The Show-Me Institute responded swiftly to the need for guidance on policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The wide-ranging expertise of its analysts has allowed the Institute to cover nearly every relevant facet of this crisis in Missouri.

On healthcare, Show-Me hosted two “telephone town hall” events with public health and economic experts. The events attracted hundreds of listeners, and Show-Me has a third event planned. Show-Me also published blog posts outlining important regulatory reforms that would help Missouri increase its healthcare supply to meet the coming demand. Five of those reforms were detailed in a report that provides a roadmap for battling the coronavirus, with several goals already achieved. Show-Me is also working with like-minded organizations to apply pressure toward repeal of the state’s certificate of need law.

On education, the pandemic has highlighted Show-Me’s longstanding work on the urgent need for more diverse educational options for parents and kids. Show-Me highlighted the successes of states that are doing virtual learning well and provided guidance for districts and schools to help them navigate these difficult times. Show-Me is continuing to push Missouri leaders to assist overwhelmed schools and parents by embracing technology and remote learning tools to minimize lost learning time.

Show-Me has written about other important topics as well, including budget priorities in a pandemic and how the free market helps us adapt to challenging circumstances. Show-Me has also provided analysis on lifting needless regulations.

Show-Me is already seeing results. The governor has approved two key healthcare reforms that the organization has been advocating: Licensing reciprocity (which makes it easier for out-of-state doctors to help Missourians) and scope-of-practice reform (which eases restrictions on nurse practitioners). The governor also relaxed several occupational licensing regulations, a topic Institute analysts have been writing about for years.