Recent Research

Research & Commentary: April Fool’s Day Tobacco Tax Hike—The Joke’s On States

John Nothdurft
April 1, 2009

A 62-cent increase in the federal excise tax on tobacco products, intended to fund the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), goes into effect April 1.

President Barack Obama's Cap-and-Trade Plan

Zonia M. Pino
March 27, 2009

Illinois Cannot Afford Governor Quinn’s Budget

John Nothdurft
March 25, 2009

Tough decisions are a part of governing, and Illinois’ $11.5 billion budget shortfall will undoubtedly force many of them.

Universal Access Fund Reform

John Nothdurft
March 9, 2009

Federal and state Universal Access and Service Funds (UASFs) have become an inefficient and unnecessary use of taxpayer money.

Research & Commentary: The Best And Worst Ways To Eliminate A Budget Deficit

John Nothdurft
February 20, 2009

Research & Commentary: The Best And Worst Ways to Eliminate a Budget Deficit

What A Smoking Ban Would Mean For Indiana

John Nothdurft
February 5, 2009

While Indiana’s legislature and citizens debate the merits of a draconian statewide smoking ban, business owners are already taking steps to balance the wishes of the smoking and nonsmoking populat