LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Legislative leaders say ConAgra Foods’ decision to move its headquarters from Omaha to Chicago while cutting 1,000 jobs in Nebraska isn’t likely to spur major changes in the state’s tax policies.
The impending move of the company’s headquarters after nearly a century dealt a blow to the state, prompting new calls for tax reform during the 2016 session to help Nebraska compete with other states.
But key lawmakers say they plan to continue their focus on property taxes, noting that the company’s move was less about taxes and incentives than the need to consolidate its operations to remain competitive.
Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha says the company’s departure serves as a wake-up call that state and local officials need to do a better job following industry trends.