Ricketts Announces Tax Reform Plan

Pete Ricketts, GOP nominee for governor, today released his plan for property tax reform that benefits all Nebraskans.

“While politicians have talked about property tax relief for years, what’s needed is real-world reform,” Ricketts said. “Working with the Legislature to significantly lower the property tax burden on our farmers and ranchers, small business owners and working families will be my top priority as governor.”

“I appreciate Pete’s eagerness to work with the Legislature on this crucial issue,” said Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse.  “It doesn’t matter if you’re in Auburn or Alliance, property taxes are too high and getting higher.  Pete’s plan recognizes this is a dire situation that deserves our immediate attention and focus.”

“Pete’s plan to increase property tax credits, address state mandates on counties, lower ag land valuations from 75% to 65 % of market value, and place caps on valuation increases is an excellent, Nebraska common sense approach to much needed property tax relief,” said Sen. Tom Carlson of Holdrege. “I am happy to endorse this idea.  I believe this effort will benefit every citizen in our state.”

“Pete’s plan recognizes the number one barrier to agricultural growth in our state: skyrocketing property taxes,” said Mark McHargue, 1^st Vice President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.  “We are pleased that Pete understands the urgency of this issue, has created a plan to address it, and is willing to make it his top priority.”

“Pete is listening to Nebraskans. Property taxes are too high and reform is needed sooner rather than later,” said Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion. “Real reform won’t happen without leadership from the governor’s office, and I look forward to working with Pete on this pressing matter in the upcoming session.”

“Increasing property taxes are straining taxpayers, while increasing state mandates are straining county budgets,” said Christian Ohl, Madison County Commissioner.  “It’s refreshing to know that Pete understands the severity of both problems and the need to directly address them in order to achieve lasting property tax reform.”

“Pete knows Nebraskans want property tax reform because he’s been listening to them tell him about it for a year,” said Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala.  “Skyrocketing property taxes are hurting our ag producers and making us less competitive.  We need real reform, and Pete is the right leader for the job.”

The Ricketts Property Tax Reform plan centers on enhancing the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, reducing costly state mandates on counties, lowering ag land valuations from 75 percent to 65 percent of market value, and placing a cap on how quickly valuations can increase.  The plan in its entirety can be found at www.petericketts.com.