Recent Research: Budgets and Taxes

Research & Commentary: SunRail Will Produce Few Benefits and Cost Millions

John Nothdurft
December 8, 2009

As Florida policymakers take up the SunRail passenger rail proposal, the performance of existing passenger rail systems across the country should be part of their deliberations.

Research & Commentary: Why the U.S. Should Cut its Corporate Tax Rate

John Nothdurft
November 9, 2009

What the U.S. economy needs more than another pork-filled stimulus plan or massive new spending proposal is a cut in the corporate tax rate.

Research & Commentary: Illinois' Alcohol Tax Is Helping Neighbor States

John Nothdurft
November 2, 2009

Illinois' alcohol tax increases, which the legislature pushed through to fund a $31 billion capital works plan, are beginning to have their troubling consequences.

The Economics of Climate Change Proposals in Wisconsin

David G. Tuerck, Ph.D., Paul Bachman, MSIE, Sarah Glassman, MSEP, Michael Head, MSEP
November 1, 2009

Executive Summary

In April 2007, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle signed Executive Order 191 establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming (GTF).  The Task Force brings together members of the business, industry, government and environmental consulting communities to create a plan of action for the state of Wisconsin that addresses issues related to climate change.1

Research & Commentary: Illinois’ Pension Problem and How to Fix it

John Nothdurft
September 30, 2009

The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported some very alarming facts about Illinois’ public pension system, among them:

Research & Commentary: Top Ten Reasons Not to Raise Tobacco Taxes

John Nothdurft
September 11, 2009

Smokers have become a favorite target of many legislators across the country.

Research & Commentary: The Damaging Effects of Tourism Taxes

John Nothdurft
July 28, 2009

Tourism taxes have become an increasingly trendy pick for elected officials hoping to raise additional revenue to cover increases in government spending.

Research & Commentary: Taxing the Rich Will Bankrupt Your State

John Nothdurft
June 17, 2009

Lawmakers in at least eight states are considering raising income tax rates on a small percentage of top income-earners in order to shore up their state budgets.