Articles
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Budget & Tax
Sales Tax for Education Would Generate Millions
University of Oklahoma president David Boren is leading the charge for a 22 percent increase in the state sales tax rate. But of course such a tax hike would have many harmful effects.Steve Anderson | September 9, 2016
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Budget & Tax
Pro-Growth Tax Cuts Are Bearing Fruit in Kansas
The Midwestern governor currently occupying the greatest media bandwidth is the one just selected for a spot on the GOP ticket. We can certainly expect to see Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s name all over the news for the next four months, but it’s also worth taking a look at how other Midwestern governors are making a real impact, and at the state level.Rex Sinquefield | September 2, 2016
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Budget & Tax
Better Service at a Better Price: Knowledge Is Power
As policymakers prepare for the 2017 legislative session, it is likely that they will be looking for areas where cost savings can be found. I would suggest starting with the two largest items in the state budget.Steve Anderson | July 22, 2016
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Budget & Tax, Education
The Oklahoma blob votes itself largesse
Oklahoma’s education blob—school unions, education schools, and their allies—is becoming unusually shameless in its determination to vote itself another taxpayer bailout. Of course the blob is always on the lookout for another hustle. But in Oklahoma this year, things are getting to a point that might make even Donald Trump blush.Greg Forster, Ph.D. | June 21, 2016
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Budget & Tax
Free Market Friday: A tale of two states
Illinois offers a contrast with Oklahoma this year. In President Obama’s home state, liberal Democrats have supermajorities in both the House and Senate. Here in Oklahoma, Obama never won a single county and Republicans hold significant majorities in both legislative chambers. Yet we have one thing in common: state budget troubles.Jonathan Small | June 3, 2016
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Budget & Tax, Education
Oklahoma’s Budget Hole Could Be Much Deeper
Oklahoma’s budget crunch has been much in the news lately. But imagine how much worse the situation could be.Brandon Dutcher | June 1, 2016
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Budget & Tax, Health Care, Good Government
Free Market Friday: Invention of a crisis
The predictions were dire. Nursing homes and hospitals would close. Pregnant women in labor wouldn’t receive care. Thus the story told by state agency officials and lobbyists for big hospital corporations. The only way to prevent catastrophe was to raise taxes and massively expand Medicaid to able-bodied adults.Jonathan Small | May 27, 2016
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Budget & Tax, Education
Free Market Friday: The $7,000 teacher pay raise
University of Oklahoma President David Boren is promoting a sales tax increase to finance a $5,000 pay raise for all teachers and $125 million for higher education.Jonathan Small | April 1, 2016
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Budget & Tax, Culture & the Family
What’s the matter with GDP?
When it comes to measuring the true progress of our society, this particular metric leaves a lot to be desired.Wendy Warcholik, Ph.D. | March 7, 2016
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Budget & Tax
State Employees Can Help Solve Oklahoma’s Budget Crunch
The recent media coverage of the state’s budget condition has resulted in a plethora of ideas on how to deal with the situation. Some of the ideas have merit, while others (such as raising taxes) are simply counterproductive. There are plenty of sensible solutions which don’t involve extracting more money from our fellow citizens.Steve Anderson | March 4, 2016