Murman talks 'meager' tax relief, school choice

McCOOK Neb. — “Today is day 59 of the 60-day session,” Senator Dave Murman said as he began the Legislative call with community members of McCook.

The last day will be Thursday. Murman observed that everything that gets through the third stage of debate today will go to the governor’s desk for an opportunity to veto items if he chooses, and then on the last day of the legislative session, there will be an opportunity to override those vetoes, if any.

Murman said “A couple of the most controversial things that we passed were a meager attempt at property tax relief,” saying that he was very disappointed in what we did advance, and he thinks it’s very likely we will have a special session to try and do more for property tax relief.

The other controversial thing is school choice. The school choice didn’t advance to the final reading with 33 votes. He said, “Just last night, we did go till close to midnight. It will come back for the final reading next Thursday. The property tax package final reading is today.”

However, today’s agenda had yet to be set, he said.

Comments were made by community members taking part in the discussion: Justin Harris, owner of Wild Ass Soap. Co. and the Wild Ass Hemp Farm shared his concern over LB388 - Adopt the Property Tax Growth Limitation Act, the Advertising Services Tax Act, and the Property Tax Relief Act and change provisions relating to revenue and taxation.

Regarding the proposed 100% sales tax on CBD products, Harris shared that within the last four years, his small boutique’s CBD products have generated $10,000 in Nebraska state sales taxes. Harris said, “If we get that 100% sales tax on CBD products, it will completely shut down all our sales within Nebraska.

“We can only sell out of state, which will generate no sales taxes for Nebraska.”

Senator Merman discussed that the proposal had been changed from 100% sales tax to 25% sales tax, along with an increase in cigarette and lottery tax, a 5% tax on skills gaming, and a 20% tax on vaping.

Another community member who previously worked in law enforcement suggested that Harris’s business’s products should not be lumped together with the “Sin Tax” items as they do not result in intoxication.

Harris agreed, “I just think that it’s a shame that we have to be faced with a 25% tax and lumped in with alcohol, gambling, and tobacco.

“It’s a real shame that we don’t have the advocacy or the lobbying money that the pharmaceutical industry and the fear companies and people like that have. It’s just a shame.”

Senator Murman said, “I appreciate what you do. I know there are a lot of people who swear by CBD oil, especially, so I appreciate what you do there.”

Another community member expressed her disappointment that Murman and 32 other senators will not wait until the November election to pass LB1402, which Requires the State Treasurer to establish education scholarships and eliminate the Opportunity Scholarships Act.

She said, “I’m sad that you passed 1402 before the people of Nebraska vote on that issue, and I’m a little disappointed that you’re on the green side for that vote.”

Senator Murman replied, “I appreciate your comments and ideas on that. I know it’s a controversial subject, but I want to do what’s best for all the students in the state.”

This was the last Legislative call for the year organized by the McCook Chamber of Commerce. The Senator expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with the McCook community.

He looks forward to being the guest for Coffee Talk at Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe on May 22 at 10 a.m.