Recent Research & Commentary

Research & Commentary: Georgia Sunday Sales Local Option

John Nothdurft
March 1, 2011

Georgia is one of only three states that prohibit the retail sale of liquor, wine, and beer on Sundays.

Research & Commentary: Airline Passenger Tax

John Nothdurft
Charlie Vidal
February 24, 2011

Congress is considering an increase in the airline passenger facility tax from $4.50 to $7.00 per takeoff and landing. In total this would be a massive $2 billion tax increase on consumers.

Parents should have choice in education

Dr. Matthew Lander
February 19, 2011

A vast majority of Tennesseans believe their public school system needs changing, as found by a recent Vanderbilt University poll. Thankfully, state leaders don’t have to play a guessing game to determine which reforms would best serve Tennessee’s children.

Research & Commentary: Maryland’s ‘Dime a Drink’ Tax

John Nothdurft
February 17, 2011

Maryland is once again considering a “dime a drink” increase in the state’s alcohol taxes. Proponents say it will bring in $215 million toward reducing the state’s budget deficit.

Research & Commentary: Indiana Parent Trigger

Marc Oestreich
February 8, 2011

Schools in Indiana are failing to make the grade, and parents are afforded virtually no recourse when their children fall victim to a failing school.

Research & Commentary: Medicaid and State Budgets

Benjamin Domenech
Benjamin Domenech
February 3, 2011

As many legislators are now learning, perhaps the greatest impact President Barack Obama’s health care regime will have on state budgets comes from the dramatic expansion of Medicaid to cover milli