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Groups seek tax exemptions for horses, textbooks, car washes

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Car washes, college textbooks, horses and VFW food could end up sales-tax-free under a series of bills considered by Nebraska lawmakers.

The Legislature's Revenue Committee heard pitches Friday from Nebraskans who would benefit from the proposals. Each would shrink the state sales-tax base, forcing lawmakers to cut spending or take money from other sources.

Car wash owners told lawmakers that a sales tax enacted in a 2002 budget crisis is forcing facilities to close throughout the state.

College students say Nebraska's sales tax on textbooks adds another burden to soaring higher education costs.

Veterans say more VFW halls are closing, and the food they serve is for community fundraisers.

Nebraska horse breeders say they're competing with states like Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, South Dakota and Wyoming, which offer exemptions for horses.

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