Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

California Library Privatization Success in Jeopardy

Meanwhile, successful partnerships thrive in Florida, Oregon and elsewhere

May 15, 2012

Harris Kenny

Several California municipalities have successfully implemented public-private partnerships for their libraries, however state lawmakers passed a new bill (AB 438) that makes future partnerships less likely to occur. Meanwhile, successful partnerships thrive in Florida, Oregon and elsewhere.

Villaraigosa Administration Advocating Reform in Los Angeles

Debate over city-owned parking garages and zoo continues, progress made elsewhere

May 15, 2012

Harris Kenny

When Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa first entered office he made public-private partnerships (PPPs) a major priority. While results have been slow to materialize, the City of Angels is making progress toward more efficient provision of public service delivery through the private sector.

Being Taken for a Ride on High-Speed Rail in California

April 27, 2012, 4:21pm

Adam Summers

When the California High-Speed Rail Authority recently released yet another version of its purported business plan, it was just another day in the world of the ever-changing high-speed rail plans and assumptions made by the Authority and its backers. In my latest commentary, I once again tackle the boondoggle that is the California high-speed rail project, specifically, the most recent version of what passes for a business plan from the High-Speed Rail Authority.

Californians Being Taken for a Ride on High-Speed Rail

Why California's latest high-speed rail plan lacks merit

April 27, 2012

Adam Summers

Well, it’s another year, another business plan for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA). And, as the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) concludes in its recent review of the new plan, this one is no more realistic or feasible than any of the previous ones.

California Barking Up the Wrong Tree with Pet Groomer Licensing Bill

March 1, 2012

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.

California is Barking Up the Wrong Tree with Pet Groomer Licensing Bill

February 27, 2012, 2:10pm

Adam Summers

A proposed bill in California would require state licensing for pet groomers. This will not do anything to improve the quality of pet grooming services—the supposed rationale behind the bill—but it will increase the cost of grooming services, reduce competition and consumer choice, and, because of the high costs of fees and compliance with state regulations, deny gainful employment to many who would otherwise be competent groomers and entrepreneurs.

More »