Nebraskanomics

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute's Senior Tax Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode the Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the budget shortfall facing the state, what it means for Platte Institute's priorities, and what we can do this session to be more competitive as a state.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy.It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Chairs of the Appropriations and Revenue Committees Senators Clements and von Gillern. During the episode the senators and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the budget shortfall facing the state, steps they are taking to fill the gap, and what it means for tax relief in Nebraska.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy.It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jennifer Butler of State Policy Network's Center for Practical Federalism. During the episode Jennifer and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss recent policy changes at the federal level, how those changes impact states, and why federalism is so important in the modern era. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy.It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Tony Sorrentino of District 39. During the episode Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal and Senator Sorrentino discuss his bill to reinstate tax credit scholarships, his background, and why school choice is so important for Nebraska's future.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy.It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Andrew Handel Director of ALEC's Education and Workforce Development Task Force. During the episode Andrew and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss ALEC's new report “2025 ALEC Index of State Education Freedom: A 50-State Guide to Parental Empowerment”, why school choice matters in terms of migration, and how Nebraska can improve its ranking. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy.It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome newly elected Aurora City Council Member Esther Bergen. During the episode Councilwoman Bergen and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss what inspired Esther to run for office, the challenge of restraining local budgets, and how Truth in Taxation can drive change in Nebraska.    If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Speaker John Arch. During the episode Speaker Arch and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute's priorities for 2025, the emphasis on legislative oversight this session, and how the legislature will navigate the $432 million budget shortfall.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome three newly elected state senators, Jared Storm of District 23, Bob Hailstorm of District 1, and Bob Andersen of District 49. During the episode the new senators and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss their priorities for the 109th legislature, next steps for property tax relief, and repealing Nebraska's inheritance tax.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Chair of the Board of Opportunity Scholarship Nebraska, Rick Bettger. During the episode, Rick and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss school choice in our state following the repeal of Nebraska's opportunity scholarships law. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute's new report on the annual cost of medicaid expansion, the Tax Foundation's latest state tax rankings, and our expectations for the 2025 legislative session.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Danielle Conrad of District 46 in the Nebraska Legislature. During the episode Sen. Conrad and Platte CEO Jim Vokal give valuable insight into LB 16, it's passage last year, and next steps to modernize Nebraska's regulatory environment. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Chris Ingstad president of the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation. During the episode Chris and Platte CEO Jim Vokal give valuable insight into how Nebraska and Iowa compare on taxes and where we can both take steps to make our states better.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Ben Hansen, champion of Nebraska's Truth in Taxation law. During the episode Sen. Hansen and Platte CEO Jim Vokal give valuable insight into how Nebraska can improve its current Truth in Taxation law, and how this law contributes to lower property taxes. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Tony Woodlief State Policy Network's Senior Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow for SPN's Center for Practical Federalism . During the episode the Tony gives valuable insight into what federalism means in the modern era, how states can reclaim their own authority, and why it matters. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Fred Birnbaum a Utah property owner and Billy Hesterman the President of the Utah Taxpayers Association. During the episode the two give valuable insight into the Utah's Truth in Taxation process, how it contributes to their overall high ranking in state comparisons, and how Nebraska can improve it's current Truth in Taxation law. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome former Governor Dave Heineman. Governor Heineman was chief executive of our state last time a special session was called. During the episode he gives valuable insight into the process and shares his thoughts on lowering Nebraskans property tax bills.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss Platte Institute's property tax vision leading into the special legislative session.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jim Ediger and Wade Regier both of whom are community leaders in Aurora Nebraska who helped defeat a new sales tax measure in their community. During the episode, the two and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal explore what happened in Aurora, how they were able to defeat the measure to raise taxes, and why engagement matters in local communities. