Reviewing the Recent 2022 Legislative Session
As the 107th Legislature ended the 2022 legislative session on April 20, the Sine Die pronouncement marked the end of a busy and productive session at the Capitol. The shorter 60-day session had some unique challenges, including how our state would appropriate and make effective use of over $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Over $4 billion in asks were made for programs and other investments across the state, so it was certainly no small task for senators to work through all of the items and formulate appropriate policy as a result.
Our state’s economic vitality and continued success also played a part in policymaking this session. Nebraska has weathered the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and emerged with a stronger economy than most states across the country and has even been rated as the very top state when it comes to economic conditions in a post-pandemic landscape.
While much work remains for future sessions, the 2022 edition saw crucial pieces of legislation pass, including LB873, which provides historic tax relief to Nebraskans, and LR283CA, a Constitutional amendment that would allow airports across the state to spend revenue toward developing commercial passenger air service.
On the topic of tax relief, LB873 will lower the state’s top corporate and income tax rates to 5.84% over the next few years, helping to keep our state competitive with surrounding states that offer lower tax rates. LB873 as a whole, cuts income taxes, exempts social security income and ensures significant property tax relief for Nebraskans. We extend our thanks to all Lincoln and Lancaster County senators who voted for this historic tax package in addition to the many proponents who testified on behalf of the Chamber to support this measure.
Ultimately, nearly $700 million in funding is allotted to what have been dubbed “The Good Life Game Changer” policies that address workforce, infrastructure, and economic growth priorities through ARPA funds. LB1112 from Senator Terrell McKinney of Omaha would create the Computer Science Technology and Education Act, which intends to address the tech talent workforce crisis. The goal of LB1112 is to prepare Nebraska’s K-12 public school students to compete and thrive in a 21st century workforce.
Finding a second sustainable source of water for the city of Lincoln remains an issue that will be of utmost importance going forward. LB1081 from Senator Eliot Bostar was modified to appropriate federal funds for the study of Lincoln’s secondary water source. Senator Anna Wishart and Senator Bostar worked hard to get $20 million in funds for this effort under LB1014, which was enacted into law on April 7 on a 40-4 vote.
Finally, and very importantly, the Lincoln Chamber worked closely with Senator Eliot Bostar and a host of other community supporters to pass LR 283 CA, which will provide a financial tool for the Lincoln Airport and other smaller airports across the state to attract air service. This was a top issue for us, and we are very pleased to see this issue placed on the November 2022 ballot for all Nebraskans to support. This was a bipartisan, statewide effort with 47 of 49 senators in support and two not voting.
The 2022 session proved to be successful in tackling many larger projects and policies that can help our city and state prosper.