Missourians should consider the benefits of tolling and public-private partnerships for the state’s transportation infrastructure: up-front financing, quicker turnaround for some projects, and the assurance that those who actually use a new facility will help to pay for it — leading to fewer incentives to hike traditional gas tax funds.
A review of recent Show-Me Institute policy studies.
A message from Jim Forsyth, of the board of directors, about how economic freedom and the entrepreurial spirit are the real driving forces behind widespread prosperity.
A look at Beverly Gossage's recent trip to attend a Cato Institute health care summit in Baltimore.
A profile of the Show-Me Institute's research director, Joe Haslag, who also works as an economics professor at the University of Missouri–Columbia.
An overview of the Show-Me Institute's groundbreaking education funding conference in October.
Briefs about how the Show-Me Institute has made recent appearances in the Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation's quarterly magazine The Insider.
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.
Successful societies and growing economies have always depended on efficient transportation. As cars have become more efficient, the fuel taxes used to fund the state’s highways have leveled off — but the transportation needs of the state have not. Other states have looked to the private sector to provide transportation infrastructure, as a means of augmenting gas taxes. The people of Missouri would be well-served if officials were to give this new paradigm strong consideration as the economy evolves. Public roads, funded by gas taxes, will be the primary model for transportation in Missouri far into the foreseeable future. However, the options that public-private partnerships facilitate should be a part of the discussion for future transportation projects and plans.
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.
The tremendous drawbacks of the light-rail plan approved by Kansas City voters required intervention by the City Council. Now, as officials attempt to balance competing transit goals, they should consider non-rail alternatives like additional bus–rapid transit lines and allowing private contractors to bid on the right to operate bus routes.
Many of us who have elderly family members living in nursing homes feel a natural urge to protect them through government regulation. But before passing new legislation, it’s important to determine whether the proposed regulations will actually have the desired effect of protecting Missouri’s elderly citizens.
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.
After rejecting rail transit proposals at the polls six different times, Kansas City voters approved a light-rail plan in November, 2006. This plan, however, has proven infeasible, with costs at least 50 percent greater than its promoters projected. Implementing the plan would require cutting bus service by as much as 40 percent. While the City Council formally repealed the plan in November, 2007, many people in Kansas City still believe that some form of light rail or streetcars would be worthwhile. A close look at other urban areas that have built light-rail transit during the past three decades offers many lessons for Kansas City transportation policymakers, demonstrating that rail transit is more likely to worsen congestion than solve it.
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.
On January 17, 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.
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. After the recent loss of accreditation of the Saint Louis Public School District, and several other metro-area districts, tuition tax credit programs offer a timely and effective way to help students and parents stuck in districts that are failing, or in receivership. This study looks at recent legislative efforts to reform Missouri's public schools, and surveys the results in other states that have adopted some form of tuition tax credit. The core of the study is its economic model, which calculates the effects that various implementations of a tuition tax credit might bring. If such a program were structured carefully, it could actually save the state money — in addition to providing greater access to improved educational opportunities for low-income families.
Franklin County residents are considering adopting a charter form of government, which would give them the flexibility of increased local control. Charters in other Missouri counties have led to economic growth, population increases, and government stability. Would a charter be a positive change for the people of Franklin County?
Natural disasters and terrible weather inevitably lead to warnings about price gouging. But high prices during emergencies are simply a measurement of supply and demand. If prices aren’t allowed to rise, people who don’t really need scarce goods tend to buy more than they should, and businesses tend to produce less than they should, leading to shortages.
Every other year, Missouri reassesses all the property in the state. In larger and faster-growing counties, there are always a large number of complaints about the process. What should Missouri do, if anything, about its assessment system?
This study considers the effects of eliminating Missouri's income tax, which would alter the state's tax structure in a way that encourages a wide variety of individuals and firms to relocate here. Evidence shows that this would not be detrimental to the growth of employment and income. Moreover, it may be possible to eliminate the income tax without sacrificing current levels of state services. Other states make up for lost income tax revenue in a number of ways, such as through higher property tax or sales tax rates. This study concludes that altering or even eliminating Missouri's individual income tax could well improve the state's economic condition.
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.
