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...
Colorado's Democratic governor gave a great argument for tax reform.
As a “hobbyist” genealogist for the last 10 years, there’s always been one branch of the family tree that’s been a bit of a mystery. I started my hobby as the result of Ancestry.com commercials at about this time of year–I remember my family watching “A Christmas Story” and these commercials were persistent, and my...
The Legislature's 2015 gas tax increase has reached its destination.
I’m not a smoker, nor have I ever smoked (not even to “try it out”). My parents weren’t smokers. None of my grandparents smoked (although I’m told that one of my grandfathers smoked until sometime in the ’40’s, when my mom and aunt were diagnosed with mild asthma, and he quit). I’ve had friends who...
Let's recap the current property tax ballot petition debate.
Annual vehicle taxes can be a costly addition to Nebraska's tax burden.
Although I completed my Christmas shopping over two weeks ago, by the looks of the parking lots of many stores on my way home from work last night, that’s not the case for everyone. I have several friends who are avid readers like myself who have welcomed me into their book clubs. Those book...
A Nebraska state senator is expected to propose repealing Nebraska's income tax.
How can we bridge the information gap between taxpayers and taxing entities?