Nebraskanomics
By Platte Institute
The Platte Institute is a think tank promoting policies that make it easier to get a good job, start a business, and help Nebraskans keep more of what they earn.
If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research or, you can subscribe to our newsletter.
❌ It’s time to stop the status quo.
Let’s remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
NebraskanomicsMar 17, 2021
Jonathan Williams on How Nebraska Ranks
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 discuss the correlation between lower tax burdens and economic growth.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Michael Lucci on the Legislature's "Property Tax Relief" Plan
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.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud
Jodie Meyer and Scott Ferguson on Labor Trends
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, 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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Neal McCluskey on Educational Freedom
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 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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Michael Lucci on 2024 Tax Proposals
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 help fund our research and advocacy.
It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Shonna Dorsey on Nebraska's Workforce
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, 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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
David Brunori on Good Tax Policy
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 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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Speaker John Arch on the 2024 Short-Session
Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Speaker John Arch. During this episode we dive into what to expect from the 2024 legislative session and Platte's priorities. Speaker Arch shares valuable insights he gained from the 2023 session and how he plans to use his position to improve Nebraska this next 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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
A View from Behind the Glass: What to Expect this Legislative Session
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, A View from Behind the Glass, to hear from three of our staff members who are former Nebraska state senators:
• Jim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer
• Dr. Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow
• Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations
During the episode host Jim Vokal Platte Institute CEO discusses with the Senators our wins from last year, what to expect this session, and what Platte Institute wants to accomplish.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Nebraskanomics featuring Rhonda Mattingly
Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Brides to Hope Executive Director Rhonda Mattingly. During the episode Rhonda, Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal, and Platte Senior Fellow Laura Ebke, dive into the mission of Bridges to Hope, how we are helping support their mission through a micro-grant, and how community partners like Bridges to Hope help enhance Nebraska's workforce.
To learn more about Bridges to Hope and to help support their mission visit: https://www.bridgestohopene.org/.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Mike Morgan on Managing Local Governments
Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Kearney City Manager Mike Morgan. During the episode Mike and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal dive into what's worked for Kearney, how we can address rising taxes, and how we can improve efficiencies within municipalities.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Michael Lucci on Next Steps for Tax Relief
Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal dive into what's next for tax relief , how we can address steep valuation increases, and how we can improve Nebraska's Truth in Taxation law.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Dr. Laura Ebke on Microgrants and LB16
Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Platte Institute Senior Fellow Dr. Laura Ebke. During the episode Dr. Ebke and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal dive into recent microgrants from Platte Institute as a part of the dignity project, LB16, and other ways we can improve Nebraska’s workforce.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Jim Vokal rant on the shell game that raises property taxes
Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal breaks down the shell game that continues to drive up your property taxes.
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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Senator Lou Ann Linehan on Taxes, Education, and More
Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Lou Ann Linehan. During this episode we dive into this years tax relief efforts, choice in education, and where Nebraska goes from here. Senator Linehan shares valuable insights from her years as revenue committee chairwoman and champion of tax relief.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Jonathan Williams on How Nebraska Ranks
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 discuss the correlation between lower tax burdens and economic growth.
=== 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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Matt Wynn on Tracking Government Salaries
500,000 Nebraskans read The Flatwater Free Press’ weekly report.
Each week, this organization updates their database of government salaries in Nebraska through their Government Transparency Project.Today on Nebraskanomics, I’m joined by Matt Wynn, the executive director of The Flatwater Free Press. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Tracking Government Salaries, to learn about their eye opening database.
Stay tuned until the end to learn about new updates to the database and how this impacts government transparency.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
4 Ways to Make Nebraska Compete with Anyone
❌People aren’t moving to Nebraska.
From tax year 2019 to 2020, Nebraska ranked 45th for the net percentage of income taxpayers brought from other states by moving.
Idaho added a net of 36,000+ taxpayers (or a 2% boost to its population), while Nebraska lost a net about 4,200 people to migration.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, 4 Ways to Make Nebraska Compete with Anyone, to learn how we can compete with other states to make the Good Life accessible for more people.
