What does nonpartisanship mean?
What does nonpartisanship mean?
Many people misunderstand the difference between engaging in partisanship and holding differences of opinion on policy issues.
Over 30% of Nebraska state revenue comes from federal taxes
Over 30% of Nebraska state revenue comes from federal taxes
The Pew Charitable Trusts just released new analysis that shows around 1/3 of every state’s revenue came from the federal government in 2017. Nebraska was at 30.9%. The majority of this funding helps to pay for public services such as health care, education, transportation, and infrastructure. This is important for our lawmakers to be aware...
Occupational Licensing Reform: Not Just for Red States
Occupational Licensing Reform: Not Just for Red States
Folks in "liberal Massachusetts" are currently looking at the cost of occupational licensing, thanks to a report from the Pioneer Institute (with help from our friends at the Institute for Justice). Their report points out some of the many inconsistencies like those we've seen in Nebraska. For instance, as this Boston Globe article points out,...
Will lawmakers punt on property tax reform?
Will lawmakers punt on property tax reform?
An article just posted by the Lincoln Journal Star reports on the Revenue Committee’s most recent plan to address the property tax problem in Nebraska. “The Legislature’s Revenue Committee on Tuesday changed course, tentatively focusing on a proposed $100 million annual increase in the state property tax credit fund during each of the next three...
Florida legislator: occupational licensing is a “barrier to the American Dream”
Florida legislator: occupational licensing is a “barrier to the American Dream”
Future Florida House Speaker, Paul Renner, seems to be declaring war on occupational licensure in his state. “Occupational licensing is essentially a permission slip for you do what you are passionate about, what you are trained to do, and to provide for your family,” he added. “Think about that: government giving you a permission slip...
What Will Happen with Sales Tax Exemptions?
What Will Happen with Sales Tax Exemptions?
Will senators back off of proposals to eliminate sales tax exemptions?
Nebraska ranked worst for retired taxpayers
Nebraska ranked worst for retired taxpayers
Nebraska recently got some not-so-good news. A Kiplinger analysis suggests that Nebraska is the #1 worst state for retirees from a tax standpoint. Nebraska takes the cake as the least tax-friendly state for retirees, according to the analysis, which Mengle admits is likely to surprise people. “In Nebraska’s case, high income taxes and property taxes...
Occupational Licensing Reform: No Easy Task
Occupational Licensing Reform: No Easy Task
There is—seemingly--cross-partisan support for occupational licensing reform, and yet little seems to get done.
“The Six Rs” of Fiscal Responsibility
“The Six Rs” of Fiscal Responsibility
Policymakers and the public need to start with a set of guiding principles if they have any hope of moving budgets, at both the state and local levels, away from special interests and toward the public interest.
Despite State Credits, Local Property Taxes Will Continue to Rise
Despite State Credits, Local Property Taxes Will Continue to Rise
So far, the state has been unable to curb property tax increases, despite now spending $275 million a year to subsidize the local taxes.
New Video: Competitor’s Veto
New Video: Competitor’s Veto
A little-known state law allows existing transportation companies to prevent new competitors from being formed.
Platte Institute Nominated for International Freedom Award
Platte Institute Nominated for International Freedom Award
The Platte Institute's job licensing reform efforts have been nominated for the 2019 Templeton Freedom Award.
5 Notable Statements from North Platte’s Property Tax Reform Town Hall
5 Notable Statements from North Platte’s Property Tax Reform Town Hall
Leading Nebraska state senators gave tax hall attendees some hints of the 2020 property tax debate.
Nebraska Economic Growth: First Quarter of 2019
Nebraska Economic Growth: First Quarter of 2019
Economic growth in Nebraska outpaced the national average in the most recently released figures.