Nebraska State Senator Jim Smith of Papillion, chairman of the revenue committee, wants to take money from the state’s property tax credit fund to pay for a large package of income and property tax relief. Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Economist Jay Rempe doesn’t think that’s a good idea and says the focus needs to be solely on property tax relief.

He says recent figures released in an out of state report show Nebraska’s property tax rates impact agriculture at a higher level compared to other states.

Rempe says Senator Smith understands the tax problems faced by Nebraskans and is making a good faith effort to address the issue.

Rempe says what Smith is attempting if difficult especially with the State facing a large budget shortfall.