Stay tuned until the end to learn how we can imitate the economic success of South Korea’s marketplace.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
A View from Behind the Glass: What to Expect in the 108th Legislative Session
The Unicameral is undergoing a great loss of historical knowledge and experience.
There are 16 new state senators, which is nearly one in every three legislative seats.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, A View from Behind the Glass, to hear from three of our staff members who are former Nebraska state senators:
- Jim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer
- Dr. Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow
- Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations
Stay tuned until the end to learn what is happening in the weeks before the 108th Legislative Session starts that may not be obvious to the average Nebraskan.
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Want to know which issues will be discussed in the 108th Legislative Session? Checkout our Legislative Issue Guide here.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Michael Lucci on the Future of Nebraska’s Tax Policy
Nebraska ranks 39th in the country for property tax competitiveness. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, The Future of Nebraska’s Tax Policy, to understand how we need to modernize our tax policy.
Joining me today is Michael Lucci, The Platte Institute's Senior Policy Advisor. Previously, Michael was the vice president of state projects at The Tax Foundation, the vice president of policy at The Illinois Policy Institute, and the deputy chief of staff for policy to the governor of Illinois.
Stay tuned until the end to learn which three taxes should be removed from the tax base to modernize the tax code. Read the Nebraska Tax Modernization Report here: https://bit.ly/3BMsmXr
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
No More Excuses: Post the Unicameral’s Meeting Videos Online
Can you believe that Nebraska is one of the VERY last states in the country to post its own state government meeting videos online for the public to watch?
The Unicameral has to step up its own game when it comes to transparency.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, No More Excuses: Post the Unicameral’s Meeting Videos Online, to discover the three reasons why there is no excuse for senators to wait yet another year to get a state video archive rolling.
Stay tuned until the end, when I'll share the shocking truth about what the leadership from the Legislature and Nebraska Public Media really want.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Nicole Fox on Why Transparent Governments Post Hearings Online
Did you know that Nebraska is one of only a FEW states that does not archive video recordings online to make them available to view later?
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Why Transparent Governments Post Hearings Online, to understand the impact of building a video archive in our policymaking process.
Joining me today is Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations at The Platte Institute and a former Nebraska State Senator.
Stay tuned until the end, to learn how you can help us pass this important legislation.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Nebraska Property Taxes and Your Pocketbook with Patrick Bonnett
Are you sick of your local government making increases to your property taxes? Thanks to the Truth in Taxation law, constituents can now participate in a process to express their concerns and help protect your household or business finances.
Today, I’m joined by Patrick Bonnett, an elected official who serves on one of many local boards that levy property taxes. He is also the President and CEO of Encore Financial Services, and a member of the Papio Missouri River National Resources District Board.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Nebraska Property Taxes and Your Pocketbook, as we discuss:
- Why property taxes can be increased, even if local boards don't raise tax rates. (1:46)
- What’s unique about Nebraska's property tax situation. (5:39)
- Advice to taxpayers about their opportunity to serve on elected boards. (9:46)
Stay tuned until the end to discover a free way we can equip you to keep local property taxes in check.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Make Nebraska property taxes honest with Truth in Taxation
Want a say in how your property taxes are decided? Participate in a Truth in Taxation hearing. Every year in September, Nebraska's Truth in Taxation law requires cities, counties, school districts, and community college districts to directly notify taxpayers about proposed major property tax increases and hold public hearings where taxpayers can express their views about property taxes in their community.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Make Nebraska property taxes honest with Truth in Taxation, to learn: 1) Why Nebraska created a Truth in Taxation law, 2) What the Truth in Taxation process will involve every September, and 3) How Nebraskans can use Truth in Taxation to keep property taxes in check. (11:05)
Stay tuned until the end, when I'll share how you can receive free Truth in Taxation resources, which will help you stand up for taxpayers in your area.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Preparing for Truth in Taxation, Nebraska's Property Tax Transparency Law
Jim Vokal and Laura Ebke discuss how you can help keep Nebraska property taxes in check and learn more about Nebraska's new Truth in Taxation law at PlatteInstitute.org/Truth.
