Viewpoints
By Marc Kilmer, posted November 16, 2009
For those who can remember the 1980s, think back to what phone service was like in those days. Remember the high prices? Remember the lack of choices? It's doubtful anyone recalls these things with fondness. Today talking to friends and family across the country is easier and cheaper than ever...
Election Won't Solve Budget Problems
By Marc Kilmer, posted November 9, 2009
Last Tuesday's election saw a few local tax hikes approved, others fail, and a majority of voters approve statewide gambling. While these ballot questions were an attempt by local and state policymakers to help fund government, they offer no solutions to the long-term problems faced by Ohio's...
How About Reducing Some Bureaucracy?
By Marc Kilmer, posted November 1, 2009
Ohio is only a few months into the new fiscal year and the state is already facing a budget deficit. On one side are the governor and some of his legislative allies, proposing to close the deficit by raising taxes. On the other side are some legislators who want to close the deficit by...
Time to End the Giveaway to Big Labor
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 26, 2009
If there was a law that increased the cost of government projects, deprived Ohio companies of work, and was used as a tool for businesses to harass rivals, you would think there would be a strong push for its repeal. But if that law is Ohio's prevailing wage law, you find little effort from...
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 19, 2009
With a double-digit unemployment rate, Ohio is in desperate need of jobs. The latest idea from politicians in Columbus - tax breaks for venture capitalists - isn't the answer to Ohio's problems, though. This top-down, politically-directed "economic development" won't grow the state's economy. Ohio...
The Constitution, Federal Legislation, and Ohio
By Matt Mayer, posted October 12, 2009
"First do no harm" should hang above the halls of Congress. Unfortunately, those four simple words aren't a consideration in our nation's capital. How else could you explain the budget-busting global warming and national health care bills currently dominating the public debate? Separately,...
Strickland's Tax Proposal Not the Answer
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 5, 2009
Months after a contentious legislative session that struggled over balancing the state budget, Ohio is still facing a deficit. To deal with this, Governor Ted Strickland has proposed postponing scheduled tax cuts. He says the only other option is to cut spending. But what if there was a better way...
Estate Tax Devastating to Small Business
By Marc Kilmer and Dick Patten, posted September 28, 2009
The owners of Ohio's tens of thousands of family businesses and farms know all too well the sacrifices required to build a successful enterprise that can reinvest in new jobs and expanded opportunities in the community.These business owners also know that their hard work, in the end, might be for...
3C is Going to Cost, Cost, Cost Ohio Taxpayers
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 22, 2009
Hopping a train and riding from Cincinnati to Cleveland or Columbus certainly seems like a popular idea. Opinion polls show strong support for it, a wide variety of civic organizations are backing it, and people are coming to meetings excited to see the trains roll. All this begs the question,...
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 14, 2009
In 2010, Ohioans may have a chance to vote for a proposal that has the potential to do more for the state's economy than anything dreamed up by the Ohio Department of Development. The question will be whether to eliminate the state's estate tax (or death tax, as some call it). Of course, if this...
Workers of the World, Compete!
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 8, 2009
This Labor Day, many people used their extra day off from work to take a trip, cook out, and do other end-of-summer activities. However, Labor Day, according to the Department of Labor, is "dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers." Only by recognizing these workers as...
What Will Health Care Reform Cost Ohio?
By Marc Kilmer, posted August 31, 2009
There has been a lot of focus on the cost of the Congressional health care bills to federal taxpayers. Considering that if enacted, legislation could cost $1.3 trillion (or more) over the next ten years (and much more after that), we should be focusing on that. Lost in the discussion, though,...
Grassroots Economic Development
By Marc Kilmer, posted August 24, 2009
It's probably not news to you that Ohio is not the easiest state in which to operate a business. This isn't just a hunch business owners have, though. There is empirical evidence to support it. The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan research organization, rates Ohio's business tax climate worse than...
By Marc Kilmer, posted August 17, 2009
The first time the federal government spent $1.8 trillion in a year was 2001. This year, the federal deficit -- merely the gap between spending and revenue -- is $1.8 trillion. What is Congress doing about this unprecedented federal spending spree? They are considering passing health care...
Maintaining the Status Quo in Education
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted August 10, 2009
Potential sources of reforming public education are the institutions of higher education. After all, virtually all of the professionals in the K-12 system are products of higher education, from at least four years for a bachelor's degree to qualify as a teacher to years more for advanced...
By Marc Kilmer, posted August 3, 2009
The General Assembly and the Governor just finished work on a contentious state budget where they had to find billions of dollars in savings in order to balance it. It is a testimony to the power of organized labor in Ohio that common sense state construction law reforms were ignored in this...
Playing Politics with Your Health
By Marc Kilmer, posted July 27, 2009
One of the biggest misconceptions in the current debate over health care reform is that somehow our nation has a free market health care system. In fact, government already pays for around half of the health care spending in our country. At both the federal and state level, government...
You Can't Change the Game by Changing the Players
By Marc Kilmer, posted July 13, 2009
During the Bush Administration, Democrats routinely castigated the President and Republicans in Congress for using their power to reward friends in the business world. Some of this criticism veered into conspiracy theory territory, but much of it was valid. President Barack Obama was elected...
Ten Ways to Reform the State Budget
By Marc Kilmer, posted July 6, 2009
The state's budget is in fiscal crisis with legislators and the governor attempting to cover a $3 billion shortfall between revenue and spending. That's a significant amount of money, but it's not an insurmountable problem. Here are ten things for policymakers to consider to help cover the...
By Randal O'Toole, posted June 29, 2009
On June 17, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) asked states for proposals for spending the $8 billion of stimulus money that Congress allocated to high-speed rail. Which raises a question: Would you pay $1,000 so that someone - probably not you - can ride high-speed trains less than 60...
Make Ohio an Attractive Place for Graduates
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 22, 2009
School is out and Ohio's recent batch of college graduates is looking for jobs. A new study released last week says many of them will likely settle somewhere other than Ohio. This finding, of course, was met by dismay from state officials. If state policymakers want to make Ohio an attractive...
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 17, 2009
Green collar jobs, high-speed passenger rail, weatherizing houses -- there are a lot of ideas being funded by your tax dollars to, in the words of President Obama, "put America to work." It's unclear if these projects will deliver on the President's promise, but it is certain they will cost you...
A Hundred Billion Here, a Trillion There
By David Hansen, posted May 11, 2009
Mark Twain is supposed to have said that no one's property is safe when Congress is in session. This is certainly true of Congress but, given the spending spree disguised as a state budget recently approved by the Ohio House of Representatives, it applies equally as well to the Ohio General...
By Marc Kilmer, posted May 4, 2009
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 26, 2009
Another Go-Round for the Third Frontier?
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 20, 2009
Is there anything more permanent than a "temporary" government program? Ohio voters may get to decide that if a ballot measure to extend the Third Frontier corporate welfare program is on the November ballot. Ohioans need to ask, however, if there are any real benefits from the Third...
Supreme Court Clears Path to End State Employees' Automated Union Political Contributions
By Maurice Thompson, posted April 6, 2009
Ohio laws separating union politics and government employment should never have been struck down, and the legislature should reinstate them. The United States Supreme Court has just upheld an Idaho law banning deductions from state employees' paychecks for the political purposes of their unions....
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 2, 2009
How Do We Make Our Schools More Accountable?
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 1, 2009
Accountability is an important concept in our lives. People need to bear the consequences of their actions, for good or ill. Accountability in education is especially important, as education is meant to prepare our children for the rest of their lives. The usual discussion of accountability in...
By Marc Kilmer, posted March 30, 2009
With much fanfare last week, Governor Ted Strickland announced a slew of projects being funded with federal stimulus money. Claiming thousands of new jobs would be created, the governor's thoughts surely turned to the ramifications in November 2010. Since there is no evidence that massive...
By Marc Kilmer, posted March 16, 2009
The 2009 Ohio Piglet book has many examples of wasteful government spending in Ohio. While it is hard to choose among so much pork, there are some especially egregious projects your tax money is funding. So here, among so much wasteful spending in Ohio, are the 2009 Ten Little Piggies:
Academic Achievement - No Excuses Please
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted March 9, 2009
It is no secret that the public school system fails millions of students. Reasons given for this almost invariably concern the students, their families, their communities, their lack of ability, or other excuses that don't place responsibility on the system, or its...
The Folly of Expanding Government Health Care
By Marc Kilmer, posted March 2, 2009
At both the state and federal level, expanding government health care programs is in vogue. President Obama is doing it and Governor Strickland is trying to do it. While this government action may sound good and earn plaudits from the press, in reality it is expensive and unnecessary. But when...
The Long Abandoned Road of Industrial Policy
By William S. Peirce, posted February 23, 2009
Last year's House and Senate hearings on the subsidy for the big three auto makers evoked memories of other failed forays into industrial policy, namely that of the computer manufacturing industry in the 1960's.The world seemed to realize that computers were going to be increasingly important...
State was Right to Dismiss Lead Paint Lawsuit
By David J. Owsiany, posted February 12, 2009
Last week, newly elected Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray announced that his office was dismissing the public nuisance lawsuit the state had filed against lead paint manufacturers. Cordray's decision makes good sense and shows that, as he put it, "not every problem can be solved by a...
What Direction for Higher Education in Ohio?
By Marc Kilmer, posted February 9, 2009
While other state programs are facing the budget knife, higher education in Ohio is largely being spared. In fact, the Board of Regents is pushing a plan that would expand its funding over the next decade. State taxpayers and students would benefit from a closer scrutiny how the higher...
By Marc Kilmer, posted February 2, 2009
Trying to drum up support for the massive spending package being labeled a "stimulus" bill, a liberal advocacy group is urging a break with the "failed policies of the past." Presumably this is a reference to the policies under George W. Bush. It is strange to describe this bill as a break...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted January 26, 2009
Two recent commentaries presented overviews of longstanding successful school voucher programs in Maine and Vermont. This issue takes another look at probably the most outstanding individual example of the results of such a program, the St. Johnsbury Academy (SJA) in the Vermont town of...
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 19, 2009
When he takes the oath of office, President Barack Obama will be faced with a variety of tough problems. Looking for an easy victory, it's likely one of the first bills he will sign into law is one that expands government-run health care. It will be touted as being "for the kids" but in reality...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted January 12, 2009
Major institutions, such as the public schools, do not change without external ideas and pressure, and anyone who tries to implement substantive change can expect to be attacked.Jackie DuCote spent years trying to reform education in Louisiana, including gaining passage of more than 50 major...
Is Medicaid Expansion Really Necessary?
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 5, 2009
If you've turned on your TV lately, you've probably seen Governor Ted Strickland talking about why the federal government should be giving Ohio and other states a cash infusion. Much like the auto company executives who trekked to Capitol Hill late last year, Governor Strickland is going hat...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted December 29, 2008
The National Education Association (NEA) was established in 1857, and the American Federation of Teachers in the beginning of the 20th century but neither evolved as a significant traditional labor union until the 1960s. Unfortunately, as that transition took place, they adopted some of...
By Marc Kilmer, posted December 8, 2008
With people putting what seems like the details of their entire lives on Facebook or Twitter, the issue of online privacy may seem a bit trivial. But what governments and businesses do with our online information is of vital concern to most Internet users. Given that Google is our nation's largest...
Ohio's Taxing and Spending Nothing to Be Proud Of
By J. H. Huebert, posted November 24, 2008
Ohio Takes the Lead on Asbestos Reform
By David J. Owsiany, posted November 24, 2008
The American civil justice system is premised on the ability of injured plaintiffs to recover from the parties whose actions caused their injuries. In the context of asbestos liability, this enduring concept is being undermined. Today, courts are clogged with asbestos-related suits, companies...
Charter Schools: Helping Students and Saving Taxpayers
By Matthew Carr and Beth Lear, posted November 17, 2008
Editor's note: The following viewpoint is based on recently released Buckeye Institute policy brief. Read the full report here.The current public relations war against charter schools led by Ohio's traditional public school district officials, teacher unions, and some of their allies at...
Counting the ACORN Seeds of Election Fraud
By Jennifer Miller, posted November 10, 2008
The presidential election ended with a whirlwind of activity in Ohio. Some of us are exuberant, others are disappointed, but most of us are relieved Election Day has passed. Whether you are celebrating Democrat victories or frustrated by Republican defeats, Ohioans cannot close the...
By Marc Kilmer, posted November 3, 2008
The Department of Justice is expected to issue a ruling soon on the antitrust aspects of a proposed deal between Google and Yahoo!. Supporters of the free market are generally skeptical of government antitrust action, but considering the history of Google using the government to harass...
The Issues Surrounding Issue 5
By Dr. Tom Lehman and Marc Kilmer, posted October 27, 2008
Issue 5 has provoked a lot of attention this election season. Approval of it by Ohio's voters would end the practice of payday lending in the state. Although Issue 5's passage has ramifications on the jobs of thousands and the financial decisions of many more, the debate has centered more on...
By Jeff Hooke, posted October 23, 2008
State Issue 6 permits a new casino in Clinton County, which is easily accessible to the Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton metro centers. Throughout the rhetorical back-and-forth on the issue, voters are being subjected to a variety of competing claims. Strip away the layers of double-talk, and you will see that it is a gigantic taxpayer rip-off.
Casinos no panacea for Ohio's economic malaise
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted October 20, 2008
They say desperate times call for desperate measures, and economic times seem truly bleak in Wilmington, Ohio. More than 7,000 jobs may soon disappear as the global freight giant DHL shifts its air cargo contract from ABX to UPS in Louisville.The surprise announcement, understandably, sent the...
Election Day this year may bring the kind of chaos you expect from a category-five hurricane - with radical groups sending the nation into a protracted legal battle even worse than the mess back in 2000. To prevent it, we must act now.Developments in several states create the possibility that...
By David J. Owsiany, posted October 7, 2008
This year's election is shaping up to be very consequential. Ohio is a key state in the presidential campaign. Voters will consider as many as five statewide ballot issues and there are several closely contested races for Congress and the Ohio House and Senate. Marc Dann's resignation created...
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 6, 2008
In Ohio's debate over payday lending, those seeking to ban the practice often throw around the word "usury." This term, dating from the Old Testament, is one of condemnation and those who use it seek to cast payday lenders as breaking Biblical commandments. But what is usury and is it...
By Clint Bolick, posted October 2, 2008
Exhibit A in Sen. Barack Obama's case that he is the women's candidate, despite Sen. John McCain's choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, is that "she's opposed, like John McCain is, to equal pay for equal work."Did I miss something? Did Sarah Palin, suffused with subliminal notions...
How did we get here? Only when we answer that question can we try to prevent it from happening again.When your house is on fire, all you care about is putting out the fire. You call the fire department, get the kids out of the house, and do whatever you can to stop the blaze. After that, you ask...
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 29, 2008
With the news about Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and Lehman Brothers, we saw some good examples of financial irresponsibility. But we do not need to look far for such an example. Here in Ohio, Governor Ted Strickland and the General Assembly have produced a budget mess that...
By , posted September 22, 2008
The Dow dropped 504 points as major American corporations nosedived, some of which are being saved with your tax money. It is way past the time to give corporate executives additional incentives to avoid asking for a congressional bailout. Instead they must run their companies responsibly.It...
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 22, 2008
As a kid my grandfather would often say as I headed to bed, "don't let the bedbugs bite." I was always confused by that, never having experienced a bedbug. I always assumed that, much like my grandfather's reference to "iceboxes," bedbugs were a thing that belonged to the past. But...
Eliminate Income Tax and See Ohio Thrive
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 15, 2008
What should the state do to stimulate Ohio's economy? That's the question many Ohio residents and politicians are asking as the state continues to stagnate. Unfortunately, some seem to ignore the main problem facing the state - its oppressive tax climate. Without fundamental tax reform Ohio...
The Difficulty of School Reform
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted September 8, 2008
Few things are as difficult as reforming the public schools. Since the early beginnings of the public school system, with the enactment of the Common School Act in Pennsylvania in 1834 and Horace Mann as Commissioner of Education in Massachusetts a few years later, the schools have...
More Regulation Won't Help Health Care
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 2, 2008
The rising cost of health care and health insurance is of concern to many across the state. How should we try and achieve affordable coverage? A task force created by Governor Strickland just released recommendations that claim the way to lower health care costs is through...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted August 18, 2008
Government-owned and operated schools not only exist in both developed and developing nations, but are predominant. This creates enormous inertia and vested interests tending to maintain the system, although some chipping away at the monolith continues to take place.Those...
Governor Should Consider Teacher Merit Pay
By Matthew Carr, posted August 13, 2008
Governor Ted Strickland is in the middle of a two-month-long series of forums about education reform in Ohio. Called the "Governor's Conversation on Education," these meetings provide an opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns, opinions and ideas about how to improve our public...
Senators John McCain and Barack Obama both say public schools need work, but neither of their proposed solutions get to the root problem of our education crisis.Mr. McCain has supported President Bush's No Child Left Behind policy, albeit with qualifications, calling the policy a "good beginning"...
Are Children "Creatures of the State?"
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 21, 2008
Most parents undoubtedly believe that their children are their responsibility. But a contrary view has a long history.The point was made by Philadelphian Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Ten years later, in proposing a plan for education in...
Just the facts: Good government depends upon good information
By Michael J. Maurer, Director, posted July 14, 2008
Transparency is commonly understood to mean that an entity freely discloses information about its funding, activities and conflicting interests. Since politicians are in the business of pleasing conflicting interest groups, transparency is the last thing they want, particularly during elections. You can't promise the world to one group if you've already promised it to another.
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted July 7, 2008
Few events show the poverty of Ohio's approach to economic development policy than the state's official response to DHL's decision to phase out its airborne freight operations in Ohio. The short term stakes are big - 6,000 jobs in the central Ohio town of Wilmington alone. The long term stakes,...
America is in a worsening energy crisis, and the increasing consumer costs associated with it are wrecking economic havoc on American families. Tackling this crisis has fallen prey to presidential politics and looms large as a top-shelf issue in this fall's election.Gas prices have topped $4 a...
By Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., posted June 16, 2008
In the modern world of consumer choice divorced from any moral grounding, family policy can seem hopelessly divisive. Some argue that "alternative family forms" are simply private lifestyle choices, comparable to our choices of curtains, cuisine or music.The choice to have children inside or...
Change the Climate Change Debate
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 13, 2008
With gas prices rising and alarm over global warming on the lips of everyone from John McCain to Sheryl Crow, it's trendier than ever to support policies to reduce gasoline usage or somehow combat climate change. In response, politicians are rushing to "do something." Congress is debating a...
At this week's G8 Summit, the cost of gasoline is one of the main topics of discussion. With the price of crude oil hovering around $136 a barrel, the industrialized world is looking for answers.
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 2, 2008
Defenders of public schooling would have you believe that all criticism comes from "the far right," conservatives, those who are anti-school, anti-teacher, anti-teacher unions, taxpayers only concerned about costs, and the like. Some of this may be true, but there are at least two things wrong with...
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 2, 2008
In Biblical times, the people of Israel symbolically placed their sins on a goat and sent it into the wilderness. The modern idea of a scapegoat - an innocent person who takes the blame for the sins of others - comes from this historic practice. This notion is appropriate in light of the recent...
Mandating Insurance Not the Answer
By Marc Kilmer, posted May 27, 2008
Should the state government force you to buy something just because you live within the borders of Ohio? Most people would be opposed to such an intrusive government mandate, and you have yet to find the Ohio government attempting this. That could all change, however, if the Healthcare Coverage...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 19, 2008
Shakespeare wrote "That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." True, but would it be as acceptable? What man would dare bring his wife a dozen skunkweed? And how many wives would want them?Words make a difference. Consider the responses a young...
Shifting the Cost of Government
By Marc Kilmer, posted May 12, 2008
You have to keep your eyes on politicians. They are always looking for new ways to tax you. Their latest scheme is called the "earned income tax," and its design is almost ingenious in its trickiness. Knowing that most people enjoy government benefits better if they do not have to pay for them,...
Accountability and School Choice
By Beth Lear and Matthew Carr, posted May 5, 2008
Opponents of school choice argue that private schools are not 'accountable' because they are not subject to detailed regulatory oversight by the state. School choice supporters respond that parents hold private schools accountable through the choices they make in the education marketplace.The...
Reduce Government to Improve Health Care
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 28, 2008
Much like the drunk who wakes up with a hangover and thinks more alcohol will cure him of his ills, many of those who decry our nation’s health care problems think we need more government involvement. Government is already by far the biggest player in our nation’s health care, though, and many of...
Ohio's Payday Solution a Bigger Problem
By David Hansen and Tom Schatz, posted April 21, 2008
There appears to be an orchestrated effort across the country to essentially shutdown the payday loan industry. Legislation offered in various states, including H.B. 333, currently under consideration in the Ohio General Assembly, all feature a similar set of regulatory changes, like a cap on...
Ohio Needs More, Not Fewer Companies Like Skybus
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted April 14, 2008
Let the hand wringing begin. How could a promising company like Columbus-based start up Skybus go bust so quickly? Could we have done anything to prevent its demise?The answer is no. It's a sobering answer for Ohio-based entrepreneurs, state policymakers, and the future of the state economy.But the...
School Reform Predictions: Easier Said Than Done
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted April 7, 2008
It's been said the only two constants are death and taxes. Not true. There are at least two more: change and the need for change.The need for change is particularly true of public schools in the United States, and has been since the emergence of the system with the passage of...
By Joseph Zoric, posted March 31, 2008
Since passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993 politicians and other political pundits have stated that NAFTA has done harm to the economy. Starting with Ross Perrot's famous "giant sucking sound" to the recent primary election speeches of Senators Clinton and Obama who crisscrossed the state claiming that NAFTA has cost the state tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs, politicians of both political persuasions have railed against the agreement as a bad deal for Ohio.
Union-Backed Group Favors Failed Education Status Quo
By Matthew Carr and Beth Lear, posted March 24, 2008
Defenders of the education status quo get agitated when something they disagree with works well. Vouchers are just such an example. The success of education vouchers across Ohio and the nation has opponents, such as labor union-funded organizations like Policy Matters, desperate to slow...
Batchelder, Hagan Wrong About Payday Loans
By Marc Kilmer, posted March 20, 2008
Ohioans did not send legislators to Columbus to make their personal financial decisions for them. Considering the poor state of Ohio’s budget, it seems ironic that some in Columbus think their time is best spent focusing on the financial choices of others. Unfortunately, a few legislators want to spend the General Assembly's time targeting payday lending instead of fixing the serious tax and budget problems which plague the state.
Teacher Unions Target Home-Schooling
Ohio home-school advocates should take note. A California state appellate court recently handed down a landmark ruling that stunned many parents and could potentially have legal repercussions for families across the country. Judge H. Walter Croskey wrote a court opinion that declared...
School Choice and "Creative Destruction"
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted March 17, 2008
School choice has many variations the most successful of which is the charter school movement. There were no such schools prior to 1992 when the first one opened in St. Paul, Minnesota, a school which still functions today. That lonely beginning has grown in sixteen short years to...
Ohio's high court back on right track
By David J. Owsiany, posted March 10, 2008
What a difference just a few years make. Since 2002, three justices who played an important and controversial role in defining the Ohio Supreme Court's direction for a number of years have retired. Their replacements quietly have helped move the court in a direction that significantly benefits Ohio...
Across the country, governors are rushing to pour more and more tax dollars into state-run preschool programs. Today, all but ten states offer some sort of taxpayer-funded preschool for some three and four year-olds - primarily based on need.According to the National Institute for Early Education...
More Medicaid Problems in Ohio
By Marc Kilmer, posted February 25, 2008
In tight economic times, when expenses are rising and your paycheck may even be shrinking, most families decide to cut back on expensive items. It makes little sense to buy a pricey high-definition TV when your electricity bill has doubled and your job is reducing overtime, right? This kind of...
