It’s been an interesting couple of weeks in Nebraska on the occupational licensing front. Yesterday was particularly interesting. My colleague, Laura Ebke, testified yesterday in support of LB1187 introduced by Sen. Andrew LaGrone to allow for universal recognition of occupational licenses held in good standing in other states for individuals... Continue reading

We have a right to earn an honest living. This right is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Entrepreneurship and good old-fashioned free market competition are playing a lot of defense nowadays. Protectionism has gone unchecked due to the significant increase in career paths subject to occupational licensing. These occupational licenses... Continue reading

Today, the second session of the 106th Nebraska Legislature convenes. Last year, 739 bills were introduced. Of those, 255 (roughly 1/3) were signed into law and 3 were vetoed. A resulting 481 bills were carried over. The first ten days of session are when new bills are introduced. It is... Continue reading

This is my third post regarding Nebraska’s requirement that household goods (HHG) movers and passenger carriers obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). In my previous posts I’ve mentioned that a bill was introduced during the 2019 legislative session, LB461, that would repeal this requirement. The Platte Institute... Continue reading

Last week I introduced you to the concept of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), also known as the “competitor’s veto.” Today, I’d like to do a little deeper dive to give you an understanding as to why it is so egregious and anti-free market. Reviewing applications for... Continue reading

It’s the first Monday of the new year, and by now, most taxpayers are officially back to work after the holidays. Tomorrow, the Omaha City Council has its first meeting of 2020, and this taxpayer will be watching with great interest. You see, a month ago, KETV aired a story... Continue reading

In a December 19 post, I discussed the importance of the consumer in the free-market system. When we allow entrepreneurs to test their ideas, be it a product or service, with limited government interference, the result is innovation and lower prices. Consumers vote for these products and services with their... Continue reading

Although I completed my Christmas shopping over two weeks ago, by the looks of the parking lots of many stores on my way home from work last night, that’s not the case for everyone. I have several friends who are avid readers like myself who have welcomed me into their... Continue reading

In the spirit of #ThrowbackThursday, I thought I would highlight a 1978 article from the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), “The Consumer’s Role,” as it reminds me of an issue the Platte Institute has been working on for the past 3 years. It’s no secret that team members at the... Continue reading

Yesterday, President Trump held a roundtable on regulatory innovations inviting governors from around the country to share what has been accomplished in their states. Governor Ricketts participated. He reported on the Nebraska Legislature’s work on occupational licensing reform and h ighlighted LB898 from 2016, the “hair braiding bill” that exempted... Continue reading