How the Platte Institute Can Help Nebraskans with Elizabeth Hallgren
Platte Institute Community Engagement Director Elizabeth Hallgren joins Jim Vokal to talk about her experiences as an educator and small business advocate, and how Nebraskans can stay informed and help remove barriers to success in their state.
Tracking Waste, Fraud & Abuse in Nebraska with Addie Costello & Deputy Auditor Craig Kubicek
City clerks in 17 small Nebraska towns have been caught stealing from taxpayers in recent years. Addie Costello of the Flatwater Free Press and Nebraska Deputy Auditor Craig Kubicek discuss ways Nebraskans can trust but verify what government is doing with your money, and what to do if you see something that might be wrong.
Eli Vedral of Kookaburra Cookies on Nebraska Cottage Food Opportunities
Eli Vedral, a student-athlete at Creighton University, joins Jim to discuss how a change in Nebraska legislation enabled him to start a home-based baking business, Kookaburra Cookies.
3 Building Blocks for More Housing in Nebraska
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Nebraska communities of all sizes were experiencing housing shortages, and from 2008 to 2018, Nebraska saw the 6th fastest increase in home prices among all states.
That’s why the Blueprint Nebraska economic initiative has set the goal of increasing the housing supply and making our state a national leader for housing affordability.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, 3 Building Blocks for More Housing in Nebraska. In this episode, we’re joined by policy experts and leaders to discuss the following agenda.
- Reducing regulatory barriers to building more affordable housing. (2:52)
- Helping more Nebraskans invest in housing. (10:00)
- Creating opportunities for builders in Nebraska. (13:44)
How can these changes allow our communities to become even more desirable and attainable places for people to live? Tune in to find out.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Nebraska's Primary Problem, with Tyler Fisher of Unite America
Election policy expert Tyler Fisher, from the nonpartisan reform group Unite America, joins Jim Vokal to discuss why state and federal election systems often incentivize policy outcomes that leave most Americans dissatisfied, and what Nebraska can do to give the majority of voters more say in who represents them in Lincoln and Washington.
Nebraska Broadband Progress Report with Commissioner Mary Ridder, Mike Hybl & Jim Ediger
On a special episode of Nebraskanomics, Jim Smith asks three experts on telecommunications and regulation about the state's progress on grant programs that expand broadband connectivity. Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Mary Ridder, Nebraska Legislature Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Legal Counsel Mike Hybl, and Hamilton Communications General Counsel Jim Ediger are our guests.
Laura Ebke on Solutions for Nebraska's Worker Shortage
Platte Institute Senior Fellow Laura Ebke says there's more the state can do to welcome workers with career and military experience to join Nebraska's workforce.
Michael Lucci on Making Nebraska Taxes More Competitive
Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci tells Jim Vokal an increasingly mobile workforce is prompting more states to take bold action on tax reform.
3 Reasons to Post Nebraska Legislature Videos Online
In 46 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, lawmakers provide an online recording archive of their legislative proceedings.
Nebraska is one of just a handful of states that isn’t offering this resource.
I’m tempted to say this is such an obvious error, that almost everybody would agree this situation should be changed. But our state has had the technology to make these recordings available to Nebraskans for quite some time, and it hasn’t proactively happened on its own.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, 3 Reasons to Post Nebraska Legislature Videos Online. In this episode, I’m urging the Unicameral to join the rest of the country in posting its recordings online for everyone to see and share for the following reasons.
- Nebraskans have no idea what’s going on. (3:32)
- Withholding legislative videos deprives Nebraskans and their leaders of history and institutional knowledge. (8:48)
- The state legislative process provides an alternative to nationalized political debate. (11:39)
Concerned Nebraskans can’t let up on this issue until the job is done.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Iowa's Incredible Tax Reform Turnaround
Chris Ingstad of Iowans for Tax Relief joins Jim Vokal to update Nebraskans about major movements on tax policy in the Hawkeye State.
