Study suggests licensing restrictions for engineers may limit opportunities for minorities
A recent study published by The Center for Public Integrity suggests that licensing restrictions for Professional Engineers in many states may be disproportionately limiting the opportunities for Black engineers. Take the story of Ida Habtemichael, who has spent 14 years working as an engineer for Micron Technology, but who would have difficulty getting licensed as...
States gaining and losing U.S. House seats: how does Nebraska compare?
The U.S. Census Bureau has announced the final figures for apportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next decade. As expected, Nebraska is retaining its 3 House seats, the number of representatives the state has held since the 1960s. The 2020 Census reports Nebraska’s population was 1,961,504, which is a 7.4%...
Podcast: How to Start a Home-Based Food Business in Nebraska, with Cindy Brison of Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Extension’s Cindy Brison joins Jim Vokal to discuss a training program that helps Nebraskans start businesses under the state’s expanded cottage food law. Mentioned on this episode: Nebraska Extension Cottage Food Law Training Home Baking Law Gives Rise to New Cottage Businesses
Last week, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts’ administration announced a new method for “credentialing” journalists to participate in gubernatorial press conferences. The new policy would require those who wish to have credentials to submit answers to questions about their organization’s business model, as well as a notarized letter from their manager. The policy was apparently in...
Corporate income is a factor to state’s continued revenue growth
April is a very important month in the government world. Typically, that is when the tax filing deadline occurs, and budget writers get to see if the state collected as much tax revenue as they anticipated. However, this has been slightly altered for 2021, with Nebraska electing to extend the filing deadline to May 17, 2021...
The Nebraska Legislature has unanimously passed a bill supported by the Platte Institute which makes pandemic emergency changes to telehealth regulations permanent. LB400 had previously been advanced out of the Health and Human Services Committee and prioritized by its sponsor, Sen. John Arch. Prior to the pandemic, accessing telehealth services meant that individuals had to...
Legislature adopts bill for virtual local government meetings during emergencies
Today, the first of 3 bills supported by the Platte Institute making temporary regulatory changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic permanent was passed by the Nebraska Legislature. LB83 was introduced by Sen. Mike Flood on January 7, 2021. The Platte Institute submitted a position letter of support for the bill’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs...
GILTI: What is it, and why does Nebraska need to focus on it?
GILTI stands for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income. GILTI is a category of income that is earned abroad by U.S.-controlled foreign corporations and is subject to special treatment under the U.S. tax code, as well as states that levy a corporate income tax. This special treatment of foreign earned income is intended to prevent erosion of...
Podcast: Joe Bishop-Henchman on Nebraska Tax Reform & the American Rescue Plan
Joe Bishop-Henchman is no stranger to Nebraska tax issues. He discusses his new role at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, where he’s challenging federal authorities who may seek to limit Nebraska’s control over its own tax and budget policies. Mentioned on this episode: Letter: NTU Requests Clarification on State Tax Provision in American Rescue Plan...
Direct notification of property tax hearings advances in Legislature
LB644, otherwise known as a Truth in Taxation bill, passed first round debate in the Nebraska Legislature, 36-1. Nine members were “present not voting.” The legislation moves Nebraska one step closer to providing more taxpayer engagement and transparency when local governments increase their property tax request. Under an approved amendment, LB644 will apply only to a county, city,...
Podcast: A Discussion with Will Greene of the Omaha Missing Middle Housing Campaign
A campaign in Omaha wants to help the city rethink its approach to housing options and affordability. Mentioned on this episode: Omaha Missing Middle Housing Campaign Build More Housing: Land Use Reform Opportunities for Nebraska’s Cities
5 top priorities in Nebraska’s latest budget (and 8 you might miss)
In odd numbered years, the Nebraska Legislature enacts its biennial (two-year) budget. The Appropriations Committee’s proposal typically comes a few months after the governor releases their proposed budget at the State of the State address at the beginning of the year. The version coming out of the Appropriations Committee is the one that will be...
Sales tax revenue is contributing to Nebraska surplus
While our state and nation continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our economy, it is clear that Nebraska’s sales tax is a contributing factor to the state’s resiliency. Sales tax data released by the Department of Revenue gives us an itemized list of each city and county and their net taxable sales...
Lawmakers in Kansas have adopted a new law (SB13) that would directly notify property taxpayers about hearings on local tax increases resulting from higher property valuations. The policy, also known as Truth in Taxation, shares similarities with Nebraska state Sen. Ben Hansen’s 2021 priority bill, LB644. The Kansas Legislature passed this legislation last year, but...