Nebraska Tax Burden Up And Away

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"The burden that we have placed on Nebraskan citizens...will get worse"
Posted: 5:43 PM Apr 21, 2008
Last Updated: 8:09 PM Apr 21, 2008
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

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A new report indicates Nebraska is the least tax competitive state in the region and residents have one of the highest tax burdens in the nation.

The Platte Institute for Economic Research along with Creighton University just completed the study. “There are many, many good things to say about Nebraska,” says the Platte Institute’s Roger Lempke. “Tax burden is one of those things, unfortunately, that hasn’t been viewed to be all that good."

"Nebraska will be even less competitive in the year 2016, in other words, this burden that we have that Nebraska citizens have placed upon them is getting worse and will get worse," says Creighton’s Ernie Goss.

According to the report, Nebraska moved from the 17th highest tax burden in the nation in 1992 to the ninth highest in 2006.

There are many things that make the tax burden grow in Nebraska. The state’s tax exempt property tax laws that force some older citizens to leave the state, the heavy burden on the middle class and the brain drain, the loss of well-educated citizens.

Some of the brightest young minds in the state can be found on the Creighton campus. Taxes are not currently a priority on the minds of most students. They just want a job.

"It’s just not the number one factor in where I'm going to live after graduation,” says junior Marie Young. “The job market is gonna pull me wherever it pulls me. Taxes are just going be a part of that."

“In the next few years when I decide on where I'm gonna get my job, probably be a big factor, what kind of money I'm gonna make and how much money's gonna be taken out for taxes and stuff," says freshman Dan Manning.

Nebraska’s tax burden really weighs down the homeowner. Judy Jones of Omaha moved to a smaller home in hopes of paying less taxes. She found out there’s nowhere to run in the Cornhusker State.

"Five years ago, I downsized from southwest Omaha to the Aksarben area. It helped out a bit, but again, in the past couple of years they've gone up considerably higher than they should I think for the neighborhood and the size of my property."

Linda Shaw of Omaha is retired and still paying property taxes while others her age with less income pay little or no property tax. "If you make a few dollars over you can't be tax exempt. That’s wrong because it should be proportionate unless you're an American veteran, served in the military, they should be, and people that are handicapped."

The authors of the report contend that if these trends continue, Nebraska will be one of the highest taxed states in the union. What worries Linda is she dosen’t see things slowing down.

“And then with the tax that they may have to put on it if they're going to do that new ballpark downtown, it’s gonna come back on us taxpayers. That’s what I'm afraid of."

The report states that Nebraska must cut 1.2 percent each year from state and local taxes to lower the state tax burden to the national average by 2016.

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Posted by: Cowpunk on Feb 12, 2009 at 11:22 PM
You are so right, Over Taxed! It's all those libruls' fault. If only we had a few CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS in our state government, things would surely be different. We'll have to work on getting a few CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS elected next time around.

Posted by: patricia on Apr 28, 2008 at 04:46 PM
i do have a problem with people receiving welfare not in just Nebraska but everywhere. Why not try absonance or go after who helped you get in that prediciment in the first place. I have recently and previously taken my own advice and figured out that it will take more than just me to help fight the aide and need for justice for our kids. The fathers need to be held accountable for their actions and as for the absentee of mothers. It's been time to get involved and take a stand!

Posted by: to overtaxed on Apr 25, 2008 at 03:25 PM
It is the entitlement of the illegals to receive benefits and take away your job.

Posted by: Over Taxed! on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:48 PM
The REAL reason that Nebraska's taxes are in the top 10 is the bleeding heart Liberals who give all of our money to illegals, those on Welfare, Medicaid, WIC & other assistance programs. There is no incentive for illegals to become legal or those on "assistance" to get a job that pays their bills. Why would they when tax payers will provide ALL that they need & want! $430 a month in food stamps for 2 illegitimate kids & title 20 to pay day care while you collect unemployment. There is NO integrity! It should not be more beneficial to be unemployed than to work! I've worked since I was 10 years old. There's always work in this town! Pick up a paper, pound the pavement until you get a job! If it doesn't pay enough, work & continue to look for a better paying job or here's an idea...work two jobs! Doesn't matter, pay your OWN way & get off assistance! The system MUST stop rewarding people for having illegitimate kids. All cars that are here 30 days should be licensed in Nebraska.

