The licensing of occupations in Missouri could be could be costing consumers more for some services, according to a new case study being released by the Show-Me Institute. Although a nationwide survey by the Reason Foundation last year listed Missouri as the state with the fewest statewide occupational licensing requirements, many occupations are still subject to unnecessary restrictions on who may enter the profession. This drives up prices and can, in many cases, spur business owners to locate elsewhere. Show-Me Institute policy analyst David Stokes has expanded on the Reason Foundation’s research with the release of this new case study, “Occupational Licensing of Massage Therapists in Missouri and Kansas,” which focuses in particular on massage therapists.
The Missouri public pension system currently faces serious long-term financial challenges, according to a new study released by the Show-Me Institute. The study’s author, Richard C. Dreyfuss, an actuary and pension expert, points out that Missouri taxpayers are facing compound problems regarding the state’s ability to manage effectively both defined benefit public pension and retiree medical liabilities. While current payments to retirees are not in jeopardy, the emerging cost patterns to both current and future members and taxpayers will be predicated upon future asset growth and favorable health care cost trends, both of which present significant risks to taxpayers.
The Show-Me Institute is excited to announce a new ongoing book review contest, targeted to Missouri college students and college-age non-students. The contest is intended to encourage the appraisal and critical exploration of a broad spectrum of the ideas of liberty, and will feature books both classic and current that focus on the economics and philosophy of freedom.
The Show-Me Institute released its 2007 annual report today, presenting a detailed look at its second full year of operations. The report presents a summary of the year's major accomplishments in each of the institute's six research areas: taxes, education, corporate welfare, health care, privatization, and red tape. It also provides a look at some of the institute's other accomplishments, including its youth outreach program, media coverage, and academic influence.
Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? What makes a perfect parent? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? These are questions that Steven D. Levitt asks in his controversial, critically acclaimed book FREAKONOMICS: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. Levitt will expand on his book’s inquisitive premise during an address on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Saint Louis University.
A new policy study from the Show-Me Institute examines the varying systems of judicial selection found throughout the United States. Asking the question, “Is the ‘Missouri Plan’ Good for Missouri?” the study considers the state’s method of merit-based selection for Supreme Court judges in comparison both to the similar systems and alternate selection methods used elsewhere.
A new online application created by Justin Hauke, a policy analyst with the Show-Me Institute, provides Missouri families with a series of free and useful tools for comparing public schools across the state. Students, parents, school administrators, teachers, legislators, and other citizens now have a resource for better understanding academic performance in Missouri.
The Show-Me Institute has opened a satellite office in Columbia, Mo., allowing it to expand its operations in central Missouri. The close proximity of the Columbia office to the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City will make the Show-Me Institute's studies and other research much more accessible to policymakers and other leaders who want to stay informed about market solutions for Missouri public policy.
The Show-Me Institute created "Show-Me: The Taxes" — a Missouri state and local tax estimator. We collected local tax rates from across the state in order to help Missourians better understand the taxes they pay. The estimator can be downloaded from www.ShowMeLiving.org.
A new study, jointly produced by the Show-Me Institute and the Reason Foundation, examines the relatively new funding paradigm of public-private partnerships and how such arrangements may benefit Missouri's public transportation infrastructure. The study provides an overview of the types of public-private partnerships that can be utilized for transportation projects, including their benefits and best practices, and responses to common concerns. It also explores how public-private partnerships can be used not only to upgrade, modernize, and expand Missouri’s road and bridge network, but also to improve the delivery of transit services.
On Wednesday, Feb. 13, Show-Me Institute policy analyst Dave Roland testified before the Missouri House Special Committee on Student Achievement and Senate Pensions, Veterans’ Affairs & General Laws. Roland considered common objections to tuition tax credit programs that are raised on constitutional grounds, but argued that tax credits do not constitute a grant of public funds, and therefore would not run afoul of religion-related constutitional restrictions.
A new policy study from the Show-Me Institute considers whether light-rail transit is a worthwhile investment for Kansas City. The study, “Review of Kansas City Transit Plans,” analyzes recent proposals and, in the process, repudiates many of light rail’s presumed benefits as a transit solution. The study also makes recommendations for ways in which Kansas City can address its transit needs in a fiscally responsible manner.
On January 17 at 9:30 a.m., the Missouri Supreme Court will hear arguments in City of Arnold v. Tourkakis. This case will decide whether the Missouri Constitution still offers property owners any meaningful protection against municipalities seeking to give their homes, businesses, or houses of worship to commercial developers.
Today, the Show-Me Institute released a policy study about the fiscal effects of tuition tax credits in Missouri. Tax credit programs have helped to reduce inequality of educational access in states where they have been adopted. In many cases, they have also helped save taxpayer dollars by lowering the per-student district costs of educating public school students.
A new policy study from the Show-Me Institute asks, "Should Missouri Eliminate the Individual Income Tax?" The study compares Missouri's relatively stagnant economy with states that do not levy individual income taxes, and concludes that altering or eliminating Missouri's individual income tax could well improve the state's economic condition.
The Show-Me Institute has released a new policy study about the abuses of eminent domain in Missouri, "The Specter of Condemnation: The Case Against Eminent Domain for Private Profit in Missouri," by Timothy B. Lee and Shaida Dezfuli.
The Show-Me Institute, a public policy research organization based in the Saint Louis area, announces the appointment of the Honorable Robert Heller to its board of directors.
The Show-Me Institute announced its spring internship program today. "A Show-Me Institute Internship is an great way to learn about a career in public policy," says editor Tim Lee. "Interns will roll up their sleeves and study the challenges facing the state of Missouri on topics such as education, taxes, and property rights."
The Show-Me Institute announced its fall internship program today. "A Show-Me Institute Internship is an great way to learn about a career in public policy," says editor Tim Lee. "Interns will roll up their sleeves and study the challenges facing the state of Missouri on topics such as education, taxes, and property rights."
The Show-Me Institute is proud to sponsor a luncheon featuring former House majority leader Dick Armey, in Jefferson City today, Tuesday, March 14. He will discuss the digital revolution and its impact on Missouri's economy. The event, titled "The Electronic Revolution in Missouri: What Lies Ahead for the State?" is co-hosted by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Saint Louis City NAACP.
A new study released by the Show-Me Institute today argues that the earnings tax is holding back economic growth in Saint Louis and Kansas City. The study compares the economic records of Missouri’s three largest cities and finds that Springfield—which does not have an earnings tax—has far outpaced Saint Louis and Kansas City in job and income growth. Joseph Haslag, author of “How an Earnings Tax Harms Cities like Saint Louis and Kansas City,” will present his findings at a noon luncheon in Saint Louis.
The Show-Me Institute announced the launch of its summer internship program today. "A Show-Me Institute Internship is an great way to learn about a career in public policy," says editor Tim Lee. "Interns will get their hands dirty studying the challenges facing the state of Missouri on topics such as education, taxes, and property rights."
