Nebraska Legislative News

Historic Tax Relief Package Approved

On April 13, 2022, Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB873, which reduced Nebraska individual and corporate income tax rates, accelerated the elimination of the state income tax on Social Security benefits, and boosted state income tac credits for school property taxes paid under the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act (LB1107). When fully implemented, LB873 delivers nearly $1 Billion in annual tax relief to Nebraska taxpayers.

2022 Nebraska Legislature Adjourns Sine Die

The Second Session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature adjourned sine die on April 20, 2022. With no veto overrides to address, the final day’s legislative activities consisted primarily of ceremonial matters including the traditional session ending speech from Governor Pete Ricketts.

Farewell to Departing Senators

April 20th was the last day of legislative service for eleven Senators as a result of term limits: Senator Robert Hilkemann of Omaha (District 4), Senator Brett Lindstrom of Omaha (District 18), Senator John McCollister of Omaha (District 20), Senator Mark Kolterman of Seward (District 24), Senator Matt Hansen of Lincoln (District 26), Senator Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln (District 28), Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson (District 34), Senator Matt Williams of Gothenburg (District 36), Senator Dan Hughes of Venango (District 44), Senator Adam Morfeld of Lincoln (District 46), and Senator John Stinner of Gering (District 48). 

Two other Senators ended their legislative careers after deciding to not seek re-election: Senator Steve Lathrop of Omaha (District 12), and Senator Tim Gragert of Creighton (District 40).

We thank them for their service to the State of Nebraska.

Perkins County Canal Project Under Consideration

The Legislature’s Natural Resource Committee is considering a bill (1015) which would provide the Department of Natural Resources with the authority to develop and construct a canal project in southwestern Nebraska for the purpose of “securing Nebraska’s water supply form the South Platte River under the 1923 South Platte Contract” between Nebraska and Colorado. In total, the Perkins County Canal Project is expected to cost close to $1 Billion if constructed.