Nebraska Sales Tax Bill Advances Amid Property Tax Concerns

The proposed sales tax increase aims to alleviate soaring property taxes but faces criticism for potentially burdening lower income residents.

Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill to raise the state's sales tax by 1 cent to 6.5%, aiming to address soaring property taxes.
The bill includes new taxes on candy, soda, and a 100% tax on hemp and CBD products, but cuts sales tax on utility bills.
It seeks to alleviate the burden on lower income residents by exempting grocery food items from the sales tax increase.
Critics argue the sales tax hike would disproportionately affect lower income populations, despite efforts to target higher income residents.
The bill must survive two more rounds of debate before the legislative session ends on April 18 to become law.