For years, Nebraskans have been promised property tax relief. Every legislative session brings new proposals, yet taxes continue rising for homeowners, farmers, retirees, and businesses. Families pay more each year simply to keep what they already own.
Nebraska faces a growing tax crisis.
More than 20,000 Nebraska properties are at risk of tax sales because of unpaid taxes. Property valuations have often increased by more than 20% annually for several years, while incomes have not kept pace.
Since 2019, more than 17,000 graduates have left Nebraska. Comparable cities are adding jobs five times faster than Omaha, and the state loses about 1,844 residents each year.
Farm bankruptcies have also risen sharply. There were 148 farm bankruptcies in 2024 and 284 during the first half of 2025.
That is why many Nebraskans are saying: If they won’t fix it, we will.
EPIC (axnetax.com) revives a model that worked during Nebraska’s first 100 years. From 1867 to 1966, state government was funded through a centralized system in Lincoln.
Although the previous petition effort fell short, it demonstrated strong statewide support. With better funding and organization, supporters believe success is achievable in 2028.
The EPIC Plan allows voters to take tax reform directly to the ballot and decide the future of Nebraska’s tax system.
Supporters believe Nebraskans will benefit from EPIC. Eliminating property, income, and inheritance taxes would allow businesses to lower prices while maintaining margins, reduce financial pressure on families and help attract skilled workers.
Even with higher sales taxes, many families could pay less overall. For example, a family earning $60,000 with $4,000 in property tax, $2,250 in sales tax ($30,000 spending × 7.5%), and $600 in income tax pays $6,850 annually. Under EPIC, even if the sales tax increased to 10%, that family would save $3,850.
The EPIC Plan has three simple steps.
Step 1: Raise Funds
If 8,000 Nebraskans donate $250 each, the campaign will raise about $2 million for a statewide petition effort.
Step 2: Collect Signatures
To qualify for the 2028 ballot, approximately 168,000 valid signatures are needed. Petition circulators will be paid $10 per signature.
A $250 donor could recover that amount by collecting 25 signatures. If all 8,000 donors did so, the campaign would exceed the required total.
Step 3: Vote YES in 2028
They Won’t. We Will.
The Legislature has had decades to act. Supporters believe that if lawmakers will not deliver reform, Nebraska voters can and will.
The path forward requires donations, signatures, and a final vote.
Donations may be sent by check to:
EPIC
Tom Russell, Treasurer
1721 S. 108th Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Or online at:
For more information:
Steve Jessen – (402) 992-0429
Brenda Bickford – (308) 383-9461
Mark Bonkiewicz – (402) 490-8612
Paid for by EPIC, 4105 N. 37th Street, Norfolk, NE 68701