Platte Institute

Home
United States
Omaha, NE
Platte Institute

Platte Institute helps Nebraskans remove economic barriers with policy research & legislative advice.

The Platte Institute helps Nebraskans remove economic barriers with policy research and legislative advice. If you want more economic freedom in Nebraska, please visit PlatteInstitute.org to make a donation to help further our research.

09/02/2026

Check out the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring Governor Jim Pillen!

Governor Pillen joins Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal to discuss the future of tax reform in Nebraska, how we can attract more workers, families, and investment to our state, and how we continue moving Nebraska forward.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Gov. Jim Pillen joins Nebraskanomics to talk property taxes, tax reform, economic growth, workforce, and building a more competitive Nebraska.

08/30/2026

Congratulations to Platte’s CEO Jim Vokal on being included in this distinguished group!

The Bloc, Inc is honored to celebrate an incredible group of Nebraska leaders whose experience, dedication, and impact continue to shape our communities.

Congratulations to the 2026 honorees! We can’t wait to celebrate you on November 7, 2026, in Omaha. 🎉

50 OVER 50 Awards NE — Celebrating experience. Honoring impact. Building legacy.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50-over-50-ne-tickets-1999007175273?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

08/05/2026

How does childcare affect Nebraska’s economic growth?

In the latest episode of Nebraskanomics, Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal talks with Ricky Feir of the Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth about childcare affordability, policy solutions, and how Nebraska’s regulations compare with other states.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Explore childcare in Nebraska with Ricky Feir, including its impact on growth, affordability policies, and how state regulations compare.

08/04/2026

Understanding the reality of childcare in Nebraska is critical to growing our workforce and making our state a destination for young families.

The cost and availability of care influence whether parents can work, whether businesses can find employees, and whether families believe they can build their futures here.

Our latest blog examines why getting policies around childcare right must be part of Nebraska’s vision for growth:

Childcare in Nebraska puts immense pressure on young families, shaping career decisions and the state’s ability to attract and retain workers.

07/17/2026

Property tax discussions often focus on rising valuations, but that's only part of the story.

As Jim Vokal shared with Nebraska Public Media, the amount taxpayers ultimately pay is determined by the budget decisions made by local governments and the elected officials responsible for setting those budgets.

Meaningful property tax relief requires addressing spending.

Read the full story:

As counties begin sifting through property valuation protests, officials and policy makers point fingers as to why Nebraska’s property taxes are so high.

07/16/2026

Budget challenges require thoughtful decisions, not a retreat from policies that strengthen Nebraska's long-term competitiveness.

Nebraska's income tax reductions are making our state more attractive to workers, families, and businesses. As policymakers evaluate the state's fiscal outlook, maintaining that commitment will be critical to Nebraska's future.

Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal spoke with the Nebraska Examiner about why Nebraska should stay the course on tax competitiveness.

Read the full article:

Nebraska’s projected budget deficit continues to grow after the fourth consecutive month of state tax receipts falling below economic forecasts.

06/30/2026

If Nebraska wants to compete for young families and talented workers, we can’t ignore the cost of child care.

A new study ranks Nebraska as having the highest child care cost burden for married-couple families. Combined with ongoing shortages across much of the state, these challenges can influence whether young professionals stay, leave, or even enter the workforce at all.

In our latest blog, we examine what these trends mean for Nebraska’s economy and why expanding access to affordable child care should be part of any strategy to attract and retain residents.

Read more:

Nebraska ranks highest for child care cost burden. Explore how rising costs and shortages affect young families and the state’s workforce.

06/23/2026

If Nebraska wants to compete for young families and future workers, it’s critical that we get childcare policy right.

Nebraska ranks 10th nationally in childcare freedom according to the Archbridge Institute’s 2026 State Childcare Regulations Index, but there is still room for improvement. Reducing unnecessary barriers can help expand access, improve affordability, and make Nebraska a more attractive place to live and work.

Check out our latest blog to see where Nebraska stands and what reforms could help us become even more competitive.

Read more:

Nebraska ranks 10th nationally in childcare freedom. See where regulations help providers and where reforms could improve access.

06/17/2026

Check out the latest episode of Nebraskanomics featuring Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.

Mark joins Platte Institute CEO Jim Vokal to discuss the importance of agriculture to Nebraska’s economy, the outlook for property tax reform, and what the future holds for the state’s largest industry.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Mark McHargue joins Nebraskanomics to discuss Nebraska agriculture, property tax reform, and the future of the state’s largest industry.

06/15/2026

Check out our latest blog exploring the debate over local minimum wage mandates in Nebraska and what they could mean for small businesses, entry-level workers, and rural communities.

Every wage policy comes with trade-offs, and good intentions do not change economic reality. As local officials continue this discussion, it’s important to consider the impacts on employers, workers, and communities across the entire state.

Read more:

Explore how Nebraska’s minimum wage debate, local control policies, and city wage mandates affect small businesses and rural communities.

Address

6910 Pacific Street
Omaha, NE
68106

Telephone

(402) 452-3737

Website

http://platteinstitute.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Platte Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Omaha?