Education
Research & Commentary: U.S. Growth in Non-Teacher Staff Between 1992 and 2008, the number of non-teaching staff in the United States grew 2.7 times faster than the number of students. Over the same period, public school students’ reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Long-Term Trend exam fell slightly and mathematics scores remained flat. While the U.S. continues to direct more education funds to non-teachers, many top-performing East Asian countries and rapidly improving European countries are implementing different reforms. Read more
Energy & Environment
Research & Commentary: Oregon Carbon Tax Last year, Oregon passed a bill authorizing a study of the feasibility of a statewide carbon tax. The study is expected to be presented to legislators on November 15, 2014. Oregon legislators are hopeful a carbon tax would be a fiscally and politically viable strategy to reduce dependence on volatile income tax revenue given the unpopularity of proposed sales tax hikes. Policy Analyst Taylor Smith says a carbon tax is an even worse idea at the state level than it is at the national level.Read more
Health Care
Research & Commentary: SNAP Update and the Return of Work Requirements Despite recent decreases, the number of enrollees in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains near historic highs. In the past few years, states have begun to reinstate food stamp work requirements. Some did so of their own accord; others became ineligible for the waivers. In thisResearch & Commentary, Matthew Glans notes the growth of SNAP is unsustainable and the focus of the program must be temporary aid that encourages work and independence. Read more
Budget & Tax
Research & Commentary: New Jersey Estate Taxes Few taxes imposed by state or local governments are more controversial than the estate tax, popularly referred to as the “death tax.” Estate taxes are levies on property transferred from a deceased person’s estate to relatives or other parties. New Jersey is one of two states that impose both an estate tax and an inheritance tax, making it one of the most expensive states for estate transfer. In this Research & Commentary,Matthew Glans examines estate taxes, their effects on the economy and investment, and current proposals for reform in New Jersey. “Estate and inheritance taxes are a form of double taxation that stifles investment and entrepreneurship, reduces economic growth, discourages savings, increases the cost of capital, raises interest rates, and brings in relatively little revenue,” he writes. “Lowering or eliminating the estate tax would create jobs and promote savings and investment.” Read more
Telecom
Ban on Internet Access Taxes Should be Retained
The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act is common-sense Internet policy that is a long time coming. Internet access taxes are particularly damaging to the growth of the Internet economy by placing an unnecessary burden on consumers. In thisSomewhat Reasonable piece, Matthew Glans contends a permanent Internet access tax moratorium would help broadband access and development expand while reducing the need for government broadband spending. “The current system is a hodgepodge of state and local access taxes competing against states without a tax. Making the Internet access tax moratorium permanent and ending the grandfather clause would help broadband access and development expand while reducing the need for government broadband spending.” Read more
From Our Free-Market Friends
Allowing Children to Dream Big The Beacon Center of Tennessee released “Allowing Children to Dream Big,” a booklet that explains to parents the options they have for providing their children with the education they deserve. The booklet also compares Tennessee’s school choice options to those in other states. Read more
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