Blog

“Define and implement a system of performance-based pay for all state employees.” Policy Foundation, 1998 recommendation   “Performance Pay.  Some state agencies are using this strategy to advance efficiencies.  The practice should be applied to other agencies.” Policy Foundation Efficiency Project, 2016 recommendation   (October 2019) The number of state executive branch employees has declined by 1,589 since Arkansas […]

“The (Policy) Foundation’s establishment of the Arkansas Efficiency Project in 2015 … was instrumental in beginning the movement … My administration’s Office of Transformation and the state’s Transformation Advisory Board are products of the project and strive to apply efficiency initiatives recommended by the report, as well as organize the state’s plan of action for […]

“It’s almost like they’ve been cheerleading for [a recession]. It’s understandable from their point. Politicians and pundits don’t lose their jobs when there’s a recession, but real, hardworking Americans do.  People should remember what the last recession was like before they start rooting for another recession, even if it would benefit their electoral ambitions.”  U.S. Sen. Tom […]

“The drop in the state’s unemployment rate to a record low is consistent with the duration of the economic expansion, which entered a record 11th year this month.” Policy Foundation, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, July 20, 20191   (August 2019) Arkansas’ unemployment rate hit consecutive all-time record lows this Summer, declining to 3.5% in June and 3.4% in July, preliminary […]

“The most callused aspect of the current education monopoly in Arkansas is that it willingly and deliberately forces children–except those whose parents have wealth–to attend bad schools.” Policy Foundation report,1 1998   (July 2019) Two measures enacted this year by Arkansas policymakers take effect this month and expand school choice options for K-12 students.   PA 5482 (sponsor: […]

“Employment and industrial production are more reliable than GDP and the Dow in determining cyclical turning points in the economy.” Policy Foundation, 2009 (July 2019) The U.S. economy entered record territory this month as the economic expansion that began in June 20091 entered its 11th year, eclipsing the previous 10-year record (1991-2001) in the business […]

“Only eight Arkansas counties post annual budgets online for citizens while others publish an annual appropriation notice in the paper of record, a legal requirement. Every county should post its budget in an easily-accessible format.” Policy Foundation, 20181   (June 2019) All 75 Arkansas counties will be required to post their annual budgets online starting in […]

“There is significant evidence that reductions in marginal state tax rates encourage state economic growth …Rates on productive behavior should be reduced.” “Arkansas Policy Foundation, Murphy Commission project, 1998   (June 2019) Arkansas policymakers have reduced the state capital gains tax. Opponents claim the reduction only benefits a small group but public records show nearly […]

Theory of Constraints is a management strategy used by state budget departments including Utah.  Several employees expressed interest in TOC during interviews and should be encouraged to learn more about the strategy.1   (May 2019) The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a management strategy that uses a focusing process to create efficient outcomes.  TOC is one of several strategies that […]

“There is significant evidence that reductions in marginal state tax rates encourage state economic growth …Rates on productive behavior should be reduced.” “Arkansas Policy Foundation, Murphy Commission project, 1998   “Reduce the state’s income tax. Among the reforms, consider an across the board 10% cut…reduce the marginal rates, exempt taxpayers below a certain income level from filing, […]