Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

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.

Will States Toast Liquor Privatization in 2012?

Reviewing the landscape for divesting state alcohol monopolies

February 3, 2012

Leonard Gilroy

Despite the end of Prohibition many decades ago, taxpayers and consumers in over a dozen states today still rely on outdated state bureaucracies that retain monopoly control over the sale and/or distribution of distilled spirits (liquor). Not only is it difficult to justify government-run liquor enterprises as a core function of government—they clearly aren’t, since most states don’t have them—but worse, these systems tend to act like the monopolies they are by limiting product choice and making liquor more expensive and less convenient for consumers. However, recent moves by Washington State and Ohio to privatize their liquor monopolies may be upsetting the apple cart and setting the stage for additional states to follow suit.

New at Reason: Maryland Announces $456m PPP to Redevelop and Operate I-95 Travel Plazas

January 27, 2012, 2:16pm

Leonard Gilroy

In my new Reason.org article today, I explore Maryland's newly announced public-private partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment and operation of two I-95 travel plazas.

Maryland Announces $456m PPP to Redevelop and Operate I-95 Travel Plazas

Deal a win-win for taxpayers, business, state

January 27, 2012

Leonard Gilroy

Earlier this week, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced that it had approved a 35-year public-private partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment and operation of two I-95 travel plazas. The deal could be a win-win for taxpayers and the state.

California’s Employment Dysfunction

January 23, 2012, 4:54pm

Harris Kenny

The Bay Area Council Economic Institute recently published a report that offers substantive solutions for the Golden State that show another economy is possible if policymakers are willing to partner with the private sector.

PA Lawmakers Should Encourage Prison Health Competition, Not Ban It

January 20, 2012, 1:03pm

Harris Kenny

With Pennsylvania facing at least a $500 million budget deficit next year, the last thing fiscally responsible policymakers should be doing is protecting sacred cows in government. Unfortunately, those trying to advance legislation to protect the jobs of Commonwealth prison nurses are attempting just that.

More »