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jeremy Ekeler Executive Director of Opportunity Scholarships Nebraska and Jayleesha Cooper a student at the University of Chicago who benefitted from attending private school. During the episode, the two and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal explore the merits of tax credit opportunity scholarships, some of the misinformation surrounding this legislation, the larger school choice effort, and how we can connect even more kids to the opportunities that best fit their needs. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and EVP for the American Legislative Exchange Council. We dive into the significance of state tax policies and their impact on economic competitiveness. Jonathan shares valuable insights from the Rich State's Poor State's report, a guide ranking the economic outlook of each state. Stay tuned as we discuss the correlation between lower tax burdens and economic growth. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the recently announced "property tax relief" plan from the Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee and the negative effects Nebraska would experience as a result of this plan.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring Nebraska Department of Labor Analysts Jodie Meyer and Scott Ferguson. During the episode Jodie, Scott, and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the labor market in Nebraska, how the coronavirus pandemic effected our economy, and why potential employees chose Nebraska.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Director of Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom Neal McCluskey. During the episode Neal and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the state of school choice in 2024, the importance of Nebraska's tax credit scholarships, and why choice in education means more freedom.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the 2024 tax proposals and the positive and negative effects they could have on Nebraska.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Executive Director of Nebraska Tech Collaborative and internNE, Shonna Dorsey. During the episode Shonna and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal talk about recent workforce trends, barriers to employment, and how Nebraska can continue to attract high skill high wage workers.  If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome economist, author, and tax policy expert David Brunori. During the episode David and Platte Institute Chief Strategy Officer Jim Smith talk about recent national public policy trends, as well as known and rumored proposals in the Cornhusker State to restructure the tax code and reduce the property tax burden.   If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Speaker John Arch. During this episode we dive into what to expect from the 2024 legislative session and Platte's priorities. Speaker Arch shares valuable insights he gained from the 2023 session and how he plans to use his position to improve Nebraska this next year. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, A View from Behind the Glass, to hear from three of our staff members who are former Nebraska state senators: • Jim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer • Dr. Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow • Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations During the episode host Jim Vokal Platte Institute CEO discusses with the Senators our wins from last year, what to expect this session, and what Platte Institute wants to accomplish. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Brides to Hope Executive Director Rhonda Mattingly. During the episode Rhonda, Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal, and Platte Senior Fellow Laura Ebke, dive into the mission of Bridges to Hope, how we are helping support their mission through a micro-grant, and how community partners like Bridges to Hope help enhance Nebraska's workforce. To learn more about Bridges to Hope and to help support their mission visit: https://www.bridgestohopene.org/. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Kearney City Manager Mike Morgan. During the episode Mike and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal dive into what's worked for Kearney, how we can address rising taxes, and how we can improve efficiencies within municipalities. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Platte Institute Senior Policy Advisor Michael Lucci. During the episode Michael and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal dive into what's next for tax relief , how we can address steep valuation increases, and how we can improve Nebraska's Truth in Taxation law. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us on this episode of Nebraskanomics where we welcome Platte Institute Senior Fellow Dr. Laura Ebke. During the episode Dr. Ebke and Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal dive into recent microgrants from Platte Institute as a part of the dignity project, LB16, and other ways we can improve Nebraska's workforce. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal breaks down the shell game that continues to drive up your property taxes. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Senator Lou Ann Linehan. During this episode we dive into this years tax relief efforts, choice in education, and where Nebraska goes from here. Senator Linehan shares valuable insights from her years as revenue committee chairwoman and champion of tax relief. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit platteinstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Join us in this episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and EVP for the American Legislative Exchange Council. We dive into the significance of state tax policies and their impact on economic competitiveness. Jonathan shares valuable insights from the Rich State's Poor State's report, a guide ranking the economic outlook of each state. Stay tuned as we discuss the correlation between lower tax burdens and economic growth. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

