Economic Opportunity

Nebraska is stronger when policies are designed to level the playing field, ensuring that the economy works for everyone.

2025 Session

Follow OpenSky for sound research, data and analysis throughout the 2025 Nebraska Legislative session

Key Resources

The Latest from OpenSky

Federal Investments in Nebraska

 

OpenSkyLIGHTS: Focus on Nebraska fiscal policy (1/31/25)

$108 Million Minnesota governor Tim Walz proposed a budget that decreases the state’s overall sales tax rate from 6.875% to 6.8%, an effort to support citizens who have been feeling the effects of increased prices on everyday goods. To pay for the cut, and in fact to increase state revenues

OpenSky Policy Institute Statement on January 28, 2025 Executive Order

OpenSky Policy Institute has always been driven by the principle that accurate, precise information helps bring clarity, promotes good public policy, and empowers the public to engage and advocate for decisions made with their investments as taxpayers that reflect their values. We promise, as we always have, to share with

OpenSkyLIGHTS: Focus on Nebraska fiscal policy (1/24/25)

75 Million OpenSky continues to monitor proposed cuts to Medicaid, a joint program between federal and state governments that provides health insurance coverage to more than 75 million people nationwide. The program, which is the single largest insurer in the country, finances about 42% of all births in the country,

Video: Insider Tips for Effective Engagement with your Senator

Have you ever wondered what the best ways are to engage with your state Senator? Check out our video featuring Sen. Jana Hughes and a panel including legislative staff members. Interested in more information throughout the legislative session? Check out our YouTube Channel for more videos or subscribe to OpenSky

5 things to know about the Governor’s budget

The OpenSky team is engaged in a thorough analysis and line-by-line review of the Governor’s proposed two-year budget, and will be tuned in closely to upcoming hearings in the Appropriations Committee. The state of Nebraska must balance its budget in the state’s General Fund. How that is achieved with a

Nebraska News Connection on Jan. 21: Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Advocates for young Nebraskans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. In a story, OpenSky Executive Director Rebecca Firestone said reduced federal funds would also have an outsized effect on Nebraska’s rural health care providers. Read the story

OpenSkyLIGHTS: Focus on Nebraska fiscal policy (1/10/25)

88% A recent report by the Tax Foundation indicated that 88% of respondents believe that the United States federal tax code needs reform. This was part of a broader study to assess current sentiment around federal taxes, as well as mastery of key concepts related to taxation. Younger and middle-aged

Insider Tips for Effective Engagement with your Senator

Have you ever wondered what the best ways are to engage with your state Senator? Email? Written letter? Hearing testimony? Singing telegram?!? Hosted by Senator Jana Hughes, our virtual panel will feature four current legislative staff members who have seen it all when it comes to constituent engagement. They’ll offer

Making Our List and Checking it Twice: OpenSky’s Holiday Recap 

It’s been an incredibly busy year at OpenSky, navigating the regular legislative session, saying goodbye to legislators who will not be returning in January, navigating the heat (both literal and figurative!) in a July special session, helping to defeat one of the largest tax shifts in Nebraska history, linking arms

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Economic Opportunity

Economic Opportunity Nebraska is stronger when policies are designed to level the playing field, ensuring that the economy works for everyone. Key Resources Medicaid Overview “A Healthy Nebraska,” updated in 2023, provides an overview of Medicaid and CHIP funding in Nebraska. Learn More State Budget Overview “Taking Ownership,” released in