LINCOLN (March 13, 2024) – Small business owners are opposing lawmakers’ proposal to transfer $70 million from the Nebraska State Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to provide property tax relief. Warning that the fund should be used solely for unemployment benefits and not opened up to other uses, NFIB State Director Ryan McIntosh said:

“Raiding the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund to pay for property tax relief is like robbing Peter to pay Paul: it’s a misuse of our small business owners’ hard-earned dollars and sets a dangerous precedent for further misappropriation. There’s no question our small business owners need property tax relief, but it cannot come at their own expense. We urge lawmakers to reject this proposal and instead advance meaningful tax relief that strengthens the state’s economic footing and makes it easier for small businesses to expand their operations, raise wages, and create new jobs.”