This web page is provided as a resource for Nebraskans regarding state and local taxation. This page informs Nebraskans how their taxes are collected, spent, and how they affect the state competitively. Armed with this knowledge, Nebraskans can challenge their legislators to reduce wasteful tax spending and be more tax efficient. "Tax efficiency" refers to value of governmental goods & services received over the amount of tax expenditures.
I became interested in the Nebraska Tax System when I lived in South Sioux City, NE for several years and had a chance to compare notes with friends who lived in Iowa or South Dakota. Nebraskans are painfully aware of how much it costs to license a motor vehicle in Nebraska. Reasoning that if things are not that much different in these adjacent states, why would Nebraskans need to pay more for licensing a vehicle? No one could answer that for me. My research turned up some interesting surprises that I want to share with you. Ultimately, only by comparing total taxes in each state can the taxpayer compare how expensive it is to live in each state. Only by consider total taxes revenues and expenditures, can improvements be made in the "tax" cost of living in Nebraska.
While the general condition of the state is good, it faces great challenges: specifically, a perceived high tax rate, low population growth, and a sagging agricultural economy. Taxation is a major factor in the cost of living. Increased taxation is one the greatest obstacles to future growth in the state of Nebraska. The key is not spending more tax money, but less. Lowering the amount of taxes and the cost of living within Nebraska will ensure further population growth, business expansion within the state and preservation of The Good Life we know here in Nebraska.
Our mediocre status today can only be the result of the all too common citizen rut of indifference, of being too busy making a living and paying taxes, of not being involved. Many of the benefits of government service at all levels have typically been offset by inefficiency, waste and mismanagement. Voters may hold elected officials accountible if citizens are aware of and involved in the issues. Many policies and tax expenditures have evolved over a period of time growing out of hand. An informed and active citizenry can prevent this from getting out of hand.
Nebraska, a state with a great populist heritage, has, unique among the 50 states, a one house form of government called the unicameral. The state unicameral was created as a means to make government less partisan, more effective, more in touch with the citizens of the state. However, the unicameral form of government is even more accessible to lobbyists. Nebraskans must realize lobbyists and special interests are even more watchful of how our tax dollars are spent. Nebraskans must take advantage of the accessibility they have with the unicameral form of government by keeping up with the issues in the legislature and take a more active role in state government. The steps taken today have a tremendous impact on the shape of our future tomorrow. The solution begins with you. On a personal level, get informed with factual information. Respect different points of view; but look for the "win-win" situation. Get involved. Attend a school board meeting or taxpayer association meeting. Learn how to effectively communicate with your circle of friends, peers, co-workers and your state senator. Become a citizen lobbyist. Remember, if we can all agree, we can get to where we want be pronto.
Do not be intimidated by statistics. Statistics can be very informative or very misleading. When examining this data, pay close attention to the way data is presented. Special effort has been put forth to make clear how the data is presented so meaningful comparisons can be made. Please utilize the information compiled below in dialogue with family, friends, co-workers, and correspondence with your state senator. They need to know you're concerned. Taxes in themselves are not evil; only wasted tax appropriations are.