A Resolution by the Lancaster Republican Party

Supporting Tax Relief in the State of Nebraska

September 17th, 2015

WHEREAS, according to the Taxpayer Foundation Organization in 2011 there were 25 other states that have a lower State and Local tax burden than Nebraska, (Nebraska’s rank was 25 with a rank of 50 as being the best).  All the states surrounding Nebraska had a lower State and Local tax burden than Nebraska.  The rankings are as follows: South Dakota - 48, Kansas - 26, Wyoming - 50,  Missouri - 33, Iowa -  29, Colorado - 32, and

WHEREAS, according to the Taxpayer Foundation Organization in 2015 there were 30 states with a better business tax climate than Nebraska.  (Nebraska’s rank was 31 with a rank of 1 being the best).  Most states surrounding Nebraska (South Dakota, Kansas, Wyoming, Missouri, and Colorado) all had a better business tax climate than Nebraska.  The rankings are as follows: South Dakota - 2, Kansas - 22, Wyoming - 1, Missouri - 17, Colorado - 20, and

WHEREAS, according to Kiplinger Magazine (September 2014) ranked Nebraska as the 8th worst tax friendly state in America to retire in.  Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Kansas, and Iowa were considered more tax friendly to retire in.  One of the main reasons this ranking is true is because Nebraska is one of 14 states left that still tax social security benefits.

WHEREAS, according to the Taxpayer Foundation Organization, in 2012 Nebraska had the 13th highest property taxes amount per person.  Of the states that surround Nebraska only Wyoming has a higher property tax amount per person.  Colorado - 22nd highest, South Dakota - 27th highest, Iowa - 15th highest, Missouri - 35th highest, Kansas - 20th highest

WHEREAS, according to the Taxpayer Foundation Organization, in 2015 Nebraska had the 14th highest top marginal income tax bracket.   Of the states that surround Nebraska only Iowa had a higher top marginal income tax bracket (8.98%) than Nebraska.   

WHEREAS, we believe that the best way to provide for more jobs and growth in Nebraska businesses is to lower the overall tax burden on all Nebraskans and businesses to assist in a growing economy.        

NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Lancaster Republican Party strongly encourages the Nebraska Legislature to lower our tax burden in Nebraska by making the appropriate spending cuts.  We reject any attempts to increase the size and scope of the function of the state government since this would lead to an increased tax and regulatory burden on all Nebraskans and stifle the incentive to create and maintain jobs in Nebraska.    

Approved - 9/17/15