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77 Percent of Americans Oppose Raising the Gas Tax, Reason-Rupe Transportation Poll Finds
Banks Viewed Twice as Favorably as the Federal Government, Reason-Rupe Poll Finds
How the IPCC Reports Mislead the Public, Exaggerate the Negative Impacts of Climate Change and Ignore the Benefits of Economic Growth

Government Reform

Recent Research and Commentary

Red-Light Cameras and the Enigmatic Jerry Brown

February 6, 2012, 4:39pm

Harris Kenny

Kevin Fagan of the San Francisco Chronicle reports, "California has the most expensive red-light camera tickets in the world... The Legislature passed two bills in the past two years that would have reduced the fine or limited the cameras' use, but both were vetoed." The larger storyline that can be teased out of this article is where California Gov. Jerry Brown stands on the issue of state versus local control.

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NYC Parking Under Bloomberg: Bright Potential, Blighted Past

February 3, 2012, 7:41pm

Harris Kenny

This morning Juan Gonzalez of the New York Daily News writes: "The firm that built and manages the new Yankee Stadium parking garages can’t repay $237 million in tax-exempt bonds the Bloomberg administration arranged for it four years ago, new financial records show." However, there is a kernel of optimism in that the Mayor's office is considering leveraging additional city parking assets that actually would create value for residents and motorists.

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California Bill Proposes Licensing for Pet Groomers

February 3, 2012, 5:14pm

Adam Summers

It appears that California truly has gone to the dogs. The state is facing a $9.2 billion budget deficit, a $10 billion unemployment insurance fund deficit, and unfunded pension obligations in the range of $400 billion to $500 billion, yet the busybodies in the state legislature are seeking to add another occupation to the long list of those burdened by unnecessary state regulation: pet grooming.

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Senate Approves Lawmakers Insider Trading Ban. Whatever.

February 3, 2012, 11:01am

James Groth

After a “60 Minutes” report brought to the attention of the American public that Congress was capitalizing on non-public information, lawmakers quickly collaborated with one another and proposed two bills banning insider trading by members of Congress and their staff. This bill reeks of desperation.

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San Francisco Chronicle: California running out of money again

February 1, 2012, 6:52pm

Harris Kenny

Wyatt Buchanan of the San Francisco Chronicle reports: "California will run out of cash by March 1 if the Legislature does not take immediate action, Controller John Chiang told budget leaders at the Capitol in a letter Tuesday."

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Threat of Muni Bankruptcy Hangs Over Providence, Rhode Island

January 31, 2012, 6:50pm

Harris Kenny

The threat of municipal bankruptcy hangs over Providence, Rhode Island, Dan McGowan of GoLocalProv reports: “Concerns are mounting over whether (Providence, Rhode Island) can remain afloat in light of cash flow problems, a $22.5 million budget shortfall and a court ruling that sided with retirees over the city in a healthcare dispute."