Posted by: Derek on Apr 25, 2008 at 10:38 AM
To Ray: Personally I hope the police find you, fine you, and throw you in jail. Or just confiscate your RV and use it as a Mobile Command Center. Leaving you with the payments.

Posted by: Ray on Apr 24, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Only the little people pay taxes. As for us that know the loop holes we don't pay taxes. Yes, my car and RV are registered in South Dakota. Bend over little people it won't hurt that bad. Not to rub salt in your wounds but the 135k RV only costs 142.00 a year for license.

Posted by: Missy on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Do residents from Iowa that work in Omaha have to pay the wheele tax? Or is it taken out of their pay checks? Doubt it!

Posted by: Dan on Apr 24, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Sara You think our roads are so great come south of the Platte River on highway 75 after you have the life scared out of you I bet you will change your tune then. We have been lied to by the Nebr. Dept. of Roads for over 40 years. Seems they only care for any road in Douglas and Sarpy counties and now we are told it has been moved back to 2014 so they can do more roads in these two counties. Good thing these IDOITS in Lincoln raised the gas tax right so your roads are safe to drive come down here are drive any of you and you will see what we mean.

Posted by: Mike on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:55 AM
To Sara - Good roads? REALLY! The city is even stating they can't keep up with our streets and you make such a ridiculous claim? And GOOD SCHOOLS? That explains why they had to create a learning community, to ensure equality for all students, isn't it? It's amazing how low the crime rate in CB is when compared to Omaha as well. Less drama in those emergency rooms as well. Shows why the recall didn't work, too many folks like you wearing rose colored glasses! It must be nice living in your fantasy world.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:34 AM
High taxes and for what, a dust bowl with cities that really have nothing going for them.. Oh wait, there's the Qwest Center, and that new stadium. .. nah, just a dust bowl that isn't worth the tumbleweeds that blow across the way.

Posted by: To Sara on Apr 24, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Where do you live, Elkhorn? At last count, that was the ONLY school district nationally recognized for academic excellence. Every street/road between my house and downtown (where I work)is literally the pits. If I lived over in Council Bluffs, the commute is about the same and I get all the benefits of Omaha (and a better education system) without all the drama and the high tax burden! I like Nebraska but I am not blind to the fact that taxpayers can't keep this state afloat any longer. It is not as economically attractive to live here anymore. I haven't bailed yet (I moved here because I do LOVE them 'huskers) but I am going to seriously considering what my next move will be, here or ?? To Tim@5:48PM - Well stated! Couldn't have put it better!

Posted by: Mike on Apr 23, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Sara is completely off base. The streets are covered with potholes, about half the kids don't graduate from high school (high school!) and the access to health care is severely limited to those on a limited salary/wage. Wake up!

Posted by: Derek on Apr 23, 2008 at 03:47 PM
To LaTrisha, Why don't you get a job, its not my fault you are lazy. I work for my money. I don't sit on my rear end all day and wait for the first friday of the month to get my welfare check. Go work at McDonald's or Burger King or something. I don't mind getting taxed to help someone out that works 40 hours a week at minimum wage. What I do mind is getting taxed to help pay for someone sitting on there behind. Get a job, and don't tell me you can't. There are jobs all over the place. Unless you are physically handicapped you can get a job. My cousin is mentally handicapped and he has a 40 hour a week job. He's a greeter at walmart but hey it pays his bills. And he doesn't have welfare or food stamps.

Posted by: don on Apr 23, 2008 at 03:20 PM
latrisha, its people on welfare that are too lazy to work and those that are abusing the system that are the reason we have high taxes. try not popping out babies just to get more welfare and get a job like the rest of us tax payers do. if your on welfare and not working you should feel damm lucky WE pay taxes to support you.

Posted by: Dee on Apr 23, 2008 at 11:23 AM
To concerned.....I'm still paying $225 on a 2001 Monte Carlo. Jake, you lucky dog! Glad someone's making the big bucks! Have fun with that car. Taxes in Nebraska are unholy. Let's sue God. (not really)

Posted by: Sara on Apr 23, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Yes taxes are high, but we have great schools, decent roads, access to health care, clean air, etc. Stop whining and take a look at the conditions of other states where the taxes are lower but you can't send your kids to public schoools, your 10 mile commute takes over an hour, the emergency departments are overflowing, etc. I'll take Nebraska any day.

Posted by: BBB on Apr 23, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I want a new car. I want o buy a new house. Need to buy some new furniture. New clothes, oops only have a 100 dollars in my checking. OH thats ok I'll taxs the people more. Oh I'm not the Mayor.

