The Full Platter Archives - Platte Institute

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...

By Laura Ebke

What Will Happen with Sales Tax Exemptions?

Will senators back off of proposals to eliminate sales tax exemptions?

By Adam Weinberg

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...

By Laura Ebke

Occupational Licensing Reform: No Easy Task

There is—seemingly--cross-partisan support for occupational licensing reform, and yet little seems to get done.

By Laura Ebke

“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.

By Sarah Curry

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.

By Adam Weinberg

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

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

Leading Nebraska state senators gave tax hall attendees some hints of the 2020 property tax debate.

By Adam Weinberg

Nebraska Economic Growth: First Quarter of 2019

Economic growth in Nebraska outpaced the national average in the most recently released figures.

By Michael McClellan

Up in Smoke: Nebraska’s Inappropriate Use of Tobacco Settlement Funds

A fund intended to offset the public health costs of smoking is paying mostly for other concerns.

By Michael McClellan

Ballot Initiative Could Create Urgency for Reform

No matter the outcome, the potential property tax ballot initiative could apply pressure on the Nebraska Legislature.

By Michael McClellan

Platte Institute to Host Property Tax Town Hall in North Platte

The Platte Institute will visit North Platte in July to host a town hall program on property tax reform featuring Nebraska state senators.

By Adam Weinberg

Legislature Can Help Prevent Local Financial Strain

Nebraska’s state agencies must work to aid local communities in spotting early warning signs of financial distress.

By Michael McClellan