Janet Palmtag of Syracuse, a District 1 legislative candidate, supports approval of casino gambling in Nebraska to help fund property tax relief.
Janet Palmtag of Syracuse, a District 1 legislative candidate, supports approval of casino gambling in Nebraska to help fund property tax relief.
Janet Palmtag of Syracuse, who is embroiled in a high-profile legislative contest with Sen. Julie Slama of Peru that has divided Republican leaders, said Saturday she supports approval of casino gambling in Nebraska because it will fund property tax relief.
A three-pronged gambling initiative that would allocate 70% of state revenue raised by authorized casino gambling at Nebraska horse racetracks to property tax relief will be on the November general election ballot.
"We cannot achieve real property tax relief by kicking the can down the road," Palmtag said. "That's why I'm taking a bold stand," she said, stepping out front as the first Republican candidate to support the initiative.
"Only Janet Palmtag supports real property tax relief through casino gambling," her new campaign mailer proclaims.
"It is time we take bold action for real tax relief. Let's keep the money in Nebraska!"
Palmtag also launched a new radio ad campaign announcing her position.
The expanded gambling proposal would create 4,600 new jobs in Nebraska, Palmtag said.
"Listening to thousands of voters across our five-county region, I have come to believe that adding this new revenue stream is our only viable option for achieving real property tax relief," she said.
Racetracks operate at or near Omaha, Lincoln, South Sioux City, Grand Island, Hastings and Columbus.
New tracks presumably could spring up if the initiative is enacted by Nebraska voters in November.
"To be clear, I personally am not a gambler," Palmtag said, "but for some it is entertainment.
"I realize that some with addictive personalities can be lured into making bad choices and we must take precautions to assist them.Â
"But, in my final analysis, this is our best option for real property tax relief."
Slama, who was appointed to southeastern Nebraska's District 1 seat in the nonpartisan Legislature by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2019, held a commanding lead over Palmtag in results from last May's primary election.
While Slama has strong support from Ricketts and the Nebraska Republican Party, Palmtag has been endorsed by former Gov. Dave Heineman, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, former congressman and former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub and former Secretary of State John Gale.
Many views of Nebraska's state Capitol
Capitol in storm
The State Capitol as a storm rolls into Lincoln in 2017.
Capitol sunset
Capitol sunset in late November 2017.
Flowers
The Nebraska State Capitol from behind the governor's mansion.
Blue Capitol
The Capitol was lit up in blue to remember law enforcement on Jan. 11, 2019.
Cool sky
A great sky the evening of Sept. 17, 2015, over Lincoln.
The Sower
The Sower, forever primed to spread seed across Nebraska, sits atop the Capitol.
Sunrise view
Sunrise view of the Nebraska State Capitol on Aug. 8, 2018.
Rise building
The view of the Nebraska State Capitol from the third floor of the Rise building on the Nebraska Innovation Campus in October 2018.
Snow features
A barely-visible Nebraska State Capitol provides a backdrop for snowfall on Oct. 14, 2018.
State Capitol
The Nebraska State Capitol in 2011.
Holmes Lake sunrise
The Nebraska State Capitol basks in the early morning sun on Dec. 16, 2018.
Snowman
A man and woman finish up their snowman in front of the Capitol in December 1974.Â
State Capitol exterior
The Capitol in 2015.
Fireworks
Fireworks explode over the Nebraska State Capitol to conclude the Nebraska 150 Celebration on Sept. 22, 2017.
Snowfall
The Nebraska State Capitol provides a backdrop for snowfall on Oct. 14, 2018.
Smoke
Kansas fires send a haze across Lincoln in April 2017; this is the Capitol from Holmes Lake.
Capitol
The Nebraska State Capitol at night.
Sunrise over Lincoln
Sunrise over Lincoln, with the State Capitol silhouetted.Â
Tractor Relay
Spectators gathered outside the Capitol in June 2017 to watch antique tractors rolling through Lincoln as part of the annual tractor relay across the state.
Nebraska State Capitol
The Nebraska State Capitol was designed by Bertram Goodhue, and the project was completed in 1932. The art and architecture have long been a source of pride.
Canada geese
Canada geese take wing northwest of the Capitol at the Pfizer Saline Wetland interpretive walking trail Jan. 4, 2011.
A view of the Capitol
A view of the Nebraska Capitol in 2016.
Watchfulness quote on Capitol
The inscription by Hartley Burr Alexander, "The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen," hangs over the front portal on the north side of the Capitol.
Nebraska Capitol Building
Clouds surround the Nebraska Capitol Building in 2011.
Assurity Building and Nebraska Capitol
Work continued on the Assurity Life Insurance Company's new headquarters building in 2011.
Sower in full moon
The Sower atop the Nebraska Capitol appears against a full moon in 2006.
Building boom
Construction cranes at the Pinnacle Bank Arena site vie for attention with the Capitol on Lincoln's skyline on Jan. 17, 2012.Â
Snowy walk
"It's kind of fun," said Beca Voelker of Lincoln as she walks through the brisk wind and snow along 14th Street in front of the Nebraska Capitol building on Feb. 24, 2011.Â
Lincoln monument
The Lincoln monument on the west side of the Capitol.Â
Red Dress
Organizers lit the State Capitol red on Feb. 2, 2012, in recognition of Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman declaring Feb. 3 Wear Red Day in Nebraska during the Lincoln Red Dress Dash event in Lincoln.Â
Storm
Clouds surround the Capitol after a severe thunderstorm passed through Lincoln on Aug. 6, 2011.Â
State Capitol exterior
The Capitol in 2015.
Janet Palmtag
Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSdon
Don Walton
Political reporter/columnist
Don Walton covers politics and the Legislature along with writing a weekly column.
