Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)

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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When Did Your State Enact a Child Tax Credit?

November 9, 2026 • By Neva Butkus

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is an important tool to fight child poverty and help families make ends meet. When designed well, it can also make tax systems less regressive. As of 2020, only six states had CTCs. Today, 15 states have CTCs, with many credits exceeding $1,000 per qualifying…

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Tallying Up the Impact of Florida’s Property Tax Ballot Measure on Local Communities

September 29, 2026 • By Neva Butkus

Florida voters will soon vote on Amendment 3, which would create a pathway for non-school property tax elimination in the state. If passed, the measure would cost local governments $13.7 billion in the first two years alone.

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Recent Media Mentions

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Yahoo Finance: Property Taxes Are Skyrocketing. But States Are Learning That Cutting Them Has Major Consequences.

March 23, 2026 • By Neva Butkus

Lowering property taxes can have unintended long-term consequences for local housing markets. Higher property taxes act like a future mortgage payment. This long-term investment would lower prices and make it easier for first-time homebuyers to gain a foothold in the market. Read more.

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The 74: States Want To Help Families. The Child Tax Credit Might Be Their Answer

March 12, 2026 • By Neva Butkus

The CTC is “both an affordability and anti-poverty mechanism,” said Neva Butkus, a senior analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. States and localities seeking to add or expand a child tax credit work with her team. As of late, Butkus notes that “lawmakers and advocacy groups come…

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