Latest
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Governments increased their use of pension obligation bonds in 2021
In September, pension obligation bonds rated by S&P in 2021 totaled $6.3 billion—compared to $3.0 billion in 2020.
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Frequently asked questions about the States Reform Act, a proposed marijuana bill
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) unveiled the States Reform Act, a proposal to remove marijuana from the auspices of the federal Controlled Substances Act.
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Youngkin should prioritize modernizing Virginia’s transportation funding sources
Virginia’s highway system is lagging behind neighboring Atlantic states.
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Most public pension plans raised employee contribution rates in the last decade, report shows
The amount a public employee contributes to their pension plan has increased by 1.25% since 2011.
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Market risks remain a long-term challenge for public pension systems
Public pension plans need to remain mindful of the balance between long-term returns and the volatility risk inherent in some asset classes.
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Washington Metro’s latest issues are a symptom of poor life cycle management and procurement
Metro should consider contracting out the procurement, maintenance, and operations of the rail system to a private party.
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House Democrats’ tax on e-cigarettes would lead to millions more smokers
This proposed tax seems certain to contribute to a greater incidence of lung diseases going forward.
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What Kratom and delta-8 THC illustrate about substance regulation and criminalization
Substances like delta-8 and kratom are new entrants into what has become an “underground” market for “legal” buzzes and highs.
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Municipal bonds reveal the weaknesses of ESG investing
Recent experience shows that incorporating ESG factors into municipal investing can be a convoluted, quixotic effort.
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Even the FDA can’t convince anti-vaping advocates e-cigarettes present public health benefits
The FDA has finally approved an e-cigarette as "appropriate for the protection of public health".
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Surface Transportation News: Dealing with ‘double taxation’ on tolled Interstates, the supply chain mess, and more
Plus: Trucking study urges EVs to pay by the kilowatt-hour, assessing the future of urban-area parking, and more.
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Amidst great investment returns, public pension systems should reassess plan designs
The defined benefit plan long favored by public retirement systems falls short of meeting the retirement security needs for too many state and local government employees, particularly younger, newer employees.
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Georgia’s pension plans pose financial risks to public employees, taxpayers
Without reform, payments on Georgia's pension debt will continue to take funds away from other public priorities like K-12 education and infrastructure.
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Online retail sales haven’t grown as fast as you may think, report says
Census data reveal online sales still only make up about 15% of total retail sales.
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K-12 open enrollment is breaking down barriers in Florida
Open enrollment ends the monopolies school districts maintain through residential assignment.
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Oklahoma’s pension reforms have led the state employees’ plan to full funding
The Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System was only 66% funded in 2010. This month the plan reported it is 99.5% funded. How did they do it?
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Fuel tax rebates for newly tolled Interstates: A quantitative assessment
The purpose of this policy study is to assess the feasibility of providing fuel tax rebates for miles driven on reconstructed Interstates financed by toll revenues.