4 Smart Ways Blueprint Nebraska Fixes Our Tax System
Many different groups of Nebraskans have been trying to tell their leaders they’re not happy with the current approach to taxes.
This unhappiness stems not merely from the cost of taxes, but from the way the tax system impacts our ability to succeed in Nebraska and grow the state.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, 4 Smart Ways Blueprint Nebraska Fixes Our Tax System.
In this episode, you’ll learn how we can fix our tax system through Blueprint Nebraska’s tax modernization framework by…
- Bringing people together to create a plan for and by Nebraskans. (2:03)
- Making Nebraska’s tax system much more competitive without reducing our current strengths. (8:35)
- Replacing incentive policies with student loan relief and support for research & development. (11:43)
- Taxing the wealthiest Nebraskans in ways both progressives and conservatives can support. (15:37)
Let’s modernize Nebraska’s tax policies and become the best state in the region for the next century of economic opportunities.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Nebraska State Sen. Anna Wishart on Regulatory Sandboxes
A Nebraska state senator is proposing one way state agencies can ready the rulemaking process for changes in technology, and make sure innovative firms or business models aren't stifled by outdated regulations.
Civic Nebraska's Nancy Petitto on The Unify Challenge
Civic Nebraska is sponsoring an online activity that pairs up Nebraskans from different points of view, to create conversation and build understanding statewide. Nancy Petitto joins Jim Vokal to discuss The Unify Challenge. Visit UnifyNebraska.com to learn more and find sign-up information.
Ernie Goss and Erin Norman on Inflation
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss and Erin Norman, a polling and messaging expert for the State Policy Network, join Jim to discuss the impact of rising inflation on Nebraska's economy and voter sentiments.
Nebraska's 2022 Tax Agenda with Tax Foundation's Jared Walczak
The Tax Foundation's Annual State Business Tax Climate Index tracks which states offer the most competitive tax codes. Vice President for State Projects Jared Walczak joins Jim to discuss Nebraska's unfinished business in 2022. A transcript of this discussion is available below.
How Blueprint Nebraska Will Grow the Economy
What needs to change to make Nebraska a more attractive place to live, work, start a business, invest for the future, and put down roots?
This is what Blueprint Nebraska aims to solve.
Blueprint Nebraska is an economic growth campaign managed in partnership between the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Aksarben Foundation, and the Platte Institute.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, How Blueprint Nebraska Will Grow the Economy.
In this episode, you’ll learn about the four main growth themes that every Blueprint initiative is based upon.
- Powering our economy with people. (7:28)
- Reimagining and connecting places. (10:41)
- Building a simpler, more efficient, and effective government. (12:40)
- Growing our most promising industry sectors. (15:51)
If Nebraskans work together to advance solutions and initiatives in these four areas, there’s no limit to what we can achieve for our state in the years and decades to come.
Click to listen to the episode.
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If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌ It’s time to stop the status quo.
Let’s remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Nebraska State Senator John Stinner on Balanced Budgets and Leadership
The chair of the Unicameral's budget-writing Appropriations Committee joins Jim to discuss the financial picture for Nebraska and the qualities that he'd suggest his colleagues look for in a successor for leading the committee.
Evaluating Nebraska's Tax Collections with Tom Henning
Tom Henning, a Kearney-based food industry executive, serves on the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, which projects how much tax revenue the state will bring in each year. He joins Jim to discuss the latest revenue numbers, how the board uses economic data to make its estimates, and what current economic trends suggest may be up ahead for Nebraska.
Blueprint Nebraska's Jim Greisch on Nebraska's Missing Tax Relief
CPA Jim Greisch discusses why more than $50 million in property tax relief credits have gone unclaimed so far, and the alternatives offered by Blueprint Nebraska's tax modernization plan.
