Taxpayer Watchdog Launches Ad Campaign Opposing Nebraska’s Proposed Tax Increase

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Zupkus, (224) 456-0257

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is launching an advertising campaign this week – using radio, social media, and phone calls – to oppose Nebraska’s L.B. 9, a bill that would raise the state’s sales tax by a full percentage point and extend it to cover new services, including digital advertising and deliveries.

David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, offered the following comment:

“These increases are intended to facilitate a decrease in property taxes – a laudatory goal, but one that should not be paid for by a tax increase that falls heavily on middle- and lower-income Nebraskans.  In fact, everyday Nebraskans should not be forced to cover the costs of a property-tax decrease that disproportionately benefits the wealthy. It is always a good day to cut taxes, but L.B. 9’s supposed benefits are a misdirect and a mirage. Cutting rates to help the well-off while simultaneously raising rates that harm the average citizen is not a serious way to pursue tax reform. Wealthy property owners like L.B. 9’s champion, Governor Pillen, stand to benefit greatly from the proposed rate reduction, while low-income families will feel a sales-tax increase on a daily basis.

“TPA is proud to take a stance against regressive tax legislation that would make Nebraska a less attractive place to live. The proposed tax increase would put Nebraska among some of the worst states in terms of sales tax, bringing the state within a percentage point of last-place California. States must structure their tax codes to be attractive families and businesses, and both native Nebraskans and residents of other states who are looking for a new place to live will take note of the fate of L.B. 9.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.