As of the writing of this column, we're on Day 84 of this legislative session. Things are definitely heating up as we put in 10-12 hour days on the floor making crucial decisions that will impact our state.

One of the biggest reasons I ran for office is to address Nebraska's property tax crisis. As a taxpayer myself, I've seen how this issue has worsened over the years. I have watched as our schools have lost state aid, putting the bulk of the burden on property taxpayers. I have seen the State take away county aid, adding a greater burden on the property tax payers. I have watched unfunded mandate after unfunded mandate continue to get passed on to the indebtedness of the property taxpayers bill. In recent years, the State has tried to ease the burden and buy forgiveness through the income tax credit program and now the property tax credit program.

The problem with this approach is that it is NOT reducing the actual growth or burden of property taxes and in some ways may be enabling it. I will spend more time in future columns getting into detail of why I believe that is the case. Meanwhile, what we need to be focused on is ACTUAL property tax reduction. LB 170 was painted as the “property tax relief” bill this year, but the truth is that there was nothing in LB170 that actually reduced taxes. It was actually a direct tax increase bill. Because I made a commitment to not raise taxes, I could not support LB 170. What I remain committed to is working over the interim on proposals to either eliminate unfunded mandates and/or shift back to the State some of the cost of programs that they have created. We cannot continue to treat the pain with a pain reliever. We must remove the root cause of the pain.

LB646, the Livestock Brand Bill, was unexpectedly and without notice, added to the agenda late in the evening on Tuesday May 20. I fought against the advancement of the bill on General file and after five hours of debate, was promised by the introducer that if it was advanced it would not be rescheduled unless a compromise could be worked out. No compromise had been reached prior to it being rescheduled, thus the “surprise”. Senator Jacobson and I worked together throughout the day on Wednesday to find a workable compromise that would first and foremost protect our brand inspection system, essential for our livestock industry. In the amendment that was filed by Senator Jacobson and passed at 9:00 Wednesday evening, I do believe we accomplished that. There was no compromise to the inspection protocols and requirements in the Brand Act. The battle will likely never be over, so we must remain vigilant.

I'm happy to share that two of my bills, LB386 and LB271, are moving forward. LB386 aims to establish temporary mental health beds in our rural counties, and LB271 strengthens railroad safety by adding felony penalties for interfering with tracks or personnel.

It’s an honor to represent District 43. Your feedback is invaluable. Please reach out to me. I want to hear from you!

Respectfully, Senator Storer