500,000 Nebraskans read The Flatwater Free Press' weekly report. Each week, this organization updates their database of government salaries in Nebraska through their Government Transparency Project.Today on Nebraskanomics, I'm joined by Matt Wynn, the executive director of The Flatwater Free Press. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Tracking Government Salaries, to learn about their eye opening database. Stay tuned until the end to learn about new updates to the database and how this impacts government transparency. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

❌People aren't moving to Nebraska. From tax year 2019 to 2020, Nebraska ranked 45th for the net percentage of income taxpayers brought from other states by moving. Idaho added a net of 36,000+ taxpayers (or a 2% boost to its population), while Nebraska lost a net about 4,200 people to migration. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, 4 Ways to Make Nebraska Compete with Anyone, to learn how we can compete with other states to make the Good Life accessible for more people. Stay tuned until the end to learn how we can imitate the economic success of South Korea's marketplace. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

The Unicameral is undergoing a great loss of historical knowledge and experience. There are 16 new state senators, which is nearly one in every three legislative seats. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, A View from Behind the Glass, to hear from three of our staff members who are former Nebraska state senators: Jim Smith, Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Laura Ebke, Senior Fellow Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations Stay tuned until the end to learn what is happening in the weeks before the 108th Legislative Session starts that may not be obvious to the average Nebraskan. === Want to know which issues will be discussed in the 108th Legislative Session? Checkout our Legislative Issue Guide here. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Nebraska ranks 39th in the country for property tax competitiveness. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, The Future of Nebraska's Tax Policy, to understand how we need to modernize our tax policy. Joining me today is Michael Lucci, The Platte Institute's Senior Policy Advisor. Previously, Michael was the vice president of state projects at The Tax Foundation, the vice president of policy at The Illinois Policy Institute, and the deputy chief of staff for policy to the governor of Illinois. Stay tuned until the end to learn which three taxes should be removed from the tax base to modernize the tax code. Read the Nebraska Tax Modernization Report here: https://bit.ly/3BMsmXr === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Can you believe that Nebraska is one of the VERY last states in the country to post its own state government meeting videos online for the public to watch? The Unicameral has to step up its own game when it comes to transparency. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, No More Excuses: Post the Unicameral's Meeting Videos Online, to discover the three reasons why there is no excuse for senators to wait yet another year to get a state video archive rolling. Stay tuned until the end, when I'll share the shocking truth about what the leadership from the Legislature and Nebraska Public Media really want. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Did you know that Nebraska is one of only a FEW states that does not archive video recordings online to make them available to view later? Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Why Transparent Governments Post Hearings Online, to understand the impact of building a video archive in our policymaking process. Joining me today is Nicole Fox, Director of Government Relations at The Platte Institute and a former Nebraska State Senator. Stay tuned until the end, to learn how you can help us pass this important legislation. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Are you sick of your local government making increases to your property taxes? Thanks to the Truth in Taxation law, constituents can now participate in a process to express their concerns and help protect your household or business finances. Today, I'm joined by Patrick Bonnett, an elected official who serves on one of many local boards that levy property taxes. He is also the President and CEO of Encore Financial Services, and a member of the Papio Missouri River National Resources District Board. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Nebraska Property Taxes and Your Pocketbook, as we discuss: Why property taxes can be increased, even if local boards don't raise tax rates. (1:46) What's unique about Nebraska's property tax situation. (5:39) Advice to taxpayers about their opportunity to serve on elected boards. (9:46) Stay tuned until the end to discover a free way we can equip you to keep local property taxes in check. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Want a say in how your property taxes are decided? Participate in a Truth in Taxation hearing. Every year in September, Nebraska's Truth in Taxation law requires cities, counties, school districts, and community college districts to directly notify taxpayers about proposed major property tax increases and hold public hearings where taxpayers can express their views about property taxes in their community. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Make Nebraska property taxes honest with Truth in Taxation, to learn: 1) Why Nebraska created a Truth in Taxation law, 2) What the Truth in Taxation process will involve every September, and 3) How Nebraskans can use Truth in Taxation to keep property taxes in check. (11:05) Stay tuned until the end, when I'll share how you can receive free Truth in Taxation resources, which will help you stand up for taxpayers in your area. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌ It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Jim Vokal and Laura Ebke discuss how you can help keep Nebraska property taxes in check and learn more about Nebraska's new Truth in Taxation law at PlatteInstitute.org/Truth.

Platte Institute Community Engagement Director Elizabeth Hallgren joins Jim Vokal to talk about her experiences as an educator and small business advocate, and how Nebraskans can stay informed and help remove barriers to success in their state.

City clerks in 17 small Nebraska towns have been caught stealing from taxpayers in recent years. Addie Costello of the Flatwater Free Press and Nebraska Deputy Auditor Craig Kubicek discuss ways Nebraskans can trust but verify what government is doing with your money, and what to do if you see something that might be wrong.

Eli Vedral, a student-athlete at Creighton University, joins Jim to discuss how a change in Nebraska legislation enabled him to start a home-based baking business, Kookaburra Cookies.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Nebraska communities of all sizes were experiencing housing shortages, and from 2008 to 2018, Nebraska saw the 6th fastest increase in home prices among all states. That's why the Blueprint Nebraska economic initiative has set the goal of increasing the housing supply and making our state a national leader for housing affordability. Tune into the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, 3 Building Blocks for More Housing in Nebraska. In this episode, we're joined by policy experts and leaders to discuss the following agenda. Reducing regulatory barriers to building more affordable housing. (2:52) Helping more Nebraskans invest in housing. (10:00) Creating opportunities for builders in Nebraska. (13:44) How can these changes allow our communities to become even more desirable and attainable places for people to live? Tune in to find out. === If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research and advocacy. ❌It's time to stop the status quo. Let's remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Election policy expert Tyler Fisher, from the nonpartisan reform group Unite America, joins Jim Vokal to discuss why state and federal election systems often incentivize policy outcomes that leave most Americans dissatisfied, and what Nebraska can do to give the majority of voters more say in who represents them in Lincoln and Washington.

On a special episode of Nebraskanomics, Jim Smith asks three experts on telecommunications and regulation about the state's progress on grant programs that expand broadband connectivity. Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Mary Ridder, Nebraska Legislature Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Legal Counsel Mike Hybl, and Hamilton Communications General Counsel Jim Ediger are our guests.

Platte Institute Senior Fellow Laura Ebke says there's more the state can do to welcome workers with career and military experience to join Nebraska's workforce.