Posted by: Jake on Apr 23, 2008 at 12:18 AM
To Concerned: $285 on a 2006 Malibu? In that case you don't want to know what I paid in taxes on a 2007 Ferrari F430. :-)

Posted by: Mary O. on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:11 PM
If Nebraska ever does allow a tax cut (I remember one in the last 18 years on my own), it doesn't stay permanent. So, no, don't ever plan on seeing tax cuts in Nebraska. We're going to have to count on the fed gov't to give us a little relief.

Posted by: Tim on Apr 22, 2008 at 05:48 PM
We give mass tax breaks to ConAgra, Kiewit, UPRR, et al. Then, the LB775 fiasco--companies not being audited to verify they created the number of jobs they claimed. Building a new stadium, a poorly designed and placed Arena or a damn footbridge won't keep me or others here. We need REAL jobs that PAY very REAL wages. Nebraska jobs pay JUST enough to BARELY survive on. Nebraska is also a right-to-work state (don't have to pay benefits) and an employment-at-will state (can fire you so they don't have to pay benefits). Those are huge negatives, and especially to NON-UNION people. Nebraska politicians claim Nebraska has NO national image when Nebraska has a NEGATIVE national image--well-deserved, too. Junking Peony Park, Aksarben, Old UPRR shops and old UPRR headquarters (a beautiful building)is sick. Spending $25 million in tax breaks for the Wall Street condos in a pathetic real estate market is foolish. The downtown redevelopment only costs taxpayers,only making Kiewit wealthy.

Posted by: Thom on Apr 22, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Nebraska residents need to get up in arms and vote out the tax and spenders in Lincoln. I blame it all on the uni-cam gov't. Nebraska does have alot to offer and Omaha has a outstanding system of jogging trails. Texas has high prop. taxes too, but they have no income tax.

Posted by: HateNebraska on Apr 22, 2008 at 03:44 PM
LaTrisha.. just because people have jobs and you dont, dont believe the hype! Working people probably have just about as much money left over after bills and taxes as you have, at the end of the day. You probably are better off than most of us with less stress. I've been on both sides of the fence, and ultimately, its all the same! broke is broke!

Posted by: SI on Apr 22, 2008 at 02:34 PM
We can even be forced to pay taxes with out having any representation ... I live outside the city limits of Omaha and I now get the opportunity to pay wheel taxes ... I don't have a sewer close to me we're on a septic and I have the honor of helping pay for new sewers in Omaha ... and who should I complain to ?? It's a losing battle ... I think all of our wages should go directly to the state and in return they will cut us a cost to live check and keep the rest cuz they need it !!

Posted by: Well LaTrisha on Apr 22, 2008 at 02:16 PM
You have internet too, don't you? Lot of jobs out there, lady, don't keep yourself down!

Posted by: Concerned on Apr 22, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I'm curious where we rank in pure property taxes. The "tax burden" research factored in all taxes, including sales tax, income tax, gas tax, cigarette tax, etc... I'm willing ot bet we're in the top 5 as far as property taxes go. $4100 for a $150k hom eand $285 for a 2006 Malibu? Just amazing.

Posted by: LaTrisha on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:51 PM
All you folks that are complaning about taxs should be glad you have income to get taxd on. Try liven on welfare and food stamps and see how you feel.

Posted by: Gone on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:58 AM
As I age, the income is going down, NE. is Not the state to retire in, corrupted Politicians, (City and State) is driving the people, out of NE who earned their money to be taken away by the TAX-ME state, better leave now before you will be sorry. Love the Big Red and miss my family but I will not miss the TAX-ME state.

Posted by: HateNebraska on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM
thought i was the only one who hated nebraska! im glad so many other "realistic" people do...its only the ones who are "stuck in the box" thinking who love it here. this is the absolute worst place to live in the world, nothing to do, no culture, just a government that wants its citizens to be poor with nothing to do but create violence and crime. I agree with you all who say 'Lets leave this dump!' make it a ghost town. i CAN NOT WAIT to leave this crackerjax box town!!! hate it here.

