Nebraskanomics

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Chairs of the Appropriations and Revenue Committees Senators Clements and von Gillern. During the episode the senators and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the budget shortfall facing the state, steps they are taking to fill the gap, and what it means for tax relief in Nebraska.   If you want more economic free...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jennifer Butler of State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism. During the episode Jennifer and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss recent policy changes at the federal level, how those changes impact states, and why federalism is so important in the modern era.  If you want more economic freedom in Neb...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Tony Sorrentino of District 39. During the episode Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal and Senator Sorrentino discuss his bill to reinstate tax credit scholarships, his background, and why school choice is so important for Nebraska’s future.    If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinst...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Andrew Handel Director of ALEC’s Education and Workforce Development Task Force. During the episode Andrew and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss ALEC’s new report “ 2025 ALEC Index of State Education Freedom: A 50-State Guide to Parental Empowerment ”, why school choice matters in terms of migration, and how Neb...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome newly elected Aurora City Council Member Esther Bergen. During the episode Councilwoman Bergen and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss what inspired Esther to run for office, the challenge of restraining local budgets, and how Truth in Taxation can drive change in Nebraska.    If you want more economic freedom in...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Speaker John Arch. During the episode Speaker Arch and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute’s priorities for 2025, the emphasis on legislative oversight this session, and how the legislature will navigate the $432 million budget shortfall.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please vis...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome three newly elected state senators, Jared Storm of District 23, Bob Hailstorm of District 1, and Bob Andersen of District 49. During the episode the new senators and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss their priorities for the 109th legislature, next steps for property tax relief, and repealing Nebraska's inherita...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Chair of the Board of Opportunity Scholarship Nebraska, Rick Bettger. During the episode, Rick and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss school choice in our state following the repeal of Nebraska's opportunity scholarships law. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute’s new report on the annual cost of medicaid expansion, the Tax Foundation’s latest state tax rankings, and our expectations for the 2025 legislative session.  If you want more e...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Danielle Conrad of District 46 in the Nebraska Legislature. During the episode Sen. Conrad and Platte CEO Jim Vokal give valuable insight into LB 16, it's passage last year, and next steps to modernize Nebraska's regulatory environment. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a don...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Chris Ingstad president of the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation. During the episode Chris and Platte CEO Jim Vokal give valuable insight into how Nebraska and Iowa compare on taxes and where we can both take steps to make our states better.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donati...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Ben Hansen, champion of Nebraska's Truth in Taxation law. During the episode Sen. Hansen and Platte CEO Jim Vokal give valuable insight into how Nebraska can improve its current Truth in Taxation law, and how this law contributes to lower property taxes. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Tony Woodlief State Policy Network's Senior Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow for SPN's Center for Practical Federalism . During the episode the Tony gives valuable insight into what federalism means in the modern era, how states can reclaim their own authority, and why it matters. If you want more economic freedom in N...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Fred Birnbaum a Utah property owner and Billy Hesterman the President of the Utah Taxpayers Association. During the episode the two give valuable insight into the Utah's Truth in Taxation process, how it contributes to their overall high ranking in state comparisons, and how Nebraska can improve it's current Truth in Taxation la...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome former Governor Dave Heineman. Governor Heineman was chief executive of our state last time a special session was called. During the episode he gives valuable insight into the process and shares his thoughts on lowering Nebraskans property tax bills.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to mak...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute’s property tax vision leading into the special legislative session.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help f...

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jim Ediger and Wade Regier both of whom are community leaders in Aurora Nebraska who helped defeat a new sales tax measure in their community. During the episode, the two and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal explore what happened in Aurora, how they were able to defeat the measure to raise taxes, and why engagement matters in local communities....

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jeremy Ekeler Executive Director of Opportunity Scholarships Nebraska and Jayleesha Cooper a student at the University of Chicago who benefitted from attending private school. During the episode, the two and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal explore the merits of tax credit opportunity scholarships, some of the misinformation surrounding this le...

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and EVP for the American Legislative Exchange Council. We dive into the significance of state tax policies and their impact on economic competitiveness. Jonathan shares valuable insights from the Rich State's Poor State's report, a guide ranking the economic outlook of each state. Stay tuned as we di...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the recently announced "property tax relief" plan from the Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee and the negative effects Nebraska would experience as a result of this plan.   I...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring Nebraska Department of Labor Analysts Jodie Meyer and Scott Ferguson. During the episode Jodie, Scott, and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the labor market in Nebraska, how the coronavirus pandemic effected our economy, and why potential employees chose Nebraska.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, pl...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Director of Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom Neal McCluskey. During the episode Neal and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the state of school choice in 2024, the importance of Nebraska's tax credit scholarships, and why choice in education means more freedom.   If you want more economic f...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the 2024 tax proposals and the positive and negative effects they could have on Nebraska.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to h...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Executive Director of Nebraska Tech Collaborative and internNE, Shonna Dorsey. During the episode Shonna and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal talk about recent workforce trends, barriers to employment, and how Nebraska can continue to attract high skill high wage workers.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska,...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome economist, author, and tax policy expert David Brunori. During the episode David and Platte Institute Chief Strategy Officer Jim Smith talk about recent national public policy trends, as well as known and rumored proposals in the Cornhusker State to restructure the tax code and reduce the property tax burden.   If you want more economic...