Governor's New Deal is a Raw Deal
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted February 18, 2008
Ohio's economy is languishing. We lagged behind the rest of the nation's growth in every year over the last decade except one. Job growth averages half the national rate since 1990, and our unemployment has exceeded the national average every year since 2003. Recently, Gov. Ted Strickland offered up a $1.7 billion bond sale as an antidote. This self-described "stimulus package" would supposedly prime the state's economy by adding to our debt.
No Need to Raise Tobacco Taxes
By Marc Kilmer, posted February 8, 2008
Whenever there is a need to increase government revenue, one group can always be counted on as an easy target – tobacco users. While it is stressed that we need to be tolerant of every other lifestyle, it is somehow OK to demonize people who use tobacco products.
Conservatives in the Payday Lending Debate
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 28, 2008
What would happen if a member of the General Assembly ever proposed a bill banning consumers from carrying balances on their credit cards? You would expect the legislature’s conservative members (and probably most liberals) would rise up against this intrusion into personal finances. While recognizing that this practice may have financial risks, conservatives would rightly point out that government should not be involved in such decisions.
By Patrick J. Wright, posted January 15, 2008
A trial court in Ohio recently held that Lake Erie beach front property owners have the right to exclude others from their property. As the right to exclude is a traditional and fundamental aspect of owning property, it seems odd that such a holding would be newsworthy. But in 2005, the Michigan...
The Sound and Fury over Payday Lending
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 7, 2008
There has been a lot of discussion about the practice of payday lending recently. Many self-appointed "consumer" advocates deplore the fact that people choose to borrow money from these lenders and are upset that these institutions have proliferated over the past decade. However, the loans are...
Ozone Regulations Target Ohio Economy
By Marc Kilmer, posted November 30, 2007
Who can be opposed to clean air? No one disagrees on the goal, but there are a variety of ways to get there.Unfortunately, those who favor heavy-handed government regulations to achieve higher air quality have controlled the debate. It does not matter if these regulations will...
Washington and Columbus Heading Wrong Way on Energy
By Margo Thorning and Marc Kilmer, posted November 13, 2007
In view of the energy legislation being considered in Columbus and Washington, D.C., it seems that most of our elected officials must have failed basic high school economics. Instead of giving more freedom to consumers and producers, they are proposing new taxes, regulations, and subsidies that...
Does government funding equal government strings?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted November 5, 2007
A common argument against public funding of parental choice of education is the claim that it would result in government regulations harmful to nongovernment schools. Some fear that such regulation would so burden independent schools as to put them out of business, or make them...
Give Individuals Control of Their Healthcare
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 29, 2007
Healthcare is shaping up to be the main focus of attention on both the state and federal level next year. Candidates running for president have put forth ideas on how to reform the system. Governor Ted Strickland and members of the General Assembly are floating proposals on how to tinker with...
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 19, 2007
College football season is important for people throughout Ohio. It is especially important for the football powerhouse of Ohio State University and its fans. It is problematic, then, that this taxpayer-subsidized university is trying to use its clout to extract millions of dollars from cable...
After SCHIP: The Mad Hatter's Table ...
In "Alice in Wonderland," during the tea party, the Mad Hatter sat down to a beautiful white linen tablecloth. He proceeded to make a mess in front of himself, but instead of cleaning up, he just moved to another spot and made another mess. And so on down the table.The other day, I realized that...
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 1, 2007
Bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate have passed a bill to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Democrats are salivating at the prospect of the President's promised veto of this bill. The reality, however, is that expanding SCHIP will actually hurt kids, not...
Shortchanging Students in High-Poverty School Districts
By Matthew Carr, Marc Holley, and Nathan Gray, posted September 20, 2007
Ohio’s school funding system has been the source of heated debate, legislative amendment, litigation and general concern for so long that it is difficult to accurately determine just when it all became such a consuming issue. At the heart of all this controversy has been, and continues to be, the question of how the state distributes education resources.
By , posted September 13, 2007
For many liberals and conservatives, the pivotal battleground this election season isn't Iowa, New Hampshire, or South Carolina. It's Utah. There, a fight over the state's universal K-12 school choice program portends to be the trip wire for the school choice movement across the country.Utah is the...
Government Health Care Expansion Inefficient
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 10, 2007
When Governor Strickland entered office, he made it a priority to expand the state’s health insurance program for children. Claiming that it was needed to help those whose families could not afford insurance, Strickland and the General Assembly expanded coverage for children living in families up...
Teacher Union Contracts Keep Schools from Competing
By David Hansen, posted August 30, 2007
Parental choice in education offers the promise of improving public school systems by holding them accountable to market forces. First, charter schools and private schools innovate and differentiate their product in order to attract parents who want something for their children not offered by the...
Increasing Oil Company Taxes Hurts Consumers
By Marc Kilmer, posted August 27, 2007
At a time when almost every Presidential candidate is talking about "energy independence," it seems strange that Congress is moving in the opposite direction with the energy bill being considered by the Senate. Sure, those supporting it claim that it will help our nation wean itself from foreign...
A general good rule of thumb is to expect that someone will be soaked whenever Congress starts talking about making the tax code fairer. Another good rule is if you want less of something, tax it. Such is the case with a proposed adjustment to an established tax rule with far reaching implications for the American economy.
Facts About School Finance in Ohio
By Matthew Carr, posted August 13, 2007
Governor Ted Strickland has indicated that reforming school finance is a high priority for his administration. Editorial boards at several major state newspapers have applauded this initiative and lobbyists for the education establishment have no doubt been polishing their presentations. Given the...
Pre-K Schooling: An Irresistible Force?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 26, 2007
The public school establishment likes to talk reform. Remember Competency Based Teacher Education? Outcome Based Education? The Open Classroom? Once all the rage, although lacking support from research or practical experience, they are rarely mentioned today.Some ideas have a longer gestation...
Lessons from Toledo Wireless Debacle
By Marc Kilmer, posted July 24, 2007
There is an oft-repeated saying that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Unfortunately, it seems that when it comes to technology projects, many city officials are determined to continue repeating the mistakes of the past. The recent fiasco in Toledo regarding a “free” wireless...
School Legal Issues: Footnotes and Sidelights
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 19, 2007
While it certainly isn't unique to school issues, too often debates over controversial matters miss significant points or, worse, raise ones that are simply irrelevant or downright wrong. As someone once said, his problem wasn't what he didn't know, but what he knew that was wrong. Consider, again,...
Should the poor pay for health insurance for the middle class?
By Marc Kilmer, posted July 18, 2007
If a politician ever suggested that taxes should be raised on the poor in order to pay for a product that people in the middle or upper class could already afford, it is not likely that this politician would have much of a future in office. So why, then, are so many members of the U.S. House and...
Postmortem: Another Empty Promise from Inside the Beltway
By Matt A. Mayer, posted July 12, 2007
The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act is dead. That is a good thing. Given all of the energy that was spent inside the Beltway to try and pass it, you would have thought that the proposed legislation truly would have fixed the problem of our failed immigration system. You would...
Almost overnight, health care has become a security issue. The news from London and Glasgow brings a striking reminder that Al Qaeda is willing to exploit any national weakness.In the case of the British, it's an ongoing physician shortage brought on by the inherent shortcomings of their...
'Sicko' Control of Health Care
By Ken Blackwell, posted June 27, 2007
Michael Moore got slammed by Larry King tonight. The outlandish documentarian was bumped from the "The Larry King Show" by none other than an ex-con, Paris Hilton. Mr. Moore's film "Sicko," though, is certainly abuzz among liberal pundits. Mr. Moore offers a solution to millions of Americans without health insurance — government-run health care, just like Cuba.
Funding Health Care with Tobacco Tax Won't Work
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 22, 2007
While the popularity of Congress may be at record lows, you have to give our elected officials credit for being clever. The idea being proposed by some Senators to tax an unpopular group -- tobacco users -- to pay for a popular concept -- government health insurance for...
It's Time For Both Parties to Put End to Earmark Spending
Last year, incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Democrats would "bring transparency and openness to the budget process and to the use of earmarks."Now, it seems congressional Democrats' professed commitment to fiscal responsibility had the life expectancy of a firefly.Democrats and Republicans...
Class Size: Where Belief Trumps Reality
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 21, 2007
The size of classrooms can make a difference in the education of children. But perhaps no belief is so expensive or contrary to the facts than that which maintains smaller classes, as determined by some arbitrary number, is a cost effective way to benefit students.It is to be expected educators...
Caution Warranted on Toledo Wi-Fi
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 19, 2007
The residents of Toledo are being told by their elected officials that they will soon have a wireless Internet system, available to all city residents, and it will not cost them a thing. It sounds too good to be true, and it probably is. The plan's details sketchy, but the history of other...
Ten Facts to Consider Before Expanding Medicaid
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 12, 2007
The issue of health insurance has become a much discussed topic around Ohio. With 1.2 million Ohioans reportedly lacking health insurance, efforts are underway in the General Assembly to provide the uninsured with some sort of coverage. Governor Ted Strickland is pushing an expansion of the State...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 8, 2007
Though educators often dismiss some students as being unable to learn, there exist many documented cases of disadvantaged students excelling in school. Some of the most important characteristics of disadvantaged, successful, schools is emphasis on high standards and hard work.
Setting the Record Straight on Ohio's Charter Schools
By Matthew Carr, posted June 7, 2007
During the current debate over the future of Ohio's fledging charter schools, opponents often rely on myths and distortions to tar a promising educational initiative. It's time to set the record straight. Charter school opponents typically forward a misleading three-point criticism. They say...
Ohio's Public Schools and Public Opinion
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 7, 2007
A recent survey of Ohioans conducted by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found, among other things, that the state’s residents believe that much of the money allotted to public schools is wasted, and that the state’s voucher program should be expanded.
School Funding as a Distraction
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 24, 2007
Education spending in America ranges from $15,000 to $45,000 per student. However, overall, there is little indication that simply increasing spending will improve educational outcomes. Constant stress on money draws attention away from educational issues.
Ohio's Voucher Program is Targeted to Low-Income Families
By Matthew Carr, posted May 23, 2007
When discussing the EdChoice program there are three important facts policymakers need to keep in mind: eligibility in the Cleveland program is not means tested, EdChoice eligible schools are located in areas that are, on average, less well off than the rest of the state, and ending a program because there are small changes that could make it better is the epitome of politics trumping good policy.
Eliminating Unionization Vote Unfair to Workers and Employers
By David J. Owsiany, posted May 18, 2007
The Employee Free Choice Act prevents employers from sharing their side of the story on the impact of unionization. It also hurts employees by depriving them of a private ballot in which to express their support or opposition to unionization.
Big Schools, An Ongoing Problem
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 18, 2007
One of the most thoroughly documented findings in educational research is that smaller schools produce outcomes superior to larger schools. When the construction of a new school building is being considered, it is important to raise the question of the optimum size of the school.
EdChoice Voucher Program Grows
By Matthew Carr, posted May 17, 2007
Despite Governor Strickland's promise to end the EdChoice voucher program, the number of parents across the state who have applied for the right to choose the best school for their children has more than doubled from the first year. Last year, 3,667 parents applied for a voucher under the program....
Does Ohio Need to Expand Public Preschool?
By Beth Lear, posted May 15, 2007
Across Ohio, community centers, churches and synagogues, private schools and in-home providers ably deliver preschool services to tens of thousands of children a year. However, a policy change written into Governor Ted Strickland's proposed budget and passed by the Ohio House threatens to...
Teacher Freedom: A Result of School Choice?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 3, 2007
The battle for democratic schools where teachers and students/parents relate on a mutually acceptable basis, which a professional system permits, is progressing. When such a system finally exists, teachers will wonder why it took so long, and why didn't they attempt to bring it about earlier.
Some Taxes in Ohio Are Just Dumb
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 27, 2007
Ohio should pursue a tax code that is broad-based, has low rates, and does not single out certain activities unless those activities impose some burden on the state. Taxes on tobacco, the estate tax, the horse racing tax, and, the dealers in intangibles tax all violate one or more of these principles and should reformed.
Wasting Money on Municipal Wireless
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 24, 2007
Municipal wireless services have caused many problems across the country including government censorship, cost overruns and customer dissatisfaction, slow service speeds, and bureaucratic delay. Instead of focusing on supplying internet service themselves, governments should focus on providing a regulatory climate that encourages private sector investment in wireless service.
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 23, 2007
Though news stories and politicians often portray those without health insurance as a monolithic group of poor people who want insurance but can’t afford it, the reality is more complex. Many people choose to go without insurance because they place a low value on it. Moreover, about two thirds of the uninsured are without coverage for only part of the year, though they are counted in surveys as “uninsured.”
Teacher Unions: Consistency is Not Their Strong Point
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted April 19, 2007
Perhaps no institution causes more controversy than the public school system. And these are not just minor disagreements either. There have been hundreds of lawsuits handled by the lower courts concerning the public school system. The number of cases before the U.S. Supreme Court is itself huge,...
Thoughts on Ohio's Climb to the Top
By David Hansen, posted April 16, 2007
Once a low tax state, Ohio now has one of the highest tax burdens in the country. Unfortunately, the view from the top leaves much to be desired. Ohio lawmakers should follow the positive example of other states and eliminate state and local income taxes.
School Choice and Civil Rights
Thirty-nine years ago this week, an assassin's bullet took the life of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. King fought against the intolerance and ignorance that denied African-Americans equal access to public transportation, education, employment and justice. Since his death, America has...
Utah Adopts Universal Vouchers
By Robert C. Enlow, posted April 5, 2007
Utah is now the first state to adopt a universal education voucher program. This is essential because as a critical mass of students become school choosers, a true education market will emerge. As market forces improve educational outcomes other states such as Ohio may very well follow suit.
Strickland Heads Wrong Way on Medicaid
By Marc Kilmer, posted March 26, 2007
Governor Strickland should take the lead in pushing for a complete overhaul of Medicaid in Ohio. The State should give up its role as provider of Medicaid, and move toward being merely the financer of medical services. Such a program would help control costs and improve quality for recipients.
Don't Let the Government "Negotiate" Drug Prices
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted March 20, 2007
New Congressional legislation would give the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the power to directly negotiate prices for drugs sold to Medicare Part D. The single payer regime, put forth in the legislation, is based upon false assumptions of how the drug market works, and would interrupt the success of market forces currently at work in the program.
Taxpayers Take Another Hit in Lebanon
By Marc Kilmer, posted February 28, 2007
The city of Lebanon recently lost a civil court case and is now liable for paying back taxes it had improperly collected to finance its city-run telecommunications system. This episode is another reason why local governments should leave high tech services to the private sector.
Midwest doesn't need to be railroaded
By Ken Blackwell and Brad Smith, posted February 28, 2007
Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman once said, "The most important single central fact about a free market is that no exchange takes place unless both parties benefit."Government, however, is different. Exchanges often seem to take place in which one private party benefits, and the...
Proposed Education Amendment Lets the Fox Guard Ohio's Henhouse
By Greg Forster, posted February 8, 2007
For decades, Ohio governors and legislators have handed billions of tax dollars over to a sluggish and underperforming education bureaucracy, and in return received sluggish and underperforming schools. Now that same education bureaucracy has a solution to fix our failing schools: give them...
Getting It Wrong for Ohio's Future
By Matthew Carr, posted January 26, 2007
A new proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution, placing the State Board of Education in charge of determining K-12 school funding, is a blank check for Ohio’s public schools. The proposal rests on a fallacy that Ohio’s schools are under-funded, and that more dollars would lead to inherently better schools. Very little evidence supports this assertion.
By Lawrence Reed, posted January 19, 2007
Lawrence Reed, President of the Mackinac Center in Michigan, reviews the upcoming movie “Amazing Grace.” He says that the film brilliantly and accurately portrays William Wilberforce, the young British Parliamentarian, and his campaign to abolish slavery in the late 1700s. Reed concludes that Director Michael Apted and an all-star cast of actors have created a film that no one should miss.
Health Care Regulation is Misguided
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 17, 2007
Legislation mandating “mental health parity” and other health insurance regulations will increase the cost of insurance, thus increasing the number of uninsured in Ohio. Legislators should attempt to lower costs by reducing government interference in the health care market, and searching for ways to increase consumer freedom.
Reform, Don't Expand, Medicaid
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 10, 2007
Though this year’s decrease in Ohio’s Medicaid expenditures is welcome, it does not justify increasing Medicaid enrollment. Increasing enrollment is shortsighted, and will do nothing to contribute to the long-term solvency of Medicaid. Ohio needs to pursue lasting, market-based reforms to ensure Medicaid’s viability in the future.
Educational Opportunity in Times of Political Change
By David Hansen and Vicki Murray, posted January 5, 2007
With the election of Gov. Ted Strickland some people might think it's time to put the brakes on school choice. They'd be wrong based on what we've seen elsewhere.Arizona passed more new or expanded school choice programs in 2006 under Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano than under any Republican...
Lead Paint Lawsuit is a Bad Idea
By David J. Owsiany, posted January 3, 2007
The City of Columbus recently filed a public nuisance lawsuit against lead paint manufacturers to force these companies to remove or clean up lead paint on buildings. This is a misuse of public nuisance law. Instead of litigation, Columbus should engage in public education campaigns regarding lead paint and encourage landlords to properly maintain their buildings.
What the Election Means for Telecom in Ohio
By Marc Kilmer, posted November 21, 2006
Though there are positive aspects of Governor-elect Ted Strickland’s plans for Ohio’s technology sector, he should reconsider those policies that call for increased government involvement in the economy. Such policies will stifle private investment. Instead, he should focus on reducing the regulatory and tax burden on telecommunications companies operating in Ohio.
Ohio Supreme Court Right to Uphold Charter Schools
By David J. Owsiany, posted November 7, 2006
The Ohio Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of Ohio's charter school law. The court's decision is not only good for Ohio's schoolchildren but also a positive sign that Ohio's highest court understands its role is not to dictate education policy from the bench.For about two decades,...
Issue 3: The Price Isn't Right
By Jeff Hooke, Tom Firey and David Hansen, posted October 26, 2006
Our analysis of Issue 3, the so-called "Learn and Earn" amendment, is that the measure would be a bad deal for Ohio. Slot licenses are government allowances to operate highly desirable entertainment that the government usually prohibits. If Ohio expands slots, it should do so in a way that directs most of the economic gain to taxpayers, not a handful of gambling interests.
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 24, 2006
With Governor Taft's unpopularity dragging down the GOP, Democrat Ted Strickland is poised to win the governorship this year. Instead of charting a new course, however, Strickland's proposals are simply expansions of current Taft policies.
Privatization of Drake Hospital: A Victory for Hamilton County Taxpayers
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 13, 2006
The historical financial profligacy of the publicly financed Drake Hospital in Hamilton County again underscores why taxpayers should not subsidize areas of the economy best left to private management. The recent decision by the County Commissioners of Hamilton County to allow Drake to be run by a private entity was a small, but welcome victory for taxpayers.
Hollywood Wrong on Media Consolidation
By Marc Kilmer, posted October 12, 2006
The FCC is considering new media ownership rules. At a recent hearing, members of the Hollywood artistic community failed to understand how new technology makes rules restricting ownership outdated.
Finding Good Teachers -- Paying for Stubbornness
By Matthew Carr, posted October 6, 2006
Rather than spending $13.2 million to train teachers for high-need, hard-to-staff subject areas, the state of Ohio could find a large and untapped pool of highly qualified candidates by simply eliminating the draconian alternative certification program and replacing it with one that works.
Gahanna Broadband Project is a Waste of Taxpayers’ Money
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 29, 2006
The Columbus suburb of Gahanna is considering using taxpayer money to invest in a project to expand broadband access in the city. History has shown that these projects are wastes of taxpayer money that do not deliver on consultants’ promises.
The Road to Hell is Paved With High-Minded Regulations
By Paul Burks, posted September 29, 2006
The Founders would have been very disappointed by the growth in government regulation over the years. A recent study showed that in 2005, the Federal Register was 23,041 pages long and counting. Unfortunately, this regulations often benefit companies with powerful lobbyists at the expense of those without well placed political connections.
School Funding: Adequate versus Equitable
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted September 27, 2006
About 40 years ago, plaintiffs began to introduce lawsuits arguing that there was not enough funding for public schools. The first such suit, Serrano v. Priest, in California during the late 1960s, was won by the plaintiffs on the basis that school funding in the state was inequitable.Equitable...
Sale of City Telecom System Cause for Relief, Not Celebration
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 22, 2006
Taxpayers in Lebanon, Ohio, should not be fooled by city officials’ claims that the city-run telecommunications system is a success. It has been a costly failure from the start.
More on a Child-Centered Education Finance System for Ohio
By David Hansen, posted September 21, 2006
Ohio's two major party candidates for Governor squared off yesterday in a debate over education. The first question went straight to the heart of Ohio's current focus for improving our schools -- funding. On this issue the candidates showed a clear difference in their beliefs and...
Candidates Have Widely Divergent Medicaid Plans
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 20, 2006
Medicaid is growing at an unsustainable rate in Ohio. Representative Strickland’s Medicaid proposals will worsen the crisis while Secretary Blackwell’s plan will move Ohio in the right direction.
Strickland Health Plan Will Cost Ohio Taxpayers
By Marc Kilmer, posted September 19, 2006
Gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland’s health care plan is ambitious but short on detail. From what he has released to the public, however, his plan would involve hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending and a major expansion of the Medicaid program.
Privatizing Ohio government marketing...Just Do It!
By Geoffrey Segal and Jack Furney, posted September 15, 2006
Marketing is a powerful tool used to promote a product, and in most instances proper marketing defines a products' success or failure. We've all heard the slogans, and when done effectively, consumers directly relate those marketing slogans to a particular product. When you hear, "Just...
Charter Schools vs. Teacher Unions: Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted September 14, 2006
Charter schools are, by law, public schools. Thus in states with collective bargaining laws, teachers may form a union. In states without bargaining laws, or with Right to Work laws, they may still form an organization and affiliate with state and national unions. And these...
Viewpoint: History Not on Medina Officials’ Side
By Marc Kilmer, posted August 10, 2006
While officials in Medina contend that taxpayers will not pay for the proposed fiber optic ring, the history of other government-backed technology ventures indicates otherwise. These projects usually fail to live up to officials’ expectations and cost local taxpayers millions.
By Matthew Carr, posted August 8, 2006
The Columbus Public Schools have decided that at least 1,384 charter and private school students won’t be riding a C.P.S. bus next year. That a school district would tell some students that they can’t have a ride to school because of where they choose to take classes reveals the mindset of many school districts in Ohio; education is about schools and rules, not about children.
Viewpoint: A Roadmap for Improving Ohio's Public Schools
By Matthew Carr, posted August 4, 2006
The Buckeye Institute has recently released a new study examining the factors most commonly thought to affect student achievement. Some of the results conform to the common wisdom about making Ohio’s schools better. But other results find that widely held beliefs about what is best for students may be leading to policies that are ineffective and a costly waste of scarce education resources.
Lebanon Telecom Sale Will Help Consumers and Taxpayers
By Marc Kilmer, posted July 27, 2006
Cincinnati Bell is considering buying the city-run telecommunications system in Lebanon, Ohio. This sale would be a welcome end to the government-run system, which has been a burden on both taxpayers and consumers.
Viewpoint: Ohio Core Curriculum Caveats
By Matthew Carr, posted July 18, 2006
The new "Ohio Core" curriculum, which would raise standards for all high school students in the state, is more likely to wreak havoc on Ohio’s schools, and actually turn back any gains that our schools have made in recent years, than it is to improve student preparedness upon graduation.
