking, retail, grocers, recycling and affordable housing groups spoke against two bills in the governor’s plan for “transformational” property tax relief. Officials with natural resources and rural water projects, as well as the state’s major chambers of commerce and Secretary of State Bob Evnen, also voiced opposition.
Parade of opponents
Some called the plan to sweep $274 million out of state agency reserve funds for the plan a “bait and switch” because it would use money that was dedicated for programs like litter reduction, workforce training and affordable housing and not tax relief.