John Stossel describes some of the problems with occupational licensing and the opportunity to "make good" for those who have had problems with the law. Nebraska's Occupational Board Review Act (LB 299, 2018), did not totally eliminate restrictions for licensures, but it now gives potential license-seekers the ability to pre-inquire about whether anything in their...
Nebraska state tax receipts exceeded projections in December 2019.
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...
There's more than one path to creating a tax system that is simple and sustainable.
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...
Find the full list of bills as well as some that caught our eye.
Elected officials must return windfalls to taxpayers or own up for their spending.
See who relocated to and from Nebraska last year.
Jim Vokal joined the KFAB news team to discuss the 2020 Nebraska property tax debate.
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...