Nebraskanomics

Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl, Assistant Professor of Economics at Central Arkansas University, joins Jim to discuss some fast-moving economic indicators, and why the big picture issues may matter more in the months and years ahead.

Do you think Nebraska taxpayers would like to pay $1 billion more in taxes each year? Unfortunately, some groups and policy makers in our state have pushed for this without many people even knowing about it. That's why experts at the Platte Institute go down to the Capitol to testify against expensive policies threatening economic opportunity in Nebraska. In the debut episode of our vlog + podcast...

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Nebraska District Director, Leon Milobar, joins Jim Vokal to discuss resources available to small businesses impacted by the pandemic, and even Nebraskans who are still thinking about getting into business.

Sarah Curry joins Jim Vokal to review a week full of major tax-related proposals in Lincoln.

Nebraska Extension's Cindy Brison joins Jim Vokal to discuss a training program that helps Nebraskans start businesses under the state's expanded cottage food law.

Joe Bishop-Henchman is no stranger to Nebraska tax issues. He discusses his new role at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, where he's challenging federal authorities who may seek to limit Nebraska's control over its own tax and budget policies. 

A campaign in Omaha wants to help the city rethink its approach to housing options and affordability.

Nicole Fox joins Jim Vokal to discuss an advancing proposal to notify Nebraska taxpayers about potential property tax increases.

Nebraska's already running a revenue surplus, but more federal funds are on their way for the state and local governments. Sarah Curry outlines five ways the money can be used to give Nebraska more flexibility for its future economic and financial goals.

Sarah Curry joins Jim Vokal to discuss a confusing provision of the new federal relief plan, how the U.S. Treasury's interpretation of the law might impact the ability of states like Nebraska to make their own tax and budget decisions, and what the Platte Institute is doing about it. 

A bill in the Nebraska Legislature could help a Navy veteran begin the career he trained for in the service. And he's not the only one. 

To grow and prosper, Nebraska needs a larger workforce. Laura Ebke joins Jim Vokal to discuss why states are adopting universal recognition of job licensing and work experience to roll out the red carpet for workers and entrepreneurs.

Nebraska is one of only six states that levies an inheritance tax, but senators in both parties are working on ways to reduce the burden on families and businesses. Jim Vokal and Sarah Curry discuss a new report on one of Nebraska's least understood taxes. 

If more Nebraskans had access to broadband, a new poll suggests they might use it to video call their officials about high property taxes.

Lawmakers are looking at policies helping Nebraskans in the pandemic and whether to make them permanent. We discuss Sen. John Arch's telehealth bill, LB400, Sen. Tom Breise's bill for universal licensing recognition, LB263, and introduce Nebraskans who have been helped by recent changes.

A transparency proposal in the Legislature would prevent taxpayers from being blindsided by local property tax increases, and give them more of a voice in the process that decides their tax bill.

Senators have introduced hundreds of bills in the new legislative session. We discuss 21 of them that we’re supporting to remove barriers for Nebraskans in 2021.

Some want states and the federal government to impose more taxes on automation, robots, and other business equipment. Tax Foundation Senior Policy Analysts Garrett Watson and Katherine Loughead discuss why that's not as futuristic of an idea as it sounds. 

The entire Platte Institute staff gets together to chat about the beginning of the 2021 legislative session and introduce some of the voices you'll hear in future editions of The Full Platter podcast. 

Emily Hamilton, a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, joined Adam Weinberg for a recent discussion with media outlets to discuss her new Platte Institute policy brief "Build More Housing: Land Use Reform Opportunities for Nebraska's Cities." The paper is online at https://PlatteInstitute.org/Policy