State lawmakers consider raising income tax on rich

LINCOLN (AP) – A bill inspired by Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett that would increase state income tax rates on the rich and bring in more than $42 million in its first year was brought before lawmakers Friday.

Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln asked lawmakers to consider creating a new state income tax bracket for the less than 1 percent of tax filers making more than $400,000. The Nebraska and Lincoln Chambers of Commerce opposed the bill, while the Nebraska State Education Association supported it.

Her bill comes up for discussion after Gov. Dave Heineman called on lawmakers to eliminate or...