LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen is continuing to push for his Nebraska Plan to reduce property taxes ahead of an expected special session of the Nebraska Legislature.

Pillen briefed media on the plan at the Governor’s Residence on Monday. He detailed what he calls his “statement of principles” in meant to guide property tax discussions during the session.

• No sales tax on food

• No sales tax on medicines used for human treatment

• No taxing services or goods provided through nonprofits

• No sales tax on ag inputs or manufacturing materials (defined as physical economic resources used to create goods to be sold to an end user)

• No sales tax on services or items that are exempt in all other states

• No sales tax on services or items that are exempt in all surrounding states   

• No double taxation

Pillen says his principles were informed by more than 50 hours of public forums and by the desire to make the state competitive.

He addressed those who say his plan is a tax shift or even an increase by calling their views “hogwash.” He said it would take a massive increase in personal spending in certain areas in order to equal the property tax decrease.

As far as how the plan would impact renters, Pillen said he can’t make landlords lower their rent but he said he knows for sure that rent will go up if property taxes continue their climb. He believes the free market will help pass on the property tax relief to renters.

Pillen says he plans to officially call for the session on Tuesday. It will start on Thursday.