Platte Institute for Economic Research
The Platte Institute for Economic Research is a free market think tank headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.[3][4] According to the organization, it is "dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Nebraska by advancing sensible, well-researched solutions to state and local economic policy issues."[5] The Institute's research areas include tax and economic policy, education policy, and healthcare policy.
Founder(s) | Pete Ricketts |
---|---|
Established | September 2007[1] |
CEO | Jim Vokal |
Budget | Revenue: $724,397 Expenses: $720,451 (FYE December 2015)[2] |
Coordinates | 41.2500°N 96.0281°W |
Address | 900 S. 74th Plaza, S-400 Omaha, NE 68114 |
Website | www |
Overview
The organization was established in 2007 by Pete Ricketts, who was later elected governor of Nebraska.[6] As of 2016, its CEO was Jim Vokal.[7]
Issues
Taxes
In 2008, it released a study in partnership with Creighton University that showed Nebraska was the 8th most taxed state in the United States, a fact detrimental to its economy.[8][9]
Health care
In 2009, it commissioned a study about the cost of health care by Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics.[10]
County government
Also in 2009, the organization released a policy study which recommended reducing the number of Nebraska's counties, which stands at 93, as an administrative cost-saving measure.[11]
Education
In 2010, it commissioned a report on charter schools in Nebraska by the Pacific Research Institute (PRI).[12] In 2011, it commissioned another report by the PRI to promote virtual schools in Nebraska.[13]
Government spending
In 2011, the organization argued that proposed changes to the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations would not substantially reduce government spending.[14]
References
- Wetzel, Diane (February 11, 2008). "Former Guardsman is now leader of think tank". North Platte Telegraph. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- "Quickview data". GuideStar. See also "Charity Rating". Charity Navigator.
- "Study: Omaha Minority Students Do Better In Catholic School". WOWT NBC. May 7, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- Walton, Don (February 10, 2015). "ACLU allies with Platte Institute on prison reform". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- "About Us". Platte Institute. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- Hammel, Paul (October 3, 2013). "Platte Institute: Overhauled Nebraska tax system could drive more jobs". Omaha World Herald. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- James, Karla (June 3, 2015). "Platte Institute's review of the legislative session". Nebraska Radio Network. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- "Nebraska Tax Burden Up And Away". WOWT NBC. April 21, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- "Finally, a comparability study for taxpayers". McCook Gazette. March 25, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- Coddington, Mark (August 18, 2009). "Platte Institute study says health care decisions, costs should move to customers". Grand Island Independent. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- El Nasser, Haya (December 2, 2009). "County consolidation gains steam across USA". USA Today. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- Dejka, Joe (January 13, 2010). "Report calls for charter schools". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- Dejka, Joe (June 22, 2011). "Virtual school plan praised". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on September 7, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- Schulte, Grant (April 12, 2011). "Nebraska labor commission proposal draws fire". Bloomberg Business. Retrieved July 2, 2015.