July Porker of the Month: Kent State University Trustees
By David Hansen, posted July 16, 2006
The Kent State University Board of Trustees has decided to keep not quite former President Carol Cartwright on the payroll. They will pay her at least $270,000 of taxpayer money as a "president emeritus" that admittedly has "no formal job description." For that, they receive the July Porker of the Month award.
Viewpoint: Raising the Minimum Wage Will Lower the Number of Jobs in Ohio
The proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution mandating that the state’s minimum wage be increased from $5.15 to $6.85 an hour, with an annual increase tied to the rate of inflation, would be disastrous for the very people it is designed to help. Put simply, laws designed to increase the minimum wage are perhaps the worst, the most perniciously anti-poor laws conceivable.
Viewpoint: Making Government Compete to Improve Services and Save Money
By Geoffrey F. Segal and Jack Furney, posted June 29, 2006
Competition is a powerful tool for policy makers to find the most effective and efficient means of delivering services to taxpayers. Ohio's governments need to embrace and implement managed competition in order to improve fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency in their budgeting and decision making processes.
Viewpoint: Hamilton County Jail Needs to Escape Prevailing Wage
By David Hansen, posted June 28, 2006
Ohio’s prevailing wage law could add between $10.9 million and $21.8 million to the cost of a new Hamilton County jail if the law is still in effect when bids are taken on the project.
Viewpoint: Medina Should Be Wary of Municipal Broadband
By Marc Kilmer, posted June 27, 2006
Medina is looking into building a municipal broadband system in order to spur economic development. Experience in Ohio and other states, however, shows these municipal ventures only end up wasting taxpayer money.
Viewpoint: Teacher Salaries - More Attention Needed to Specifics
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 22, 2006
When you hear it said that no one ever got rich teaching, don't believe it. Research has shown that the average teacher's salary exceeds the average family income for other citizens. In 2005, the average teacher salary in the nation was $46,762, not including the additional compensation teachers receive as fringe benefits, which may add an additional 33% or more to the costs, primarily for very good retirement and health coverage plans.
Viewpoint: Who's Cheating Whom?
By Matthew Carr, posted June 20, 2006
Some parents have figured out that if they enroll their child in a failing school for the last few days of the school year, they can get a voucher to send their child back to their private school next year. Rather than deny these parents a voucher, we should allow students currently enrolled in private schools to be immediately eligible for a voucher, contingent on meeting a means test.
Viewpoint: Teacher Certification Doesn't Guarantee Competency
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 15, 2006
Proposals for alternative teacher certification usually arouse the ire of the teachers unions. There is a lot of talk about the need for qualified teachers, and studies say what teachers know and can do is important. But to say teacher knowledge and skills are important doesn't make the case for the present teacher certification system.
Viewpoint: New EdChoice Voucher Program a Success
By Matthew Carr, posted June 12, 2006
There are 2,568 students that have applied for the EdChoice voucher program, 5.5% of all eligible students. When these numbers are placed in the context of first year enrollment rates for other voucher programs around the country it becomes clear that this first year of the Ohio EdChoice program has been an unqualified success.
Viewpoint: Organizing Charter Schools, A Challenge to Unions
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 5, 2006
After years of trying to crush the charter school movement, both major teacher unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, have decided if you can't beat them, join them. The problem is that as they try to persuade charter school teachers to unionize, the NEA and the AFT continue to argue against charter school laws in state legislatures and challenge their validity in the courts.
Viewpoint: Why Zero-based budgeting had Zero effect in Oklahoma
By Steven J. Anderson, CPA, posted June 1, 2006
The Ohio General Assembly recently passed a 'zero-based budgeting' process for future state budgets, a practice found today primarily in Oklahoma. The Sooner State's experiences with zero-based budgeting suggest that Ohioans should not expect much improvement in the cost or value of their government due to this measure.
Viewpoint: EdChoice Voucher Participation
By Matthew Carr, posted May 23, 2006
With the application deadline for Ohio’s newest voucher program fast approaching, 561 students have signed up. Compared to other voucher programs’ initial participation rates, the numbers are encouraging. But there is also still a lot of work to be done to get more students enrolled in the coming years.
Setting the Record Straight on Colorado's Spending Limits
By Gov. Bill Owens, posted May 10, 2006
In light of the controversy surrounding Ohio’s pro-posed TEL, Colorado Governor Bill Owens dispels the myth that his state’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) hurt the Colorado economy. In fact, the TABOR has helped to restrain government spending and spur economic growth that easily outpaces that of Ohio.
How Should Ohio Spend its Welfare Surplus?
By Marc Kilmer, posted May 9, 2006
Ohio is looking for ways to spend $700 million in surplus welfare money and is being bombarded with ideas about how to do this. In evaluating these ideas, the state should make sure the funds go to programs and services that provide a direct connection between the money being spent and moving a person off welfare.
John Stossel's Stupid in America
If you missed John Stossel's report on education titled "Stupid in America" when it was aired last Janaury, the Buckeye Institute provides a link to a streaming video version of the episode.
Viewpoint: No, Private Schools Aren't Worse
By Greg Forster, posted May 1, 2006
A recently-released study claiming that private school students using vouchers perform more poorly than those in public schools has serious methodological flaws. Other studies show that voucher students in private school do better than public school students.
Congress's Answer to High Gas Prices: Raise Taxes!
By David Hansen, posted April 21, 2006
Congress is considering re-imposing the windfall profit tax on oil companies. When initially tried by President Carter, this tax led to higher gasoline prices, reduced domestic oil exploration, and increased dependence on foreign oil.
Viewpoint: When Government Competes with Private Enterprise, You Pay
By Marc Kilmer, posted April 17, 2006
The city of Lebanon, Ohio, enacted an ordinance forcing all new construction to hook up to the city-run telecom-munications firm. It then used these fees from that to subsidize its business operations. Even though this was found to be unconstitutional, this incident illustrates that when governments compete with businesses, they will use their coercive power to try and gain a competitive edge at the expense of the consumer.
Buckeye Institute Announces Inaugural Porker of the Month
By David Hansen, posted April 10, 2006
Ohio Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson and the Ohio Department of Development are offering tax dollars targeted for creating research and development jobs to a pizza company that can't compete domestically or internationally, but knows how to hire a good lobbyist. For that, they receive the first Porker of the Month Award.
By Greg Forster, posted March 24, 2006
Too many special education students in Ohio are not receiving the services they need and were promised by their public schools. A new special education voucher proposal would provide key reform and help to ensure that special needs students are being served.
Viewpoint: Don't Taxpayers Deserve a Bill of Rights?
By John Andrews, posted March 14, 2006
In Colorado, the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights has paid dividends for job creation, family finances, leaner government, and lower taxes. Ohioans need, and deserve, the same kind of fiscal responsibility in our state.
Viewpoint: Effective Schooling
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted March 9, 2006
Creating effective schools requires that we return to the core of public education, the basic preparation of young people to be able to participate in the larger world. Beyond the basics we are just wasting time and resources.
Viewpoint: How Well Does Ohio Pay its Teachers?
By Matthew Carr, posted March 7, 2006
After adjusting for the cost of living, Ohio's teachers are earning some of the highest salaries in the country. That student achievement remains dismally low suggests that how we pay teachers may be more important than how much.
Viewpoint: Paving the Way to Prosperity, or a Slush Fund?
By Geoffrey F. Segal, posted February 28, 2006
More and more states are looking to innovative partnerships with the private sector to improve and expand their transportation networks. Ken Blackwell's new transportation proposal, however, may squander some of the more important benefits of using the private sector.
Viewpoint: Perspective and Priorities in Education
By Matthew Carr, posted February 10, 2006
The education debate in Ohio needs a new perspective and some new priorities. First, we need to fix our focus on the continued and unabated failure of our urban schools. Second, we need to embrace charter schools, both as a primary component of reform and a proven mechanism for improving the performance of students in and outside traditional public schools.
Viewpoint: Dispelling the Myths of Charter Schools in Ohio
By Matthew Carr, posted January 31, 2006
There are three myths that surround charter schools in Ohio: they do not perform academically, they drain resources from traditional public schools, and they are unaccountable. Each of these myths is pure fiction and an impediment to creating the kind of education reform we need.
Viewpoint: Ohio Consumers' Counsel Wants to Put Consumers on Hold
By Marc Kilmer, posted January 25, 2006
The Ohio Consumers' Council is trying to thwart efforts to create competitive pricing for local telephone services. In their attempts to "protect" consumers, the OCC is in reality advocating a policy that will keep consumers stuck in a world of uncreative, uncompetitive local telephone service.
Viewpoint: Ohio's Charter Schools are Succeeding
By Matthew Carr, posted January 24, 2006
A new study released by the Buckeye Institute has found that charter schools in Ohio are outperforming their traditional counterparts. The story of one third grader in Cleveland epitomizes these findings and gives us a personal view of the success stories seen in charter schools every day.
Viewpoint: Charter Schools: An Irresistible Force?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted January 19, 2006
Charter schools are one of the most significant reform efforts made in education in the last 20 years. Dogged by the constant criticism of opponents, they have not been given a fair trial, in Ohio and elsewhere. The fact is charter schools are succeeding and in doing so they are proving to be an important part of any effort to improve education.
Viewpoint: Ohio Supreme Court Should Not Interfere with Ohio's Community Schools
By David J. Owsiany, posted January 13, 2006
Ohio’s charter school system is entirely consistent with the Ohio Constitution’s broad grant of authority to the legislature and it gives parents choices to ensure their children get the education that meets their needs. The Ohio Supreme Court should not interfere with those choices.
Viewpoint: Do School Impact Fees Make Sense?
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted January 9, 2006
Fast growing suburban communities have turned to impact fees to help pay for new schools. But such fees are an unfair, ineffective, and inefficient way for schools to raise revenue.
Viewpoint: New Voucher Program Pitfalls
By Matthew Carr, posted January 5, 2006
Ohio's new statewide voucher program will not be able to live up to its promise as an innovative reform unless two changes are made: eligibility must be based on districts rather than buildings, and should encompass districts in Academic Watch as well as Academic Emergency.
Big Eight School District Ratings
By Matthew Carr, posted January 3, 2006
Issue 1: The Two Billion Dollar Boondoggle
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted October 27, 2005
Issue 1 has been portrayed as an economic catalyst that will create jobs and make Ohio competitive again. But the facts belie the rhetoric. In exchange for adding $2 billion of debt, Ohioans are unlikely to see more jobs or economic prosperity because Issue 1 is nothing more than industrial planning, corporate welfare and socialism dressed up as a jobs plan.
Viewpoint: Ohio Should Consider Public Private Partnership Law To Spur Transportation Improvements
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted October 25, 2005
Congestion is increasing in Ohio’s major metropolitan areas, threatening our state’s competitiveness. State policymakers should consider two bold initiatives to address this rising problem: public private partnership to fund large scale capacity improvements and boothless tolling to ensure free flow traffic on existing roads.
Viewpoint: Government-Funded Market Cornering
By , posted September 27, 2005
Cleveland City Council members are spending $200,000 in public funds on an internet project with Intel. The city’s attempt to play venture capitalist with taxpayer dollars is unlikely to pay off.
Viewpoint: Playing Educational Catch - 22
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted September 23, 2005
The often contradictory arguments made by school choice opponents reveals that their opposition is not based on any concern for students or education, but rather on maintaining the status quo.
Viewpoint: The Promise of Public Wi-Fi Networks Includes Liability Headaches
By Kent Lassman, posted September 16, 2005
Municipal wi-fi networks are the latest craze for public officials looking to appear tech-savvy. But city leaders diving in without fully exploring the legal ramifications may find themselves in hot water.
Viewpoint: Bringing Special Education Vouchers to Ohio
The best way to ensure that all of Ohio’s special education students are getting the services they need and deserve is to create a statewide special education voucher program like the McKay program in Florida.
Viewpoint: What Sin Taxes Can Teach Us About Economics
By Matthew Carr, posted September 6, 2005
This summer Ohio more than doubled the cigarette tax under the aegis of reducing consumption and raising revenue to fill the budget gap. This decision raises a host of questions and provides a stark example of the disconnect between simple economics and public policy.
Viewpoint: Education Department Wrong Agency to Implement Voucher Program
By Matthew Carr, posted August 26, 2005
For the newly created statewide school voucher program to be a success, the Ohio Department of Education must turn over the implementation and administration of the program to a private, non-profit organization.
Viewpoint: Ohio needs a limit on state government growth
By Gary Wolfram, posted August 23, 2005
Voters will be deciding on a tax and expenditure limitation for Ohio next fall. Economists have repeatedly shown that limited government yields significant benefits for citizens.
Viewpoint: Ohio’s Growing Congestion can be Managed
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted August 19, 2005
All Ohio metropolitan areas are experiencing rising congestion, but this congestion can be managed if policymakers act now. The keys to managing congestion will be ensuring new road capacity keeps pace with travel demand and managing peak-hour road use more effectively through electronic tolling.
Viewpoint: Ohio's Blue Ribbon Porker
By Matthew Carr, posted August 16, 2005
At this year's State Fair in Columbus the blue ribbon for the largest porker in Ohio has a clear front-runner: the Ohio government. In a new report being released today by the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions, the 2005 Ohio Piglet Book, we expose roughly $3.5 billion of waste,...
Viewpoint: School Choice, Democrats and Teacher Unions
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 28, 2005
Teacher unions have wielded their influence and political contributions to force many Democrats into an inherent contradiction: trying to be for the dispossessed why also being against vouchers.
Viewpoint: Public and Private Schools
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 21, 2005
The use of wealthy suburban public schools to claim general superiority over choice schools is disingenuous at best. Hiding behind their successes only obscures the failures of other schools and hinders honest discussions of reform.
Viewpoint: Chester-Upland's Troubled Schools
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 11, 2005
After several years in the Philadelphia area running public schools, Edison has decided to leave. Many point to this as proof of privatization’s failure. But this decision has more to do with the failures of implementing privatization in the Keystone State than with the performance of Edison.
Ohio doesn't need any more Third Frontier debt
By Douglas L. Oliver, posted June 30, 2005
Ohio voters previously rejected funding for the Third Frontier and so far the effort has yielded few returns for the economy. Legislators should consider whether additional debt for this project is in the best interest of taxpayers.
Viewpoint: School Finance, Hype Versus History
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 30, 2005
Nearly 40 years ago lawsuits began to be initiated charging that school funding was not equitable and therefore unconstitutional. For the next 20 years or so about half were won and half lost, although there was some indication that even losers saw increased funding. Then, in 1989, a...
Viewpoint: The Enquirer Exposes Something Else in Charter Reporting
By Matthew Carr, posted June 30, 2005
In a series of articles the Cincinnati Enquirer repeated numerous myths that have been employed by school administrators and union bosses to cast doubt on charter schools. Exploding these myths is an important first step in setting a true course of education reform in Ohio.
Viewpoint: Ohio Should Follow Florida's Lead on Medicaid
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted June 24, 2005
Medicaid reform is central to the stability and health of Ohio's budget going forward. Fortunately, Ohio state legislators just passed a budget bill that includes some initial steps in the right direction. Much more effort remains for the next session, however, but policymakers in Ohio...
Viewpoint: Public Schooling's Future
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 21, 2005
A while back, an education reporter asked what K-12 education might look like in this century. There was a hesitancy to respond since countless forecasts have predicted great changes which never occurred. A major reason why this is so is that practically everyone ignores the ability of the present system to resist change. So, looking ahead, here are possibilities, not certainties.
Viewpoint: Why We Created Charter Schools in Ohio
By Sally Perz, posted June 20, 2005
Because of the natural turnover that is an inherent feature of our term-limited legislature, it is important to remind today's legislators why charter schools were created in 1998. Back then many of us in the legislature were convinced that somewhere along the way, Ohio's education system had...
Viewpoint: Energy Caps Would Also Cap Ohio's Economic Growth
By David Hansen, posted June 14, 2005
Returning Ohio to growth and prosperity will become even more difficult to accomplish if three US Senators were to have their way. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ.), Joe Lieberman (D-CT.) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) are sponsoring an amendment to the energy bill under debate in the United States...
Viewpoint: School Vouchers Are More Beneficial Than You May Think
Among the most often repeated charges against expanding the school voucher program in Ohio is that it will siphon already scarce funds away from those government-run school districts that need the money the most. If a school district is failing to produce adequate academic achievement levels...
Viewpoint: Taking Away the Last Chance for High School Dropouts
By Matthew Carr, posted June 7, 2005
During the Ohio Senate's deliberation of the proposed biennial budget bill much has been made of the need to place caps on charter schools in order to 'ensure accountability.' Caps have been proposed on both the total number of charter schools allowed in the state, and on the number of...
Viewpoint: The Real Story Behind the Charter School Cap
In the debate over charter schools, our legislators seem to have forgotten some of the most fundamental principles of our free market economy and deny the power and efficiency of markets and competition. A proposal to place a cap on the number of charter schools that can be opened by any...
Viewpoint: Choice and Accountability in Education
By Matthew Carr, posted May 24, 2005
Critics of Ohio’s proposed school voucher expansion plan claim that these schools are not held accountable for the public funds they receive. In fact, private schools that accept education vouchers must pass rigorous requirements set forth by the state of Ohio in order to receive public tax dollars.
Viewpoint: Thoughts on Ohio's Climb to the Top
By David Hansen, posted May 11, 2005
Once a low tax state, Ohio now has one of the highest tax burdens in the country. Unfortunately, the view from the top leaves much to be desired. It is just one reason for a TEL – a Tax and Expenditure Limitation amendment -- for Ohio.
Viewpoint: Government Greens in the Red
By David J. Owsiany, posted April 29, 2005
With state and local governments struggling to raise revenue and cut expenditures in order to keep out of the red, it is fiscally irresponsible for them to remain in the golf course business.
Viewpoint: Charter Schools Are NOT the Enemy
By Matthew Carr, posted April 26, 2005
Matthew Carr shows how charter schools are a bargin for Ohio taxpayers even as pressure applied by teacher unions and government school administrators mounts on legislators to limit or even cut the numbers of charters.
Viewpoint: Ohio Medicaid drug reforms are shortsighted
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted March 15, 2005
The Ohio Commission to Reform Medicaid recently released its recommendations on improving Ohio’s health plan for the poor, and these recommendations are now impacting legislation. The good news is that the Commission did develop many outstanding recommendations for improving the quality of care for...
Viewpoint: Medicaid Nursing Home Cure as Bad as the Disease
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted March 1, 2005
Quality nursing home care is currently undermined by Ohio’s payment system. Policymakers should address the problem by shifting the system toward market-based incentives.
Viewpoint: It's Time to Constitutionally Limit Ohio Government Spending
By Robert A. Lawson and Russell S. Sobel, posted January 20, 2005
Given Ohio’s transition from a low tax, high growth state to a high tax, low growth state, taxpayers should consider forcing the state legislature restrict the growth of taxation and spending.
Single-payer is bad medicine for Ohio
By Matt Hisrich, posted September 28, 2004
Are Ohioans ready for socialized medicine? Joining a ballot initiative already in the works, House and Senate Democrats recently introduced proposals to do just that. [1] There's only one problem, though. Such plans will wreak havoc on Ohio's already fragile economy and undermine the quality of the state's health care.
Outsourcing: Its Effects on Ohio
By Joseph Zoric, posted September 13, 2004
In the current political climate, the subject of "outsourcing" of American jobs overseas is a controversial issue. Indeed, there are currently anti-outsourcing bills being considered in 23 states, including Ohio, as well as measures proposed at the federal level. Concerned politicians...
Getting the Job Done with a TEL
Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell recently announced his support of a constitutional amendment to limit taxing and spending. The proposal, called a Tax and Expenditure Limitation, or TEL, involves reining in the state legislature that seems unwilling, or unable, to maintain a grip on the state budget. However, those unfamiliar with TELs may be uncomfortable voting to restrict legislative authority through a statewide ballot. A quick overview of this tool, though, reveals just how beneficial a TEL could prove for Ohioans.
The Legislature Should Ignore the Court
By David Owsiany and David Mayer, posted October 1, 2001
The Ohio Supreme Court's recent decision mandating the General Assembly increase school funding has refocused attention on the role of the judiciary in our society. It is the latest in a line of recent cases where Ohio's highest court has moved from the...
Reform, Don’t Expand, Medicaid
By Marc Kilmer, posted December 31, 1969
Because of this year’s decrease in Medicaid spending, some policy makers are calling for an expansion of the health program. This is short sighted. The decrease is small and will not last. Incoming policymakers should use the decrease as breathing room to enact true Medicaid reform.
Documents
Changing Views of the Estate Tax: Implications for Legislative Options
The Impact of Federal Spending on Ohio
Federal government spending comes with costs; it should not be accepted as the free-lunch it is frequently considered to be. Every dollar the government spends must first be removed from the pocket of the private sector - through higher taxes today, or higher borrowing today implying higher...
Ohio Future Leaders Internship Program
Our Summer 2009 InternsSpring, Summer, and Fall SessionsThe Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions is looking for talented undergraduate or graduate students in the Ohio area for our Ohio Future Leaders Internship Program. Dates for the program are as follows:Spring: January - May, 2009...
Ohio State University Highly Paid Employees
By CTAG, posted January 5, 2009
Ohio State University Highly Compensated Medical Staff
By CTAG, posted January 5, 2009
Ohio State University Highly Compensated Administrative Staff
By CTAG, posted January 5, 2009
Ohio State University Highly Compensated Sports Staff
By CTAG, posted January 5, 2009
Ohio State University Highly Compensated Professors
By CTAG, posted January 5, 2009
Statewide Economic Impacts of Repealing Ohio Personal Income Tax
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted December 10, 2008
H.B. 534 is premised on a bold thesis: Repeal of Ohio's personal income tax will create a competitive economic environment that will foster economic growth, job creation, and even tax revenues. Income tax repeal may seem like a radical step. In fact, solid academic research supports considering it as a viable approach to tax reform, particularly for a state facing anemic economic growth.
School Teacher and Administrator Database (Beta version)
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted November 1, 2008
School Teacher and Administrator Salary Database
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted November 1, 2008
District Salary Report by Name and Building
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted November 1, 2008
Name Report of Teacher and Administrator Salaries
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted November 1, 2008
District Report of Teacher and Administrator Salaries
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted November 1, 2008
Signers of the Pledge for Transparency and Openness
By CTAG, posted October 31, 2008
By Michael J. Maurer, Director, posted October 1, 2008
By Michael J. Maurer, Director, posted September 25, 2008
By Michael J. Maurer, Director, posted September 25, 2008
By Michael J. Maurer, Director, posted September 24, 2008
How Fast Does Ohio's State Government Spend Your Money?
By David Hansen, posted July 1, 2008
The Spend-O-Meter calculates the amount spent since the start of Ohio's 2009 fiscal year budget at 12:00 midnight on July 1, 2008. The Ohio Spend-O-Meter is based on the $58,999,770,294 authorized for appropriation in FY-2009, which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
The Wall Street Journal: Texas v. Ohio
As Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton race around Ohio and Texas for tomorrow's primaries, they are telling a tale of economic woe. Yet the real story isn't how similar the two states are economically but how different. Texas has been prospering while Ohio lags, and the reasons are instructive about what works and what doesn't in economic policy.
This resource page provides a comprehensive summary of education funding research produced by Buckeye Institute scholars over the years. It also features a news feed to pertinent education funding articles in the Ohio media, and quick links to the Ohio Revised Code on education.
Testimony: Urban Homestead Zones May Help Revitalize City Centers
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted April 26, 2007
Urban Homestead Zones are intended to help revitalize Ohio’s inner cities. The zones would be voluntarily created by property owners in Ohio’s largest cities (the “Big 8”—Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown) and cover between 10 and 150 acres. This proposal reflects a fresh approach urban revitalization and has the potential to give new, important tools to citizens and public officials in our traditional central cities.
