Nebraskanomics

Hosted by Platte Institute

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Episodes

121

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Nebraskanomics, hosted by Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute. We help Nebraskans remove barriers to opportunity with policy research and legislative advice. The Platte Institute is a think tank promoting policies that make it easier to get a good job, start a business, and help Nebraskans keep more of what they earn. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help fund our research or, you can subscribe to our newsletter. ❌ It’s time to stop the status quo. Let’s remove economic barriers and make Nebraskans proud.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 2, 202637 min

Governor Jim Pillen on Building a More Competitive Nebraska

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome the 41st Governor of the State of Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen. During the episode Governor Pillen and Platte Institute Chief Executive Officer Jim Vokal discuss the future of tax reform in Nebraska, how we can attract workers, families, and investment to our state, and how we continue moving Nebraska forward. 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. To register for Platte Institute's Legislative Summit, please visit: https://platteinstitute.org/events/.

August 5, 202623 min

Ricky Feir on Childcare in Nebraska

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome research specialist with the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth, Ricky Feir. During the episode Ricky and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the impact of childcare to growing states, policies to make childcare more cost effective, and how Nebraska ranks compared to other states in regulating childcare. 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.

June 17, 202629 min

Mark McHargue on Nebraska's Agriculture Industry

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Mark McHargue. During the episode Mark and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the impact of agriculture in Nebraska, next steps on property tax reform, and what the future looks like for our state’s largest industry. 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.

June 10, 202617 min

Laura Ebke on Second Chances in Nebraska

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Platte Institute Senior Fellow Laura Ebke. During the episode Laura and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss a new short documentary from the Platte Institute highlighting the impact of the second chances legislation that was a part of LB 16 passed in 2024. “Second Chance: A New Path for Opportunity in Nebraska” can be found at this link: https://youtu.be/vtiHlQP43Es 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.

June 3, 202620 min

Chris Ingstad on Iowa's 2% Property Tax Cap

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome the President of the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation, Chris Ingstad. During the episode Chris and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss Iowa’s new two percent hard cap on property taxes, their efforts lower their income tax, and what’s next for Iowa as they continue competing in the midwest region. 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.

May 27, 202623 min

Attorney General Mike Hilgers on How We Grow Nebraska

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Nebraska’s Attorney General, Mike Hilgers. During the episode Attorney General Hilgers and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the the importance of good energy policy in Nebraska, how we attract new residents and investment, and the next big issues that will shape the future of our 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.

April 29, 202622 min

ALEC President Jonathan Williams on Nebraska's Latest Ranking

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome Jonathan Williams, co-author of Rich States, Poor States and President and Chief Economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council. During the episode Jonathan and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss the latest rankings in new edition of Rich States, Poor States , how Nebraska can improve, and what top states are consistently doing to come out ahead. 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.

April 8, 202627 min

William Beard on how Nebraska Competes for Data Centers

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as we welcome William Beard, co-author of the Goldwater Institute’s report: Data Centers a Free Market Model for the Digital Future . During the episode William and Platte CEO Jim Vokal discuss what data centers are, why they matter, and what separates the states that are winning investment from those that are falling behind. 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.

April 1, 202617 min

Jim Vokal Rants about Property Taxes

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as host Jim Vokal rants about rising property taxes, the shell game elected officials are playing, and solutions Platte is advocating for this 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.

March 25, 202618 min

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. 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.