Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) addressed Nebraska media during his weekly press call, focusing on the One Big Beautiful Bill and its intended impact on families in the state.

“Nebraska is what America is supposed to be,” said Ricketts. “We believe in hard work. We provide for our families and take care of our communities. We defend our freedom. The One Big Beautiful Bill reflects those values and delivers results where they matter most.”

During his remarks, Ricketts outlined several provisions of the bill aimed at providing tax relief and supporting working families. He stated that Nebraska workers have faced challenges due to inflation, increased regulation, and rising costs attributed to the Biden administration.

“This bill fights back with historic tax relief and educational opportunities,” he said. “It helps Nebraskans keep more of what they earn and protects Nebraska values.”

Ricketts highlighted measures such as eliminating federal tax on tips up to $25,000 per year and introducing a deduction of up to $12,500 for overtime pay. He shared an encounter with a TSA officer who expressed appreciation for the overtime provision.

“In fact, he even asked if we could make that permanent,” Ricketts recounted. “But the no tax on overtime isn’t just for the TSA—it’s for nurses, factory workers, police officers, and servers.”

He emphasized that these changes are designed to benefit a range of jobs essential to Nebraska’s economy: “This tax cut is for all jobs that sometimes require workers to give a little more and work a little harder. We are rewarding their sacrifice.”

According to Ricketts, without this legislation, average Nebraska families would have seen a $2,400 increase in taxes—a sum he noted could otherwise go toward basic expenses or savings.

He also discussed enhancements to family support programs within the bill: “The Child Tax Credit was increased to $2,200. The child and dependent care tax credit increases the maximum credit rate from 35% to 50%. It’s combined with enhancement of the dependent care assistance program, which excludes up to $7,500 of dependent care assistance expenses from income each year. That is up from a previous limit of $5,000.”

Ricketts pointed out expanded employer-provided childcare credits—raised from $150,000 to $500,000—and introduced a new $600,000 childcare credit specifically for small businesses.

On education policy changes included in the bill: “The One Big Beautiful Bill gives families educational freedom and fixes how studentsarepayingfor higher education.” He detailed new scholarship-related tax credits and expanded Pell Grant eligibility for short-term job training programs—initiatives he previously supported as Governor.

The bill also introduces exemptions so agriculture-related assets like farmland are not counted against FAFSA calculations when farm families apply for financial aid.

“It holds colleges accountable for leaving students with burdensome debt,” Ricketts added regarding higher education reforms in the measure.

He concluded by reiterating his commitment: “The One Big Beautiful Bill defends Nebraska’s values. It supports families. It encourages hard work and smart education… This is how we fight for Nebraska. This is how we preserve the good life.”