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted December 1, 2006
This resource page provides a comprehensive summary of gambling economics research, including an article and slide show by the Buckeye Institute analyzing Issue 3, the "Learn and Earn" amendment. This page also features a 1996 study by William Thompson of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas that the Buckeye Institute has republished.
Buckeye Institute Electronic Media Vault
Follow along with electronic media coverage of the Buckeye Institute
This resource page provides an extensive list of research that has been done on various proposals to raise the minimum wage, including one recent study done specifically on the current Ohio proposal. Voters should be clear on the potential impact that this proposal could have on Ohio. This resource page provides information to help inform their decision.
The Next Step for Ohio's High School Graduates
Unfortunately, the number of institutions for higher learning expressly devoted to the cause of pursuing, defending, and advancing truth and freedom, as well as to preserving the rich heritage of the Western tradition, is slight. To help guide Ohio’s critically thinking young adults in their college searches, The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions lists a handful of the region’s best liberal arts colleges.
A Citizen's Perspective on the TEL
A schedule of speaking engagement by Buckeye President David Hansen on the Tax and Expenditure Limitations Amendment
Cleveland State University Symposium on TEL's
By David Hansen, posted April 13, 2006
TELS: Should Ohio Limit Tax Expenditures? Monday, April 17, 20064:00-6:00 p.m.Cleveland State University Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban AffairsGlickman-Miller Hall, Atrium1717 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 Join us for a discussion of the revenue/expenditure limitation...
Testimony: Urban Homestead Zones May Help Revitalize City Centers
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted February 2, 2006
The concept of an Urban Homestead Zone reflects a shift in thinking about public policy’s role in revitalizing inner-city neighborhoods. Rather than use a more traditional approach emphasizing large-scale projects like sports stadia, citywide administered community programs, more visible marketing, or simply transferring more resources to existing city governments, the Urban Homestead Zone focuses directly on the needs, aspirations and expectations of citizens and residents.
State Employee Payroll Database
By Center for Transparent and Accountable Government, posted January 1, 2006
Payroll database from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, provided in June 2008.
By CTAG, posted January 1, 2006
2001 to 2008
By CTAG, posted January 1, 2006
2001 to 2008
By CTAG, posted January 1, 2006
By CTAG, posted January 1, 2006
Teacher and Administrator Salary Database Name Search
By CTAG, posted January 1, 2006
School Teacher and Administrator Database Name Report
Ohio Stimulus Projects - Round 1
Pie Chart - Ohio Stimulus Project Requests by Type
By CTAG, posted January 1, 2006
Comparing Impact of CAP and TEL on Ohio Taxes and Spending
By David Hansen, posted November 14, 2005
COLUMBUS, Ohio. --- The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions has produced this analysis comparing the impact of the CAP proposal as described in the media last week and the TEL proposal on the ballot in November 2006. Between 1995 and 2005 the CAP proposal would have...
By David Hansen, posted November 13, 2005
By David Hansen, posted October 27, 2005
Success in the new global economy demands that Ohioans perform in their jobs more efficiently and with greater flexibility. "With increased productivity," as the economists put it. It follows that Ohioans should expect the same from their public sector servants. As individuals and...
Update on Education Policy from the Buckeye Institute, Summer 2005
By David Hansen, posted August 30, 2005
Over the past ten years the Buckeye Institute has offered to Ohio's policymakers and the public a compelling vision of how children, parents and all Ohioans would benefit from school choice. Our vision continues to win wider acceptance and important gains in choice-based reforms are being made. Legislation significantly expanding the state's voucher scholarship program was signed last month by Governor Taft. Beginning with the 2006 school year, over 19,000 families in Ohio will have a real chance to escape their failing government-run schools using voucher scholarships.
Vote reform helps stall Ohio spending cap
By Toledo Blade, posted August 11, 2005
Vote reform helps stall Ohio spending cap Democrats call delay to 2006 a political ploy By JIM PROVANCEBLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU August 10, 2005COLUMBUS - The lines have been drawn for a battle in courtrooms and at the ballot box this fall with the control of Ohio government potentially at...
Rope-a-Dope: How the Ohio Education Association Bargains When Money Is Scarce
By Mike Antonucci, posted August 2, 2005
To hear the Ohio Education Association (OEA) tell it, these are the worst of times for public education in the state. Ohio may be 18th in the nation in per-pupil spending, with an estimated 4.67 percent increase in spending for 2004-05 despite a decrease in enrollment from the previous year,...
A Cure for Bad Tax Policy in the Buckeye State
By Wall Street Journal, posted July 26, 2005
A Cure for Bad Tax Policy in the Buckeye State By KENNETH BLACKWELL and ARTHUR B. LAFFER July 21, 2005; Page A11 COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In 1970, Ohio had one of the lowest tax burdens in the Union -- it now has one of the highest. As of 2005, the state's tax burden, as estimated by...
Text of Ohio's Taxpayer Bill of Rights Amendment
By David Hansen, posted July 26, 2005
Click below for the text of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Amendment now in petition circulation through out Ohio.
Gongwer Report of July 25, 2005
By Gongwer Legislative News Service, posted July 25, 2005
By David Hansen, posted July 21, 2005
Policymakers are right to worry about holding schools accountable. One of the biggest advantages of school choice is that it increases accountability in education. Our Issues in Brief document shows how voucher programs are held accountable in selected states in the U.S.
Taxpayer Bill of Rights Resource Page
By David Hansen, posted July 20, 2005
How can Ohio's citizens control state spending that's run amok with pet projects, political pay-offs and misplaced priorities? How can our taxpayers escape the grips of a political system that values Ohio's workers and businesses only as the source of a stream of tax receipts feeding the government spending machine? The Buckeye Institute's proposal for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights is the ideal solution to Ohio's tax-and-spend problems. Learn more about about a Taxpayer Bill of Rights here at our resource page.
Why Economic Development Efforts Often Fail
By James Stotter, posted July 13, 2005
Although economic development is a natural by-product of profitable business, politicians use it as a platform for re-election. This short-term thinking produces politically-driven business incentives that appear helpful at a glance, when in fact such interference often stunts economic growth and development.
Public school teachers send kids to private schools more than the general public
Public-school teachers are more likely to use private schools than the average Ohio family. [1] 15.2 percent of Ohio's public-school teachers sent at least one child to private schools according to census data. [2] In contrast, 14.7 percent of Ohio's general population sent...
15% of eligible Cleveland public school children apply for vouchers
School vouchers are popular with families, based on initial demand for the scholarships in Cleveland. A total of 6,277 children initially applied to participate in the pilot school voucher program, [1] scheduled to begin in Cleveland this Fall for students in grades K-3. About two-thirds of the...
Gongwer Report of June 24, 2005
By Gongwer Legislative News Service, posted June 27, 2005
INITIATIVE UPDATE: STATE SPENDING LIMIT, ELECTION REFORM BACKERS REPORT GOOD PROGRESS TOWARD FALL ISSUES; OTHER GROUPS SEE MIXED RESULTS Citizens for Tax Reform, a group led by Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell seeking a constitutional amendment to limit state spending,...
Telecom reform progress at long last
The Legislature recently passed legislation that begins the process of transitioning the PUCO's role from an outdated model of "monopoly czar" to that of overseeing competitive forces already at work. As a result, the agency will be able to more effectively deliver positive results for consumers and the economy as a whole.
State government spending exceeds personal income growth
State government spending is increasing faster than Ohioans' income, according to data from Ohio's Office of Budget and Management. The State spend $15.8 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 1996 which ended June 30th. [1] This represents a 5.9 percent increase over last year's expenses of $15...
Budget surplus and rainy day fund exceed $1.6 billion
The State of Ohio ended its fiscal year with a larger than expected surplus in June. Overall, $781 million was left over in the State's General Revenue Fund, [1] the part of the budget lawmakers control. [2] This is in addition to the $828 million in the State's rainy day fund from...
It is never a good sign when politicians claim that they have found a cheaper and better way to do something than the private sector. The end result usually involves a large amount of taxpayer dollars being spent, and yet another monument to the failures of central planning. So, when word of a...
By Wall Street Journal, posted May 12, 2005
By David Hansen, posted May 11, 2005
Follow the PDF link for the 2005 Ohio Tax Burden Ladder Chart
Testimony of Buckeye Institute President David Hansen on HB 1
By David Hansen, posted March 17, 2005
The House Ways and Means Committee was hearing the tax changes proposed by Governor Taft in his budget. The basic structure of the changes, including the creation of a new commercial activity tax to pay for the elimination of the tangible personal property and the corporate franchise taxes, was approved by the House. As of this posting, the proposal has been added to House Bill 66, the proposed biennial budget and awaits action by the state Senate. This is testimony by Buckeye Institute President David Hansen critiquing the plan. In particular, the Buckeye Institute regards the assumption that business tax refom must be 'revene neutral' as flawed.
Mergers aren't a threat to the nation's telecom service
Recent news headlines underscore the radical changes taking place in telecommunications. SBC is acquiring AT&T, Verizon is merging with MCI, and Sprint and Nextel are combining. While some fear that such consolidation spells trouble for consumers, the likely result will be...
Testimony of Buckeye Institute Scholar Samuel R. Staley on School Choice
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted March 15, 2005
Written testimony provided to the Ohio House Education Committee, Alternative Education Subcommittee by Samuel R. Staley. The subject of the testimony is the importance of school choice and educational alternatives for furthering school reform in Ohio.
Regulators must keep pace with change
The pace of technological change is moving so fast that it can be a daunting task to keep up with. Just think for a moment about how e-mail, instant messaging, and cell phones have impacted the way we communicate with one another in just a matter of a few years: - ...
Central Ohio Lot Sizes Declining
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted December 13, 2004
A recent study from The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., made headlines with claims that local governments can't afford to fund public services for new growth. The bill for Central Ohio alone would amount to $17 billion over the next 30 years, the study claimed, if half of all new homes will be built on lots of one acre or more. Yet, the vast majority of homes are built on lots less than one acre, and this trend is unlikely to change.
One-way Conversions a Bad Move for Columbus
By Randal O, posted September 27, 2004
Columbus planners who want to turn one-way streets such as Front, Gay, State, Rich and Main into two-way operation claim this will create a pedestrian-friendly environment that will be good for local businesses. In fact, numerous studies show that two-way streets are more dangerous for both pedestrians and automobiles and that the congestion of two-way operation is harmful to retailers.
Ohio's Dependence on Foreign Trade
By Joseph Zoric, posted September 13, 2004
Walk through any large department store in Ohio and you'll find goods produced from around the world. The shelves of our stores are full of goods shipped from Mexico, Canada, Japan, China, Malaysia, Italy and numerous other countries. It seems that everything we buy is produced somewhere other than...
By Joseph Zoric, posted September 13, 2004
Since its creation in 1993, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been widely criticized by politicians and labor leaders as harmful to the U.S. economy in general and to manufacturing and farm labor in particular. The most famous pronouncement came from presidential candidate...
Why Ohio Needs a TEL Amendment
By Gene Fox, posted September 8, 2004
The Ohio secretary of state's recent appeal for a state constitutional amendment to restrict state government spending supports results of a statewide survey among registered voters commissioned earlier this year by The Buckeye Institute: Ohioans Support Spending Limits.
Ohio Medicaid Should Follow Russian Path
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted September 7, 2004
To solve the Medicaid crisis facing Ohio, Gov. Bob Taft and the state legislature established the Ohio Commission to Reform Medicaid (OCRM). It consists of nine distinguished Ohioans who are donating their time and skills to resolve the enormous problems facing the Ohio Medicaid Plan.
Support exists for proposal to cut taxes, spending
By Gene Fox, posted August 30, 2004
The Ohio secretary of state's recent appeal for a state constitutional amendment to restrict state government spending supports results of a statewide survey among registered voters commissioned earlier this year by The Buckeye Institute: Ohioans Support Spending Limits
Getting the Job Done with a TEL
Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell recently announced his support of a constitutional amendment to limit taxing and spending. The proposal, called a Tax and Expenditure Limitation, or TEL, involves reining in legislators and public officials who seem unwilling, or unable, to maintain a grip on the state budget. However, those unfamiliar with TELs may be uncomfortable voting to restrict legislative authority through a statewide ballot. A quick overview of this tool, though, reveals just how beneficial a TEL could prove for Ohioans.
Kicking Asphalt on Ohio's Turnpike
Word on the street is that Gov. Bob Taft is looking for ways to keep big rigs on the turnpike and off of two-lane highways. Apparently, many Ohio residents - particularly those up north - are fed up with their local roads becoming freight corridors and the Ohio Department of Transportation isn't pleased about a growing maintenance bill. Taft's proposal to bring the truckers back where they belong is an increase in speed limits and a decrease in toll rates. [1] While this might do the trick in the short term, the current controversy might present the perfect opportunity to engage in some creative thinking about the role of Ohio's Turnpike in the state's transportation system.
Encouraging City Residency Through School Choice
By Joshua C. Hall, posted July 29, 2004
In this memorandum to Ohio Rep. Larry Wolpert and members of the House Committee on Growth and Land Use, Joshua Hall writes that the poor quality of the public schools in Ohio's major cities has been a contributing factor to the exodus of hundreds of thousands of residents away from Ohio's cities during the last few decades. The key to stopping the outflow of families with kids from Ohio's cities is improving the quality of the schools
Why Don't Teachers Get Paid Like Doctors?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 21, 2004
That was a question Chris Matthews once posed to William Bennett on Matthews' program "Hardball." It's a question often posed by teachers themselves, and their unions. Bennett replied that teachers don't reach that level because their unions object to merit pay, or to some teachers earning more than others with equivalent experience and credits. That is part of the story. But teachers didn't receive equivalent pay with doctors before there were effective teacher unions nor will they should unions disappear.
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 21, 2004
In early 1998, Pennsylvania's Southeast Delco School District adopted a local student grant program to begin with the next school year. It would have provided $250 for each kindergarten student, $500 for students in grades 1-8, and $1,000 for each 9-12 high school student to attend a school of his or her choice, public or private. A coalition of opponents promptly asked the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas to stop the program. Six months later Judge Joseph Battle ruled against the program saying, "A common sense reading of the public school code results in a finding that there is not any express authority granted. for the board's action.
Teacher Unions Continue Attack on Charter Schools
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 4, 2004
Washington State recently became the 41st state to establish a charter school law. It provides for 45 charter schools over a six year period, with the majority to serve disadvantaged students. Despite this emphasis on students most in need, the 78,000-member Washington Education Association has announced it will launch a drive to attempt obtaining the necessary 98.867 signatures of registered voters by June 9 to place an initiative on the fall ballot to overturn the law before it even gets a fair trial.
A single word can strike fear into the hearts of those on the receiving end of special government protections: competition. For most businesses, competition is part of doing business, a factor that keeps downward pressure on prices and forces companies to consider the consumer's reaction to every business decision. Not so if you are a wine wholesaler in Ohio. Ohio wholesalers benefit from trade restrictions that result in fewer choices and higher prices for Ohio wine consumers.
School Violence. Why? And What to Do?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted July 4, 2004
School violence, while declining, is still a too-common occurrence. Further, the highly publicized incidents are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The obvious question that continues to arise is why does it happen?
Why Don't Teachers Get Paid Like Doctors?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 21, 2004
That was a question Chris Matthews once posed to William Bennett on Matthews' program "Hardball." It's a question often posed by teachers themselves, and their unions. Bennett replied that teachers don't reach that level because their unions object to merit pay, or to some teachers earning more...
Teacher Unions Continue Attack on Charter Schools
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 4, 2004
Washington State recently became the 41st state to establish a charter school law. It provides for 45 charter schools over a six year period, with the majority to serve disadvantaged students. Despite this emphasis on students most in need, the 78,000-member Washington Education Association has...
School Violence. Why? And What to Do?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 4, 2004
School violence, while declining, is still a too-common occurrence. Further, the highly publicized incidents are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The obvious question that continues to arise is why does it happen? One standard response is that violent students come from dysfunctional...
Spring and baseball are a much better combination than spring and taxes. Thanks to politicians we have both. Worse, many politicians seem to think that baseball and taxes are an even better combo. Whether the taxes are to support locally owned teams or over-the-top stadiums, people are becoming all-too-familiar with attempts by public officials and civic boosters to pull the wool over their eyes with such bum deals.
Community Schools - Trying to Fix What's Not Broken
By Nathan Dolezal and Matthew Hisrich, posted May 21, 2004
Legislators often feel compelled to address a perceived public crisis, regardless of whether there is a need for political intervention. With all of the recent media attention surrounding community schools in Ohio, it is not surprising that legislators are attempting to tackle the issue. Unfortunately, in an effort to “do something,†legislators may actually undermine their own cause — namely, improving education and assuring that tax dollars are well spent.
Community Schools -- Trying to Fix What's Not Broken
By Nathan Dolezal and Matthew Hisrich, posted May 21, 2004
Legislators often feel compelled to address a perceived public crisis, regardless of whether there is a need for political intervention. With all of the recent media attention surrounding community schools in Ohio, it is not surprising that legislators are attempting to tackle the issue....
Many Teachers Favor Charter Schools Although Their Unions Don't
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 20, 2004
Charter schools commonly have waiting lists of student applicants. Generally overlooked is the often larger supply of potential teachers. Teachers have started many such schools, including the first one, City Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. Established in 1992 by two of St. Paul's union member teachers, it is still operating. Teachers also flock to those started by others. This is true from Arizona, where a school had 200 qualified applicants for ten teaching jobs, to Massachusetts where 500 applied for 7 positions. A school with more than 70 applicants for each position has a distinct advantage in selecting superior teachers.
Taking a Good Idea One Step Further
Ohio Turnpike officials recently announced plans to let private developers to build travel centers at both ends of the toll road. The decision is in part an effort to stem the loss of the Turnpike's target demographic: truckers. But as these big spenders of the road take their traffic to other routes, it is worth asking whether a new truck stop or two will be enough to turn the tide. Following years of scandal and declining revenues, it is time that Ohio policymakers begin to address some of the fundamental issues standing in the way of the road's success.
Tuition Vouchers. An Old Story
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 7, 2004
What do Adam Smith, Tom Paine, Thomas Jefferson, John Stuart Mill, Margaret Mead, Milton Friedman, the 1976 California Supreme Court, former U.S. Secretaries of Education Lamar Alexander and William Bennett, U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein, Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, former U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a majority of the American public (according to many public opinion polls) and numerous other nations have in common?
Small Town Government, Big City Services
Suburban governments surrounding Cleveland are holding discussions regarding the possibility of combining basic services such as fire protection. The reason? Not only might it allow these communities as a group to provide expensive equipment that would be too costly to afford on their own, they will likely end up saving money in the process. Judging by the possibilities for regional cooperation in the Cleveland area, it may well be worth exploring in others around Ohio.
Ohio Fills Budget Holes With Tobacco Funds
Following a major lawsuit against tobacco companies in the 1990s, 46 states agreed on a settlement that would result in annual payments meant to offset the burden tobacco use placed on the health care system. While there are no restrictions on how the funds can be used, the assumption was that since the states had sued to recover health care costs, the settlement money would be allocated to mitigate such expenses in the future.
Unions Ignore Industry Changes At Their Own Peril
By Robert Lawson and Matthew Hisrich, posted April 29, 2004
They say that those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it. Right now, the U.S. telecommunications industry is undergoing dramatic technological and regulatory upheaval. As the streets of Columbus fill with angry union protestors and retirees for SBC's annual meeting this week, it is difficult not to draw comparisons with other domestic industries that have faced similar difficulties. Some have done well while others have floundered.
Googling the 'Net for School Information
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted April 29, 2004
Google searches some five billion websites. Results are frequently so voluminous that one can hardly avoid coming across references on almost any topic. This includes schooling or education (contrary to common usage the two terms are not synonymous or interchangeable) and individual topics such homeschooling, public schools or educational alternatives such as vouchers or charter schools.
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted April 29, 2004
Ohio is one of only thirteen states that levies an estate or inheritance tax of its own. The remaining 37 states "piggy back" on the federal estate tax by taxing only up to the amount of the federal estate tax's "state death tax credit." In these states, the estate tax is essentially free to the taxpayer since it merely moves some of the federal estate tax liability to the state level while leaving the total estate tax bill unchanged.
Eminent Domain a Tool of Last Resort - Not a first option for development
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted April 26, 2004
Should a simple majority vote determine whether you should enjoy the privileges of free speech, the right to vote, or practice religion? The idea would repulse most Americans. Our Constitution enshrines these rights as core values in our American democracy. Yet, a similar question about core principles is unfolding in a Hamilton County courtroom as the city of Norwood defends its right to forcibly take the property of some of its residents and give it to another private party.
Merit Selection Isn't the Answer to Ensuring a Better High Court
By David J. Owsiany, posted April 26, 2004
Big money is being poured into the campaign coffers of the candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court. Two candidates in a contested race for an open seat on the court spent a record total of $670,000 in last month's Democratic primary. Republican candidates, two of whom are incumbents, are reported to already have raised in excess of $300,000 each for the three contested court seats up for election in November.
The End of Telephone Competition as We Know It
The impossible has happened. Rivals Sage Telecom and SBC recently negotiated a seven-year pact whereby SBC will lease wholesale access to its network at a set price. And they did this without the government telling them they had to-it was a voluntary, mutually advantageous act.
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted April 14, 2004
One of the more recent, and successful, options to implement school choice is the use of universal Tuition Tax Credits. The idea of direct tuition tax credits, whereby parents receive a tax credit for tuition they pay, has been around for years but proved difficult to implement because of inherent...
Why Ohioans Should Care About Stock Options
The news hasn't been good for Ohio businesses lately. While it is true that high taxes have stood in the way of this state's economic growth for decades, in recent years the share of Ohio's taxes paid by businesses has increased. [1] In 2003, the Small Business Survival Committee ranked Ohio just...
Small Schools Achieve Better Results
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted March 25, 2004
Few aspects of schooling have been more thoroughly studied than the impact of school size. Studies are virtually unanimous in concluding smaller schools are better than large ones. Among other things, attendance, achievement, participation in extracurricular activities and graduation rates...
Across the country, the 43 million Americans without health care insurance coverage are becoming a hot-button political issue. While a portion of this group has been shown to include many who opt against coverage despite having the means to acquire it, there nonetheless remain those who simply have...
High Tech Science Occupations in Ohio, 2001
By Robert Premus, Ph.D., posted March 24, 2004
Studies have documented a positive link between high technology activities and regional economic growth. These studies also point out the need for a knowledge infrastructure such as an ample supply of computer specialists, engineers and scientists to support high technology growth. Also...
High Tech Engineering Occupations in Ohio, 2001
By Robert Premus, Ph.D., posted March 24, 2004
Studies have documented a positive link between high technology activities and regional economic growth. These studies also point out the need for a knowledge infrastructure such as an ample supply of computer specialists, engineers and scientists to support high technology growth. Also...
Ohio's Approaching Fiscal Storm
When the news hit, no one was really surprised. Ohio's 85 and older population is rising, while its 15-44 age bracket heads for greener pastures elsewhere. [1] But while the census numbers made for one-day headlines, the implications for Ohio's future received scant attention. Taking a step...
Education Rhetoric: The Intemperate Pot, and the Hypocritical Kettle
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted March 5, 2004
U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, while recently addressing some of the nation's governors, referred to the National Education Association (NEA) as "a terrorist organization." Even Democratic governors present said he was attempting a joke and he promptly apologized. Nonetheless...
