Nebraska agriculture groups are split over LB 947, Governor Pete Rickett’s legislation calling for income and property tax relief. While the Farm Bureau, Soybean Growers and Dairy Associations back the measure, Farmers Union, the Grange, Women Involved In Farm Economics, Center for Rural Affairs and Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska oppose it. ICON President Dave Wright says LB 947 doesn’t provide enough relief for escalating property taxes.

He says if the state were to use sales taxes to pay for education and eliminate several tax exemptions it would help solve the problem.

Wright says whatever lawmakers can do to ensure property taxes are cut is what’s needed. He says the best bill up for consideration is Senator Tom Briese’s legislation.

Wright says besides working for a legislative solution, his group is also supporting a petition drive calling for property tax relief.