Recapping the 2018 legislative session
Read about some of the key fiscal developments from the recently-completed legislative session.
Budget debate starts today
Get a preview of the state budget debate.
Polling: Nebraskans supportive of millionaires taxes, more investment in healthcare and K-12 education
Nearly eight in ten Nebraska voters surveyed in a recent poll would favor increasing state income taxes on those who earn more than $1 million. Almost as many voters – seven in ten -- would support raising state income taxes on those who earn more than $500,000 annually.
Budget bill hearings kick off busy fiscal week in the Unicameral
The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on the state budget bills (LB 944, LB 945, LB 946) today to kick off a busy week of hearings – many of which are focused on tax- and budget-related issues.
OpenSky statement on the federal tax framework
OpenSky Executive Director Renee Fry comments on the federal tax framework introduce by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
Updated budget primer available online
See how you can download an updated copy of our tax and budget primer -- "Looking for Clarity."
Sustained vetoes will cut provider rate funding for key services; Tax credits for private school scholarship donations raise concerns
OpenSky Executive Director Renee Fry says, "“At a time when a major budget shortfall is causing cuts to key services like higher education and programs for the developmentally disabled, we have serious concerns about creating a new tax credit that would further reduce revenue and allow wealthy Nebraskans to turn a profit by way of the tax code.”
OpenSky analysis: National trends highlight need for budgetary caution
A review of national reports indicates Nebraska’s $1.2 billion budget shortfall might be part of a larger structural trend that could extend over 40 years and be exacerbated by tax changes at the federal level.
OpenSky analysis highlights need for review of tax changes
The fiscal impact of many tax changes passed over the last decade could be reducing revenue by as much as $900 million a year and this highlights the need to review tax incentives, exemptions and other revenue measures after they become law.
Governor’s tax plan does little for middle class Nebraskans
The example of a middle-class Nebraska taxpayer used by the governor in the rollout of his tax plan would not receive an income tax cut under the proposal but the tax plan would harm Nebraska’s ability to support schools, roads, public safety and other services that are important to middle-class residents.