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Energy & Environment
Research & Commentary: DDT Bans
This Research & Commentary examines the banned pesticide known as DDT. Heartland Policy Analyst Taylor Smith finds the ban to be largely an over-reaction, and a deadly one at that. Smith writes, “The DDT case is another in which a government’s solution has proven more harmful than the problem it was meant to address. Millions of lives in underdeveloped countries should not be sacrificed because a few people in rich nations still believe DDT harms bird populations.” Read More
Healthcare
A New Plan to Replace Obamacare
In this Heartlander article, Heartland Senior Fellow Benjamin Domenech analyzes Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Avik Roy’s new plan, “The Universal Exchange Plan.” to replace Obamacare. Domenech writes, “Roy is outlining a plan that dramatically shifts Obamacare’s effects; eliminates the individual and employer mandates; essentially transforms the Medicaid expansion in favor of private coverage; repeals all but the Cadillac Tax of Obamacare; and shifts power and authority to the states.” Read More
Education
Digital Learning Makes Rewards Fun, Effective
Herbert Walberg and Joseph Bast, chairman and president, respectively, of The Heartland Institute, discuss the many benefits of digital learning, but also the obstacles it faces from achieving true education reform. Walberg and Bast highlight ALEC model legislation that would help legislators removing such obstacles and point out that NCSL also has endorsed the expansion of digital learning. Read More
Budget & Tax
Research & Commentary: North Carolina Hotel Occupancy Taxes
Several counties in North Carolina are pushing to increase their hotel occupancy taxes up to the state maximum of 6 percent. In this Research & Commentary, Heartland Senior Policy Analyst Matthew Glans writes, “Encouraging tourism is not an appropriate use of tax dollars, and more importantly, increasing occupancy taxes can harm the overall economy.” Read More
Telecom
Maryland Rules Uber Common Carrier – Will FCC Agree?
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) ruled Uber is a common carrier subject to its regulatory jurisdiction. Uber and Lyft are online transportation network companies and members of the Internet Association. In this Heartlander article, Policy Advisor Scott Cleland writes, “This PSC precedent has big relevance and implications for the FCC’s high profile redo of its Open Internet Order.” Read More
From Our Free-Market Friends
SSDI Program Growth Will Continue Unless Fundamental Reforms Are Implemented
In a testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, American Enterprise Institute Adjunct Scholar Richard Burkhauser discusses the many issues with the Social Security Disability Insurance program and ways for reform. “Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employment of those with disabilities has declined and their household income has remained flat.” Read More
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