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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.
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A Texas law governing firefighter pensions is straining city budgets
Without reforms, Texas cities will continue to face escalating public pension liabilities, jeopardizing their financial stability and burdening taxpayers.
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States should use budget surpluses to pay down public pension debt
States with budget surpluses should reduce expensive, long-standing debts, including unfunded public pension obligations.
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Arkansas K-12 education finance series: Teacher pay before and after the 2023 LEARNS Act
The LEARNS Act will have a substantial impact on the state’s school finance system moving forward.
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Economists receive 2024 Nobel for work on institutions and economic prosperity
Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson received the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.
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The US needs to reform harbor fees to encourage more equitable trading
A user fee based on tonnage appears to be the most promising solution.
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In latest political move against tolling and public-private partnerships, Texas buys out private toll road
State leaders in Texas have turned against tolling, but the regional transportation organizations continue to embrace user-financed highway projects.
