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Pennsylvania’s proposed public pension increases would be costly to taxpayers
Pennsylvania's proposed increase in public pension benefits would add about $1.19 billion in unfunded liabilities.
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Unreliable drug tests shouldn’t be used to separate mothers from their newborns
Informed consent and confirmatory testing should be standards for any drug testing that could affect a mother’s parental rights.
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California’s state and local government debt is over $500 billion
The state of California has over $270 billion in debt and local entities have over $230 billion in debt.
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California’s open enrollment laws have room for improvement
Thirty-three states score worse than California on open enrollment, but the state’s laws still fall short in two critical ways.
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NASA should consider switching to SpaceX Starship for future missions
The reusability of Starship would be a key factor in reducing launch costs, making space more accessible and allowing for more frequent missions.
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As carpooling declines, states should convert HOV lanes to high-occupancy toll lanes
Drivers, transit users, and states would benefit from converting failing carpool lanes into high-occupancy toll lanes.
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Why U.S. airport public-private partnerships may finally happen
The United States needs to "“move toward the airport financing model prevalent in Europe and other parts of the world where private companies take over development and management of airports under long-term leases with governments.”
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Why smoking cessation programs should embrace vaping
Contrary to widespread belief, there is substantial proof that e-cigarettes are a viable and successful cessation tool.
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Missing middle housing policies balance interests while addressing the affordable housing crisis
While some progress has been made, medium-density housing is still far outpaced by traditional single-family homes.
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What the birth dearth means for public schools
Fewer students and increased competition will require public institutions to be dynamic and responsive.
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No, Florida’s marijuana measure won’t create a cannabis monopoly—as long as lawmakers don’t screw it up
Preventing monopolization in Florida’s marijuana market requires focusing on creating accessible and fair conditions for all businesses.
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Grading every state’s public school open enrollment laws
Open enrollment laws let students transfer from their assigned public schools to other public schools with open seats.
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Psilocybin access would improve mental health care in Massachusetts
Ballot Question 4 would create a regulated framework for legal, professionally facilitated psychedelic services and therapy.
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Virginia’s K-12 funding system needs an overhaul, not tweaks
Virginia can do better by its students, but that requires ripping off the band-aid and pursuing a comprehensive school finance overhaul.
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Policy discussions around rail safety regulation should consider the role of standards
Any proposed safety regulation should address an identified market failure and avoid short-circuiting the continual evolution of safety-enhancing technologies, standards, and operating practices.
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Webinar: Best practices in optional defined contribution plans for public workers
For those looking to implement or improve an optional defined contribution plan to go alongside an existing pension, several key policy decisions are important.
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Alabama courts keep money from fines that should go to victims
Alabama’s current system of fines and fees is geared more towards funding the government than ensuring victims receive restitution they are owed.
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Arkansas K-12 education finance series: How to improve the state’s school funding system
Arkansas is in a good position to build on recent K-12 reform successes and pursue comprehensive school finance reform in the coming year.
