In a significant step towards tax reform in Nebraska, state senators have successfully passed the latest version of their tax reform bill, LB34e. The bill received overwhelming support, with a 39-6 vote during the cloture, followed by a 40-3 majority vote. Notably, Senators Erdman, Halloran, and Wayne cast dissenting votes. Senators John Cavanaugh, Machaela Cavanaugh, and George Dungan were present but did not vote on the bill.

LB34e, which will now head to Governor Jim Pillen's desk for final approval, marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to address tax-related issues in the state. In conjunction with LB2e and LB3e, which were also passed by the senators, the bills aim to bridge the funding gaps that may arise with the implementation of LB34e.

LB2e, which passed with a vote of 33-11, witnessed Senators Lynne Walz and Anna Wishart present but not voting. On the other hand, Senators Bostar, J. Cavanaugh, M. Cavanaugh, Conrad, DeBoer, Dungan, Erdman, Frederickson, Hunt, Vargas, and Wayne voted against the bill. Similarly, LB3e passed with a majority vote of 36-9, with Senator Walz once again abstaining from voting. Senators J. Cavanaugh, M. Cavanaugh, Conrad, Dungan, Erdman, Frederickson, Halloran, Hunt, and Wayne voted against LB3e.

It is worth mentioning that State Senators Carol Blood, Terrell McKinney, and Jane Raybould were excused and did not vote on any of the three bills.

This legislative push for tax reform was set in motion after Governor Jim Pillen pledged to veto any version of the bill that diluted the original caps put forth in the initial proposal. The special session commenced on July 25, and the Unicameral has been diligently working on the bill for several days. Governor Pillen had called for the session after the spring session fell short in passing the property tax relief package.

Now, with the successful passage of LB34e and its accompanying bills, the fate of tax reform in Nebraska lies in Governor Pillen's hands. The eagerly anticipated decision from the governor will determine the impact on the state's tax systems and its citizens.