Governor Jim Pillen defended his administration’s efforts to reduce state spending Monday, saying Nebraska must “live within our means” while continuing to push for property tax relief, workforce development and support for agriculture during the Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s monthly statewide call-in program hear on 1400 and 99.3 KLIN.
Budget issues dominated much of the hour-long program. Pillen said higher-than-expected state tax refunds have created additional pressure on the state budget but argued that returning more money to taxpayers is a positive development.
“The forecasting board undershot how much refunds Nebraskans are getting by over $300 million. As a taxpayer, getting more refunds back from the state is a good thing. That simply means we have to tighten our belt. We have to balance the budget.”
The governor defended his directive to state agencies to find additional savings, saying Nebraska government has grown too large over the past several decades. “We have to be competitive. Shrinking government, focusing on what we need, not all this other stuff, is what we’re focused on.”
Pillen also signaled that he expects many agencies to reduce spending by as much as ten percent while using technology and eliminating outdated practices to improve efficiency rather than reduce services.
Property tax concerns generated several calls from listeners across Nebraska. Pillen said more than 1,000 Nebraskans have already responded to the administration’s new property tax hotline, created to gather public input after property valuation notices were mailed.
“We’ve got to quit talking about it. We have to get it solved.” He said the comments will be organized and shared with state lawmakers as they consider future property tax legislation. Pillen also suggested Nebraska should consider limiting increases in property valuations to provide taxpayers with more predictable tax bills.