Pillen undeterred in fight to lower taxes, plans for trip to US border

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Gov. Jim Pillen is not backing down on his promise to lower taxes. 

The governor has been adamant in his wish to cut property taxes by 40% whatever it takes. At a stop in Grand Island, he reiterated why he's so passionate about it. 

“It’s so important because I believe, in order for Nebraska being an incredible place for future generations, we have to be competitive," Pillen said. "I believe it’s really important that our kids have a dream to own their own home. If we keep property taxes like that, they won’t. I believe it’s really, really important that we are able to attract people to Nebraska."

The governor has faced pushback on the various options to achieve his goal, including proposals to increase the state sales tax rate and increase cigarette taxes. 

He said everywhere he goes in Nebraska; people agree with him that property taxes are too high. He says his plan is to partner with everybody in the unicameral. 

“We have to have 33 people that are going to agree on the key components so that we can have a hard cap so we decrease spending across the state," said Pillen. "And that we broaden our tax base, so it gets leveled out between income tax and property tax and sales tax.”

Pillen also touched on his plans for this Sunday. He will visit the southern border in Texas to receive a security update on the situation. He believes it is a humanitarian crisis.

“I’m going down to support Governor Abbott to make sure that we can help protect our kids and make sure that we can stop the drug flow and stop illegal immigration,” Pillen said.  

Pillen said it would be naive to think that illegal drugs that cross the border don't make it to Nebraska.