By Senator Tom Brewer
The election we held about three weeks ago reminded me about what happened to former Nebraska Governor. Norbert (aka; Nobby) Tiemann. He was a moderate republican that only served one four-year term. The past election reminded me why he only served one term.
In 1966, sponsored by Farm Bureau, the people put an end to the much-hated state property tax with a ballot initiative. The 50th Legislature began the session without any revenue to run the state. The Governor decided to introduce the very first income and sales tax bills. Prior to 1967 Nebraska did not have either of these taxes and we boasted about that fact on our welcome to Nebraska state-line signs.
The Governor so angered Nebraska Republican voters that the party, for the first and only time in its history, refused to endorse an incumbent republican governor’s reelection, and endorsed his primary challenger instead. The governor narrowly won the primary, but he was beat up politically. Enough for JJ Exxon to defeat him in the general election.
One of the lessons the last election has taught us is the 57 year experiment with astronomically high property taxes must end. It is depopulating our state, particularly those citizens trying to earn a living and raise a young family working in Nebraska’s number one industry (Agriculture).
Like Governor Tiemann, the last election produced a number of senators who were removed by the voters after only one term. Whether or not the next election cycle sees more incumbents removed, will depend on the 109th Legislature introducing a package of bills that decisively lowers property taxes. Voters will not be kind to Senators who are “present, not voting” on bills that lower property taxes in the next session. I think the trend of a one-term incumbent Senators losing reelection campaigns will continue to grow. I know this because the people are sick and tired of waiting for a solution to this age-old problem killing our state. I have spoken to thousands of them.
If eight years in the body has taught me anything, until Lincoln and Omaha Senators (75% of the body) start losing reelection campaigns over how they vote on property tax bills, there will not be any decisive reduction in property taxes.
For Nebraska’s sake, I really hope the 109th Legislature proves me wrong. All the brains and experience and political talent one could ever hope for will be in the chamber next January. The viable solutions are plentiful and time-tested. Many great bills that would lower property taxes have been introduced many times. New Senators need to listen to their voicemail and read their emails and ignore calls from the lobby. There are a lot of six figure jobs in Lincoln and Omaha that depend on the status quo never changing. Of course they are going to complain, and predict biblical disaster befalling their special interest. Remember to serve your district, not your donors. I recommend the new senators avoid the drama found in the rotunda. Lobbyists didn’t elect you.
Please contact my office with any comments, questions, or concerns. Email me at tbrewer@leg.ne.gov, mail a letter to Sen. Tom Brewer, Room #1423, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509, or call us at (402) 471-2628.