Policy Research

"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...

"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  ...

"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...

"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...

"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...

"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...

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...

"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...

(April 2019) K-12 students enrolled at Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association-affiliated schools outside of Pulaski County compose 51.7% (9,812) of total ANSAA enrollment in 2018-19.1 Enrollment at ANSAA-affiliated schools is 18,987.These schools serve students in...

(April 2019) A massive 2,047-page bill approved by the state General Assembly and signed into law this month by Gov. Asa Hutchinson is the foundation for the biggest Arkansas state government reorganization in nearly 50...