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New corporate rate rankings highlight Nebraska’s pathway to a top 10 corporate tax code

Nebraska levies the 18th-highest corporate income tax rate in the country in 2023, according to a new compilation of state corporate rates from Tax Foundation. The Cornhusker State’s top corporate rate was reduced from 7.5% to 7.25% on January 1st, making Nebraska’s top rate equal to New York’s at #18. Nebraska is one of...

By Michael Lucci

Nebraska, Wisconsin, aim towards flat taxes

The state flat tax revolution marches on in 2023. Arizona, Idaho, and Mississippi each inaugurated a flat-rate income tax on January 1st, expanding the count of states that opt for a single-rate income tax structure. Massachusetts, on the other hand, moved in the other direction by abandoning its decades-long protection of a flat tax system....

By Michael Lucci

Key tax reform bill would cost Nebraska nothing

Nebraska’s Legislature will consider major tax reform proposals to slash income and property taxes in 2023. Historic revenue surpluses provide lawmakers a rare opportunity to dramatically cut income and property tax rates, improving the state’s friendliness for both families and firms. Yet one key tax reform can be enacted for “free.” LB 492, introduced by...

By Michael Lucci

4 Ways to Make Nebraska Compete with Anyone

As Nebraskans, we’re proud to say our state is the place for the Good Life. Over the years, Nebraska’s had its fair share of controversial mottoes and even license plates. But through it all, the concept of the “Good Life” has been considered about as good as it gets when it comes to capturing what...

By Jim Vokal

New year, new tax reforms

Nebraska lawmakers begin 2023 in the midst of a wave of state tax cuts. Most importantly for local families and firms, Nebraska’s individual income tax rate dropped from 6.84% to 6.64% on January 1, and the corporate rate fell from 7.5% to 7.25%. Nebraskans should have more to cheer about in 2023, as influential lawmakers...

By Michael Lucci

A View from Behind the Glass: What to Expect in the 108th Legislature

As we prepare for the new legislative session, Nebraska’s facing a substantially changed landscape in the Unicameral. There are 16 new state senators, which is nearly one in every three legislative seats. In addition, our governor’s office is transitioning and a wave of retirements is occurring for legislative employees responsible for the important behind the...

By Jim Vokal

108th Nebraska Legislature Issue Guide

The elections are over, and Nebraskans now know who will be representing them in the Nebraska Legislature. People run for public office for a variety of reasons. For many, the decision is because they want to make a difference and help others. For some, they feel that elected officials currently serving have let them down....

By Nicole Fox

Michael Lucci on the Future of Nebraska’s Tax Policy

Nebraska ranks 39th in the country for property tax competitiveness. How do we modernize our tax policy to keep and attract more people? Today, we’re talking about the future of Nebraska’s tax policy and how we compare to other states. Given the changes in the economy, states are competing to keep their current population and...

By Jim Vokal

Support Your Local Cottage Food Producer This Holiday Season

We are happy to share with you our 2022 Cottage Food Holiday Guide. The guide contains the offerings and contact information for over 80 Nebraska cottage food producers. These producers are a fraction of the over 1000 individuals who are now registered to operate cottage food businesses in Nebraska thanks to LB304. In 2019, the...

By Elizabeth Hallgren

No More Excuses: Post the Unicameral’s Meeting Videos Online

In 2022, the State of Nebraska made it easier for taxpayers to get involved in the process of how local property tax increases are decided, with the adoption of Truth in Taxation. For the first time ever, taxpayers had complete information about which tax entities were seeking major tax hikes, and where they could go...

By Jim Vokal

Nebraska’s Surging Tax Revenues Should Accelerate Reforms

What to do with Nebraska’s surging tax revenues is a problem every policymaker would like to face. Nebraska legislative leaders have already pointed to the best solution. Senator Lou Ann Linehan, who chairs the Revenue Committee, argued that the surplus revenue “has to go back to the taxpayer.” The best way to do that, Sen....

By Michael Lucci

Nicole Fox on Why Transparent Governments Post Hearings Online

Today, we’re talking about transparency in government and the need to post legislative debate and hearings online. Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations at The Platte Institute and a former Nebraska State Senator, shares her unique perspective of policy making from a variety of angles. Currently, Nebraska Public Media live streams Unicameral floor debates and...

By Jim Vokal

Nebraska’s Cottage Food Law Produces Opportunities

In 2019, the Platte Institute worked with Senator Sue Crawford to pass the Nebraska Cottage Food Law. LB304 created a registration framework allowing in-home producers of shelf-stable foods to sell their products legally beyond farmers’ markets. This opened up the opportunity for year-round sales and delivery–from the kitchen or via mail order or personal delivery....

By Laura Ebke

Nebraska Income Tax Modernization

Nebraska’s income tax was created in the Nebraska Revenue Act of 1967 and has been applied to both individuals and corporations since its creation. The income tax was increased soon after it was created, and it evolved into a less competitive structure over its first few decades. Nebraska policymakers took steps to improve the competitiveness...

By Michael Lucci