Nebraskanomics

Hosted by Platte Institute

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Episodes

119

Latest episode

Jun 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

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.

March 18, 202619 min

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 803). They also share their backgrounds and perspectives on how high property taxes are impacting communities across the 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.

March 11, 202632 min

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 Nebraska’s economy. 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.

January 20, 202619 min

Jared Walczak on the Pathway for Principled Tax Reform

Tune in to the latest episode of Nebraskanomics as 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. 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.