Publications
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The Leaflet: The Top Issues Facing States in 2016
Publication -The Leaflet -In November 2015, The Heartland Institute published Ten State Solutions to Emerging Issues, an informative and concise booklet examining 10 of the most useful public policy solutions to important issues facing states in 2016. -
Research & Commentary: Mississippi Welfare Reform
Publication -Research and Commentaries -Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, implemented in 1996, ended the national entitlement to welfare for families with dependent children and created Temporary Assistance for -
Research & Commentary: Idaho Lawmakers’ Doubts About the Climate ‘Consensus’
Publication -Research and Commentaries -On January 2, the Twin Falls Times-News released a highly deceptive story, “At Idaho Legislature, Many Doubt Scientific Consensus on Global Warming Cause,” containing many dubious assertions about the debate between scientists over the effects of climate -
The Leaflet: The Future of Social Security
Publication -The Leaflet -According to a 2015 survey released by AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, a majority of adults in the United States are weary of the future of Social Security, with 57 percent of people suggesting they are not confident in the -
Research & Commentary: Illinois PARCC Testing Results
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The inaugural Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing scores for the State of Illinois were made available in mid-December, and the results were discouraging. -
Research & Commentary: Should Alaska Reestablish an Income Tax?
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The falling price of oil has led to a $3.5 billion deficit for Alaska’s upcoming budget. According to U.S. News & World Report, Alaska has been using savings to balance its budget at an estimated rate of $10 million a day. -
Research & Commentary: COP21 and the Paris Climate Agreement
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The Paris climate agreement, adopted on December 12 by 195 nations attending the United Nations’ 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21), was called a “turning point for the world” by President Obama and “the best chance to save the one planet that we’ve -
The Leaflet: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Heartland Institute
Publication -The Leaflet -Happy holidays to all elected officials, our allies, Legislative Forum members, and liberty lovers! -
Research & Commentary: Virginia Pension Reform
Publication -Research and Commentaries -Virginia House Speaker William J. Howell recently announced a plan to create a new commission to study the possibility of shifting the state’s pension system from a traditional defined benefit pension model to a 401(k)-style defined-contribution model. -
Research & Commentary: North Carolina Retiree Health Care Reform
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The Charlotte Observer recently reported the North Carolina legislature will soon be considering legislation to address the $25.5 billion unfunded liability in the state’s retiree health system. -
Research & Commentary: Tax Cut Triggers
Publication -Research and Commentaries -States across the country continue to struggle with balancing their annual budgets, plagued by bloated spending and a lagging economy. An increasing number of states have been addressing high taxes and limiting spending by using tax cut triggers. -
Research & Commentary: Kentucky Right-to-Work Reform
Publication -Research and Commentaries -Kentucky could soon become the nation’s 26th right-to-work state (RTW), and Kentuckians have demonstrated they may be ready to support this reform. -
Research & Commentary: Closing Failing New York City Schools Produces Gains for Students
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The Research Alliance for New York City Schools, an initiative of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, has released an important study on the effects of a reform plan that phased out and closed 29 -
The Leaflet – State Governments Affect Charitable Giving
Publication -The Leaflet -Christmas is the season of giving, but some states might soon be placed on Santa’s naughty list. During Christmas, the perennial dictum is to spread peace and goodwill. -
Research & Commentary: Alabama Pension Reform Study Finds Dramatic Shortfall
Publication -Research and Commentaries -Unfunded state pension liabilities have become an increasingly troubling problem for states across the country, especially Alabama. In 2010, Alabama received a grade of “D” in The Heartland Institute’s 50-state public pension report card. -
Research & Commentary: West Virginia Right-to-Work Reform
Publication -Research and Commentaries -West Virginia is considering becoming the nation’s 26th right-to-work (RTW) state. Adopting RTW legislation would help create new jobs by improving the state’s business climate and economic competitiveness. -
Research & Commentary: Alabama Medicaid Expansion
Publication -Research and Commentaries -At a recent meeting, the Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force recommended Gov. Robert Bentley and the legislature expand the state’s Medicaid program. -
Research & Commentary: Illinois’ Budget Problems
Publication -Research and Commentaries -Illinois has systematic problems with the way it spends tax dollars. -
Research & Commentary: Alabama Medicaid Expansion
Publication -Research and Commentaries -At a recent meeting, the Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force recommended Gov. Robert Bentley and the legislature expand the state’s Medicaid program. -
The Leaflet – States Consider Cigarette and E-cigarette Tax Increases
Publication -The Leaflet -States across the nation are debating increasing cigarette tax rates to fix budget gaps. In 2105 alone, Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont all increased their states cigarette tax rate. -
Research & Commentary: Ethanol Mandates and Renewable Fuel Standards Hurt Illinois Residents and Farmers
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The Center for Regulatory Solutions (CRS) has produced a series of reports on the deleterious effects of the corn ethanol mandate, also known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), on state economies and environments. -
The Leaflet – Happy Thanksgiving from The Heartland Institute
Publication -The Leaflet -Happy Thanksgiving from The Heartland Institute “I hope we once again have reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. -
Research & Commentary: Las Vegas Casinos Fight to Choose Electricity Suppliers
Publication -Research and Commentaries -It takes a lot of electricity to make sure the bright lights of Sin City stay on. One hotel and casino will, on its own, use more electricity than an entire mid-sized city. -
Research & Commentary: Virginia Should Oppose McAuliffe Medicaid Expansion Plans
Publication -Research and Commentaries -The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, allows states to expand Medicaid to cover individuals making up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level.