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Bill

LB 1189

Create a pilot program to raise awareness of the earned income tax credit

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Danielle Conrad

Nebraska creates pilot program to boost awareness and uptake of federal Earned Income Tax Credit among low-income working families.

Notice of hearing for February 11, 2026
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Bill Summary · LB 1189

Legislative bill overview

LB 1189 proposes establishing a pilot program in Nebraska designed to increase public awareness and utilization of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax benefit for low-to-moderate income working individuals and families. The bill would likely fund outreach and education initiatives to help eligible Nebraskans understand and claim this credit they may not currently be taking advantage of.

Why is this important

Millions of eligible taxpayers miss out on billions in EITC benefits annually due to lack of awareness or confusion about eligibility. Increased EITC uptake directly puts money into the pockets of working families with the lowest incomes, potentially reducing poverty and boosting local economic activity. Nebraska's participation rate in the EITC is below the national average, indicating a significant gap in claiming available federal benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and state budget impact: Determining appropriate funding levels for an awareness pilot without clear evidence of ROI or participation rates in Nebraska
  • Administrative responsibility: Questions about whether the state should bear costs for promoting a federal program, or if resources should prioritize state-specific benefits
  • Scope and duration: Disagreement over whether a "pilot" sufficiently tests the program or if full implementation statewide would be needed to achieve meaningful results

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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