Removing Barriers for Nebraskans

Nebraskanomics: Treasurer Joey Spellerberg on First-Time Home Buyer Savings Accounts in Nebraska

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg. During the episode Treasurer Spellerberg and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss LB 938, which creates First-Time Home Buyer Savings Accounts in Nebraska, the role of the Treasurer’s Office, and solutions for Nebraska’s high property taxes. Listen now on Apple...

By Jim Vokal

Nebraskanomics: Senators Brandt and Hallstrom on Property Tax Reform this Year

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Tom Brandt of District 32 and Senator Bob Hallstrom of District 1. In this episode, the senators join Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal to discuss their efforts to address Nebraska’s property tax burden through LB 1219 and LB 575 (now amended into LB...

By Jim Vokal

Who Moved in 2025? Nebraska’s Window of Opportunity

Every year, the “National Movers Study” from United Van Lines and the “U-Haul Growth Index” provide a real-time heat map of the American economy. The 2025 results are in, and they deliver a clear message: while the mass exodus from high-tax coastal states continues, the “quiet competition” for the middle of the country is heating...

By Laura Ebke

In The News

Unicameral Update: Office of Regulatory Management Proposed–Platte Testifies Omaha World Herald: Platte Institute’s Vokal participates in School Choice Rally KCMI-FM: KCMI’s “The Coffee Break” talks with Laura Ebke about Regulatory Reform KLIN News Talk Radio: Nebraska Think-Tank Mimics “Doge” with “G.O.A.T Initiative” Package Nebraska Examiner: Lawmakers unveil plan to update regulations, cut red tape Norfolk Daily News: Appreciating licensing reforms passed in 2024 Nebraska Examiner: Platte and Other Advocates Celebrate Licensing Reform SPN Blog: Nebraska Passes Universal Recognition Goldwater Institute: Workers Welcome Unicameral Update: Occupational Licensure Bill Approved

Modernizing CPA Licensure

Policy takeaway: Nebraska’s newly passed LB718 modernizes CPA licensure by expanding pathways into the profession while preserving rigorous education, examination, and experience standards. The law strengthens Nebraska’s accounting workforce pipeline and aligns the state with updated national mobility rules that allow CPAs to serve clients across state lines. Nebraska has taken an important step to...

By Joni Sundquist

Nebraskanomics: Omaha Chamber CEO Heath Mello on Growing Nebraska

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Heath Mello. During the episode Heath and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss how Nebraska can change course on migration trends, and how things like workforce, housing, and childcare will make a difference in growing...

By Jim Vokal

LB 663: Nebraska Agricultural Zoning Reform Improves County Permitting Process

On February 25, 2026, Governor Jim Pillen signed Legislative Bill 663 into law while at the Nebraska Dairy Convention and Trade Show in West Point, Nebraska. Introduced by Senator Tanya Storer, and championed by The Platte Institute, LB 663 improves county zoning processes for agricultural producers by establishing a more uniform, transparent, and timely system...

By Jakob Myers

Nebraska Cigarette Tax Increase Would Raise Prices, Reduce Revenue Reliability, and Increase Smuggling

*On March 4th, LB 1124, the bill to advance the tobacco tax increase failed on a bipartisan procedural vote with the following senators blocking the advancement: Sen. Andersen, Sen. Ballard, Sen. John Cavanaugh, Sen. Conrad, Sen. Guereca, Sen. Juarez, Sen. McKinney, Sen. Rountree, Sen. Storm, and Sen. Strommen. The Platte Institute is sympathetic in the...

By Jared Walczak

Childcare Freedom in Nebraska

In today’s economy, the high cost and low availability of childcare are major barriers for working families. While policymakers often look toward taxpayer-funded subsidies to solve the problem, recent research suggests a different culprit: state-level overregulation. Nebraska stands at a critical juncture in this national conversation. According to the 2024 State Childcare Regulations Index from...

By Laura Ebke

Cutting the Cord: Nebraska Takes the Wheel on Environmental Reviews

For years, Nebraska’s major infrastructure projects—such as the long-awaited Lincoln East Beltway—have been held back by a slow-moving hitch: Washington, D.C. Federal red tape and the bureaucratic maze of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) have historically added years of delays and millions of dollars to local projects. That changed this week. Governor Jim Pillen...

By Laura Ebke

Nebraskanomics: Jared Walczak on the Pathway for Principled Tax Reform

On the latest episode of Nebraskanomics we welcome Platte Institute’s Senior Tax Policy Advisor Jared Walczak. During the episode Jared and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss a new report from the Platte Institute on tax principles and how Nebraska can pursue tax reform this session. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

By Jim Vokal

Nebraskanomics: Speaker Arch on the 2026 Legislative Session

On this episode of Nebraskanomics we welcome Senator John Arch, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature. During the episode Speaker Arch and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss what’s expected this session, how property tax reform can happen in a tight budget year, and lessons from his time as speaker. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

By Jim Vokal

Reducing Red Tape: Advancing Economic Liberty and Accountability In Nebraska

The growing volume and complexity of government regulation at the state and local levels threaten economic freedom, entrepreneurial innovation, and democratic accountability. State regulations, often issued by unelected officials in executive agencies, accumulate over time, creating significant “hidden taxes” on small businesses and families within the state. This policy brief outlines a set of proven,...

By Laura Ebke

Research Note: Updates in Regulatory Restraint

In recent years, states across the country have taken renewed interest in reviewing longstanding and often outdated regulatory frameworks. Many legislatures are reassessing rules that may constrain economic growth, aiming to reduce regulatory accumulation and increase legislative oversight of unelected agencies. Although each state varies in its approach, a common goal has emerged: limiting high-cost...

By Jakob Myers