Platte Institute

“It’s things like Rich States, Poor States that really help separate good ideas from bad ones and show what states can do to make themselves rich states and avoid being poor states.” @Taxeconomist joined @PlatteInstitute's Jim Vokal on Nebraskanomics to discuss Nebraska’s improved ranking alec.org/article/nebras…

NE can’t afford to stand still while neighboring states compete for jobs, investment, and new residents. Our new blog explains how sales tax modernization could help preserve income tax reform and strengthen Nebraska’s long-term competitiveness. platteinstitute.org/sales-tax-mode… #neleg

Check out the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring @Taxeconomist of @ALEC_states. He joins @Jim_Vokal to discuss Nebraska’s highest-ever Rich States, Poor States ranking and what reforms could move the state even higher. Listen now: platteinstitute.org/nebraskanomics…

LB 803 is officially law, and it’s a big win for NE! This law includes stronger Truth in Taxation, limits on property tax growth, and first-time homebuyer savings accounts. Thank you to @TeamPillen, the legislature, and all of the leaders who made this reform possible. #neleg

Check out the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring William Beard, co-author of a new report on data centers from @GoldwaterInst . What are data centers, why do they matter, and which states are winning investment? Listen now: platteinstitute.org/nebraskanomics…

Check out the latest episode of Nebraskanomics where Platte CEO @Jim_Vokal takes the mic solo to talk about Nebraska’s high property taxes. Jim breaks down the shell game and what needs to change. Listen now: platteinstitute.org/nebraskanomics…

New episode of Nebraskanomics: @NeTreasurer Joey Spellerberg joins @Jim_Vokal to break down LB 938 and First-Time Home Buyer Savings Accounts. Plus the role of the Treasurer’s Office and his perspective on high property taxes in Nebraska. Listen here: platteinstitute.org/nebraskanomics…

Check out the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring Sen. Tom Brandt & Sen. Bob Hallstrom. They join @Jim_Vokal to discuss LB 1219, LB 575 (now LB 803), and property tax reform in Nebraska. Listen here: platteinstitute.org/nebraskanomics…

Check out our latest blog from Platte Senior Fellow @Laura_Ebke where we dig into new migration data and what it means for Nebraska. The states growing right now aren’t standing still. Neither should we. Read more: platteinstitute.org/who-moved-in-2…

Check out a new episode of "The Inner Circle" from @omahamagazine, where Platte Institute CEO @Jim_Vokal joins host Gil Cohen to discuss Platte's role in Nebraska and the policies shaping our state’s future. Listen here: youtube.com/watch?v=ytH7Ms…

Great discussion this morning with Speaker John Arch, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and Aksarben Foundation Chairman Mike Cassling about how Nebraska can better compete for talent, investment, and opportunity.

ICYMI: Platte CEO @Jim_Vokal's latest op-ed in the Nebraska Examiner looks at how smarter regulation can become Nebraska’s next economic advantage. Modernizing our regulatory system can help attract investment and expand opportunity. Read it here: nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/03/07/opi…

Thank you for the great conversation, @Jim_Vokal! Appreciate the partnership with you and @PlatteInstitute to make our region and state more competitive.

New episode of Nebraskanomics: Platte CEO @Jim_Vokal sits down with @OmahaChamber CEO @HeathMelloGOC to discuss how NE can reverse migration trends and grow its economy. Workforce, housing, childcare, and more on what it takes to compete regionally. platteinstitute.org/nebraskanomics…

OUTSIDE COMMENTARY: The @PlatteInstitute CEO says states that focus on modernizing their regulatory environment improve how they look to businesses considering relocation and expansion. From @Jim_Vokal: nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/03/07/opi…

Check out Platte CEO @Jim_Vokal’s latest op-ed in the Nebraska Examiner. Nebraska’s next economic advantage could come from smarter, modernized regulation that encourages growth and opportunity across the state. Read more: nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/03/07/opi…

This was egregious enough to force me out of retirement and back into the city council chambers to oppose.

Platte CEO @Jim_Vokal returned to the Omaha City Council for the first time since leaving office to testify on a major wastewater project. His message: waiving competitive bidding could cost Omaha taxpayers and ratepayers $78 million more. Read more: nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/03/03/hea…

The Platte Institute is proud to have championed this legislation that removes a barrier to investment in Nebraska agriculture!

Nebraska ranks 10th in the nation for Childcare Freedom, but red tape still costs our economy $781M annually. The Platte Institute is supporting LB891 to modernize hiring and get staff into classrooms faster. Let’s cut the red tape for NE families! platteinstitute.org/childcare-free… #neleg