Nebraskanomics

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Mark McHargue. During the episode Mark and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the impact of agriculture in Nebraska, next steps on property tax reform, and what the future looks like for our state’s largest industry.  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 Fellow Laura Ebke. During the episode Laura and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss a new short documentary from the Platte Institute highlighting the impact of the second chances legislation that was a part of LB 16 passed in 2024.  “Second Chance: A New Path for Opportunity in Nebraska” can be found at this link: http...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome the President of the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation, Chris Ingstad. During the episode Chris and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss Iowa’s new two percent hard cap on property taxes, their efforts lower their income tax, and what’s next for Iowa as they continue competing in the midwest region.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Nebraska’s Attorney General, Mike Hilgers. During the episode Attorney General Hilgers and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the the importance of good energy policy in Nebraska, how we attract new residents and investment, and the next big issues that will shape the future of our state.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jonathan Williams, co-author of Rich States, Poor States and President and Chief Economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council. During the episode Jonathan and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the latest rankings in new edition of Rich States, Poor States , how Nebraska can improve, and what top states are consistently doing to com...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome William Beard, co-author of the Goldwater Institute’s report: Data Centers a Free Market Model for the Digital Future . During the episode William and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss what data centers are, why they matter, and what separates the states that are winning investment from those that are falling behind. If you want more economi...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as host Jim Vokal rants about rising property taxes, the shell game elected officials are playing, and solutions Platte is advocating for this year. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg. During the episode Treasurer Spellerberg and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss LB 938, which creates First-Time Home Buyer Savings Accounts in Nebraska, the role of the Treasurer’s Office, and solutions for Nebraska’s high property taxes.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Tom Brandt of District 32 and Senator Bob Hallstrom of District 1. In this episode, the senators join Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal to discuss their efforts to address Nebraska’s property tax burden through LB 1219 and LB 575 (now amended into LB 803). They also share their backgrounds and perspectives on how high property taxe...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Heath Mello. During the episode Heath and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss how Nebraska can change course on migration trends, and how things like workforce, housing, and childcare will make a difference in growing Nebraska’s economy.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska,...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute’s Senior Tax Policy Advisor Jared Walczak. During the episode Jared and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss a new report from the Platte Institute on tax principles and how Nebraska can pursue tax reform this session.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fu...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator John Arch, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature. During the episode Speaker Arch and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss what’s expected this session, how property tax reform can happen in a tight budget year, and lessons from his time as speaker.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Congressman Mike Flood who represents Nebraska’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House. During the episode Congressman Flood and Platte CEO Jim Vokal dive into efforts to reduce barriers to housing, how we grow Nebraska, and his priorities for 2026.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.or...

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 and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal talk about federalism, the recent government shutdown, and how states can reclaim their own authority. If you want more economic freedom...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Tanya Storer who represents District 43 in the Nebraska Legislature. During the episode Senator Storer and Platte CEO Jim Vokal dive into county zoning in Nebraska and tax relief this upcoming session.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research an...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Mike Cassling Chair of the Board of Governors of the Aksarben Foundation. During the episode Mike and Platte CEO Jim Vokal dive into a new report from the Aksarben Foundation that shows Nebraska lagging behind our peers in job and wage growth and how this trend is hurting our state.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute's Senior Tax Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode the Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute’s new report “Nebraska’s Tax Treatment of Non-Profits” and why this matters for lowering taxes in Nebraska. To read the full report, visit this link: https://platt...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Bridgeport Nebraska based ag producer Cassie Lapaseotes. During the episode Cassie and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture, rural Nebraska, and how public policy can have an impact.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome the 41st Governor of the State of Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen. During the episode Governor Pillen and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss how we provide property tax reform for Nebraskans, the importance of making the most of federal funds, and what’s next for Nebraska.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebr...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Reeve Bull, the Director of Virginia’s Office of Regulatory Management. During the episode Reeve and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss how Virginia is saving taxpayers money through cutting regulations, the hidden cost of red tape, and how Nebraska can improve its regulatory structure. If you want more economic...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome economist, conservative commentator, and the 2025 Platte Legislative Summit keynote speaker Stephen Moore. During the episode Stephen and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte's upcoming Legislative Summit, federal policy's impact on states, and where we go from here to make Nebraska more competitive....

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome award-winning author and rural policy expert Brian Reisinger. During the episode Brian and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the decline of family farming and how we can address the issues facing agriculture today. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome State Auditor Mike Foley. During the episode Auditor Foley and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the role of his office, recent news reports highlighting his efforts, and how Nebraska can prevent future fraud and waste in government. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome the Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas Policy Institute Dave Trabert. During the episode the Dave and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss a new report from the Kansas Policy Institute on educational outcomes, and how Nebraska compares to other states. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit...

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute's Senior Tax Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode the Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the budget shortfall facing the state, what it means for Platte Institute's priorities, and what we can do this session to be more competitive as a state.   If you want more ec...