Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

Implications of the Louisiana Supreme Court Voucher Ruling

A Primer on Recent Developments in State and Federal School Voucher Litigation

June 4, 2013

Alexander Volokh

In May, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled 6–1, in Louisiana Federation of Teachers v. Louisiana, that a statewide school voucher plan was unconstitutional. The opinion offers a fascinating glimpse into the developing field of non-religious state challenges to school voucher programs. The moral is that, while vouchers are on solid legal ground at the federal level, they can face barriers based on language in state constitutions, sometimes because of the inclusion of religious schools but sometimes for reasons entirely unrelated to religion.

From Oakland to Chicago to Jacksonville, Mayors Are Using Privatization

Private trash collection would help Fresno's long-term financial health

May 31, 2013

Leonard Gilroy, Adrian Moore

Next month’s special election on contracting out Fresno’s residential trash collection to help balance the city’s budget will hopefully end the long-running battle over something that shouldn’t have been controversial in the first place. In California, cities like Riverside, Oakland and Torrance already use private trash collectors. It’s a service that is regularly privatized across the country.

New at Reason: Savings for Fresno—The Role of Privatization

May 30, 2013, 7:00am

Leonard Gilroy

Like their peers in many municipalities across the country, Fresno policymakers are currently considering what role privatization should play in addressing their current and future fiscal challenges. However, privatization is a complex subject and takes many forms, so it is helpful to have an overview of the subject in deciding how to use privatization moving forward.

Annual Privatization Report 2008

Reason Foundation's 22nd annual analysis of privatization and outsourcing

August 1, 2008

Leonard Gilroy

Privatization remains a key policy focus as public officials grapple with deteriorating fiscal conditions, according to Reason Foundation's Annual Privatization Report 2008. With as many as 23 states potentially facing budget deficits in fiscal 2009, state governments are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs without cutting services. Enter the private sector.

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