Do you think Nebraska taxpayers would like to pay $1 billion more in taxes each year? Unfortunately, some groups and policymakers 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...
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. Mentioned on this episode: Nebraska SBA District Office SCORE Small Business Mentoring SBA Office of Advocacy GROW Nebraska Women’s Business...
Sarah Curry joins Jim Vokal to discuss a week full of tax policy-related proposals in Lincoln. Mentioned on this episode: Nebraska forecasting board increases two-year revenue projections LB644: Truth in Taxation – Direct Notification of Property Tax Increase Hearings
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. Mentioned on this episode: Nebraska Extension Cottage Food Law Training Home Baking Law Gives Rise to New Cottage Businesses
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. Mentioned on this episode: Letter: NTU Requests Clarification on State Tax Provision in American Rescue Plan...
A campaign in Omaha wants to help the city rethink its approach to housing options and affordability. Mentioned on this episode: Omaha Missing Middle Housing Campaign Build More Housing: Land Use Reform Opportunities for Nebraska’s Cities
Nicole Fox joins Jim Vokal to discuss an advancing proposal to notify Nebraska taxpayers about potential property tax increases. Resources mentioned on this episode: Poll shows Nebraskans favor more action on property taxes LB644: Truth in Taxation – Direct Notification of Property Tax Increase Hearings
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. Read more about the Platte Institute’s recommendations for using federal relief in Nebraska...
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. Listen here.
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. Laura Ebke speaks with Bridgeport native Mike Beyer on why universal recognition of job licensing and work experience would remove barriers for him and the services he can provide...
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. Resources mentioned on this episode: Take Action on LB263 LB263: Universal Recognition of Job Licensing Eager to...
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. Resources mentioned in this episode: Death and Taxes: Nebraska’s Inheritance...
What would Nebraskans do if more of them were connected to broadband? A new poll suggests most might video call their elected officials about high property taxes. Jim Vokal reviews the poll, and Adam Weinberg covers the less-discussed aspects of broadband deployment with Will Rinehart, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity...
Lawmakers are looking at policies helping Nebraskans in the pandemic and whether to make them permanent. We discuss Sen. John Arch’s telehealth-related LB400, Sen. Tom Briese’s proposal for universal licensing recognition with LB263, and introduce Nebraskans who have been helped by recent changes. Resources mentioned on this podcast: Pediatric Therapy Center The Knee Center for...