Platte Institute for Economic Research

Protecting Nebraska taxpayers - taxes are inveitable in our society, but not all tax policies are created equal. The Platte Institute advocates for tax reforms that create a simple, sustainable tax structure that supports Economic growth. We've helped to defeat more than $1 billion in tax increases while advancing legislation reducing income taxes, property taxes, and inheritance taxes--to name a few--making Nebraska a more welcoming place to earn a paycheck, own property, run a business, or retire.

Government efficiency/transparency - we're giving nebraskans tools and resources to help them keep an eye on how policymakers manage their tax dollars and decide policies that impact Economic opportunity. State lawmakers overwhelmingly approved our proposal for a truth in taxation requirement for local property taxes, which informs taxpayers by mail about proposed property tax increases. In cooperation with the nonprofit flatwater free press, we're bringing more public records to light, starting with a public database of state employee salaries. During 2022, we worked on budget reform and legislation to require video archiving of legislative hearings and floor debate.

Building Nebraska's workforce - the Platte Institute is empowering nebraskans to identify and combat excessive regulations, creating more opportunities for jobseekers and entrepreneurs, and enabling new, innovative businesses to enter the marketplace. Our campaign for job licensing reform has received international recognition for opening career and small business pathways across the state. Regulation touches every area of our lives, and our legislative efforts are improving services and amenities available to nebraskans--from transportation to health care to food and beverage businesses.

Blueprint Nebraska - in 2021, the Platte Institute was selected as one of three organizations responsible for implementing the blueprint Nebraska strategic plan for growing the state's economy. Working alongside nebraskans in business, government, and community life, we're advancing solutions identified in the 15-point growing the good life report, including ways to build more affordable housing, deploy high-speed broadband in unserved communities, and make Nebraska the most welcoming state among our peers for jobseekers and entrepreneurs.