Posted by: Mad on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Our state slogan should read "Nebraska, where the taxes are endless". There is so much mis-management of state/City tax funds in this state, I can't believe the federal government hasn't stepped in on our behalf. For all the money we spend, you would think we were New York or California. Instead, we are just a little town with delusions of big city grandeur located in a state that would go bankrupt without us. 7th most taxed state out of 50 and what do we have to show for it? Name one good thing that has come out of our taxes that couldn't have been done better and cheaper. Our state and local governments think that because we have the highest count of millionaires per capita that the common taxpayer can afford to pay more? Or may be the REAL plan is to force the homeless and poor out of the state by eliminating ANY extra money that could be donated by the public? There is a direct correlation between tax rates and charitable spending. Think of all those poor suffering.

Posted by: DTD on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I'am out of here. To much tax for me. Well BB maybe you will get a ghost town here in the big o.

Posted by: RabidAmerican on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:35 AM
As is apparent, and as suggested within many responses, we can see why this state has become a burden to its citizens. Our "Legislature" has become a defacto "Anti-Progress Committee". We have illogical decisions being made that further the image of Nebraska as being a state of rubes and bumpkins. We, as a state, defer every type of potential growth to neighboring states. A few examples?? How about Casinsos (denied "for the children and the weak natured gamblers"), how about the proposal to create a wonderfully huge lake/resort area in the Platte river valley (denied because of "NIMBY" and maybe a couple of toads could drown), not to mention losing AKSARBEN as a tourist draw. The list could go on and on. We, as citizens, are at fault for not demanding more action and adherence from our elected officials. We are failing to elect more creative legislators with fresh ideas geared toward growth.

Posted by: JJ on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:25 AM
WHY SHOULD WE MOVE? WHY NOT ELECT ALL NEW STAFF,AT THE NEXT ELECTION? WE CAN'T DO WORSE,LOOK AT WHAT WE HAVE NOW. LET'S VOTE FOR NEW PEOPLE WHO CAN DO THE JOB,AND REPLACE THE ONES WHO OBVIOUSLY CAN'T

Posted by: Me To You on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:25 AM
1747214 people live here. But we are taxed like we live in New York City. Why is that? I think it is time for the unicameral to be dissolved. It dose not work! Here is a thought. Clean up the welfare system and get the I.N.S. to do there jobs. I know it a long stretch and we will need to bring in an outside advisor to figure out how to work on the situation at had. if we cleaned up the illegal’s that are running around not paying any kind of tax and being a burden on everything from schools to health care and the justice system think about how much money you could say. Yea there is an initial cost of doing this but in the long run the state would be better off. Those jobs could be filled by the people that are on welfare. Then guess what more tax money would be made and taxes could be brought to an expectable level. Just my thoughts.

Posted by: Mike on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Been saying this since well before 2003 but they had to get a study to confirm the obvious?!?! And with Boyle/Fahey's bunch demanding more of our hard earned revenue without any PLAN to relieve our ridiculous tax burden, I just can't wait so I am taking my 6 figure salary along with my family and moving to a much more tax friendly state that has SOMETHING to offer besides Mr. Fahey and his cohort Mike Boyle (two self-proclaimed close friends) for entertainment. The whole fiasco with Rosenblatt/NO-DO and the spiked Police/Fire pension plans was the final nail and I refuse to help pay for that travesty with my money for years to come. So have fun with this growing BOND debt OMAHA, for putting a recalled mayor on the Douglas County Commissioners and LETTING the other nut spend your tax money without consideration I can honestly say YOU deserve what you're getting (cuz' I didn't elect them). Soon only CORPORATE INTERESTS will live here with the huge tax breaks they get at your expense!

Posted by: JF on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Nebraska needs to start using simple economic strategy. Citizens are the "customers" and taxes are the price we pay for the state services. If you can't attract customers, you don't raise prices. Raising prices just drives away your existing customers. Nebraska needs to lower taxes to attract more businesses and residents. Yes that means they'll need to lower state spending in the short term, but isn't that a good thing? Cut spending, cut taxes, and customers (residents) will flock in. The increased resident base will in turn increase tax revenue in excess of what was lost by lowering the tax rate. Until property taxes are lowered, it's going to be nearly impossible to get small business and more families to purchase property. And in the mean time, state spending will increase without an increase in the tax base. Those of us with families will continue to look outside the state for jobs until eventually there's no one left.

Posted by: Krissy on Apr 22, 2008 at 10:03 AM
anyone ever notice the sign "Nebraska the good life"? try the poor life

Posted by: Ben on Apr 22, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I love paying taxes and hope they get even higher.

