Events

Past Events

October 27, 2022 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

An Orientation to an Education Finance Modeling Tool for Nebraska Policy Makers

Christian Barnard, Senior Policy Analyst with the Reason Foundation and Michael Lucci, the Platte Institute’s Senior Policy Advisor will discuss and demonstrate a newly created K-12 education reform funding tool for policy makers who are interested in addressing education funding in our state and lessening the current heavy reliance on property taxes.

Program will be held live on Zoom at 11 a.m. Central/10 Mountain on October 27, 2022.

Registration required.

 

Watch Recording
October 19, 2022 5:30pm CT / 4:30pm MT

Main Street Entrepreneurship – Valentine, NE

Join UNL Sandhill’s Small Business Coach, Caleb Pollard, and the Platte Institute’s Community Engagement Director, Elizabeth Hallgren, in a casual discussion about removing barriers to opportunity and enabling success for Main Street Entrepreneurs in greater Nebraska.
Hosted by Bolo Brewing Co. featuring local beer and snacks with samples from Scratchtown Brewing Company in Ord, NE.

 

5:30 PM on Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Bolo Beer Co.

420 East 1st Street

Valentine, NE

About Bolo Beer Co.
September 13, 2022 6:00pm CT / 5:00pm MT

Property Taxpayer Training Camp – Norfolk, NE

Nebraska’s new property tax transparency law, Truth in Taxation, provides a huge opportunity for taxpayers. Every September, you can be fully informed about property tax increases, and find out where to speak to your elected officials before they set next year’s tax levy.

But when Madison County’s very first Truth in Taxation season kicks off, taxpayers need to be ready with a game plan.

At the Norfolk Property Taxpayer Training Camp, we’ll show you how the Truth in Taxation law works, and what taxpayers like you can do to get involved and help hold the line on local property taxes.

We’ll also take your questions and connect you with other interested taxpayers in the community.

Registration is free, so please share this event with your friends in the area. Want more info about Truth in Taxation? Visit PlatteInstitute.org/Truth.

Location:
Northeast Community College Lifelong Learning Center
701 E Benjamin Ave
Norfolk, NE 68701

September 8, 2022 8:30am CT / 7:30am MT

Doing Great Things: The 2022 Platte Institute Legislative Summit

Nebraskans work hard and dream big. But when policymakers let barriers stand in the way of opportunity, we all lose the chance to fully enjoy our Good Life. Join us in Lincoln to discuss how the newest class of state leaders can create visionary policies that live up to the unrivaled efforts and ambitions of our people, and solve major economic problems for workers, businesses, innovators, and taxpayers.

General Admission is $20, plus processing, and includes a hot breakfast. Complimentary registration is available for elected officials and staff, candidates, media, and students. Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Hallgren at ehallgren@platteinstitute.org or (402) 452-3737.

Full Program Agenda

7:30 a.m. – Registration opens, buffet breakfast

8:30 a.m. – Opening remarks by Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal

8:40 a.m. – Growing Nebraska’s Economy with Keynote Speaker Tony Goins, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development

9:00 a.m. – Recognizing Nebraska’s Workforce Challenge, a discussion with Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow, Platte Institute

9:30 a.m. – Creating the Future with Regulatory Sandboxes, moderated by Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations, Platte Institute

10:15 a.m. – Presentation of the 2022 Connie Brown Freedom Award and Platte Institute Legislative Achievement Award

10:30 a.m. – Understanding Truth in Taxation, moderated by Adam Weinberg, Communications Director, Platte Institute

11:00 a.m. – Competing for Taxpayers, moderated by Jim Vokal, Chief Executive Officer, Platte Institute

June 16, 2022 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

The Political Brew in Crete, NE – Liberal or Conservative: What Do You Mean? Featuring Sens. Anna Wishart & Mark Kolterman

Location: The 1206 – 1206 Main Avenue, Crete, NE 68333

Could more of Nebraska’s problems be solved over a beer? Laura Ebke’s Political Brew returns to Crete to raise a glass, and our expectations for Nebraska’s leaders, with civil discussions about the most important issues facing our state. Nebraska state senators Anna Wishart and Mark Kolterman join Laura Ebke at The 1206 to discuss what exactly the words liberal and conservative mean to them. Do these labels better inform the public and lawmakers as they decide between policy ideas and candidates, or do they reduce our capacity to think for ourselves? Register for free and join us for libations and thoughtful conversations!

June 16, 2022 3:30pm CT / 2:30pm MT

LocalWorks Roundtable – Crete, NE

Location: The 1206 – 1206 Main Avenue, Crete, NE 68333

Your small business needs a champion…you! Nebraskans think big when it comes to building innovative small businesses that strengthen their communities, but there’s always more that can be done to remove barriers to opportunity.

