Platte Institute Calls for Reconsideration of Proposed Tax Measures by Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee
OMAHA, NE — The Platte Institute, a steadfast advocate for economic freedom and sustainable tax policies in Nebraska, voices its concern over the recent announcement by the Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee regarding new measures intended to lower property taxes. While the goal of reducing the tax burden on Nebraskans is commendable and dire, the approach proposed, which includes increasing the sales tax rate and extending taxation to business inputs like advertising, is a step in the wrong direction.
Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer of the Platte Institute, articulated the organization’s stance, emphasizing that, “Raising the sales tax rate and taxing business inputs like advertising is bad tax policy. In recent years, the legislature has repeatedly succeeded and shown the best path to lowering taxes is to constrain all sources of revenue and spending growth. Such constraints need to be imposed upon local governments. We believe that constraining state and local revenue and spending growth is the best path forward rather than raising new sales tax revenues to lower property tax revenues.”
These proposed changes would inadvertently harm Nebraska's economy by increasing the financial burden on businesses and consumers alike. Moreover, such measures do not address the underlying issues contributing to the state's tax challenges.
The Platte Institute urges the Revenue Committee and the Nebraska Legislature at large to consider alternative strategies, such as those referenced in our report “Nebraska’s Path to the Top Ten, Four More Years of Tax Reform,” that focus on limiting the growth of spending at both state and local levels. This approach not only aligns with the principles of economic freedom and responsibility but also ensures that tax relief is achieved without compromising Nebraska's fiscal health or economic competitiveness.
As this debate progresses, the Platte Institute remains committed to engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to advocate for tax policies that promote growth, fairness, and economic opportunity for all Nebraskans. We encourage a return to discussions that consider the long-term implications of tax reforms and seek solutions that genuinely benefit the state's economy and its residents.
The Platte Institute continues to advance policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. For more insights, visit PlatteInstitute.org.
