Unhappiness Over Property, Other Taxes In Nebraska Fuels Support For Consumption Tax Plan

Farmers, ranchers, small-business owners, retirees and a recent Creighton University graduate delivered a common message of frustration about Nebraska taxes Wednesday.

Testifying before the Revenue Committee, they told of the impact that state and local taxes have had on their incomes, their lives and their families.  And, together, they called for a radical change in how state and local governments are funded.

“Big steps are needed”, said Duane Lienemann, a retired teacher from Blue Hill.  “We cannot keep going down the road of the status quo”.

He and more than 20 others spoke in support of Legislative Resolution 300CA, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a consumption tax be imposed on all new goods and all services purchased in the state.

The proposal, introduced by State Sen. Steve Erdman, would eliminate all other taxes in the state, including income, property, sales and inheritance taxes.  An amendment to the measure would allow excise taxes on fuel to continue.