Farm Bureau Testifies for Property Tax Growth Cap
Nebraska Farm Bureau testified before the Revenue Committee on February 5 in support of LB1219 and LR317CA, legislation that would slow the growth of property taxes across the state.
Bruce Rieker, senior director of state legislative affairs, spoke on behalf of Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Agriculture Leaders Working Group, emphasizing that property tax collections continue to rise at unsustainable rates, even after recent legislative relief efforts.
- Property taxes increased 5.39% last year — a $286 million hike.
- Every 1% increase equals roughly $53 million statewide.
- Taxes rose 5.7% in 2023 and 6.19% in 2022.
- Since 2000, property taxes have nearly quadrupled — up 241%.
The proposed legislation would cap annual property tax growth at 2% plus real growth, which accounts for new construction and development. Statewide real growth from 2024 to 2025 was 1.19%.
Farm Bureau emphasized that property tax growth has far outpaced income growth and inflation, putting continued pressure on farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and families.
Modeling shows that slowing annual growth from roughly 4% to 2% would save property owners approximately $1.5 billion per year by 2035.
Farm Bureau urged the Revenue Committee to make property tax growth reform a priority this session and will continue advocating for meaningful, structural solutions.
Members are encouraged to stay engaged as the legislation advances through the committee process.
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