Nebraska special session

Nebraska lawmakers have convened for a special legislative session called by Governor Jim Pillen to address soaring property taxes but face significant hurdles in reaching a consensus on how to proceed. Pillen's ambitious plan aims to halve property taxes by expanding the goods and services subject to taxation, including items like candy and pet grooming, while shifting the funding of public K-12 schools to the state, potentially costing $2.6 billion. However, many lawmakers, including Sen. Danielle Conrad, believe the governor's proposal lacks the necessary support, stating it is 'dead on arrival'. The session began with a warm atmosphere but soon revealed deep divisions among legislators, with some criticizing the governor for the short notice of the session and the complexity of his proposals. Notably, Pillen's plan would implement a hard cap on local property taxes, a move opposed by city leaders. The session could extend through Labor Day, as lawmakers have been given only three days to introduce new bills.