03/28/2008
With only 12 days remaining, the Legislature has a great deal of work to be completed before calling it quits for the 2008 session. In major actions this week, the body rejected efforts to repeal the death penalty and advanced a school funding measure to final reading. The Legislature is expected to give final approval to adjustments to the biennial budget later today.
Corporate income tax relief
Lawmakers have advanced a measure that would reduce corporate income taxes. Legislative Bill 888, introduced by Sen. Carroll Burling (Kenesaw), and designated as a priority bill by Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh (Omaha), would increase from $50,000 to $100,000 the income threshold for the state's highest corporate income tax bracket. LB 888, which NFIB supports, would mark the first change in the corporate income tax threshold since 1975. Nebraska currently has the second-highest nominal rate among surrounding states with a corporate income tax.
Workers' compensation bill on hold
The Legislature began first-round debate on LB 1082 on March 27. LB 1082, which NFIB opposes, is a measure introduced by Sen. Abbie Cornett (Bellevue) and designated as a priority bill by the Business and Labor Committee. It would allow recovery of workers' compensation benefits for mental injuries and mental illness unaccompanied by physical injury for employees who are victims of or witness to a violent criminal act and for employees who are "first responders." During debate, a number of senators expressed concern regarding the costs associated with the passage of LB 1082 and its effect on workers' compensation premiums for employers, suggesting that the measure would also lead to significant increases in litigation expenses.