Job Creation Through Tax Reform
By Nathan Dolezal, posted March 5, 2004
In his most recent State of the State Address, Governor Bob Taft said that one of the most "profound issues facing Ohio" is "to transform Ohio's economy to create more high paying jobs." [] The Buckeye Institute study Tax Reform for Ohio's New Millennium contains three possible plans to promote...
Double Standards in School Practices
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted February 27, 2004
What is termed a level playing field in education is, like beauty, in the eyes of the beholder. Consider a few examples. Public educators regularly complain about regulations, for which they the usually the source. Yet rather than reduce or eliminate them their idea of a level playing field is to...
Medicaid Managed Care: Learning from Ohio's Past, Looking Towards Ohio's Future
As a new year begins, budget issues have been largely resolved in the short term, but will inevitably continue to loom large in Ohio and across the country in coming years. Down the road, policymakers will face some tough decisions about cuts and taxes. Along with education, one of the biggest...
Frequently Asked Questions About Dietetics Regulation
By Casey Burnett, posted February 27, 2004
1. To what extent is the unregulated practice of dietetics harmful to consumers? It's not clear that the unregulated practice of dietetics is harmful to consumers in a systematic way. For example, a 1999 West Virginia preliminary performance review of the board of licensed dieticians found that...
Is Medicaid Really a Health Care Program for the Poor?
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted February 27, 2004
Medicaid is touted to be the Federal-State program to provide health care to the poor. But is this really true? In the State of Ohio Medicaid reported in 2001 a total of 1,676,157 individuals as receiving benefits from the program according to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. At...
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted February 25, 2004
What Should State Policymakers do? 86% of Ohioans believe lawmakers should focus on spending restraint rather than increasing taxes to address future budget deficits; 79% of Ohioans would support a proposal to limit state spending to the inflation rate; 60% of Ohioans would support reforms...
Does Government Funding Equal Government Control?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted February 20, 2004
One argument against public funding of school choice is that "who pays the piper calls the tune." Admittedly this is theoretically possible, as is the argument that all students might want to attend the same school. A possibility, however, is not necessarily reality, as higher education...
Fill Those Parking Lots With Buildings
By William S. Peirce, posted February 20, 2004
A front-page story in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on January 11, 2004 gives an excellent description of a serious problem: the reluctance of owners of prime downtown land to convert parking lots into the high rise apartments that Cleveland needs if it is to develop a vibrant downtown. Unfortunately,...
Ohio Policymakers Can Pursue Telecommunications Reform
The basic premise behind Governor Taft's $1.6 billion Third Frontier is to attract and reward those companies that are on the cutting edge. The hope is that this will build a strong job base for Ohioans while at the same time bringing the state's economy into the future through technological...
Charter Schools: Missed Opportunity for School Boards?
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted February 13, 2004
A dozen years ago there wasn't a charter school in the United States. Today there are more than 2,700, enrolling over 700,000 students. Only ten states do not have a charter school law. Clearly an unstoppable movement is underway. Despite this, most school boards oppose such schools. With some...
By Douglas L. Oliver, posted February 13, 2004
Did you make any Internet or catalog purchases last year? Did you vacation or shop in a state with different sales tax laws than Ohio, such as New Hampshire (no sales tax) or Pennsylvania (no sales tax on clothes)? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you need to take care when...
The Economics and Ethics of Publicly Funding COSI
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted February 13, 2004
COSI is considering asking for a property tax levy in Franklin County to help finance its operations. In exchange, Franklin County residents would be able to visit COSI for free. The economic case for funding COSI collectively through taxes is very weak and voters should think twice before...
Dietician Licensure Protects Dieticians and Not the Public
By Pamela A. Popper, posted February 13, 2004
In 1987, the Ohio legislature passed a law creating the Ohio Board of Dietetics. As has been the case in almost every state where dietitian licensure has been proposed to the legislature, the impetus for the law was not public demand, but dietitians wanting a board, licensure, title protection, and...
Ohio Businesses Bear The Majority of Recent Tax Increases
As Ohio policymakers try to stem the tide of job losses and turn the state's economy around the detrimental impact of high taxes should be considered. A recent study performed by Ernst and Young for The Council on State Taxation shows exactly how tax increases over the past three years break...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted January 30, 2004
No complaint is voiced more often by the public school establishment than the need for more money. No matter how much is available it is never enough. Yet they never say how much is enough, or which of the 14,000+ school districts in the nation have enough. In the three budget years under the...
School Choice Is A Right, No Bashing Necessary
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted January 30, 2004
Few institutions are as sensitive to criticism, however soundly based, as the media and the public schools. Criticize the former and they cite the First Amendment's protection of a free press, as if that protects them from analysis, while public school defenders complain about "bashing" at any...
Ohio's Economic Freedom Lags Neighboring States
By Nathan Dolezal, posted January 30, 2004
According to the Economic Freedom of North America: 2004 Annual Report, Ohio’s economic freedom ranks near the bottom. In fact, Ohio ranks 40th out of all 50 U.S. states in terms of the impact of restrictions on freedom by state and local governments. Economic Freedom Index The Economic...
Technology Has The Power To Streamline Government
Like stockholders in a corporation, taxpayers expect accountability and efficiency from the government agencies they support. Indeed, often it is simply assumed that officials are using scarce resources to their best ends. But is this always the case? As the state and local governments of Ohio...
Revitalizing An Old City: A Better Way
By William S. Peirce, posted January 30, 2004
The voters narrowly defeated the plan of Lakewood officials to take homes from their owners in order to sell them to politically favored developers. The episode attracted attention because of the political, legal, and constitutional issues, but the economic issues are also important. Replacing $20...
Infrastructure Socialism in Telecom
Competition is as American as apple pie. Everyday, companies battle to capture the attention and dollars of consumers. This process often gets muddled, however, when government regulation intrudes. Such is the case with telecommunications. Right now, a battle is...
School Size - Bigger Is Not Better
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted January 14, 2004
Few aspects of education have been more thoroughly researched than school size. Few findings have been more consistent; and few have been more consistently ignored. As far back as 1964, Roger Barker and Paul Gump, in their book, Big School, Small School, summarized hundreds of studies...
High Tech Computer Occupations in Ohio, 2001
By Robert Premus, Ph.D., posted January 13, 2004
High Tech & Regional Growth Studies have documented a positive link between high technology activities and regional economic growth. These studies also point out the need for a knowledge infrastructure such as an ample supply of computer specialists, engineers and scientists to support high...
By Paige Kohn, posted December 20, 2003
The discussion of urban growth is unfortunately characterized by negative images depicting a “blighted landscape of cookie-cutter suburbs, strip malls, and far too many highways.” [1] Environmental groups such as The Sierra Club are often at the forefront of this smear campaign that defines...
Mandatory Licensing of Dieticians
By Casey Burnett, posted December 10, 2003
The Ohio Board of Dietetics (OBD) is responsible for the mandatory licensing and regulating of all Ohio practitioners of dietetics. The mandatory licensing of dietetics has come under scrutiny from some Ohio policymakers who are questioning the necessity of mandatory licensing. In an effort to...
Ohio Capital Gains Cut Move In The Right Direction
By Joshua C. Hall and Robert A. Lawson, posted December 9, 2003
House Bill 258 would, over time, eliminate the taxation of capital gains and would return the Ohio residency test to the pre-1994 level. The Buckeye Institute has a long record of advocating tax reform. There are two main themes running throughout our research and advocacy in this...
Study Shows "Sprawl" Reduces Commuting Time
Common sense suggests that as communities spread outward, residents should expect longer commutes. As Melody Flowers of the Sierra Club states, "What's troubling about this increase in commute time is that it's largely due to poor planning that takes choices away from people. ...
IRS Gives One to the Little Guy in Health Care Reform
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted December 1, 2003
Recently consumers of health care in the U.S. received a boost in their efforts to control costs and increase their choice of medical services from an unlikely source: The Internal Revenue Service. The IRS ruled last summer that employers can claim spending from Health Reimbursement Arrangements,...
By Ralph Frasca, posted December 1, 2003
Economists are fond of the saying, "There’s no such thing as a free lunch." So when we turn on the evening news to hear some politician calling for increases in government spending for daycare for single mothers or free drugs for the elderly or whatever, economists tend to be the first ones...
Book Review - Voucher Wars: Waging the Legal Battle over School Choice
By Danielle Mendola, posted December 1, 2003
Voucher Wars: Waging the Legal Battle over School ChoiceBy Clint BolickCato Institute, 2003, 277 pages. $12.00 paperback Whether one supports or combats educational vouchers, there can be no denying that Clint Bolick stood at the forefront of the controversy. As a legal advocate for the Institute...
Drug Costs Account For Small Part of Nation's Medical Bill
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted November 25, 2003
Health care costs have risen significantly in the last few years. The alleged culprit in these cost increases are large increases in drug prices. Unfortunately, there are two major fallacies in what has become a generally accepted explanation of rising medical bills.[1] The first fallacy is that...
Should Electronic Slot Machines Fill the Budget Gap? -- An Assessment of Ohio Voter Attitudes
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted November 20, 2003
Ohio’s budget crisis has prompted elected officials in Ohio to consider various approaches to tax reform. Unfortunately, these discussions have occurred without a gauge of popular support. This report is the first of two by The Buckeye Institute that assesses Ohio citizen concerns about tax...
By David J. Owsiany, posted November 17, 2003
Imagine you are a company that has been in business for decades and employ hundreds or even thousands of workers. You have never produced or sold any products containing asbestos. Today, you find yourself mired in litigation and on the brink of bankruptcy because you have paid out...
Through grants and volunteers, OhioReads is meant to improve the reading skills of Ohio’s youngest readers as preparation for the fourth grade proficiency test. [1] In report after report, however, little of measurable value is found to arise from the $139 million program. The latest analysis...
Part Time Faculty Need An Education on Unions
By Timothy Terrell, posted November 10, 2003
Two Ohio lawmakers are backing the Ohio Federation of Teachers’ call for the unionization of adjunct faculty and graduate students at Ohio’s public colleges and universities. Senator Eric Fingerhut (D-Cleveland) and Rep. Frederick Strahorn (D-Dayton) are sponsoring bills that would allow a way...
Fiscal and Accountability Impacts of School Finance Reform in Ohio
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted November 7, 2003
Thank you for the opportunity to address school finance issues before the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. As the research director for The Buckeye Institute, I have been following the debate over school funding for several years. I hope the perspective I bring to this issue will...
Medicaid Funding of Nursing Homes in Ohio
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted November 5, 2003
Ohio (and most of the nation’s) Medicaid Plans are in serious financial trouble. The director of Medicaid admits as much in recent testimony and press releases when she states that Medicaid is not sustainable with Ohio’s budget under current laws. There is widespread agreement that the State is...
Bring Automobile Insurance Down by Bringing Auto Choice to Ohio
Recent reports show that Ohio’s auto insurance rates are below average for the nation. [1] While this is certainly good for Ohioans, this news nonetheless masks a larger trend — rising premiums nationwide. The burden of this insurance, especially in a state such as Ohio with mandatory...
Five Development Principles for Ohio Cities
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted October 29, 2003
Local regions in Ohio are faced with 21st-century challenges that fundamentally question both the logic of existing economies and the ways we approach economic development policy. Citizens and local policymakers must take a fresh look at how the economy repositions itself in an information-driven,...
Will the "Third Frontier" Create High Tech Jobs?
The stated purpose of the 10-year, $1.6 billion Third Frontier Project is “to create high-paying jobs for generations of Ohioans through the expansion of Ohio's high-tech research capabilities and promotion of start-up companies.” [1] In practice, this seems to involve handing out...
By Paige Kohn, posted October 27, 2003
Statistics on the civic education of young Ohioans are sobering. For example, only 60.9 percent of Ohio’s fourth graders and 69.9 percent of sixth graders were proficient in citizenship. While Ohio’s ninth and tenth graders met the citizenship standard, the failure of the fourth and sixth graders...
Book Review: Eco-nomics: What Everyone Should Know about Economics and the Environment.
By Casey Burnett, posted October 24, 2003
Eco-nomics: What Everyone Should Know about Economics and the EnvironmentBy Richard L. StroupCato Institute * 2003 * 86 pages * $9.95 For years environmentalist groups have been arguing from their hearts, hoping to convert others to their campaign of environmental protectionism. In recent...
Consolidation Is Not The Answer To More Efficient School Spending
By Paige Kohn, posted October 23, 2003
School consolidation advocates argue that combining several small districts into one larger district provides a simple way to reduce administrative costs and free up dollars for the classroom. For example, during the recent Ohio budget debate one Ohio legislator suggested that “[c]utting...
Government Ownership of Companies is a Very Bad Idea
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted October 23, 2003
Americans may have become accustomed to ever increasing taxes and regulations that control every nook and cranny of our lives, but we are not quite ready to allow the government to own companies outright.[1] And yet, this is precisely the situation that the ongoing Third Frontier program invites...
“But numbers are numbers.” [1] This statement from a recent editorial sums up what is likely the typical reaction to a new study claiming that urban sprawl contributes to obesity among suburbanites. It seems like there has to be more going on, but who can argue with a scientific study...
HOT Lanes: Advancing Ohio's Road System Beyond a 1950's Approach
Often, the simplest solution to a problem is not always the best one. Traffic congestion is a good example of this. If cars are piling up, the simple answer might be to add a lane. Some recent research, however, shows that there may be better tools to manage traffic. One...
A Viable Choice for the High School "Dropout"
By Charles Byrne, posted October 2, 2003
In the 1980’s, a Cleveland State University study concluded that the existence of the Catholic Diocesan schools served as a stabilizing factor for ‘brain drain’ in Cleveland. I am sure that truism was responsible for countless other metropolitan areas where these schools and like dedicated...
Wealthy Fastest Growing Segment of Uninsured Population
It is often assumed that an inability to afford insurance is the primary reason for not possessing any. Recent Census numbers show the uninsured coming from a broad spectrum of incomes. In fact, the greatest increase in the uninsured took place among the wealthiest Americans, while the least wealthy actually experienced a decline.
Eminent Domain Abuse in Lakewood
By Jen Melby, posted September 30, 2003
Seventeen homeowners in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood are fighting to save their homes from the bulldozer. The culprits: their own city politicians. Lakewood officials claim that they need to redevelop the area to shore up the tax base, and they will not take no for an answer....
Increased Prescription Drug Usage Driving Spending Increases
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted September 25, 2003
Spending in the U.S. on prescription drugs has been increasing rapidly. Expenditures increased by nearly 12 percent from 1987 to 1994 and by 12.9 percent from 1994 to 2000. This increase in expenditures is a matter of great concern for consumers, businesses and policymakers and is at the heart of...
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted September 24, 2003
Economic Development and the High Tech Sector Studies have shown that high tech occupations offer higher wages and more long-term job security than other occupations.[1] Getting the results of basic science and other sources of new knowledge into the design, production and distribution of...
Government Budgeting Based On Core Functions
By Bob Williams & Lynn Harsh, posted September 23, 2003
In 2003, Ohio state officials fell prey to traditional budget solutions and raised taxes to address the state’s budget deficit. But there was another way. Conventional thinking says lawmakers must adjust the current budget for inflation, add caseload increases, splice in a few new...
Sprawl and Obesity in Ohio: What's All the Fuss About?
By Wendell Cox, posted September 22, 2003
It has always been difficult to make something out of nothing, but a new report linking America’s growing obesity problem with urban sprawl (suburban living) sets a new record for political spin. The report (Measuring the Health Effects of Sprawl), released by Smart Growth America...
Ohio could alleviate its budget woes by outsourcing
By Joshua C. Hall, posted September 19, 2003
Outsourcing, competitive bidding and privatization, although controversial, well may emerge as keys to bringing the state budget under control. Outsourcing, in particular, is likely to become popular on both sides of the aisle, as elected officials grapple with practical ways to control spending....
Schools-within-school: Shortcut with shortfalls?
By Danielle Mendola and Joshua C. Hall, posted September 19, 2003
Six large, urban high schools were recently awarded grants to implement a schools-within-school (SWS) program. [1] In a matter of years, Ohio has become one of the prime test markets for this rapidly expanding movement. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has already financed $20 million toward...
By Matthew Hisrich and Jen Melby, posted September 16, 2003
Major transit projects such as light rail or bus rapid transit have become popular measures to place on the ballot in cities around the country. Such projects are thought to transform metropolitan areas into “world class cities,” and the benefits of a speedy alternative to driving in traffic...
Creating a Dayton Scholarship Program
By Joshua C. Hall, posted September 3, 2003
The Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program (CSTP) has been in existence for several years. Over that period, legal concerns limited program enrollment and prevented its expansion to other Ohio urban school districts. With the U.S. Supreme Court having affirmed the CSTP in Zelman v....
Marketing Ohio Cities Through School Choice
By Danielle Mendola, posted August 27, 2003
The mayors and council members of Ohio’s largest cities all appear focused on convincing people of the quality of urban life. From Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell’s “Cleveland 500,000+ Partnership” to Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman’s recent property tax abatements, undertaking major initiatives...
Creating an Akron Scholarship Program
By Joshua C. Hall, posted August 26, 2003
The Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program (CSTP) has been in existence for several years. Over that period, legal concerns limited program enrollment and prevented its expansion to other Ohio urban school districts. With the U.S. Supreme Court having affirmed the CSTP in Zelman v....
Regulations Not Needed - Remedies Currently Exist for Protecting Consumers
By C. Michael Piacentino, J.D., posted August 21, 2003
Thank you for the opportunity to address you in support of House Bill 188. I am an attorney in private practice in Marion. I have been a solo practitioner for over 30 years. I served as Assistant Law Director for the City of Marion for 9 years and I was a member of the Governor’s Select...
Reforming Ohio's Tax System for the 21st Century
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted August 18, 2003
With economic and population growth in Ohio lagging behind the nation, it's about time that Ohio take a serious look at its outdated system of taxation. In short, we need a 21st Century tax code for a 21st Century economy. In the cash-oriented 19th Century with primitive accounting...
The Wright Brothers, Patents, and Technological Innovation
By John E. Murray, posted August 13, 2003
We remember the Wright brothers for their skill at invention, but luckily their vision of the aircraft industry did not take off. In December 1903 the Wright Flyer made its fateful flight over the sands of Kitty Hawk. Unsatisfied with their achievement, the Wrights continued to work...
Expanding the Cleveland Voucher Program
By Joshua C. Hall, posted August 12, 2003
The Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program (CSTP) has been in existence for several years. Over that period, legal concerns limited program enrollment and prevented its expansion to other Ohio urban school districts. With the U.S. Supreme Court having affirmed the CSTP in Zelman v....
Discussion of the recent budget passed by Ohio lawmakers has focused on the temporary 20 percent increase in Ohio’s sales tax. The sales tax increase, however, is not the only way that Ohio policymakers are reaching into taxpayers’ pocketbooks. For example, the new budget contains over 150...
Decentralizing Federal Employment: Feasibility and Impact on Ohio Cities
By John P. Blair, Adrian L. Moore, and Geoffrey F. Segal, posted July 26, 2003
Introduction The events of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent War on Terrorism may have prompted a rethinking of the federal government’s role and function. The attack on the Pentagon, in particular, demonstrated the vulnerable nature of many federal jobs and facilities. These events reinforced...
Decentralizing Federal Employment: Feasibility and Impact on Ohio Cities: Q&A
By John P. Blair, Adrian L. Moore, and Geoffrey F. Segal, posted July 26, 2003
1. Why is the federal workforce an issue of concern? The federal government is having a difficult time replacing its human capital. Today, the average federal employee is 45 years old, and more than half the workforce is between 45 and 69 years old. By 2004, nearly one-third of the federal...
Changes in Fees as a Result of H.B. 95
Barbers, boxers, fishermen, funeral directors, hunters and pilots - a comprehensive list of who pays more and just how much they will be paying.
Upgrading U.S. 24 - Downgrading Ohio's High-tech Companies
By Jen Melby and Matthew Hisrich, posted July 19, 2003
Ohio’s high-tech manufacturing industry in Defiance is under attack by the Department of Transportation’s plans to upgrade and re-route U.S. 24 between Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Toledo, Ohio. For years the two-lane state road has been a menace and frustration to drivers. With approximately 40...
Highway Expansion Isn't Pointless
By Jen Melby, posted July 18, 2003
Catch phrases such as, “You can’t pave your way out of traffic congestion” or “Build it and they will come” often arise from the perception that road construction merely attracts more drivers. Previous studies put forth in academic literature present the concept of induced travel and have been...
Government and Occupational Licensure
By Joshua C. Hall, posted July 13, 2003
Occupational licensing, of whatever kind, often represents a conflict between good politics and good economics. Politicians naturally want to enact laws to "protect the public" from unqualified practitioners of various crafts. At my last count, there were over 40 occupations in Ohio with...
Ohio's Medical Liability Crisis
The letter below was mailed to patients of an Ohio obstetrician/gynecologist. In the letter, the doctor explains to his patients about the current “malpractice crisis,” its impact on his practice, and why his only choice is to stop practicing medicine. With the doctor’s permission, The Buckeye...
Maine-style Drug Caps Are A Bad Idea
By Betsy Chapman, posted July 7, 2003
Those involved in health care policy - regardless of political persuasion- want everyone to have access to the best medication. To support this goal, our public policy should nurture the creative source of drug discoveries, the pharmaceutical industry. But this industry is being treated as if it is...
Comparable Worth: Comparable to What?
By Rebecca A. Thacker and Joshua C. Hall, posted July 3, 2003
In 1963, John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law. The Equal Pay Act made it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women employed in the same job with the same characteristics, such as longevity and performance. At the time of its passage, the median woman earned 58...
Price Controls and Overall Drug Spending
By Jen Melby, posted July 2, 2003
Some Ohioans are clamoring for government to help control prescription drug prices. They have formed groups like the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs to promote bureaucratic systems of price controls such as those of Canada. The Canadian system, however, tends to push up overall...
Could Suburbanization Improve Ohio's Air Quality?
By Samuel Staley and Matthew Hisrich, posted July 1, 2003
Automobiles pollute, the anti-sprawl line goes, spewing carbon monoxide and other chemicals into the air and damaging our lungs. Thus, the more we use our cars, the more we pollute the air. Since new low-density cities accommodate the automobile, suburbanization must worsen air quality. A survey of...
Statehouse Leaders Not "Forced" to Raise Ohioans Taxes
State legislators are spinning Ohioans a tale about the need to increase taxes to balance Ohio’s budget. Their story begins by showing that Medicaid and K-12 education are the only two areas of the budget that are growing. Since Medicaid and K-12 education is just too important to cut, they...
A New Model for Special Education
By Jay P. Greene and Greg Forster, posted June 16, 2003
As Ohio’s special education enrollments rise, the state’s schools labor under both the high cost of special education services and the burden of lawsuits brought by dissatisfied parents. No one is happy with the current system and it is time to consider alternatives to how we ensure services for...
Are Ohio's Cities Competitive?
By Jen Melby, posted June 12, 2003
Ohio’s three major cities are failing to effectively compete with the nation’s largest cities or their suburbs. Out of 44 American cities, The Reason Public Policy Institute ranked Columbus 20th, Cleveland 29th, and Cincinnati 30th in terms of efficiency.[1] The study cited poor fiscal policy as a...
Choice and Competition Spur Educational Improvement
By Aengus Barry and Danielle Mendola, posted June 10, 2003
The success or failure of school choice programs is often debated only in terms of the gains made by those receiving vouchers. This should not be the only measure, however, as increasing school choice can increase the academic performance of those who remain in the public system. Economic...
Court Decision Will Harm Health Consumers
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted June 6, 2003
The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of the State of Maine’s plan for a prescription drug plan for low income and uninsured residents allows this flawed program to go forward, at least temporarily. The idea of the State negotiating discounts for this group is appealing on the surface but...
