Governor Heineman has given up on his tax proposal for this legislative session, but hasn't given up on the idea of tax reform
Governor Heineman has given up on his tax proposal for this legislative session, but hasn't given up on the idea of tax reform. Brent Martin reports. . .
Brent Martin
Governor Heineman will drop plans to swap the state income tax in exchange for the elimination of certain sales tax exemptions. . .
Gov. Dave Heineman; "later this year"
Senator Beau McCoy of Omaha...lead sponsor of the governor's proposal...will shelve the two tax bills and call for the legislative study. . .
Sen. Beau McCoy, Omaha, co-sponsor of LB405&406; "very positive"
Heineman cautions against anyone concluding that he's giving up on tax reform. . .
Gov. Dave Heineman; "we're going forward"
Governor Heineman says he's not giving up on tax reform, though he's shelving the bills he pushed this legislative session.
Heineman says he will now back a legislative study of tax reform, which he insists Nebraskans want. . .
Heineman; "to move forward"
The legislature's Revenue Committee plans to meet this (WED) afternoon to shelve the two bills backed by the governor in favor of forming a legislative committee to study broad tax reform.
Governor Heineman says that while he might be giving up on the two tax bills filed this legislative session, he's not giving up on tax reform.
Heineman says he has agreed to back a legislative study of tax reform...which, he insists, is needed in Nebraska. . .
Heineman; "zero, two or three"
The legislature's Revenue Committee has scheduled a meeting for this (WED) afternoon in which it is expected to postpone consideration of the two tax bills backed by Governor Heineman in favor of launching a tax reform study.
Tax proposals will yield to tax study as the legislature shifts its focus on taxes this legislative session.
The governor has told legislative leaders to shelve the two bills carrying his proposal to do away with the state income tax in favor eliminating certain sales tax exemptions. Instead, the legislature will study tax reform.
The lead sponsor of the governor's tax proposals, Senator Beau McCoy of Omaha, says he wants the study to cast a wide net. . .
McCoy; "to do now"
McCoy expects the study to review property tax rates, the possibility of taxing services and the effectiveness of tax breaks as business incentives.
BONUS CUT:
Senator Beau McCoy understands that sometimes relegating something to a legislative study is the equivalent of letting it die a slow death. . .
McCoy; "Health and Humans Services Committee"
McCoy refers to the legislative study that led to reform of the state child welfare system last year.
(image courtesy of stock.xchng)
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)
