LB 754, income tax relief package, advances
Friends and neighbors of Legislative District 44,
We’ve finished Day 54 and the month of March at the Legislature and, while debate on issues began slowly, late-night debates have started and legislation that is important to LD 44 is in full debate.
LB 754, the income tax relief package advanced from the first round of debate on a 41-0 vote on Thursday. As I noted last week, with the enactment of LB 754, the top individual and corporate tax rates are reduced to 3.99% starting in 2027. Included in this package are provisions that gives those in the federal retirement system the same relief that one who receives Social Security are given, provisions that provide $35 million dollars in tax credits for child care expenses and for workers in child care facilities to address the shortage of child care workers and to help low-income families afford child care, and the amendment also speeds up the phase out of state income taxes on Social Security. LB 173, also included in this package, provides clarifications and guidance to businesses as to when out-of-state employee and associate income is or is not taxable. As a package, several tax relief bills moved through to the next round and provide much of what District 44 has asked me to support.
Following the debate on LB 754, the Legislature advanced LB 683 to the next round of debate. This legislation creates a Nebraska Broadband Office under the supervision of the Governor’s office. This office will be charged with the implementation and expedited application for grants from the BEAD program, the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. Knowing that unserved and underserved citizens of District 44 will be prioritized in broadband deployment if this legislation is enacted, I fully support this bill.
As you read this, we are likely debating LB243, the property tax relief package. This package, if passed, will address the number one issue constituents talked to me about during my campaign. As amended, the bill adds dollars to the different property tax relief programs, enacts into statute school district property taxation limitations, and eliminates the levy authority of community colleges while ensuring the State will providing funding to these schools. Community colleges support the legislation as AM 977 addressed their concerns I have looked forward to participating in the discussion since being elected and I will be voting to advance this legislation.
With regard to workforce needs in our state, I had the opportunity to discuss the State Colleges System with Chancellor Paul Turman. Our state colleges are working hard to train our future workforce with a priority to educate teachers, health care, and corrections professionals. The Rural Health Opportunities (RHOP) program remains strong and relevant to rural Nebraska health care workforce. A majority of graduates of this program remain in the State and practice in rural communities. The goals and vision of the State College System is aggressive and real and I fully support their mission in training our future workforce.
Finally, it was a treat to welcome FFA students from Wauneta/Palisade and from Overton at the Legislature on Thursday during the State FFA Convention. I have a true appreciation for the youth education programs in LD 44 their advisors. I want to congratulate the State Degree recipients as well as their parents who support the students in their efforts.
As always, if I can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My e-mail address is tibach@leg.ne.gov, and the office phone number is 402-471-2805. Tyler and Julie are always available to assist you with your needs. If I am not immediately available, please do not hesitate to work with them to address any issues that you may need assistance with.