Recent Research & Commentary

Research & Commentary: Common Core Science Standards

Joy Pullmann
April 16, 2013

A consortium of consultants and science educators has released its final draft of what it plans will become national education standards for K-12 science.

Research & Commentary: Stockton, California and Municipal Bankruptcies

Matthew Glans
April 15, 2013

According to Governing magazine, there were 28 public bankruptcies in 2011 and 2012.

Research & Commentary: Vermont Tax Hikes

Matthew Glans
April 12, 2013

The Vermont Legislature is considering a vast new

Research & Commentary: Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standard

Taylor Smith
April 12, 2013

Colorado legislators are bucking the national trend and considering a proposal that would boost the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS).

Research & Commentary: President Obama’s Universal Pre-K Proposal

John Nothdurft, Joy Pullmann
April 12, 2013

Included in President Barack Obama’s 2014 budget is a proposal to expand federally funded pre-K, to be paid for by raising the federal cigarette tax from $1.01 per pack to $1.95.

Research & Commentary: National Minimum Wage Hike

Matthew Glans
April 12, 2013

In his 2013 State of the Union Address, President Obama proposed increasing the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.00 an hour, with the stated goal of raising the incomes of millions

Research & Commentary: North Carolina Renewable Portfolio Standard

Taylor Smith
April 2, 2013

North Carolina legislators are considering repealing the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS).

Research & Commentary: Early Effects of Dodd-Frank

Matthew Glans
March 31, 2013

The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, also known as the Dodd-Frank Act, created many new restrictions on financial instruments and activities.

Research & Commentary: Illinois Pension Reform

Matthew Glans
March 28, 2013

The state employee pension system in Illinois is broke, both financially and structurally.

Research & Commentary: The Benefits of Shale Energy on Other Industries

Taylor Smith
March 28, 2013

As advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling continue to revolutionize the nation’s energy outlook, it’s important to consider the economic ripple effect expanding shale energy h