Bombardier Deal Supported by Economic Development Officials; Sun Sets in West
State and local economic development officials, whom one might think would ostensibly be strong supporters of capitalism and markets, are...
Property Taxes Are Going Up
Well, not necessarily everywhere, but cash-strapped local governments across the country seem to be pushing significant property tax increases at...
Tuition Tax Credits Would Be Best Solution for Autistic Students
Raising kids with autism is a financial challenge. Treating the disorder, which can impair speech, social interaction, and many other...
Well, Now I’ll Start Leaving Smaller Tips
The Missouri House of Representatives rejected a bill yesterday which would have cut the minimum wage rate for tipped restaurant...
Tort Reform Has Been Great for Missouri
The governor gave a series of speeches yesterday about the results of tort reform legislation that was passed in 2005....
We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Badges
As I am writing this post on Thursday afternoon, I am not officially licensed to practice law in the state...
Happy Tax Freedom Day!
April 23rd is this year’s “Tax Freedom Day” — the day you stop working for the government and start working...
Death of Village Law Still Alive
It seems a repeal of the village law that made it dramatically easier for communities of, say, one disgruntled landowner...
Another Step in the Right Direction
The House approved a teacher bill today, which would allow for alternative teacher certification for working professionals. Although this isn’t...
Taxes and a Poor Choice of Words …
When I first read the title of the Post-Dispatch’s coverage of this sales tax issue, I was confused. “House endorses...
A Small Victory for Licensing, But a Big Victory for Education
The Missouri General Assembly has approved a bill, which Governor Blunt will almost certainly sign, loosening the certification requirements for...
Tax Credits Aren’t Always a Good Idea
The state of Missouri, like other state governments, offers tax credits that can be applied against both corporate and individual...
Labeling Milk
There’s an article in the Post-Dispatch today about the "hormone-free" milk labeling dispute. Supporters of the bill that would forbid...
“You’re About 100 Years Too Late”
The above title is what Senator Scott told me when I testified Monday in front of his committee about the...
Bad Ideas, and a Few Good Ones, in Springfield Budget Dispute
Today’s Springfield News-Leader has a detailed account of the budget troubles facing Missouri’s third-largest city. The primary cause of the...
Pre-Grave Robbing
I suppose that this is what I get for having free time and watching local news, but last night this...
Big Brother Is Watching You
Here’s an example of one of those hot-button “libertarian” issues. In 2005, Congress passed the “Real ID Act” as an...
Politicking
How’s this for politics? I recently blogged about merit pay legislation under consideration in the General Assembly. Somebody had the...
On Tax Credits and Economic Development, or: What SB 1234 Does Poorly
Senate Bill 1234 is currently rolling through the Senate. It expands the enterprise enhancement zone, and by identifying “mega-projects” that...
New Tax Estimator Compares Rates Throughout Missouri
Today, the Show-Me Institute released a new interactive tax estimator, "Show-Me: The Taxes." Here’s more: Nobody likes to pay taxes,...
