The Chamber says it'll stay in the center and continue to offer feedback, but no endorsement.
Text of a release today by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Omaha Chamber executive committee cannot support the tax reform bills, LBs 405 and 406, as currently drafted. Rather, it has adopted a neutral position and looks forward to a continuing discussion to explore ways to improve Nebraska’s tax climate for employers and individual taxpayers.
Analysis of the measures by the Chamber and member businesses shows that they would result in significant uncertainty for many businesses, and in many cases a significant increase in overall costs due to sales taxes that would be imposed on items such as manufacturing inputs and energy. The effect of the proposals on manufacturing and processing, hospitals, non-profits, and a number of others would be counter to their intent and carry risk of driving some businesses out of Nebraska.
The Chamber’s executive committee does believe in continuing to pursue a tax structure that will help to make our state more competitive for jobs and talent. While it cannot support LB 405 or LB 406, it has directed staff leadership to testify in a neutral position at Wednesday’s hearing before the Revenue Committee of the Nebraska Legislature so that discussion of improving the state’s employer tax climate can continue.
The Greater Omaha Chamber has long supported making Nebraska’s tax structure more competitive for jobs and population growth. The Chamber’s executive committee applauds Gov. Heineman and Senators Beau McCoy and Brad Ashford for beginning this important discussion. We support exploring ways to create a strong business climate for Nebraska to realize the most prosperous future possible.
