Removing Barriers for Nebraskans

Study: Consumers care more about reputation than licensing

Study: Consumers care more about reputation than licensing

While most of us wouldn’t argue that some occupations in the medical field shouldn’t be regulated in some way, one of the arguments that I often make when engaged in discussions about the need for occupational licensing is that in the 21st century, the more important consumer standard for whether you use a particular service...

By Laura Ebke

First Three Days of Session–My Eye Catchers

First Three Days of Session–My Eye Catchers

Adam went through a list of bills that caught his eye–either positively or negatively–during the first three days of bill introduction in the Legislature. Before Day 4 kicks off, I thought I'd mention a few bills that had me saying "hmm." First, I should probably note that just about all of us at Platte pay...

By Laura Ebke

How the 2020 Legislature should define success

How the 2020 Legislature should define success

Today, the second session of the 106th Nebraska Legislature convenes. Last year, 739 bills were introduced. Of those, 255 (roughly 1/3) were signed into law and 3 were vetoed. A resulting 481 bills were carried over. The first ten days of session are when new bills are introduced. It is anticipated another 500-700 bills will...

By Nicole Fox

Would You Prefer Godfather’s Pizza or Valentino’s for Dinner?

Would You Prefer Godfather’s Pizza or Valentino’s for Dinner?

This is my third post regarding Nebraska’s requirement that household goods (HHG) movers and passenger carriers obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN).  In my previous posts I’ve mentioned that a bill was introduced during the 2019 legislative session, LB461, that would repeal this requirement. The Platte Institute is grateful to Senator Curt...

By Nicole Fox

Transportation law excludes qualified applicants

Transportation law excludes qualified applicants

  Last week I introduced you to the concept of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), also known as the “competitor’s veto.”  Today, I’d like to do a little deeper dive to give you an understanding as to why it is so egregious and anti-free market. Reviewing applications for occupational licensing to assure...

By Nicole Fox

Omaha Capitol District seeking additional occupation tax

Omaha Capitol District seeking additional occupation tax

It’s the first Monday of the new year, and by now, most taxpayers are officially back to work after the holidays.  Tomorrow, the Omaha City Council has its first meeting of 2020, and this taxpayer will be watching with great interest. You see, a month ago, KETV aired a story that really grabbed my attention....

By Nicole Fox

The history of Nebraska’s Competitor’s Veto law

The history of Nebraska’s Competitor’s Veto law

In a December 19 post, I discussed the importance of the consumer in the free-market system. When we allow entrepreneurs to test their ideas, be it a product or service, with limited government interference, the result is innovation and lower prices. Consumers vote for these products and services with their pocketbooks. Market economies are known...

By Nicole Fox

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