OPS Board discusses opposition to proposed property tax plan in meeting
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - After a short day of special session in Lincoln on Friday, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education met to vote on their statement of principle. It’s in response to Governor Jim Pillen’s proposed property tax plan and its impact on school funding.
“We are charging our lobbyists and other people interacting with the state senators to follow the statement of principles,” said Jane Erdenberger, school board member.
In the statement, the board opposes several proposals including erosion of local control of education budgets. It’s something state senators say they’re working to keep from happening.
“One of the biggest points we made when we were all discussing this was we maintain local control, not just in cities and counties but also making local controls in schools. And I think with the plan we’re coming up with here, we’ve accomplished both of those things,” said Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair.
The school board voted in support of their statement. State senators, however, were hoping for more flexibility.
“I wish tonight would have been not just a no, but ‘we don’t like this part but here’s some things we could do moving forward,’” Sen. Justin Wayne told 6 News. “And that’s not what we heard.”
The school board also opposed LB 9 which was introduced Thursday by Senator Jana Hughes.
During public comment, the bill was explained this way -- “[It] includes a reduction of residential valuation in the school state aid formula from 96 percent of actual value to 86 percent of actual value. and a reduction of ag land valuation from 72 percent of value to 42 percent of value.”
The board’s opposition is another move state senators do not agree with.
“You can’t say ‘you need to stand up and do your job’ and then we’re standing up to do our job in a special session, and you’re saying no,” said Sen. Lou Ann Linehan for Elkhorn.
With more bills being introduced on Monday, the school board’s legislative committee and lobbyists are standing by to respond if needed. State senators say they’re doing what they can to make this work for everyone.
“Any plan we come out with where 90% of lobbyists and special interests may not like it and 90%of people love it, then we’re doing our job,” Sen. Hansen said.
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