Posted by: brian on Apr 22, 2008 at 09:38 AM
thats why we moved back to iowa 2 years ago. we found 3200 dollars in property taxes on a 133,000 dollar house ridiculous. we called it the tax me state

Posted by: carol on Apr 22, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I have always said they should take "the good life" off the bridge over the river and replace it with "the tax me state" Fits pretty good now..think about it...

Posted by: Iggy on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:45 AM
This state feels like the Socialist Republic of Nebraska (where people can carry concealed guns, mind you!), without universal health coverage –UHC- (I am wondering how much higher the taxes should be to afford us UHC). It's absurd and ridiculous that most people I know are chest thumping Republicans who will fight 'tooth and nail' to ‘lower our taxes’ and have a ‘small’ government and in reality we have just the opposite. We have no kids and pay over $5,000/year in property taxes alone (for an average size home)… Then, there are incredibly high sales, income, and car taxes. It’s a never ending cycle, and what do we get for that? I can point you –for starters- to the high crime rates and the poor public education system(s) of this legit highway robbery! Another pointer: our aging sewer, road, and energy infrastructure. Shame on us!

Posted by: S on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I’m a relative newcomer to Nebraska and have realized that I made a terrible mistake in coming here. I’ve lived in MO, MS, MA, NH, CA, OK and CO and have never felt a tax pinch like I have in NE. I’m sorry to say but I believe that the voters in this State have allowed too many back door politicians take the reins of Government and have allowed complacency to set in. I’m retired now and it’s more difficult for me to pick up and move but pick up and move I will do. There’s no way I can afford living “The Good Life” on a fixed income. I wish those that stay here the best of luck. It’s going to get a whole lot worse! As long as you allow huge expenditures for frivolous venues in the face of huge mandatory expenditures, you will be buried in taxes. At the current rate Nebraska will be number one, but not in a good way.

Posted by: BoBo on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Duh. What a waste of time. Anybody that has lived in this state and works for a living knows this already.

Posted by: West O on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:12 AM
One of the worst things is property tax...I live in Millard so my kids have a great school...I don't mind paying taxes for that, but now they are going to put all the school funds into one big pot??? I hope they go reassess the rest of Omaha.

Posted by: Medical Student... on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:11 AM
After graduation I am gone....

Posted by: Liz on Apr 22, 2008 at 07:19 AM
People in Nebraska cities subsidize the rural areas and corporate interests, who have used blackmail to get their taxes down to nothing. Rich people get their back yards declared "ag land" to avoid taxes. The Unicameral causes this by giving disproportionate representation to rural areas who perpetuate a ridiculous 93-county system so that all their relatives can work for the state in their various counties. The only answer is a taxpayer revolt--to vote out this governor and the Omaha mayor. Taxes will go even higher as people leave the state to avoid the high taxes. When will people get wise that you don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg--in other words, you don't tax Omaha to death!

Posted by: J on Apr 22, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Fahey wonders why he's the target of a recall, and the state legislature wonders why their constituents demanded term limits. As soon as I retire, I'm off to a much more tax-friendly state to live.

Posted by: Todd on Apr 22, 2008 at 06:56 AM
I myself am planning on leaving Nebraska by the end of the year. If you add up the amount we pay in property, car and other taxes compared to other states, you could make a new car payment or be investing a large amount of money a year. I also agree with Todd, there is nothing to do in this state, unless you like to drink at bars, gamble in C.B. or stuff yourself at chain restaurants. Good by and have fun Omaha!!!

Posted by: dc on Apr 22, 2008 at 06:23 AM
thank the good lord the Republicans are in charge as they keep telling us they believe in lower taxes and less spending.(sarcasm alert)

Posted by: Go West on Apr 22, 2008 at 04:44 AM
Being a retired, middle-aged guy, it's getting more and more tempting to move to a state like Wyoming. I was born there anyway. They've got gas, oil, coal, and uranium tax revenue money coming out of their ears there, not to mention a lot of tourism dollars, with hunting and fishing galore. Time to go surf the real estate listings in Sheridan...

Posted by: RM on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:45 AM
I hope we didn't have to pay for that study because most of us living here already know we pay too much in taxes.