At the LocalWorks Roundtable, we’ll discuss your ideas for making Nebraska a better state for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and how you can effectively engage policymakers in Lincoln and your community.

Please join us at The 1206 in Crete for this free event. Refreshments served.

October 27, 2021 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

(Webinar) A Place to Live: Challenges and Opportunities for Housing in Nebraska

Valentine Mayor Kyle Arganbright, Dr. Emily Hamilton of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Kathy Mesner of Mesner Development Co., and Grace Thomas of the Verdis Group and the Omaha Missing Middle Housing Campaign will discuss strategies for increasing affordability and attainability of housing in Nebraska communities statewide. Program will be held live on Zoom at 11 a.m. Central/10 Mountain. Registration required.

Watch Recording
October 7, 2021 8:00am CT / 7:00am MT

Blueprint Nebraska: The 2021 Platte Institute Legislative Summit

Join the Platte Institute and other Blueprint Nebraska Alliance Partners and volunteers at the Embassy Suites Lincoln (1040 P Street, Lincoln, NE 68508) to discuss the Blueprint vision of a stronger workforce, connecting Nebraska communities with broadband, and the new Blueprint Nebraska tax modernization framework. More summit agenda details available on the registration page.

September 9, 2021 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

Town Hall: Taxpayers Decide in Kearney

Former state Sen. Jim Smith and District 47 Nebraska state Sen. Steve Erdman will co-host a town hall program at The World Theatre (2318 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847) to take your questions on two different proposals for overhauling Nebraska’s tax code, the Blueprint Nebraska tax modernization plan, and the EPIC Consumption Tax. Click here to view an event flyer.

September 8, 2021 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

Town Hall: Taxpayers Decide in North Platte

Former state Sen. Jim Smith and District 47 Nebraska state Sen. Steve Erdman will co-host a town hall program at Mid-Plains Community College South Campus’ McDonald-Belton Theater (601 W State Farm Road, North Platte, NE 69101) to take your questions on two different proposals for overhauling Nebraska’s tax code, the Blueprint Nebraska tax modernization plan, and the EPIC Consumption Tax. Click here to view an event flyer.

September 7, 2021 7:30pm CT / 6:30pm MT

Town Hall: Taxpayers Decide in Scottsbluff

Program begins at 6:30 p.m., Mountain. Former state Sen. Jim Smith and District 47 Nebraska state Sen. Steve Erdman will co-host a town hall program at Scottbluff’s Midwest Theater (1707 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE 69361) to take your questions on two different proposals for overhauling Nebraska’s tax code, the Blueprint Nebraska tax modernization plan, and the EPIC Consumption Tax. Click here to view an event flyer.

December 16, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Measuring Prosperity in Nebraska

The United Kingdom-based Legatum Institute produces a holistic index of social and economic well-being among countries and states, including Nebraska. And their work identifying challenges and opportunities in the Cornhusker State has just begun.

Join the Director of the Legatum Institute’s Centre for Metrics, Shaun Flanagan, and Research Assistant Ed Wickstead, as they discuss their in-depth measurements of prosperity and what the data can tell us about potential policy solutions for our state and communities.

Click here to learn more about the Legatum Institute’s United States and Nebraska Prosperity Index.

Event flyer available here.

Watch Recording
October 8, 2020 1:00pm CT / 12:00pm MT

Taxes in Nebraska: What’s Next? – Platte Institute Virtual Legislative Summit, Nebraska’s Next Normal

The Nebraska Legislature has defied expectations, overwhelmingly approving a new property tax rebate program to be implemented over the coming years. Is the Nebraska Legislature done with the property tax issue, or are additional tax reforms still on the table? Revenue Committee Chair Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Blueprint Nebraska Executive Director Jim Smith, and the Tax Foundation’s Vice President of State Projects Jared Walczak join Jim Vokal to review the Legislature’s latest work and tax policy questions that remain unresolved. Click here for the full event flyer.

Watch Recording
October 8, 2020 10:15am CT / 9:15am MT

Licensing in a Remote Economy: Platte Institute Virtual Legislative Summit, Nebraska’s Next Normal

Current governors who have championed Universal Recognition of job licensing and work experience from outside of their states join Laura Ebke to discuss why licensing reforms that break down barriers across state lines are needed to help workers and states recover from the COVID-19 recession. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf are our invited guests for this program. Click here for the full event flyer.

