Advocacy

The increase in legislative proposals affecting the CPA profession requires representation in the legislative arena. The Society’s presence at the State Capitol and its visibility on the national level remain a priority.

When the Nebraska Legislature is in session, the Society’s lobbying efforts ensure the views of Nebraska CPAs are known on issues of interest. The first lobbyist for the Society was hired in 1956. Today, the Society’s lobbyists, Korby Gilbertson and Justin Brady of Radcliffe Gilbertson & Brady, scrutinize every legislative bill, keep track of amendments, and become involved with legislative action on all bills that have an impact on the CPA profession. In addition, the Society testifies at public hearings and pens letters of support and/or opposition as needed.

The Society has long played a proactive role for certified public accountants in Nebraska, sponsoring bills and defending the profession against legislation that might be detrimental from the Society’s standpoint. Nebraska was the first state in the nation to enact mandatory continuing professional education (CPE) requirements. In 1991, Nebraska adopted the 150-hour education requirement for new CPAs. Then, in 2026, the old became new again when legislation was passed to restore an additional pathway to licensure: a bachelor’s degree combined with two years of qualifying experience. The bill also changes Nebraska’s experience requirements to one year for those with either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree plus 30 credit hours of education. This legislation was the result of a joint effort of the Nebraska Society of CPAs and the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy.

On the national scene, the Society monitors events in Washington, D.C., and speaks on behalf of Nebraska CPAs in dealing with the state’s congressional delegation.

Building strong relationships with our state legislators is critical to the CPA profession's legislative and political effectiveness. Each year, the Nebraska Society of CPAs holds its annual State Senators Reception & Dinner on the eve of the start of the Legislative Session in January. The Nebraska Legislature convenes the first Wednesday after the first Monday of the year. Mark your calendars for next year's event!

WHEN:  Tuesday, January 5, 2027, 5:30 p.m. Reception / 6:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner
WHERE:  The Renaissance Room at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln, Neb.