The vast majority of money earned in Nebraska communities is spent locally and supports local economies. The small amount sent to family members in other countries is an important support that should not face high fees.
On Monday, February 9, the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee will hold a hearing on ❌ LB1174 (Sen. Kathleen Kauth). This harmful bill would require additional and unnecessary fees to be collected on each transaction sent to a person outside the US (2% on all transactions, 20% on those to China, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and Iran).
Immigrant community members are already making substantial work and tax contributions to local economies. For example, undocumented Nebraskans alone contribute more than $113 million annually in state and local taxes alone, not including contributions to social security and federal taxes. (Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy 2024). Immigrant Nebraskans (all statuses) create jobs for U.S. born and contribute $1.6 billion annually in taxes (local, state, federal) (American Immigration Council, Map the Impact 2023).
LB1174 also confuses the difference between ordinary people trying to live and support families with problematic governments. It’s a foundation of our country’s Constitution, and our values, that we don’t treat individual community members differently based on their national origin.
Here’s how you can support our Nebraska neighbors by telling senators to OPPOSE ❌LB1174:
- Testify with us at the Capitol
- When: Monday, February 9, 1:30 pm CT
- Where: Nebraska State Capitol Building, Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, Room 1507
- Tips for testifying
- Submit a comment online as an OPPONENT by 8:00 am CT on Monday, February 9:
- On the bill page, click “Submit Comments Online”
- Read through the pop-up notification and click “I Understand”
- Click “Yes” on the “Include Comment in Public Hearing Record” question, if you want your comment to be part of the public record
- Fill out your personal information and use your email to confirm submission
- Write your comment in the “Written Statement” box
- Complete the reCAPTCHA prompt (“I am not a robot”)
- Click “Submit Comment”
Thank you for your advocacy!