Watch Recording
October 8, 2020 9:00am CT / 8:00am MT

Regulatory Reform Roundtable – Platte Institute Virtual Legislative Summit, Nebraska’s Next Normal

Nebraska state Sens. John Arch, Suzanne Geist, Steve Halloran, and Anna Wishart join Nicole Fox for a discussion about how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed lawmaker perspectives on regulatory policies. Click here for the full event flyer.

Watch Recording
September 30, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Talking Tech in the #neleg

How should Nebraska promote better rural broadband access? Should data privacy be regulated? Are some tech companies too big? How can state legislators craft good state tech policy?

These questions and others are on the minds of state legislators across the country. In this Platte Institute Webinar, we’ll connect you with scholars and tech policy experts who can help answer these important questions in advance of the coming legislative session.

Our guests are Billy Easley, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity, and Will Rinehart, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University.

Watch Recording
August 10, 2020 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

Omaha Metro Virtual Property Tax Town Hall

From Blair to Plattsmouth and everywhere in between, Omaha-area voters and property taxpayers will have the floor in this online forum about Nebraska’s property tax issue.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about how you can share your questions, ideas, and stories in this interactive event.

In addition to having the option to appear in the Virtual Town Hall, all attendees can vote in online polls about property tax issues throughout the program.

Watch Recording
August 3, 2020 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

Southeast Nebraska Virtual Property Tax Town Hall

From Lincoln, to Beatrice, and everywhere in between, voters and property taxpayers will have the floor in this online forum about Nebraska’s property tax issue.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about how you can share your questions, ideas, and stories in this interactive event.

In addition to having the option to appear in the Virtual Town Hall, all attendees can vote in online polls about property tax issues throughout the program.

Watch Recording
July 27, 2020 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

Northeast Nebraska Virtual Property Tax Town Hall

From South Sioux City to Columbus and everywhere in between, voters and property taxpayers will have the floor in this online forum about Nebraska’s property tax issue.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about how you can share your questions, ideas, and stories in this interactive event.

In addition to having the option to appear in the Virtual Town Hall, all attendees can vote in online polls about property tax issues throughout the program.

Watch Recording
July 20, 2020 6:30pm CT / 5:30pm MT

Central Nebraska Virtual Property Tax Town Hall

From the Tri-Cities to Lexington and everywhere in between, voters and property taxpayers will have the floor in this online forum about Nebraska’s property tax issue.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about how you can share your questions, ideas, and stories in this interactive event.

In addition to having the option to appear in the Virtual Town Hall, all attendees can vote in online polls about property tax issues throughout the program.

Watch Recording
July 15, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Back in Session with Appropriations Committee Chair Sen. John Stinner

The head of the Nebraska Legislature’s budget-writing committee returns to the Platte Institute Webinar to discuss what the latest data on tax receipts will mean for the conclusion of this year’s legislative session and the state’s policy priorities. Registration required.

Watch Recording
July 13, 2020 7:30pm CT / 6:30pm MT

Western Nebraska Virtual Property Tax Town Hall

From Scottsbluff to North Platte and everywhere in between, voters and property taxpayers will have the floor in this online forum about Nebraska’s property tax issue.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about how you can share your questions, ideas, and stories in this interactive event.

In addition to having the option to appear in the Virtual Town Hall, all attendees can vote in online polls about property tax issues throughout the program.

Watch Recording
July 8, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Back in Session with Revenue Committee Chair Sen. Lou Ann Linehan

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan discusses the Nebraska tax policy and revenue landscape as the Legislature returns following an emergency suspension due to COVID-19. Registration required.

Watch Recording
July 1, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Back in Session with Speaker Jim Scheer and Executive Board Chair Sen. Mike Hilgers

Two key legislative leaders provide their thoughts on the return of the 2020 Nebraska Legislature for its remaining 17 legislative days. Registration required.

Watch Recording
June 3, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Updated Economic Impact of COVID-19 with Economists Ernie Goss and Scott Strain

Registration required

Watch Recording
May 20, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Post-Pandemic Licensing and Regulatory Reform with Ed Timmons, Ph.D., Director, Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation and Matt Mitchell, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Watch Recording
May 13, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Impact on Agriculture with Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Economist Jay Rempe and Tom Sell of Combest, Sell and Associates

Watch Recording
May 6, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: The CARES ACT & Taxes with Tax Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Katherine Loughead

Watch Recording
April 23, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: COVID-19 & Nebraska’s Economy with Economists Ernie Goss and Scott Strain

Watch Recording
April 8, 2020 11:00am CT / 10:00am MT

Platte Institute Webinar: Nebraska’s Budget & the COVID-19 Crisis with State Sen. John Stinner

Watch Recording