Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen Claims ‘Mandate’ to Cut Property Taxes at Post Election News Briefing

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen spoke to the media Friday morning following an election victory over Lynne Walz on Tuesday. 

Pillen took to the podium to announce parts of his plan for the upcoming Legislative Session, which is set to begin on Jan. 6, 2027. 

During the news conference, Pillen outlined broad goals for his first legislative session of his second term in office: Cut local government spending, cover education costs, and cut property tax collections. 

In his opening remarks, Pillen acknowledged “we obviously have lots more work to do” to control property taxes. 

Pillen said he aims to cap home valuations that are crushing family budgets, as well as cut property taxes to ensure that Nebraskans can stay in their homes. 

He also spoke about the education of Nebraska students, saying he wants to cover the cost of Nebraska’s schools, arguing that the state had an obligation to fund education. 

In a somewhat surprising move, Pillen delivered a pointed message to the new Legislature, saying if they can’t figure out the property tax crisis on their own, he will get the people of Nebraska involved. 

During the press conference, he said if the Legislature can’t figure out how to lower property taxes in 2027, that he and his team will find a way to put the issue on the ballot in 2028. 

In response to questions from the media, the Governor stated that he will once again pursue revenue to fund all or a part of his initiatives through increased sales tax collections.  No details were provided at this time.