Dear Friend,

In 2013, Nebraska lawmakers faced a push to eliminate state income taxes and offset the revenue losses with a massive sales tax expansion. OpenSky was a key voice of opposition to the tax plan and provided analysis showing the measure would actually increase taxes on about 80% of Nebraska residents while largely benefiting the wealthy and corporations.

Rather than pass tax cuts, OpenSky urged lawmakers to create a commission to conduct a thorough study of Nebraska’s tax code. In an opinion piece in the Omaha World-Herald, OpenSky wrote, “The tax commission measure would give our lawmakers the time and expertise needed to make good decisions. It would let them consider the potential effects and consequences of reform measures.

“This is information we must have to make policies that have the best chance to bring prosperity to all Nebraskans and make sure this remains a great state to raise families and do business.”

The governor, who had advocated for the tax plan, asked that it be set aside for the year in favor of a study, which was conducted later that year by the Tax Modernization Committee. The committee traveled the state in the interim and returned in December with a list of suggestions  for Nebraska’s tax code that continue to influence state tax and budget debates nearly a decade after they were first put forward. The committee’s recommendations largely fell in line with recommendations OpenSky made regarding tax code changes including forgoing income tax cuts and increasing state aid to K-12 education to help reduce property taxes.

With a donation to OpenSky as part of the Give to Lincoln Day campaign, which is running now through Thursday, you can help ensure OpenSky continues to bring needed data, analysis and leadership to Nebraska’s policy debates.

Your gift will maximize your support of OpenSky’s mission by allowing us to receive a proportional share of a $500,000 match fund provided by the Lincoln Community Foundation and other sponsors.

We hope you will support OpenSky with a Give to Lincoln Day donation to help us celebrate our first decade and help us continue to be a key voice in Nebraska for years to come.

Thank you,

The OpenSky team