Posted by: Todd on Apr 22, 2008 at 12:42 AM
High Taxes because Nebraska hhas nothing to offer and nobody wants to live her so they all move away and we have no state source of revenue. A new stadium is no better than the old stadium in this regard either. Casinos are for Vegas, and thhere are no amusment parks or hardly any other THINGS for RESIDENTS and VISITORS to do here! NO RACING, NO OFF ROAD RIDING AREAS close, NO PRO SPORTS TEAMS, the Parks are lucky if they have a picnic table, and the state forbids any having fun on the Platte River. This state sucks and we should all leave before they tax us to death. Nebraska is also one of the highest states for gasoline and cigarette taxes. As a matter of fact, what DO we get a break on for living in this sorry excuse for a state? When I'm out of town, I always tell people I am from another state because I am EMBARRASSED to say I am from Nebraska. Excuse me while I go and throw up...

Posted by: Fred on Apr 21, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Don't forget that the Legislature approved and the Governor signed a new tax incentive bill this session for whose benefit? You guessed it, BIG BUSINESS. Wise up, suckers.

Posted by: Right field on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:15 PM
If you don't want you taxes to go up even further, contact NCAA and tell them they don't have the support Fahey says he's got.

Posted by: ricochet000 on Apr 21, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Nebraska is the biggest joke of all of the states in the nation...Glad I have nothing to do with that state anymore...

Posted by: Matt on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:59 PM
As a younger person who left Nebraska, I can tell you that many young people won't stay in Nebraska. You can't really make a living there unless you're the CEO of a major company. Teachers can't really live there, farmers struggle at times to live, etc. Taxes are a burden on everyone when everything but salaries are on the rise...soon Nebraska will be a desert again.

Posted by: Sven on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:45 PM
NE is ridiculous with it's taxes. It's one of the main reasons my wife and I are definitely leaving the state for my residency after medical school. When is this state going to get serious about it's social, violence and tax issues? It's no wonder there is a brain drain here.

Posted by: BB on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I say lets get out. And then they can have a ghost down with the tumble weed blowing in the wind. This state is going to be tax out. After the year 2013. We need to get out now. Also, the week legislature we have can't even think straight.

Posted by: E on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Raise those taxes...pass the hat...WE NEED A STADIUM!!!

Posted by: bob on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Just wait till the ball park is in lol.

Posted by: Sandra on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:17 PM
WOW another reason we should get CASINOS!!!

Posted by: Timmy on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:06 PM
It does not matter what we tell the people in charge of raising our taxes. They do not have the authority or willpower to make a difference. Just go about their business, afraid to change how bad the economic conditions are. Look at our vehicle taxes, that is ridiculous!!! Omaha, Lincoln, GI, Kearney, etc..(bigger cities) basically pay for all state funded updgrades across the state. Look at all the deductions farmers receive, add on windfall crop seasons with the increasing maize revenue the past few years.. makes sense. (NOT) This state is a great place to raise a family, too bad the state leaders make it one not to retire in.

Posted by: Laura on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Wow something to be proud about...not. Nebraska never makes it on top of any list that is positive. I hear yea "soon to be..." when my kid is out of school I will happily leave this damn state. I am so not proud to be here. This state is a disgrace!!!

Posted by: Imagine that. on Apr 21, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Where is the money going? Is there a noticable difference to the average eye between Nebr and surrounding states? I don't see any. Nebr is a state where if another state is taxing something then 'We need to tax it too? We can tax it higher than they'. Cleaning out some older tax filings recently I ran across my property tax bill from 2002. I compared it to 2007 and it is now $800 a year more than 2002. I've made no major improvements. In a period where home prices are falling Nebr is telling us our homes are worth more to justify getting more taxes from us. In a time of record gas prices, many of us are using less. So Nebr is raising the per gallon fuel tax when they should be supporting conservation. These 2 items are merely the tip of the iceberg once you start counting income tax, phone, cable, internet, restaurant, M.U.D, OPPD, clothing, automobile, appliance, home maintenance. What about tobacco and alcohol taxes, where are those peoples money going? Did I miss anything?

Posted by: Tina on Apr 21, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Amen to that! Just waiting for my last to graduate as well then it's Good Bye Nebraska, Hello Iowa Interesting thing, not one of my family members or my husbands family members stayed in Nebraska, everyone retired out of state. Ya think that just might be something to that?!?

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 21, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I already knew this tid bit of information. I have been paying taxes in this state for a long time.

Posted by: citizen on Apr 21, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Thank you, Unicameral for give us this infamous distinction.

Posted by: soon to be former Nebraskan on Apr 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Once my last kid is out of high school, you will be seeing a "for sale" sign on my house - Every year when I pay the Ben Nelson surtax, on top of the federal AMT, due in part to our high state taxes, I count down the days until I can move out of this state.