The Hidden Demand for Private Schooling
By Danielle Mendola and Joshua C. Hall, posted June 5, 2003
One area of concern for policymakers when deciding to create or expand voucher programs is how big is the latent demand for private education. After all, policymakers know that parents who use private schools truly want their children enrolled there. Not only do these parents decline free...
Texas and Washington Hold the Line on Taxes
Despite facing challenging budgets and tight economies, state policymakers in both Texas and Washington have reached budget agreements that call for no new general tax increases. In Washington, legislators agreed on a plan that eliminates a $2.6 billion spending gap primarily through the...
States have to spend money to get money. Apparently that’s the message from Washington D.C. The tax cut recently signed into law by President Bush is expected to provide states with a one-time windfall of cash to help assist with budget crises. But, there’s a catch: ...
By Lee Coppock, posted June 1, 2003
As the summer approaches, Ohio motorists are beginning to watch gasoline prices even more closely. Traveling plans rely heavily on gasoline prices, and the complaining has already begun across the country about the possibility of higher prices at the pump this summer. In Hawaii, the state...
By David J. Owsiany, posted June 1, 2003
Ohio’s school-funding system has been tied up in litigation for more than six years, having been reviewed by the Ohio Supreme Court on five different occasions. The school-funding case, known as DeRolph vs. State, is finally over, and appropriately, it went out with a whimper. A majority on the...
School Size: Is Bigger Really Better?
By Danielle Mendola and Joshua C. Hall, posted May 30, 2003
Since the Progressive Era, education reformers have contended that big schools offer the best use of efficiency, specialization, and standardization.[1] This idea has dramatically transformed American education and resulted in several significant trends, including the virtual elimination of the one...
Despite Wine Glut, No "Two Buck Chuck" for Ohio
By Jen Melby and Joshua C. Hall, posted May 30, 2003
Trader Joe’s, a self-described “unique grocery store” that originated in California, has recently begun expanding into Ohio with stores in Dublin and Kettering. In addition to selling gourmet foods, Trader Joe’s is known for offering a selection of unique, reasonably priced wines, some offered...
By Danielle Mendola and Joshua C. Hall, posted May 27, 2003
Do school vouchers help poor black children? This question has recently sparked an academic controversy over the results of a 2000 study suggesting that it did. Based on research on a private voucher program in New York City, Harvard professor Paul Peterson reported that black voucher students...
In the past five years light rail has been voted down in Cincinnati and Columbus and exposed as a boondoggle in Cleveland. Yet, planning continues unabatedly for light rail in Ohio’s cities. [1] The reason for the disconnect is the federal government’s pro-light rail agenda, which results in the...
Tax Expenditures, Economic Efficiency and Improving Budgetary Review
By Joshua C. Hall, posted May 15, 2003
Governments, for the purpose of budgeting, have always tried to compile in one document the sum of government spending. Historically, this has been done through a traditional budget that details a state’s incoming revenues and direct outlays. In the 1960s, Harvard law professor Stanley...
Growth, School Funding, and Representative Governance
By Matthew Hisrich and Joshua Hall, posted May 14, 2003
As formerly rural areas become bedroom communities for Ohio’s cities, many are struggling with the increased burden growth is imposing on their schools. The instinctive response is to restrict new residential development or to enact impact fees on new homes. Unfortunately, these efforts are...
Average Daily Membership Versus Average Daily Attendance: More Information Is Needed
By Joshua C. Hall, posted May 13, 2003
Good evening Chairman Gardner and members of the Senate Education Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you about the education portion of Substitute House Bill 95. My name is Joshua Hall and I am Director of Research at the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions....
The Case for a Supermajority to Raise Taxes
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted May 8, 2003
HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require increases in state taxes be approved by a two-thirds "supermajority" of the legislature. The Buckeye Institute has a long record of advocating for a smaller state government, and a supermajority requirement should constrain the...
The Flat Tax, Economic Efficiency, and Ohio's Competitiveness in the Global Marketplace
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted May 8, 2003
HB 112 replaces the current Ohio income tax with a "flat tax" and results in an income tax cut for all Ohioans. The Buckeye Institute has a long record of advocating both flatter and lower income taxes.[1] Therefore, HB 112 is consistent with our long-held position.[2] Ohio’s current income...
Dividend Tax Cut Increases Incentives for Business Investment
By Joshua C. Hall, posted May 8, 2003
President George W. Bush’s 2003 economic growth and tax relief plan would, among other things, eliminate the double taxation of dividends. Opponents of this proposal typically use two arguments to justify their stance. They argue that this change affects mainly the wealthiest Americans and that...
National Education Freedom Day
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted May 4, 2003
June 1 is the anniversary of one of the most important decisions ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. That was Pierce vs. Society of Sisters wherein the Court declared that, in educating a child, parents "have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional...
If You Tax Them Will They Leave?
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted May 1, 2003
The Federation for Community Planning (FCP) is a Cleveland-based nonprofit that “serves as a critical link between health and social issues and possible solutions.” In a recent article, FCP’s David Ellis argues that Ohio’s punitive income tax is in fact not linked to Ohio’s well-known out-migration...
Third Frontier Unlikely To Revitalize Ohio's Economy
By Douglas Oliver, posted May 1, 2003
There seems to be a unanimous chorus coming from Columbus that Governor Taft’s Third Frontier initiative is based on sound principles. Taft’s Third Frontier is a ten-year, $1.6 billion state program that is supposed to “to create high-paying jobs for generations of Ohioans through the expansion of...
Revitalizing Columbus Through School Choice
By Joshua C. Hall, posted May 1, 2003
Introduction Generally, families choose to live by quality schools. Recent decades have seen an exodus of hundreds of thousands of residents away from Ohio city centers. The poor quality of traditional public schools in these...
How Ohio Subsidizes Empty Nursing Home Beds
Is Ohio paying for nearly 13,000 empty nursing home beds through Medicaid, or do nursing homes only get paid for actual people in their beds? As it turns out, both sides of the debate may be telling the truth — state government does not literally pay for any empty beds, but that doesn’t mean...
Revitalizing Dayton Through School Choice
By Joshua C. Hall, posted April 25, 2003
Introduction Generally, families choose to live by quality schools. Recent decades have seen an exodus of hundreds of thousands of residents away from Ohio city centers. The poor quality of traditional public schools in these cities hinders attempts at revitalization. Working and middle class...
The World is Dining Out on America's Drugs and We Are Picking Up The Tab
By Aengus Barry, posted April 21, 2003
Recent debate concerning prescription drugs has focused on the fact that drug prices in Europe and Canada generally are a lot lower than in the United States.[1] This difference has led states to attempt to lower prescription drug costs through various types of price controls. While price controls...
The Downside of Budgeting by Constitutional Amendment
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted April 20, 2003
Ohioans will be asked to vote on Issue One this November, a Constitutional amendment allowing the State of Ohio to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars to buy land and clean up abandoned, contaminated land in inner-city areas. The measure was overwhelmingly approved by the Ohio General...
Revitalizing Cincinnati Through School Choice
By Joshua C. Hall, posted April 16, 2003
Introduction Generally, families choose to live by quality schools. Recent decades have seen an exodus of hundreds of thousands of residents away from Ohio city centers. The poor quality of traditional public schools in these cities hinders attempts at revitalization. Working and middle class...
West Side Business Center Shows Problems with Government Development
Two things are certain when state and city governments become developers: large sums of taxpayer money will be spent and, at the end, another revitalization project will be needed. A case in point: Columbus’s Sullivant Gardens. Sullivant Gardens, built in 1941, was one of the Columbus...
Minnesota and Kentucky Examine State Vehicle Spending
Budget deficits are forcing states to take a hard look at state spending. One of the latest areas to fall under scrutiny is whether or not it is a wise investment of taxpayer dollars to have the state purchasing and maintaining a large fleet of vehicles. For example, Minnesota is looking to trim...
Balanced Budget Sets Stage for Historic Battle
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted April 9, 2003
Angst permeates the halls of the Statehouse these days. Most people know about the projected $4 billion deficit embedded in the next budget. What they may not know is that Ohio’s balanced budget requirement is setting the stage for a historic clash between two fundamentally different approaches to...
More School Districts Equal Better Education
By Joshua C. Hall, posted April 4, 2003
Residents of some metropolitan areas have great choice among public school districts while others do not. Boston, for example, has 70 school districts within a 30-minute commute. Miami, on the other hand, is almost entirely covered by the Dade County school district. A recent study...
Florida's Scholarship Tax Credit
By Aengus Barry, posted April 3, 2003
Florida has recently introduced an innovative school voucher program, one that lets children attend private schools with the help of corporate funding.[1] The way the program works is that corporations receive a credit against their state taxes for donations made to organizations that provide...
Minor League Ballpark, Major League Subsidies
By Aengus Barry, posted April 3, 2003
Since 2001, the State of Ohio has paid $850,000 towards the cost of a new stadium in Eastlake, a suburb of Cleveland.[1] The stadium will be home to the Lake County Captains, a Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The construction cost of the stadium is estimated to be around $19.5...
Revitalizing Akron Through School Choice
By Joshua C. Hall, posted March 28, 2003
Introduction Generally, families choose to live by quality schools. Recent decades have seen an exodus of hundreds of thousands of residents away from Ohio city centers. The poor quality of traditional public schools in these cities hinders attempts at revitalization. Working and middle class...
Missouri Lawmakers Propose Unique Answer To Question Of What To Cut
Facing a budget crisis and a Governor who wants to raise taxes, State Representatives in Missouri recently proposed granting state departments lump sum reduced budgets. The departments would then need to determine spending priorities.[1] “We are giving them a framework and saying,...
Improving Medicaid Through Choice and Competition
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted March 25, 2003
The cost of providing insurance for the poor and disabled in Ohio is out of control. With a 2003 direct budget of more than $7.5 billion, Ohio’s Medicaid program costs taxpayers almost $661 per year for every man, woman and child in the state. [1] That is over $2,500 annually for a...
The Push for School Vouchers Has Begun
By Aengus Barry, posted March 21, 2003
With the federal constitutionality of school voucher programs secure following Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, state legislatures in Colorado and Texas appear likely to enact school voucher programs. The current push for voucher programs at the state level confirms what many school choice advocates...
Banking on the Future - and Going Bust
The current budget shortfall has led to cuts in various government programs. Inevitably, this results in news stories about how these cuts are hurting Ohio. For example, while announcing cuts to various development programs including the Technology Action Fund, Ohio Governor Robert Taft said,...
Ohio Medicaid is enormously expensive. With a 2003 direct budget of over $7.5 billion, the program costs taxpayers almost $661 per year for every man, woman and child in the state. That equals $2,644 per year for a family of four. Indeed, it is likely that some people pay more in state and federal...
Democratic Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico recently enacted a series of tax cuts in his state, declaring, “New Mexico is open for business.” [1] Richardson, former Energy Secretary under the Clinton administration, expressed pleasure with the broad support exhibited for the measure. In a...
Are We Getting "Gouged" at the Pump?
By Lee Coppock, posted March 10, 2003
Retail gasoline prices across the U.S. are now climbing near their highest level in two years. In fact, gas prices are above their post-September 11, 2001 levels. As a result, federal and state politicians are beginning to fret over the potential for “price gouging” behavior by gasoline...
Ohio's International Trade Division
By Robert Lawson and Matthew Hisrich, posted March 7, 2003
The International Trade Division (ITD) of the Ohio Department of Development was created to promote Ohio products overseas and encourage foreign investment in the state. Along with its Columbus operations, the ITD has offices in Brussels, Belgium; Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong, People's Republic of...
Problems Arising from the Double Taxation of Dividends
By Joshua C. Hall, posted March 3, 2003
The current federal tax code discriminates against the paying of dividends by taxing dividends twice – first at the corporate level and then at the individual. President Bush has proposed that this anti-savings-and-investment component of the federal tax code be eliminated. Taxing savings...
Ten Ideas For Improving Ohio's Fiscal Health
By Lawrence Reed and Joshua Hall, posted March 1, 2003
Ohio Governor Bob Taft and the General Assembly are grappling with a projected $4 billion dollar deficit over the next biennial budget. Deep spending reductions will be required to meet the near-term shortfalls in revenue, but that also raises the question: What can be done to minimize the chances...
What Does The National Governors Association Do For Ohio?
By Aengus Barry, posted March 1, 2003
In recent years, Ohio taxpayers have spent around $170,000 annually in dues so that Ohio’s chief executive can be a member of the National Governors Association (NGA). Although the NGA has temporarily reduced Ohio’s dues in light of the state’s budget crunch, Ohio should consider withdrawing from...
Critical Look Spurs Improvement
By Joshua C. Hall, posted February 27, 2003
Some critics of the Ohio’s education system are "Chicken Littles," proclaiming that the sky is falling when the children of many middle-class Ohio families continue to graduate from high school, attend good colleges, and have successful careers. From this perspective, it is understandable that many...
By Aengus Barry, posted February 27, 2003
The “Ohio Proud” program identifies and promotes agricultural products grown in Ohio.[1] In the last five years the Ohio Department of Agriculture has spent over $1.5 million on this program. Their fiscal year 2003 budget is $232,924, an increase of 2.4 percent over 2002.[2] This...
Budget Restraint Proposed in North Carolina
By Joshua C. Hall and Matthew S. Hisrich, posted February 26, 2003
North Carolina is facing a budget shortfall similar to the one facing Ohio, although not of the same magnitude. Democratic Governor Mike Easley, weary of this reoccurring problem, has crafted a long-term solution to help prevent future budget shortfalls. Put succinctly, his proposal...
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted February 25, 2003
There has been a lot of talk about taxes lately. Facing a $720 million deficit over the next four months, the General Assembly recently decided to forgo new taxes in favor of spending cuts. Although tax increases have been tabled for now, many politicians have their eyes on increasing...
The Distributional Effects of a Flat Tax
By Lowell E. Gallaway, posted February 21, 2003
Whenever the issue of a flat-rate tax is discussed, the primary argument against moving from our progressive tax-rate structure to the proportionality of the flat tax is that it would shift the burden of taxation away from the upper-income groups and towards the low-income sector of the population....
Ohio's Rail Development Commission
Ohio’s 121st General Assembly authorized the creation of the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) in 1994.[1] This independent state agency has grown significantly in recent years. For fiscal year 2002 the agency received a 35 percent funding increase. This bumped the commission’s budget...
A "Tax Me More Fund" for Ohio?
By Matthew S. Hisrich and Joshua C. Hall, posted February 19, 2003
Budget shortfalls and their corresponding calls for tax increases are not unique to Ohio. Arkansas, for example, faced a budget shortfall in 2001. When a tax increase was suggested as a solution, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee created the “Tax Me More Fund” in response. The “Tax Me More Fund”...
Potential Ohio Department of Education Budget Reductions
By Joshua C. Hall and Matthew S. Hisrich, posted February 12, 2003
Ohio’s state policymakers are working to eliminate large budget deficits for the current fiscal year and the next biennial budget. Difficult choices will have to be made to balance the budget without increasing taxes on working Ohioans. State funding will be frozen for some programs,...
Tricks of the Trade: The Reality of Drug Company Profits
Financial accounting is a tool capable of great insight or, in the wrong hands, abuse. Just ask the employees of former economic giants such as Enron, WorldCom, or Global Crossing. The lack of transparency in their accounting practices resulted in the harshest market discipline: bankruptcy. A...
Ohio Dietetics Board Hears Most Complaints
According to research from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Ohio’s Board of Dietetics investigated the greatest number of complaints from 1996-2001. The Ohio Board of Dietetics investigated an average of 142 complaints per year. This was significantly higher than any other state reviewed by Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies.
The Dardinger Case: An Unconstitutional Taking
By Ralph Frasca, posted January 1, 2003
Does a court have the right to confiscate a jury award? Yes, according to the Ohio Supreme Court, which has again awarded itself previously undiscovered constitutional powers. It now has the self-proclaimed right to decide how a punitive damage award should be spent. Esther Dardinger had...
Now is the Time for Health Care Liability Reform
By David J. Owsiany, posted December 14, 2002
The Ohio General Assembly has passed several laws over the last two decades to reform Ohio’s out-of-control personal injury lawsuit system. Each time, the overreaching Ohio Supreme Court invalidated those laws in brazen acts of judicial activism. Its time for state policymakers to try...
By Joshua C. Hall, posted December 1, 2002
Historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Sr. conducted the first modern ranking of U.S. Presidents in 1948. He surveyed 55 historians and asked them to rank all U.S. presidents up until that time on a scale from “great” to “failure.” In that first survey, presidents such as...
Ohio's Nominees to Federal Court Deserve Confirmation
By David J. Owsiany, posted December 1, 2002
The recent debate over President Bush’s nomination of Charles Pickering to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals brings to light the broader problem of the growing number of judicial vacancies on federal courts generally and especially on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals which covers Ohio, Michigan,...
Is Rail a Transit Success Story?
As cities in Ohio debate the addition of light rail to their transit systems, it may be worthwhile to consider its success where systems are already in place throughout the country.
Light rail makes up a small portion of travel in even the densest of cities across the globe. Hong Kong, perhaps the densest city in the world, has a population reaching roughly 75,000 per square mile, and its central business district has an employment density of almost 500,000 per square mile. The city boasts a significant network of rail lines, but buses still make up nearly two-thirds of average daily passenger journeys by public transport. Light rail captures only 2.8 percent.
Ohio's Proposed Economic Standards
By G. Dirk Mateer, posted October 30, 2002
Economic ignorance is a serious problem facing our country. A 1999 survey by the non-partisan National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) found that 40 percent of American high school students have not been taught economics in school. This is in spite of the fact that 96 percent of American...
Environmentalists Are Not Always Good For The Environment
By Ralph Frasca, posted October 20, 2002
Traditional environmentalism is typically portrayed as a crusade of good against evil. If you are against what environmentalist groups want, you are evil. In this cartoon view of the world, any relaxation of mandatory restraints on pollution is wrong, regardless of the actual impact such changes...
Pro-Steel Tariff Studies Miss the Mark
By Joseph Zoric, posted October 10, 2002
"Free trade, one of the greatest blessings which a government can confer on a people, is in almost every country unpopular."Thomas Babington, Lord Macaulay 1824 In two articles on the impact of President Bush’s steel tariff program, Professor Peter Morici of the University of Maryland...
Accounting 101 : Misrepresentation Of Pharmaceutical Profits
A closer look at claims that the pharmaceutical industry was reaping huge profits in the midst of a downturn in the economy reveals a less dramatic story.
Can Ohio Learn From Colorado's Economic Success?
By Jeff Williams, posted September 1, 2002
Those who are concerned about Ohio’s ability to create new high-paying jobs should look to the example being set by Colorado. From 1990 to 2000, Colorado’s economy was a job-creating dynamo. Colorado went from approximately 1,655,000 full-time jobs in 1990 to 2,363,000 jobs in 2000 — a gain of 43...
Improving Parental Involvement Through Choice
By Joshua C. Hall, posted August 1, 2002
The most effective strategy to increase parental involvement in education is to allow parents to be consumers of education. Getting parents involved is important because numerous academic studies have shown that children of involved parents perform better in school. Children of concerned parents...
Vouchers Are Good Public Policy for Ohio
By Joshua C. Hall, posted July 5, 2002
On January 8, 1996, the Cleveland school voucher program held a lottery to determine which of the initial 6,244 applicants would receive one of the 2,000 available vouchers. Unlike a similar voucher program in Milwaukee, these recipients would be allowed to use their vouchers at religious...
Economic Freedom Needed To Alleviate Poverty
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted July 1, 2002
Both as an ideology and as a practical system, communism has utterly failed to deliver the goods. Eastern European nations are now rushing to become members of the European Union, and China is undertaking market-oriented reforms. Cuba and North Korea stand as the last remaining communist...
Should Out-of-State Master's Students Come Before Ohio Undergraduates?
By Douglas L. Oliver and Joshua C. Hall, posted July 1, 2002
Roderick Chu, Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents (OBOR) has presented evidence that too few of Ohio’s work force have a collegedegree and has set a goal of ensuring that every Ohioan has access to quality higher education. The OBOR is seeking to increase Ohioans access to college by...
Park systems are meant to be good stewards of public land. As government agencies, they are also obligated to be good stewards of public dollars. Unfortunately, Erie County's MetroParks System considers this monetary stewardship to extend to funds over which it was not intended to have. The state...
Auditor Protects Farms, Taxpayers, With Property Review
By Joshua C. Hall, posted June 20, 2002
Nearly 500 Licking County property owners are losing an improperly given tax break for agriculture that will cost them thousands of dollars in additional taxes.[1] The decision by Terry Evans, Licking County Auditor, to review properties to see if they qualify for this break is commendable. His...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 4, 2002
It is often claimed that our public schools have made our nation successful. In fact, the nation was a democracy prior to the establishment of the public school system. The beginnings of the latter date from 1834 when Pennsylvania's Common School Act was passed. By 1900 about 6 percent of the...
By David W. Kirkpatrick, posted June 4, 2002
A largely overlooked advantage of school choice is the opportunity it presents public school teachers who, despite their constant assertion that they are professionals, at present are basically public employees. Unfortunately, not many teachers have thought of the benefits to them if parents could...
By Wendell Cox, posted June 1, 2002
In recent years, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and transit agencies have been pumping out press releases about record ridership. At the national level, a recurring theme has been that ridership has reached a 40 year record. So it was to have been expected that when the...
Ohio's Wine Prices Are Too High
By Eric Fisher, posted June 1, 2002
I moved to Ohio to teach economics at Ohio State about ten years ago. Before that, I was on Cornell University’s faculty, and my wife was a professor at Ohio University. During those long drives from Ithaca to Athens, I grew to appreciate the good roads in Ohio. Leaving the...
Supreme Court Should Uphold School Voucher Program
By David J. Owsiany, posted May 25, 2002
This week (May 25) marks the 215th anniversary of the day our country’s founding fathers met in Philadelphia to commence drafting of the U.S. Constitution. James Madison, the central figure of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, successfully advocated for creating a system that...
Would Privatizing Dorms Save Money?
By Joshua C. Hall, posted May 15, 2002
A proposal is currently making the rounds at the Ohio General Assembly that would require Ohio’s public universities to privatize their dormitories to help offset the state’s impending budget deficit. Those in favor of the plan estimate that the selling of dormitories to private operators...
A Better Way To Raise Money For School Programs
By Joshua C. Hall, posted May 11, 2002
This spring, between the time practice wrapped up and they went home to study, student-athletes at Northwest Ohio’s Defiance High School did something unusual – chores at strangers’ homes. Their reason for cleaning gutters, sweeping driveways and raking leaves for their neighbors was not an obvious...
By Samuel Staley and Matthew Hisrich, posted May 1, 2002
Sprawl is a buzzword used to instill fear in the hearts of Ohioans. The term “sprawl” is designed to evoke an image of endless strip malls and houses, extending as far as the eye can see. Whenever the word is uttered, one can be sure that discussions of “smart growth” will soon follow. Smart...
Cigarette Taxes Are Not The Answer
By David J. Owsiany, posted April 1, 2002
Some members of the Ohio General Assembly are proposing a 50-cent per pack increase in the cigarette tax in order to help meet the projected state budget shortfall of $750 million in 2003. A close examination of this proposal reveals that increasing taxes on cigarettes may not generate the...
Highways and Sprawl: Is There a Connection?
Conventional wisdom holds that where you build a road, development follows. Activists have taken hold of this idea as a springboard to advocate for less construction and congestion relief in Ohio. Brett Hulsey of the Sierra Club, for example, has said, “More roads lead to more traffic...
