Senators hear proposal for “Truth in Taxation” law
Senators hear proposal for “Truth in Taxation” law
Taxpayers would receive a mailed notice of proposed property tax increases.
Field of (Broken) Dreams?
Field of (Broken) Dreams?
A recent analysis by the Archbridge Institute found that in neighboring Iowa, occupational licensing requirements added between 1993 and 2012 was associated with a 4.7% reduction in economic mobility and a 10.9% increase in income inequality. Growth in occupational licensing is associated with fewer opportunities for workers to earn more than their parents and a...
30 Days to Go
30 Days to Go
Today (Tuesday, February 25) marks Day 30 of Nebraska's 60-day legislative session this year. Halfway there. In reality, probably a little over halfway, because Speaker Scheer has typically tried to close the session out between days 57 and 59. If you look at the Legislative Calendar found here, you'll see that Day 59 falls on...
Ranking Dings Nebraska for Low Growth & High Taxes
Ranking Dings Nebraska for Low Growth & High Taxes
Policymakers should not be satisfied with this ranking for the state's business climate.
Another Property Tax Stalemate?
Another Property Tax Stalemate?
Is the Legislature leaving the property tax issue up to voters?
Imagine There’s No License
Imagine There’s No License
Sometimes, circumstances remind me of songs, and the John Lennon song "Imagine" came to mind as I was reading the articles I link to below. This article popped up in my Google alerts yesterday. It appears that a couple of legislators in Tennessee have decided to float a very bold idea: Tennessee lawmakers introduced two...
Protectionism and the Licensing of Occupations
Protectionism and the Licensing of Occupations
On Thursday, I testified on two bills before the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Nebraska Legislature. The first one I testified on was Senator Andrew La Grone's (LD49) LB1187, which would provide for "universal recognition" of occupational licenses of people who move to Nebraska from other states. A nice write up of...
Jim Vokal Talks Consumption Tax with Gary Sadlemyer
Jim Vokal Talks Consumption Tax with Gary Sadlemyer
Jim Vokal joined the KFAB Morning News to discuss a proposal to replace most state and local taxes with a consumption tax.
Occupational protectionism hurts workers
Occupational protectionism hurts workers
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks in Nebraska on the occupational licensing front. Yesterday was particularly interesting. My colleague, Laura Ebke, testified yesterday in support of LB1187 introduced by Sen. Andrew LaGrone to allow for universal recognition of occupational licenses held in good standing in other states for individuals coming to Nebraska to...
Consumption tax conversation overdue
Consumption tax conversation overdue
Politicians have to back up their promises with a stable base of revenue.
Lifting Americans From Poverty Through Licensing Reform
Lifting Americans From Poverty Through Licensing Reform
This op-ed, posted recently in The Hill, suggests that licensing is not just about reducing “red tape”–it’s also about giving people real opportunities to lift themselves from poverty. Licensing laws are barriers that can put your dreams on hold for years. They also make us less safe. Individuals who have made mistakes in the past,...
Omaha World-Herald Editorial: Licensing Reform Expands Opportunity
Omaha World-Herald Editorial: Licensing Reform Expands Opportunity
Read the Omaha World-Herald's latest editorial on the Platte Institute's licensing reform efforts.
Handymen Beware!
Handymen Beware!
An article published by Reason Magazine today points out the insidious nature of many states’ occupational licensing frameworks. The Hillsbourough County Sheriff’s office conducted a 9-month “sting” operation, which resulted in the arrest of 118 men and women. The sting, according to Patch, saw sheriff’s deputies pose as homeowners seeking handymen on social media to do jobs...
Taxpayers must address appetite for spending
Taxpayers must address appetite for spending
When I was running for the Legislature (both times), property taxes where high on peoples’ minds. I tried to listen to their concerns, and some comments I heard while watching the legislative coverage several days ago (and then again today) reminded me of some of the things that I’d heard, and the difficulty that I...