Nebraskans of color are becoming infected and dying of COVID-19 at disproportionately high rates and racial unrest has intensified in Nebraska and many other parts of the country. The Nebraska Legislature has an [...]
Decoupling from changes to federal tax law set out in the recently-passed CARES Act would give the state time to assess whether the middle of a pandemic and record-breaking economic downturn is the right time for $250 million in tax cuts. That was the recommendation of Adam Thimmesch, a tax professor at the University of Nebraska’s law school, speaking on a recent OpenSky webinar.
Over the past couple of months, the COVID-19 crisis has impacted the lives of Nebraskans and the state economy in innumerable -- and often unprecedented -- ways. During that time, OpenSky has released a number of policy briefs outlining policy recommendations that would help the state and its residents come out of this period as strong as possible.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) not only helps more than 170,000 Nebraskans afford quality food, it also serves as an important economic stimulus tool, with studies showing that for every $1 of benefits redeemed, local economies see $1.70 in economic growth during a recession. In recognition of this, the federal government has recently given states increased flexibility in tailoring their programs to not only respond to increased need caused by the COVID-19 crisis, but also help states recover from the looming economic downturn. Nebraska has taken important steps toward maximizing this flexibility and ensuring more dollars are available to be spent at local businesses, but more could be done.
Record numbers of Nebraskans are losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis, which means that record numbers of Nebraskans are also losing access to health insurance. While some will be able to afford insurance through the marketplace or COBRA, those who can’t may be left without coverage because they aren’t otherwise eligible for Medicaid and the state has yet to implement Medicaid expansion.
OpenSky Policy Director Tiffany Friesen Milone outlines seven steps state leaders can enact now to help Nebraska residents and our economy whether the COVID-19 pandemic.