(Platte Institute Webinar) A Place to Live: Challenges & Opportunities for Housing in Nebraska
Valentine, Nebraska Mayor Kyle Arganbright, Dr. Emily Hamilton of the Mercatus Center, Kathy Mesner of Mesner Development, and Grace Thomas of the Verdis Group and Omaha's Missing Middle Housing Campaign discuss the role housing will play in the growth of Nebraska communities, and in some cases, their economic survival.
Growing Nebraska's Workforce with Mike Beyer
With more than 50,000 jobs currently available in Nebraska, Jim discusses ways to remove barriers to welcoming more workers to Nebraska with Navy veteran and electrician Mike Beyer.
Taxes That Lose Money for Nebraska
Tax attorney Tom Yamachika of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii explains how the types of taxes states have, or the way they are designed, can cause states to lose revenue or to impose higher tax rates than necessary.
A GAAP in Nebraska Budgeting Practices
William Glasgall and former New York Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch of the Volcker Alliance join Jim to discuss why a major influx of federal money might be mismanaged under current local government financial practices.
Making Cents: Why Nebraska Should Modernize the Sales Tax, Part 2
In our last episode, we discussed some of the practical and economic reasons why Nebraska should eliminate more of its sales tax exemptions. Now, let’s talk about crafting a vision for a better tax system and how modernizing the sales tax fits into any plan to make bold changes in our state. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics to watch Making Cents: Why Nebraska Should Modernize the Sales Tax, Part 2. In this episode, you’ll discover five reasons why modernizing the sales tax is a key for tax reform in Nebraska.
- Reforming the sales tax can make Nebraska more economically competitive. (01:24)
- Ending exemptions is a far better alternative than raising tax rates. (05:02)
- Modernization helps overcome penny pinching in the Unicameral. (07:01)
- Nebraska will have multiple tax reform options. (08:47)
- Local governments will directly benefit from a modernized sales tax base. (09:59)
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome your questions or comments. But changing the way we pay for government in Nebraska will allow our state to compete with fast-growing states that have more attractive tax policies, while maintaining our commitment to the public services Nebraskans value.
Click to listen to the episode.
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If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy.
❌ It’s time to stop the status quo.
Let’s remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.
Making Cents: Why Nebraska Should Modernize the Sales Tax, Part 1
Most people take for granted that the sales tax is the tax we pay when we buy things. But if you look carefully at your receipts, you’ll begin to notice most of the things you buy in Nebraska don’t have sales tax collected on them. This is also known as a sales tax exemption.
On one hand, you might say “hey, that’s great, one place I’m finally getting a tax break.” On the other hand, Nebraska has many other high tax rates, and complex taxes that other states just don’t have.
In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, about 58% of Nebraska’s state general fund revenue came from income taxes, while 38% was sales tax. That’s a difference of just under $1 billion. On top of that, Nebraska local governments levy $4.5 billion in local property taxes annually.
Sales tax exemptions contribute to these problems, putting higher taxes on our workforce, housing, and investing in Nebraska.
Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Making Cents: Why Nebraska Should Modernize the Sales Tax, Part 1.
In this episode, I’m going to discuss the reasons why Nebraska should modernize its sales tax so that there are fewer exemptions and more options for removing barriers in Nebraska’s tax system. There are actually more reasons than I have time to share with you on a single episode of Nebraskanomics, so this will be a two-part series.
Here are the three reasons we’ll discuss on this episode:
- A modernized sales tax makes more sense than the tax system we have now. (02:20)
- As times and technologies change, so should our sales tax base. (06:43)
- Virtually all tax and economic policy experts agree with the principles of sales tax modernization. (10:14)
But even though there is broad agreement on these principles, that doesn’t mean tax experts agree on what should be done with the money the sales tax raises. Tune in to our next episode, where I’ll discuss how sales tax modernization can help Nebraska have a better tax system that is simple, sustainable, and supports economic growth.
Click to listen to the episode.
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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 barriers and make Nebraskans proud.