LINCOLN — A group backing efforts to slash Nebraska property taxes is now pushing a ballot initiative that would raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000.
The nonprofit Advocates for All Nebraskans unveiled the plan this week, calling it the Assist Property Tax Payers through Legislative Education Support initiative, or APPLE. The measure would require the state to fund the increase, with school districts required to set a $50,000 starting salary beginning in the 2027–28 school year. After 2029, the base pay would adjust based on changes in the state’s general fund receipts.
This petition is the third in the group’s broader campaign. Two earlier measures announced in August aim to reduce property taxes by cutting assessed values in half and capping property tax revenue growth at 3% annually. Supporters say the package would lower property taxes by billions while ensuring schools are adequately funded.
But questions remain over how the state would pay for the salary mandate. Nebraska currently ranks last in the nation for starting teacher pay, with an average just under $39,000, though Omaha Public Schools already starts teachers above $51,000. Critics, including the Nebraska State Education Association, warn the plan could force districts to shift money away from veteran teachers or cut services.
Examples from other states have shown similar challenges. Arkansas raised starting pay to $50,000 last year, but many districts reduced maximum salaries for experienced teachers. Iowa and South Dakota have also recently passed laws setting minimum teacher pay.
Advocates argue their plan provides both bold property tax relief and a sustainable funding model for schools. Opponents remain skeptical, saying the proposal is financially unrealistic and could compress teacher salaries.
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