Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

Neva Butkus

Senior Analyst

Neva Butkus

Born and raised in a working-class community outside of Chicago, Neva has witnessed firsthand the impacts on a community when policymakers prioritize the wealthy and corporations in state and local tax policy. As a Senior Analyst at ITEP since 2021, Neva now supports researchers and advocates in their fight for equitable and adequate state tax systems through policy analysis, research and collaboration. Prior to ITEP, Neva was a Senior Policy Analyst at the Louisiana Budget Project where her research and advocacy included issues of corporate tax policy, working family tax credits, unemployment insurance, and K-12 finance policy.

Neva holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Louisiana State University. She resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 neva at itep.org

Recent Publications

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Child Poverty Remains Unacceptably High, New Federal Changes Unlikely to Move Needle

September 16, 2025 • By Neva Butkus

By not extending the 2021 temporary Child Tax Credit expansion, federal lawmakers have allowed the number of children and families in poverty to increase and remain unnecessarily high.

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State Earned Income Tax Credits Support Families and Workers in 2025

September 11, 2025 • By Neva Butkus

Nearly two-thirds of states now have an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Momentum continues to build on these credits that boost low-paid workers’ incomes and offset some of the taxes they pay, helping lower-income families achieve greater economic security.

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Recent Media Mentions

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Associated Press: Mississippi and Kentucky Aim to End Personal Income Taxes

April 6, 2025 • By Neva Butkus

About 45 years have passed since a U.S. state last eliminated its income tax on wages and salaries. But with recent actions in Mississippi and Kentucky, two states now are on a path to do so, if their economies keep growing. Read more.

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Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Governor Signs Income Tax Elimination Bill. How Are You Affected?

March 28, 2025 • By Neva Butkus

With a stroke of a pen, and a few light-hearted jokes, the Build Up Mississippi Act, the largest total tax cut in state history was signed into law on March 27.

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