Ricketts rips property tax bill that would raise some taxes

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts isn’t happy with a tentative proposal that seeks to reduce property taxes by imposing other taxes.

Ricketts criticized the measure Thursday in a news conference with Nebraska realtors and home builders, who oppose parts of the bill that could raise documentary stamp taxes on real estate.

Ricketts says he opposes any effort to shift a tax burden from one group to another. He previously joined forces with grocers to oppose provisions that would impose a tax on pop and candy.

Members of the tax-focused Revenue Committee haven’t yet voted on the package. Some senators argue that farmers are shouldering an increasingly large share of the tax burden.