Avoiding the Economic Pitfalls Ahead
By James W. Coons, posted March 19, 2002
On March 19, 2002, Jim Coons, former senior vice-president, chief economist, and director of balance sheet management at Huntington National Bank, was the keynote speaker at the Buckeye Institute Spring Policy Reception in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Coons gave an overview of the current state of the economy and warned against four potential policy pitfalls that could hinder economic recovery. Coons’ remarks provide an excellent primer for policymakers on the dangers of overreaching into the free market. These remarks should be carefully considered by anyone in state and federal government involved in fiscal and monetary policy. Coons’ policy prescriptions are reprinted in this Policy Brief as an educational tool to help policymakers, media, and citizens understand the policy pitfalls that might endanger the economic recovery.
By David J. Owsiany, posted March 1, 2002
New York Times columnist Adam Cohen recently wrote an extremely critical opinion piece attacking Deborah Cook, President Bush’s nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Cohen criticized Cook, Ohio Supreme Court justice, for being the court’s “most prolific dissenter” who...
Steel Tariffs Could Harm Ohio's Economy
By Joseph Zoric, posted March 1, 2002
The high tariffs on foreign steel recently enacted by President Bush and supported by the majority of Ohio’s politicians could do substantial harm to the very people that those politicians represent. Almost before the ink was dry on the President’s decree, foreign countries that buy American goods...
Ohio's Taxes Should be Simpler, More Efficient
By Joseph Zoric, posted February 1, 2002
Over the past ten years, spending and taxation in Ohio have increased at a much faster rate than in our neighboring states. Over this period, the state’s general revenue fund expenditures rose by 104 percent. Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Michigan all had lower rates of increase. This means...
"Third Frontier" Is A New Attempt At An Old Idea
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted February 1, 2002
With the loss of Communism as a viable ideology, we might have hoped that the allure of central economic planning was gone forever. But old lessons die hard. Gov. Bob Taft, apparently impressed with the wondrous results of economic planning in the Soviet Union, China, Cuba and elsewhere, wants to...
Cleveland's School Voucher Program Worth Maintaining
By David J. Owsiany, posted January 28, 2002
Since 1996, the Cleveland school voucher program has given children from low-income families the opportunity to opt out of the city’s failing public schools to attend private schools. Teachers’ unions and the education establishment have challenged the program in state and federal courts,...
Restricting Housing Not Answer To Local Growth Problems
By Samuel Staley and Matthew Hisrich, posted January 1, 2002
Local governments across the state are instituting restrictive growth controls to limit housing development, all in an effort to “control” urban sprawl. But, what is urban “sprawl?” Activist groups often comment on the term with platitudes, but few take the time to define it in a meaningful sense....
Ohio is Right to Settle Microsoft Case
By David J. Owsiany, posted November 1, 2001
For the last three years Microsoft has been defending itself in antitrust litigation brought by the U.S. Justice Department and eighteen states, including Ohio. In early November, the Justice Department reached a settlement with Microsoft which nine states, including Ohio, immediately...
A Tax Increase By Any Other Name
By Joshua C. Hall, posted November 1, 2001
In early November, members of the General Assembly voted for passage of a bill that would balance Ohio’s budget by, among other things, eliminating several “tax expenditures.” “Tax expenditure” is budget terminology for what some pejoratively call “tax loopholes” – tax provisions that are presented...
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted November 1, 2001
The Ohio estate tax is one of the reasons that Ohio is at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and keeping entrepreneurs and investment. Congress recently passed legislation to phase out the federal estate tax. Ohio should do the same with its own estate tax. Consider the following...
Breaking Up (the Bells) is Hard to Do
By Adam Thierer, posted October 1, 2001
What Neil Sedaka crooned about in the 1960s is just as true today; breaking up is hard to do. Especially when we’re talking about breaking up America’s massive and incredibly complex telecommunications system. Yet that is exactly what some policy makers at both the federal and state level are now...
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted October 1, 2001
Suppose you were browsing through your local grocery store and discovered that green beans were on sale for just 50 cents per pound. Since you’re a green bean lover, you naturally decide to purchase a few handfuls. Now let’s imagine that the green bean lobby, not satisfied with the low price of...
Private Vouchers Improve Parental Satisfaction
A recent study by Harvard researchers shows that PACE scholarships, by allowing low-income students to attend private schools, have greatly improved parents’ satisfaction with various aspects of their children’s education
Court Chooses Political Expediency Over Principle
By David J. Owsiany, posted September 1, 2001
In its most recent school funding decision, a four-justice majority of the Ohio Supreme Court, by mandating additional spending on Ohio’s schools, chose a politically expedient route in an attempt to end this decade-long case. They did so at the expense of bedrock constitutional principles, which...
Ohio Ranks Near Bottom of Small Business Index
In a recent assessment of major government costs imposed on small businesses, Ohio ranks fortieth of the fifty states and the District of Columbia.
School Funding Lessons from New Jersey
By Joshua C. Hall, posted August 25, 2001
The Ohio Supreme Court has placed itself squarely in the middle of the public policy debate over education in Ohio through the on-going school funding case. A majority of the court has attempted to force the General Assembly and Governor to raise taxes and create a “Robin Hood” school funding...
Bargaining Away Teachers' Rights
By Ryan Walters, posted August 1, 2001
Imagine that you are a public school teacher in Ohio who is generally satisfied with the representation that your union provides. The union has, in the course of collective bargaining, increased your health benefits to include optical coverage and tuition reimbursement – items for which you are...
Let’s Try That Again: Remedial Education in Ohio’s Public Universities
Post-secondary remedial education is slowly on the rise in Ohio. During the 1998-99 school year, 26 percent of Ohio’s recent high school graduates enrolled in math courses classified as "remedial" at Ohio’s public universities. This represents a three percentage point increase over the 1978-79 school year, the first for which historical data is available.
Don't Let Accountability Kill Local Control of Schools
By Joshua C. Hall, posted July 23, 2001
On March 28th the Ohio Senate approved Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29-3 sending the proposed legislation before the Ohio House. The bill, based upon recommendations of the Governor’s Commission for Student Success, would create a new system of instruction and assessment based around new...
By David J. Owsiany, posted July 1, 2001
Recent data suggests that Ohio’s policy makers are heading in the wrong direction with regard to tax and fiscal policy. Over the last decade, policy makers have refused to enact significant reductions in tax rates and have been on a wild spending spree. Ohio University economist and Buckeye...
By Joshua C. Hall, posted July 1, 2001
The next state budget will be about twelve percent larger than the current one.[1] Much of the growth in the state budget is due to a massive increase in spending on primary and secondary education. Ohio will pay around $1.4 billion more on schools its attempt to satisfy an overreaching...
Rail Transit Initiatives Unpopular at Ballot Box
An analysis of ballot initiatives since 1988 reveals that voters reject rail transit more than 75 percent of the time. Moreover, rail transit advocates outspend opponents by more than 12 to one.
Schools Don't Have to be Public to Serve the Public Good
By Joshua C. Hall and Charles Byrne, posted June 28, 2001
There’s an old saying that goes, “You can’t keep a good man down.” The same can be said of the school choice movement. Try though they may, teachers unions, policy makers, and state supreme courts can’t seem to slow it down. Every time opponents claim a tactical victory, it merely...
Education in Ohio is Top Heavy with Administration
In 1998, Ohio had nearly 21 classroom teachers for every district level administrator. The state ranked next to last among the fifty states and the District of Columbia in this measure of educational bureaucracy.
Legislature Should Oust Four Justices
By David N. Mayer, posted June 1, 2001
Now that the state budget providing $1.4 billion more for schools has passed, some political observers are predicting that the Ohio Supreme Court, for a third time, will decide by a 4-3 vote that Ohio’s method of funding its public schools is unconstitutional. The appropriate response by the...
By Brandon S. Lynaugh, posted June 1, 2001
Competition is good for consumers. When rival grocery stores, restaurants, and oil change places feel the effect of competition, consumers benefit with better service and lower prices. This is free enterprise at work. Most important for this system to work and be fair to rival...
Long-Run Versus Short-Run Budget Considerations
By Lowell E. Gallaway, posted May 20, 2001
Gallaway testified before the Ohio House of Representatives Finance and Appropriations Committee concerning the present budget shortfalls being experienced by the state government. Dr. Gallaway argued that the state suffers from a severe spending problem and that a longterm overhaul of the way the state spends taxpayer dollars is necessary to prevent a similar budget “crisis” in the future. The text of his address is contained in this Policy Brief.
Ohio's Corporate Welfare: Stealing from the Taxpayers to Save Big Steel
By Joseph Zoric, posted March 20, 2001
Ohio Governor Bob Taft went on a "fact finding" mission earlier this year where he met with workers and executives from several of Ohio’s largest steel companies.[1] His conclusion after these meetings was that the steel industry is in trouble and that income should be taken from Ohio’s taxpayers...
By Joshua C. Hall, posted March 1, 2001
President Bush has proposed that federal taxes on dividends be eliminated for most individuals. This proposal clears the way for better corporate governance, improved business health, more accurate stock valuation, and increased capital formation. Under current tax law, dividends are...
The top 50 percent of Ohio taxpayers paid 94 percent of all Ohio income taxes in 1998, compared to only 6 percent for the bottom 50 percent of tax filers.
Is Ohio Committing Economic Suicide?
By Richard Vedder, posted March 1, 2001
Recent layoffs in Ohio business are focusing renewed interest in the Ohio economy. How is it doing? Actually, very poorly. From 1990 to 1999, inflation-adjusted personal income rose 25 percent nationally, but less than 17.5 percent in Ohio; we rank in the bottom 10 states in the...
Taxes for visiting athletes take an unfair advantage
By Brandon S. Lynaugh, posted February 9, 2001
It's hard to argue that there is such thing as a fair tax, but it's easy to spot an unfair one. Apparently unsatisfied with the 2 percent city income tax they levy on the Blue Jacket player's salaries, Columbus City Council moved to tax visiting player's salaries in a resolution passed Dec. 11....
Proficiency tests and the blame game
By C. Bradley Thompson, posted February 1, 2001
Among the many education issues debated around the country, none is more explosive than the question of proficiency tests. National and state surveys clearly demonstrate that parents want the tests. They support testing because it lets every parent know how their children, their schools and their...
If you can't beat them - join them
By Deborah Owens-Fink and Joshua Hall, posted February 1, 2001
In a surprising turn-about the Akron Education Association recently announced plans to start its own, publicly funded, privately run high school targeted at potential risk high school drop-outs.[1] According to AEA Vice President Neil Quirk, "We’re stuck. Our hand is forced. We have to do...
Research, not politics, should drive school funding reform
By Joshua C. Hall, posted January 1, 2001
With his proposal for pooling commercial property taxes and a statewide 20 mil property tax dead upon arrival at the General Assembly, it is reported that Governor Bob Taft may be turning his attention to a school funding idea developed last year by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).[1] If...
Statutes of Repose are Consistent with the Ohio Constitution
By David J. Owsiany and David N. Mayer, posted January 1, 2001
During recent consideration by the Ohio General Assembly of malpractice reform proposals, plaintiffs’ attorneys and advocates of an activist judiciary have suggested that statutes of repose – which place time limits on the commencement of lawsuits – are unconstitutional. A plain reading of the Ohio Constitution, however, reveals that enactment of a medical malpractice statute of repose by the General Assembly is entirely consistent with the Ohio Constitution and the General Assembly’s policymaking authority.
Are Some Ohio School Districts Too Large?
Research shows that areas with greater local school district competition (more school districts per student) have lower spending and higher student achievement.
Stop Regulation Through Litigation
By David J. Owsiany, posted December 1, 2000
Last year, Robert Reich, President Clinton’s former Secretary of Labor, declared “Regulation is out, litigation is in. The era of big government may be over, but the era of regulation through litigation has just begun.” Recent developments show that Reich is right, and we all should be...
By David J. Owsiany, posted December 1, 2000
The recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reversing the breakup of Microsoft should lead to an end of the litigation. The lawsuit, filed by the Justice Department and 19 state attorneys general, including Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery,...
Resnick Ignores the American Form of Government
By David J. Owsiany, posted December 1, 2000
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Deborah Cook pointed out in her dissenting opinion in last year’s case striking down Ohio’s system of school funding that she viewed the court’s “ill conceived foray outside its legitimate role to be a most serious affront to individual freedom and democratic...
By Richard Vedder, posted December 1, 2000
Governor Jim Rhodes was a giant among men. In many ways he reminds me of another figure of his era, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Born a year after LBJ, both came from poor rural counties in populous states, were highly ambitious, had a great sense of how to “read” people, and eschewed...
Who really pays for Ohio public schools?
Contrary to the popular conception of school financing in Ohio, most school funding is not provided at the local level. During fiscal year 1999 only 49 percent of total revenue per student was provided through local means, with the remainder coming from state and federal sources.
Tax Increment Financing: An Infrastructure Financing Solution
By Jen Melby and Joshua C. Hall, posted November 20, 2000
Congested freeways, abundant potholes, inadequate water supply -- Ohio’s cities continually face infrastructure problems. The only way to keep the cities running smoothly, aside from privatization, is to spend money on improvements. While many cities rely on general tax revenues to fund...
In Defense of the Electoral College
By David J. Owsiany, posted November 1, 2000
Much has been made of the Electoral College since the results of this year’s election indicate a potential that Texas Governor George W. Bush could be elected president without winning the popular vote nationally. The Electoral College, which was a central aspect to the founding fathers’ vision of...
Private education vouchers show academic improvement for African Americans
African-American students gained the most from privately-funded education vouchers, according to a report issued by Harvard University researchers. The research, which was prepared for the September 2000 meeting of the American Political Science Association, was conducted over three years in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Dayton, Ohio.
Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine and its implications for city planning in Ohio
By , posted September 20, 2000
The arrival of a new economy is being heralded on the shores of the Ohio River. In a flurry of excitement, Cincinnati is in the process of re-tooling one of its aging districts into an innovative center for high-tech start-ups and internet ventures, and the possibilities have cities across...
Private funding of Arena deserves its own cheers
By David J. Owsiany, posted September 18, 2000
Last weekend, the Nationwide Arena opened its doors to its first event, a concert by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. In a few weeks, the Columbus Blue Jackets will commence its inaugural season as a National Hockey League team in the new arena. As a season ticketholder, I'll be there. The story of how...
U.S. govt. continues to burden Ohio and otherstates with mandates
U.S. government agencies have not assessed the effects of unfunded mandates on states despite executive orders and congressional legislation requiring them to do so, according to a recent General Accounting Office (GAO) report.
By Andrew J. Coulson, posted August 1, 2000
The school choice movement has a lot to be proud of. Its mission to bring educational excellence within reach of all families is undeniably noble, its supporters are sincere and energetic, and it has major programs pending or already implemented all over the country. Yet it could, quite easily,...
Contracting-out school transportation may save taxpayers money
Contracting-out school transportation may be cheaper than providing it in-house. Estimates of the cost of privatization frequently neglect to include a number of expenditures, such as capital and financing costs, depreciation, and overhead costs, which economists and accountants say are necessary to make accurate comparisons. When these costs are included, the cost of providing school transportation in-house increases substantially.
Little Darby: Who Do You Trust?
The government has an answer for everything: let them take control. Central Ohioans are currently faced with this situation in the proposed Little Darby National Wildlife Refuge. Just a short ride west of Columbus, a hot debate continues to brew over whether local residents or a federal...
Rail transit unlikely to stimulate urban redevelopment
By Samuel Staley and Wendell Cox, posted July 1, 2000
A quick glance to either side of the rail-transit platform at East 79th Street on Cleveland’s Blue Line belies one of the more novel claims of modern-day rail transit advocates: rail transit stimulates economic development. Despite the fact Cleveland’s rail system is one of the oldest in the...
Ohio farmland preservation efforts trivial, off target, and may encourage urban sprawl
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted July 1, 2000
Urban sprawl has captured headlines in newspapers across Ohio. Spurred on by recommendations from Gov. Voinovich’s Farmland Preservation Task Force, state legislators now want to conserve more open space by increasing spending and creating new programs.[1] These efforts, however, are often...
Some legislators, Supreme Court justices, and school activists argue that Ohio’s public school funding needs more equality. However, research from other states shows that such moves toward funding equality—called school finance equalization (SFE)—may result in more private school enrollment and privatization, and lower per-pupil spending and home values.
By Brandon S. Lynaugh, posted June 1, 2000
Imagine if someone showed up on your doorstep and offered to buy your home. You decline his offer because you have no desire to sell. A week later, however, he returns with a declaration signed by a government official ordering you to sell your property to him at a rate determined at a...
Occupational licensing and regulations strangle entrepreneurship
Over the last several decades, Ohio, like many states, has brought more and more occupations under the control of regulatory boards. In some cases the regulations are modest, but others impose arbitrarily strict rules, requiring thousands of dollars and hours of training to become licensed.
By David J. Owsiany, posted May 1, 2000
The Ohio Supreme Court continued its attack on the doctrine of separation of powers and, ultimately, on Ohio’s taxpayers with its recent decision finding for the second time the system for funding schools is inadequate.[1] The court struck down the school funding system despite the fact that the...
Prevailing Wage exemption provides schools with lower costs, higher quality construction
A recent Ohio Legislative Budget Office report investigates the effect of exempting school districts from prevailing wage laws. The study confirms previous research that suggests the benefits of such exemptions overshadow any claims of negative effects.
Ohio's income tax: end it, don't mend it
By James A. Damask, posted April 1, 2000
Question: Who pays more taxes: a medieval peasant or an Ohio taxpayer? Is that your final answer? If you guessed a medieval peasant, you won’t be joining us for the Million Dollar Question. In 1998, the average Ohio taxpayer paid more than 35 percent of her income in taxes.[1] The average medieval...
Private vouchers increase satisfaction, lower "black white test score gap"
Researchers call the tendency of African American students to fall behind others across an array of achievement tests the "black-white test gap." A study in Dayton suggests the test gap has shifted to become a public-private one. Reading and math scores were significantly higher for African-Americans in private schools than those in the control group, reducing the gap by nearly a third in one year.
Community schools offer vital alternative to traditional public education
By Matthew Hisrich and Samuel R. Staley, posted March 1, 2000
Ohio’s first online charter school — eCOT — is set to open its virtual doors on July 1, 2000.[1] This school represents the latest in a stream of innovations from Ohio’s charter school program and places the state at the threshold of a new era in public education. Charter schools, or community...
Classroom computer use may lower student test scores
The Ohio legislature has committed more than $500 million to computer technology in public schools since 1994 with the expectation that it will improve student achievement. A recent study of computers in the classroom, however, suggests that this is unlikely.
Megafarm legislation: trade protection or environmental protection?
By Ralph Frasca, posted February 1, 2000
The warm smell of a pork roast coming from the oven on a chilly day pleases most of us. The smell of fresh hog manure, on the other hand, pleases almost no one. But this is the trade-off we face between environmental pollution and desirable consumer goods. Economists argue that we make the best...
The False Premises of Antitrust Law
By David N. Mayer, posted February 1, 2000
The myth is that Microsoft is a monopoly. The truth is that the government - not the market - is the source of monopoly power, through licensing laws, franchises, tariffs and other legal devices that restrict entry into markets and shield businesses from open competition. Without such legal...
7,000 Ohio students receive college credit at school district expense
Nearly 7,000 Ohio high school students receive college credit and their school districts pay for it. The students are enrolled in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP). Under this program, high school students may take courses at local community colleges or four-year colleges and universities. In 1998, $8.4 million of funding for 6,361 public high school students from 535 school districts went to various Ohio colleges.
Smart Growth Concepts Not Oriented Toward Consumers
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted January 1, 2000
I appreciate my garage most during winter. It’s attached to our house, a couple of steps away from our living room, and comfortably houses a pickup truck and van. Just the other day, I mused at how such a seemingly simple innovation had improved my life. As the wind whipped around outside, sending...
Education Funding News Feed Continued
No, Virginia, there is no such thing as a "fair tax"
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted December 13, 1999
I just bought a book from Amazon.com. State governments all around the country are afraid I might do it again. The book was $12 plus $3.95 for shipping and handling. I paid no sales tax — although by law I am supposed to get a form from the state and pay it myself. (Fortunately, the state...
Reform attorneys' fees in Ohio
By Michael E. Solimine, J.D., posted December 1, 1999
Who pays the lawyers? In the United States, each side pays its own lawyer in most civil lawsuits – no matter if that side wins, loses, or settles out of court.[1] In contrast, the prevailing practice in England is that the losing party pays the winner’s attorney fees.[2] Alaska is the only...
School choice program promotes integration, economic and religious diversity in Cleveland
According to a new report the Cleveland school choice program (CSP) contributes to racial integration by providing families with access to private schools that, on average, are better racially integrated than are the public schools in the Cleveland metropolitan area.
Tree sprawl: Ohio wilderness grew faster than development, 1949-1992
U.S. Ohio’s wilderness areas grew faster than its developed areas from 1949 to 1992, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. The data suggest that concerns about the loss of wilderness areas may be largely unfounded: while total Ohio cropland and pasture acreage decreased, the increase in total forest acreage nearly balanced the conversion of farmland to developed areas.
Is Light Rail The Right Ticket for Columbus Commuters?
By James A. Damask, posted November 1, 1999
Columbus faces an important decision: Whether to build a rail-transit system. Why is the idea so popular? One reason is the lure of easy money. According to the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, central Ohio will gain almost a half-billion dollars from the federal government over 20 years to...
By Larry Schweikart, posted November 1, 1999
Living in the midst of one of the greatest economic expansions of all time, with technological innovations like cell phones, unlimited Internet access, and powerful computers available to growing numbers of people, it is natural to assume that Ohio has made the transition to the high-tech...
Study finds school resources unrelated to student performance
Spending more money, raising teachers’ salaries, and reducing the number of students per teacher are unlikely to improve student performance in the current public school system. The only variable with any significant, positive, and consistent impact on student achievement was attendance.
The Farm, the Traffic, and the Power to Destroy
By , posted September 20, 1999
Hot on the heels of a renewed vigor for open space protection at the Statehouse, a recent proposal in Delaware seeks to run a five-lane highway through one of the Ohio’s only privately-owned state nature preserves. At the Stratford Ecological Center, nestled behind route 33, the smell of a...
Help workers and employers: Settle workplace lawsuits privately
By James A. Damask, posted September 1, 1999
The Ohio Supreme Court recently overturned a 1996 law aimed at reducing personal-injury lawsuits that originate in the workplace.[1] Ohioans should use the opportunity to reconsider how disputes between employees and employers can be resolved. Two solutions would be for employers and employees (1)...
Financial markets value for-profit education
Financial markets expect the for-profit education industry to grow and profit substantially in the coming years, according to data from stock market analysts. For-profit firms have access to capital markets and use the price system to allocate their services based on demand from consumers. Moreover, unlike government-run educational institutions, they are subject to market-driven benchmarks for performance and costs.
Will Ohio prosper in the economy of the future?
By Richard C. Leonardi, posted July 1, 1999
Consider the following tidbit from history: In the 1920s, Ohio companies like Firestone, National Cash Register and Procter & Gamble were pillars of economic stability in the American economy. By 1929, per capita income in Ohio was a whopping 11% higher than the national average, which was only...
Growth slows, taxes rise in Ohio
Despite Ohio’s participation in the current economic expansion, the Buckeye State is lagging behind other states in economic growth and vitality, especially in terms of income and job growth.
By Stephen A. Baker, posted June 1, 1999
Got milk? If some dairy farmers have their way, getting it will be more expensive. Few consumers in Ohio have heard of the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact, but if Ohio lawmakers sign-on to the agreement, consumers will pay higher prices for milk.[1] The legislation establishing the...
Mandates may have caused nearly 300,000 to lose health insurance
Research indicates that state health insurance mandates may have caused up to 297,500 Ohioans to become uninsured in the mid-1990s.
