Platte Institute for Economic Research

Why We’re Here

The economic policies we enact here in Nebraska have real consequences for our daily lives. Nebraska is losing people, income, and investment to other states because of our high tax rates. Job creation has fallen below the national average over the past decade. And our farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs face levels of red tape regulation often unheard of across state lines.

In short, these big-government policies create barriers—rather than ladders—to growth and opportunity, putting the Good Life out of reach for too many Nebraskans.

If we want to advance prosperity and opportunity in our state, we need to remove these barriers and instead implement policies which limit government, promote free enterprise, and encourage and reward personal initiative.

Our Mission

The mission of the Platte Institute is to advance policies that remove barriers to growth and opportunity in Nebraska. The Platte Institute accomplishes its mission by developing in-depth and timely research on the economic issues facing our state, then getting it into the hands of those who need it.

Our Vision

We envision a state where Nebraskans have the freedom and opportunity to achieve their Good Life, Nebraska’s own version of the American Dream.

Our Strategy

We provide intellectual ammunition, developing the high-quality research on the economic issues facing Nebraska.

We cultivate a durable network of public support by recruiting, training, and educating Nebraska citizens on important public policy issues and provide them opportunities to become more engaged in the policy-making process.

We leverage strategic partnerships by building issue-based coalitions with professional organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders to promote constructive policy change.

We educate policymakers by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to make sound policy decisions and champion change.

Our Priorities

All across our state, we tell the stories of hardworking Nebraskans who deserve to be freed from unnecessary government barriers to success, and enlist more Nebraskans in support of free market reforms.

A simple, sustainable tax structure that promotes economic growth.  Taxes are inevitable. But not all tax policies have the same impact on economic opportunity. The Platte Institute advocates for tax reforms that collect needed state and local revenue in the least burdensome way. By advocating for reforms to Nebraska’s personal and corporate income taxes, the personal property tax, and the inheritance tax, the Platte Institute seeks to advance an environment that respects hardworking taxpayers and fosters entrepreneurship.

Responsible government that prioritizes spending around core functions and fiscal restraint.  Nebraskans need tools and resources to help them keep an eye on how policymakers manage their budgets. The Platte Institute evaluates the economic impact of fiscal policies and provides the latest information on state and local spending proposals to help taxpayers and citizens engage with their elected officials.

A regulatory environment that protects public safety without stifling innovation and growth.  Red tape is harming the Good Life. Even regulators at the Federal Trade Commission now say that Nebraska has too many unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity. The Platte Institute empowers Nebraskans to identify and combat unnecessary regulations, reduce the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs, and lower the costs associated with hiring and employing workers.

Our need—you

When you become one of the Platte Institute’s philanthropic partners, you invest in the future of Nebraska, helping further the growth and opportunity that will impact our state for generations. No other Nebraska organization is having more direct, concrete impact in fighting for policies that recognize and respect free enterprise, personal responsibility, and limited government than the Platte Institute.

By partnering with the Platte Institute, you will:

• declare that you believe free market principles should be favored over solutions that advance bigger, more intrusive government.
• help us provide sound research to policymakers and political candidates alike so they understand the real challenges facing Nebraska—and how to go about tackling them. 
• encourage over 1 million Nebraskans each year to engage with free market ideas through our public events and social media campaigns, and help bring more balance to newspaper, TV, and radio reports about economic policies.

You can partner with the Platte Institute by making a Donor Club gift of $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000—or more, if your means allow. Each club level entitles you to various benefits, including copies of the Platte Institute's quarterly magazine CURRENT and invitations to major events.

We also invite you to sign up to receive electronic communication from the Institute at www.platteinstitute.org, and we always appreciate the assistance of anyone who wishes to volunteer to help with our work.