Urban sprawl is no threat to Ohio's farmland
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted May 1, 1999
The debate over urban sprawl is reaching fever pitch. Some in Ohio have identified it as a "crisis."[1] Last January, interim Gov. Nancy Hollister signed a bill creating a state fund to help local governments keep farm land undeveloped.[2] The law also authorized local governments to increase...
Ohio ranks near bottom third of states for economic freedom
A new study comparing economic freedom in all 50 states puts Ohio near the bottom third, making it one of the least hospitable states in the union for taxpayers and businesses.
Two new studies cast doubt on benefits of class-size reduction
Reducing class size may not improve student achievement, two new studies conclude. Conducted separately by economists Eric A. Hanushek of the University of Rochester and Caroline M. Hoxby of Harvard University, the studies question the wisdom of proposals for reducing class size.
History shows the value of a private education marketplace
By Brandon S. Lynaugh, posted April 1, 1999
If you think the current arguments on school funding are anything new, think again. How to fund education and decide the government’s role in it has been debated for thousands of years. What is remarkable is how often in the span of history the same questions arrise. With this in mind, a new book...
State spending and taxes rise under Republican governors
State spending in Ohio has risen more under Republican governors than under the last Democrat governor, state budget reports show.
Other people's money: How tax cuts can relieve the burden of Ohio's budget surplus
By Richard C. Leonardi, posted March 1, 1999
Since budget surpluses are good for families and businesses, they must be good for state government, right? After all, a surplus indicates that we are "in the black" and paying our bills—perhaps even making a "profit," right? Wrong—on both counts. With respect to budget surpluses, there are few...
New study casts doubt on proposed Medicaid expansions
According to a study released in January 1999 by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Medicaid may not improve the health of poor children.
Private school competition raises salaries of public school teachers
A new study shows that increased competition between public and private schools leads to higher salaries for public school teachers.
By James A. Damask, posted February 1, 1999
Is a myth worth $6 billion? Some Ohio electric utility executives think so. They want to tax consumers to pay for $6 billion of bad investments (like nuclear generators) that they made years ago. To justify consumers paying off these assets, power company executives claim that consumers made a...
Rail transit fails to reduce congestion
Rail transit is often proposed as a way to reduce traffic congestion on urban highways. Congestion, however, has increased faster in cities with new rail projects than those relying on highways to carry commuters and travelers.
Let Ohio public employees ride the bull market
By James W. Coons, posted January 1, 1999
Could the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 10,000 this year? Possibly. But if it does, Ohio’s public employees would not see any benefit. That is because most public employees in Ohio are locked into traditional pensions that restrict career choice and limit retirement income. Private sector...
Health care mandates increase number of uninsured
New health care mandates will increase the number of uninsured, including those in Ohio, according to a recently released study.
By Ron Kozar, posted December 1, 1998
There are some strange laws on the books, but one of the strangest was recently revisited by the Ohio General Assembly. It’s a regulation that requires African hair-braiders to attend cosmetology school for 1,500 hours – that’s nine months – before they can braid hair for a living. Repealing this...
Charter schools in Ohio: the rush to mend them should not end them
By Richard C. Leonardi, posted November 1, 1998
As the General Assembly makes plans to reconvene next year, school reform will likely return to center stage. Throughout 1998, two court cases, one focusing on school funding "equalization," the other on the Cleveland scholarship program, have dominated media coverage. But as the debate takes...
Top OEA staff pay outpaces teachers’ 9-to-1
Compensation for top Ohio Education Association (OEA) union leaders grew more than 9 times faster than the average Ohio teacher’s pay between 1996 and 1997, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Who Makes Education Policy, The Legislature or the Courts?
By David N. Mayer, posted September 1, 1998
Suppose the U.S. Supreme Court, citing the constitutional provision empowering Congress to “provide for the Common Defence,” rules that Congress is violating the Constitution by failing to fund a satellite-based missile defense system. The Court then orders Congress to allocate money for that...
Private prison firm held accountable by stock market
The recent experience of Corrections Corporation of American (CCA), a Nashville-based prison contractor that experienced a July prison escape, demonstrates that markets reward competency and punish failure.
Ohio ranks near bottom of small business index
In a recent assessment of major government costs imposed on small businesses, Ohio ranks forty-sixth of the fifty states and the District of Columbia.
Ohio Medicaid enrollment expands to include non-poor
An analysis of Ohio's Medicaid program reveals that there are more people receiving Medicaid than there are poor persons in Ohio.
Ohio income taxes rising faster than income
Ohio personal income tax revenues are rising faster than both personal income and weekly earnings, according to recently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Ohio Legislative Budget Office.
Ohio's sad legacy of antitrust: John Sherman to Betty Montgomery
By James A. Damask, posted June 1, 1998
Picture this: an upstart computer company comes under fire from the U.S. Justice Department for alleged antitrust violations. Its strident CEO – the highest-paid man in America – vigorously denies that his company forced customers to purchase the newest software package under a product...
Manufacturing jobs increase in right-to-work states, shrink in Ohio
Manufacturing jobs have grown in states with right-to-work laws and have shrunk in states with compulsory union laws, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Growth of non-teaching staff costs money and teachers
Growing public school budgets have led to both more teachers and more non-teachers being hired. For every 100 students, the public schools employ about one more non-teacher now than in 1978: a 23 percent increase in the number of non-teachers relative to students.
Financing professional sports: Lessons from Columbus
By Samuel Staley and David Swindell, posted March 1, 1998
The scene was ever so familiar for Ohio voters. For five months in 1997, Franklin County residents were pummeled with a professional sports marketing blitz. New sports facilities were important for the economy. They were important for the community. The downtown sports complex, said...
Ohio school spending 38% higher than reported operating costs
Each year, the operating costs for Ohio school districts are reported by the Ohio Department of Education. These data are used by policymakers and the public to compare spending across districts. These costs, however, under-report total spending in Ohio...
Higher sales tax means fewer jobs, less investment for Ohio
By David G. Tuerck, posted February 1, 1998
Last March, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that funding for poorer school districts must be brought closer to the statewide average. Many state policymakers believe this requires additional education spending of about $1 billion from state rather than local sources. Ohio lawmakers...
Youngstown and the future of private prisons in Ohio
By Samuel Staley and Adrian Moore, posted January 1, 1998
The escape of six inmates from the privately owned and operated prison in Youngstown last July was a wake-up call for Ohio policymakers. The immediate, emotional reaction of some was to call "for the immediate closure of the facility." The long-term lesson of Youngstown, however, may prove to be...
Ohio deserves electricity freedom
By Robert A. Lawson and James A. Damask, posted January 1, 1998
The idea that there can be only one electric company from which to choose is so ingrained that few of us can imagine it any other way. But soon Ohio consumers may have a choice. Four bills are before the Ohio legislature, all of which advertise that they will "deregulate" electric utility...
"A harbinger of hope:" The Cleveland school voucher program should pass constitutional muster
By David N. Mayer, posted January 1, 1998
In what has been called a "total, unconditional victory for school choice," the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of Milwaukee's school voucher program. The court's sweeping decision bodes well for the Cleveland voucher pilot, the constitutionality of...
Smaller isn't better: why reduced class size doesn't improve public education
By Richard C. Leonardi, posted January 1, 1998
President Clinton called for it in his State of the Union message. The Ohio General Assembly mandated it in last year’s school budget. And Ohioans, like most Americans, give it high marks in public opinion polls. It’s class size reduction, and it may be coming to a school near you. Conventional...
Earmarking tax revenues for education: Now you see them, now you don't
By Thomas Garrett and Robert Lawson, posted January 1, 1998
Last year's ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court mandated that the state assume more financial responsibility for public schools. On May 5, voters will have the chance to pass judgment on the Supreme Courts wisdom when they go to the polls to vote on a 20 percent increase in the sales tax. Half of the...
Voters consider $1.1 billion tax increase despite $800 million in waste
By James A. Damask, posted January 1, 1998
Ohio voters will soon be asked to consider a $1.1 billion increase in the state sales tax to remedy perceived inequality in school district funding. However, current research indicates that as much as $800 million in public school expenditures may already be consumed by waste and inefficiency...
By Richard C. Leonardi, posted January 1, 1998
If you blinked, you might have missed it. As part of his response to the State Supreme Court’s mandate to overhaul Ohio’s school finance system, Governor Voinovich asked the General Assembly to allow parents to deduct $1,000 from their taxable income to help offset the cost of sending a child to...
Welfare caseloads drop while human services budget increases
As state welfare reforms take hold and the economy remains strong, fewer poor people are looking to government for financial assistance. These gains, however, have not translated into lower state spending on some key social programs.
Could DeRolph lead to an Ohio tax revolt?
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted December 1, 1997
True tax revolts are rare events in America. The Boston Tea Party notwithstanding, most Americans are content to pay their taxes and go on with the more important things in life like family, church and football. But every now and then, taxpayers do rise up in disgust at the continuing...
The "Dos and Don'ts" of Competitive Contracting: Cleveland, Cincinnati and Indianapolis
By Jeff Williams, posted October 1, 1997
Across the country, financially strapped cities are looking to competitive bidding to reduce costs and improve the quality of public services. Take Indianapolis. The acknowledged national leader in competitive bidding, Indianapolis now saves its citizens about $30 million per year by bidding...
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted July 1, 1997
The Governor and General Assembly have just signed into law another two-year budget. Despite attempts to reign in spending growth, expenditures will continue to increase at almost twice the inflation rate. One of the primary causes of the growth in state government has been the Medicaid...
Cleveland schools profit from scholarship program
A common misunderstanding among the general public is that the Cleveland public schools suffer financially from the state-funded Cleveland Voucher Program. In fact, the tuition assistance program generates money for the Cleveland public schools because the state subsidizes the district for...
Supreme Court Ruling Ignores Real School Reform
By Deborah Owens, posted May 1, 1997
In March, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Ohio's system of financing public education was unconstitutional.[1] That ruling will have far reaching implications for Ohio citizens. Overhauling school funding in Ohio could cost more than $2 billion per year.[2] But will more money improve Ohio's...
Governor's state budget grows faster than inflation and economy
The two-year budget submitted to the Ohio General Assembly by the Governor proposes spending increases that exceed expected inflation rates and projected economic growth. The Administration's budget recommends spending $36.1 billion over the next two years through the State's General Revenue...
Competitive contracting projected to save Indianapolis almost $200 million
An ambitious program to improve the quality and efficiency of public services may net Indianapolis citizens almost $200 million in savings by the year 2002. In 1992, Indianapolis embarked on one of thenation's most ambitions programs to reinvent local government. After four years, the results of...
By Samuel Staley & Robert Lawson, posted March 1, 1997
Many people believe Ohio’s income tax system is fair because it is progressive. After all, people earning higher incomes pay higher tax rates. Many people, however, may not realize that the system unfairly penalizes most Ohio families, particularly lower-income families. It does this by...
Restrained State Spending Holds Key to Economic Growth
By James W. Coons, posted February 1, 1997
State lawmakers are engaged in the challenging task of forging a balanced budget. The effort involves many difficult choices that will require officials to balance a variety of objectives. One objective that merits careful attention is the health of the Ohio economy. A balanced budget...
Evidence shows voucher program doesn’t “cream” best students
Evidence from the Milwaukee voucher experiment suggests that voucher programs do not necessarily “cream” motivated and successful students from the public schools. Rather, the voucher program largely attracts students who perform poorly in the public school system. Researchers at the...
Milwaukee voucher program improves student achievement
One of the more important criticisms of school choice programs is that they fail to boost student achievement. A recent study of students in the Milwaukee choice program seriously questions these criticisms. The study, performed by researchers at Harvard University and the University of Houston,...
Kentucky reforms no panacea for education reform
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted January 1, 1997
In 1990, Kentucky launched what may be the nation's most ambitious education reforms. These reforms were the direct result of a state supreme court decision much like Ohio's DeRolph vs. State. As a result, many look south to Kentucky for an education reform model. Years of experience with...
Paying the piper: School funding solution should not include higher taxes
By Samuel Staley and Robert Lawson, posted January 1, 1997
So, the General Assembly tried to one-up the supreme court, attempting to do in four months what the court told it to do in twelve. The proposed "solution"? Increase the state sales tax rate by 20% to raise $1.1 billion in new tax revenues. Fortunately for Ohio citizens and...
Repeal Prevailing Wage law to increase school funds
By Jeff Williams, posted January 1, 1997
Ohio law requires public schools and universities to pay more than necessary for building construction and repair. Union-negotiated "prevailing wage" rates inflate labor costs on those projects by 20% or more. Repealing the State's prevailing wage law could result in statewide savings...
Local regulation stifles inner-city entrepreneurship in Ohio cities
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted January 1, 1997
Suppose you live in an inner-city neighborhood. You're down on your luck. You were just laid off, and new job prospects are scarce without a college degree or technical skills. What do you do? You come up with a great idea: your car could become a money maker! You can use...
Cleveland Catholic Schools Subsidize Voucher Students
A common objection to publicly funded vouchers for low-income children is that private schools will experience a windfall in revenues. The experience of Cleveland's inner-city Catholic schools suggests otherwise. The Buckeye Institute analyzed tuition and costs for eight inner-city Catholic...
Prevailing Wage Law Costs Ohio Taxpayers Millions
By Jeff Williams, posted November 1, 1996
For those unfamiliar with Ohio’s prevailing wage law, here’s the way it works: Every time state or local government funds a construction project over $50,000, by law it must pay above-market wages. Every time an Ohio government remodels or repairs its buildings, if the cost exceeds...
$700 Million School Funding Increase Isn't the Answer
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted November 1, 1996
An education funding time bomb is about to go off in Ohio. State policymakers are working on proposals to significantly boost funding levels among Ohio’s public school districts. The price tag for these proposals will be hefty. Just bringing current school spending up to the state...
Can Ohio Cities Become Contract Cities?
By Joseph Zoric, posted September 1, 1996
Spending by city governments has increased dramatically in recent years. From 1988 to 1993, for example, expenditures by local governments in Ohio grew by 35.7 percent, almost 14 percentage points faster than the inflation rate. This puts pressure on cities to either raise taxes to...
Medical Savings Accounts Free Doctors and Patients From Managed Care
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted August 1, 1996
Three months into her second pregnancy, Sarah faced a perplexing problem: She might have to change personal doctors. Sarah had seen the same doctor – one of the most widely respected obstetricians in Southwest Ohio – for more than six years. Her doctor had even delivered her first baby. So why...
State Employee Wages Grow Faster than Private Sector
By Greg Delemeester, posted July 1, 1996
State government in Ohio is getting bigger, not smaller, despite 6 years of a Republican governor and 1 ½ years of a conservative legislature. Despite recent successes in slowing its rate of growth, state spending is still increasing at twice the inflation rate and about 1 percent faster than...
School Vouchers Serve Low-income Families
By Deborah Owens-Fink, posted June 1, 1996
Many of the opponents of school vouchers claim that they are designed to serve the rich and middle-class. However, judging from the experiment in Cleveland and Milwaukee, nothing could be further from the truth. Ohio is slated to join Wisconsin this Fall as only the second state with a full...
Contracting Can Save Ohio Public Schools Millions
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted May 1, 1996
Ohio’s financially strapped school districts could learn an important lesson from several innovative districts in the Northeastern part of the state. During the 1980s and early 1990s, Springfield Local School District near Akron faced severe financial difficulties. From 1980 to...
Ohio Finance Laws Hamstring Public Schools
By David Zimov, posted March 1, 1996
If any Ohio homeowner is faced with a small problem, such as a broken window frame and several broken panes, the fix is simple: call a contractor and have it repaired. If this happens in an Ohio public school, however, this small problem could turn into a bureaucratic nightmare. Ohio’s...
Cutting Taxes Best Way Out Of Business Incentive Game
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted February 1, 1996
The Ohio economy has fared well since the economic slump of the early 1990s. Ohio’s job growth out-paced the nation in 1994, the unemployment rate is currently one of the lowest in the nation, and the state ranked first in the number of new and expanded facilities from 1992-94 according to...
Charter schools could help revitalize Ohio's public schools
By Jeanne Allen, posted January 1, 1996
Real education reform may be on the Statehouse doorstep. The Ohio House has already passed legislation allowing for the creation of new community schools. Passage by the Senate, plus the Governor's signature, would put Ohio on the cutting edge of nation-wide public school reform...
Why Is Ohio Subsidizing Expensive Private Tuition -- Regardless of Need?
By Betsy Clarke, posted November 1, 1995
All Ohioans – including those without the means to send their own kids to college – currently subsidize the tuition of Ohio students attending the most expensive private colleges and universities in the state. Ohio will spend $62.5 million over the next two years subsidizing in-state students...
Sports stadiums can be privately financed
By David Swindell, posted September 1, 1995
Almost every major city in Ohio is actively considering proposals for taxpayer-funded sports stadiums. The most ambitious plans may be Cincinnati's where the county government has agreed to raise $540 million in order to tear down Riverfront Stadium and build two new facilities for both the...
Private Health Care Accounts Control Costs and Expand Choices
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted August 8, 1995
Imagine a healthcare plan that allows you to purchase health care services you want and gives you money at the end of the year. Not only that, this plan helps reduce health care costs for you and your employer. Sound far fetched? That's exactly what Medical Savings Accounts accomplish.
Medical Savings Accounts: A Valid Health Care Reform?
By Michael T. Bond, Ph.D., posted August 1, 1995
Imagine a health-care plan that allows you to buy the care you want and gives you money at the end of the year. Not only that, this plan helps reduce health-care costs for you and your employer. Sound far-fetched? Not if you work for Dominion Resources, the Golden Rule Insurance Co., Forbes or any...
Ohio's Prevailing Wage Law: A Costly Burden
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted July 1, 1995
Suppose your school board decides it wants to remodel classrooms in the local high school during the summer break and receives bids from two competing companies. The first bid is from a well established, unionized company that says it can do the job for $25,000 in two weeks. They have the...
State Leaders Should Jump Off the Education Spending Bandwagon
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted June 1, 1995
Citizens are frustrated with Ohio’s public-school system. Only half of the state’s citizens, 50.9 percent, think they’re “getting their money’s worth” out of their local schools, according to a statewide survey conducted last year by the University of Akron’s Center for Urban Studies....
Nationwide Growth of Private Vouchers Provides Guidance for Ohio
By Andrew Little, posted May 8, 1995
Is Ohio really breaking new ground on vouchers? The answer is “no.” Thousands of school kids nationwide already receive vouchers to attend any school of their choice, religious or otherwise, through highly successful private voucher programs.
A Proposal for a Fiscally Responsible Tax Cut
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted May 1, 1995
The Governor’s Office and the legislature in Columbus have recently criticized the concept of a tax cut in Ohio, calling the suggestion “irresponsible.” The federal government, they warn, might shift social programs to the states, requiring increased state and local funds. The economy...
State Unfunded Mandates Hurt Local Communities
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted April 1, 1995
Governor Voinovich received national attention last year by highlighting the cost of unfunded mandates on state governments. These federal mandates cost Ohio over $350 million in 1994 according to the Governor’s Office. “Aside from the enormous cost burdens,” the Governor wrote in a national...
Sports Stadiums Are No Pot of Gold for Cities
By Samuel Staley & David Swindell, posted March 1, 1995
In the wake of the $420 million Jacobs field and sports arena in Cleveland, cities across Ohio are scrambling for new ways to fund professional sports teams and stadiums. Tired of the largest cities getting most of the sports subsidies from state government, the Akron Beacon Journal...
The 110 Percent Solution: Building Private Alternatives to Welfare
By David Forte, posted February 1, 1995
Welfare reform is at the center of political debate in America. On the federal level, the Republican-controlled Congress has proposed reforms that range from re-instituting orphanages to a two-year cut-off for AFDC recipients. Since 73 percent of welfare funding comes from the federal government,...
Exports Help Spur Ohio Economy
By Michael Ellis, posted February 1, 1995
Trade issues generally spark heated debate in Ohio. Recently, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) accentuated the rift between those seeking an expanded role in international markets and those seeking protection of domestic...
Hospitals Should Be Free To Improve Medical Services
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted January 1, 1995
Suppose an Ohio hospital wants to purchase a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine or wants to add more beds to its maternity or obstetric unit. Or suppose a new cardiac catheterization lab wants to open. In Ohio, these health care improvements would be prohibited. In the debate over...
It's Time To Cut Taxes In Ohio
By Richard Vedder & Lowell Gallaway, posted January 1, 1995
The time is ripe to cut taxes in Ohio. The state government is going to run a huge budget surplus this year, unless the Republican-dominated state government approves new spending. That is a real possibility: spending is already up by double-digit amounts over last year for...
Restoring Cincinnati's Economic Vitality
By Samuel Staley and Robert Lawson, posted November 1, 1994
Most Cincinnati politicians and business leaders apparently believe that the city is doing all it can to encourage economic development and growth. This was evident in August after a councilman proposed cutting property taxes to stimulate the city’s economy. Most members of the city council,...
The Best Solution for Ohio's Auto Pollution Woes
By Dennis Miller and Samuel Staley, posted November 1, 1994
When it comes to smog and air pollution, Ohio is a virtual paradise compared to locales such as California and New York. Nevertheless, in the federal government’s zeal to regulate air quality, Washington has mandated that Ohio’s major cities reduce air emissions by 15 percent by 1996 as...
Cleveland Taxpayers In For Rocky Ride on Waterfront Rail Project
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted September 1, 1994
Cleveland taxpayers are in for the ride of their lives with the Cleveland RTA’s newest rail project. The local RTA is running full-steam ahead with the Waterfront Line, an extension of the existing rail system that will cost at least $47.5 million. The RTA has even forgone $20 million in...
Rating Ohio Cities on Taxes, Crime, and Government Overhead
By Samuel Staley & Robert Lawson, posted September 1, 1994
Ohio’s cities are on the road to economic recovery: the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services reports that unemployment rates have fallen in every major city except Youngstown and Mansfield over the past year. In Columbus, for example, unemployment rates fell from 5.6 percent to 4.6...
Will Ohio's Taxpayers See Any Of The $500 Million Surplus?
By Richard Vedder & Lowell Gallaway, posted August 1, 1994
Ohio is in an interesting budget situation that should make Bill Clinton and federal budget officers envious. At the close of the fiscal year on June 30, the state of Ohio ran a budget surplus of $500 million. This surplus came even after the legislature spent well over $100 million on new...
The Folly of Education Based on Building Location
By Deborah Owens-Fink, posted August 1, 1994
“I find it ironic that in a nation that prides itself on freedom,” says Debbie Fausnaught, a parent of three young children in Norton, Ohio, “I am free to select the dentist that I send my children to, but the choice of what school they attend is decided for me by the government.” Mrs. Fausnaught...
More Money Won't Help Ohio's Public Schools
By Samuel R. Staley, Ph.D., posted July 1, 1994
Education-reform efforts kicked into high gear July 1 when a judge in Perry County ruled that Ohio’s system of public-school finance is unconstitutional. This decision, unfortunately, threatens to undermine real reform efforts by focusing on spending as the key to opening the doors to...
Blue Cross Ignores The Real World
By Brad Smith, posted June 1, 1994
Dr. Peter Somani, Governor Voinovich’s Director of Health, has suggested a creative idea that could save the State of Ohio, and eventually the state’s private businesses, millions of dollars in reduced health care expenditures. Dr. Peter Somani’s proposal calls for the creation of Medical Savings...
Ohio's Higher Education Reforms Misguided
By Robert A. Lawson, Ph.D., posted May 1, 1994
Ohio’s taxpayers, parents and students deserve a better system of higher education. People hear stories about graduates who cannot place Mexico on a map, faculty who appear not to teach, and politically correct administrators who patrol the campuses. As is often the case, politicians respond to...
