This weekly round-up shares the latest news about what the Network is doing to promote state-based solutions that will improve the lives of families, workers, and local communities. If you are an SPN member and have an update you’d like us to include in next week’s round-up, please email us at updates@spn.org (all submissions are subject to SPN approval).

Announcements

Success Stories

  • After a ten-year legal battle, the Empire Center won a major victory when a New York Supreme Court judge ruled that the New York Police Department had to share pension amounts and names with the Center. The public will now know how taxpayer money is being spent, which will play a role in preventing future pension abuse.
  • The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of public charter school funding, a big win for school choice. In the case, the Mississippi Justice Institute represented three parents whose children attend charter schools. “This ruling is a major victory for parents who simply want what every parent wants: the ability to choose the best possible education for their children,” said Aaron Rice, Director of the Mississippi Justice Institute.

Research and Initiatives

  • The Commonwealth Foundation released a new study “Worker Freedom in the States: The Janus Impact and Grading State Public Labor Laws.” The study gives a snapshot of bills introduced in the past year to counter the Janus decision.
  • New York public school enrollment is at its lowest level in 30 years, according to a new report by the Empire Center. Empire notes this trend highlights the need for education reforms, so districts can have flexibility to deal with demographic changes like these.
  • The Chicago Teacher’s Union made new contract demands, including annual 5% raises over three years and 4,000 new support staff. A new analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute finds this would cost $452 million in the first year alone.
  • The Show Me-Institute is suing the state of Missouri for failing to comply with a public records request. After Show-Me filed a request on names and other information on public employees, it received copies with 90% of the information redacted.
  • A new study by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty reveals that the predominantly white, wealthy families of Madison attend some of the top schools in the state. But the Madison public schools consistently fail their low-income and minority students when it comes to academic achievement, economic opportunity, and safety. WILL recommends that the state undertake reforms to make it easier for charter and private schools to serve Madison’s low-income families.

Think Tanks in the News

  • The Oklahoman editorial board featured the 1889 Institute’s work on occupational licensing, specifically their “Occupational Licensing Directory”—a list of recommendations on licensing for the state.
  • $100,000 of taxpayer money to fund…. a podcast? That’s how much Shelby County commissioners in Tennessee are spending to create their own podcasts. The Beacon Center noted that this is not a good use of taxpayer dollars.
  • The Buckeye Institute considered federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in an op-ed for The Hill. CAFE standards were an attempt to ease the pain of high gas prices by requiring car manufacturers to meet designated fuel efficiencies. Buckeye noted: “The American automotive consumer doesn’t need antiquated policies from the Ford and Carter administrations spiking car prices just to encourage better gas mileage.” Buckeye also looked at the need for bail reform in Ohio and the work of the Ohio Supreme Court’s Bail Reform Task Force.
  • California Policy Center’s Prop 65 warning label submission campaign was featured in an article for the Northern California Record. Prop 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to people about exposures to certain chemicals that may cause health problems. CPC noted Prop 65 misrepresents consumer risk and dulls the public’s reactions to legitimate warnings.
  • To address the Twin Cities’ affordable housing problem, housing supply needs to expand, said the Center of the American Experiment. By proposing rent subsidies for low-income families, policymakers are treating the symptom, not the problem.
  • After Pennsylvania’s Governor issued an executive order that imposes fees and regulations on charter schools, the Commonwealth Foundation criticized the move, noting that the Governor has never visited a charter school and is touting reforms to appease political allies. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs also commented on education policy this week. OCPA President Jonathan Small undermined a common argument against school choice: parents should not be able to send their child to a school of their choice because a private provider may make a profit. Small pointed out this already happens—buses, textbooks, standardized tests, and school buildings are all provided to schools by private entities.
  • Hundreds of union-represented employees in Washington are on the verge of striking, set to walk out if their contracts aren’t settled soon. Union officials say these walkouts are the result of rising income inequality that is leaving middle class workers with stagnant wages. The Freedom Foundation noted how strikes tend to happen more during a good economy, when workers think there is more money. In other union news, The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act was introduced in the House this week, a bill that is a direct pushback against the Janus ruling. The Mackinac Center argued that this is one of the most dangerous bills this congressional session—it strips away the authority of state representatives and takes away rights from public employees.
  • The Garden State Initiative debunked recent claims by New Jersey’s Governor that the state is an economic “leader.” GSI pointed out New Jersey’s weak GDP, small workforce, low labor force participation rate, and high corporate taxes.
  • Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare held a hearing this week on work requirements in Medicaid. The Idaho Freedom Foundation noted that Medicaid expansion was sold as a product for working Idahoans. The Pacific Research Institute also weighed in on Medicaid expansion—pointing out the vast amount of waste from ineligible enrollees.
  • A county circuit court judge in Illinois declined to hear the lawsuit filed by Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman, challenging the constitutionality of general obligation bonds the state issued. Tillman argued that such debt must be issued “only for specific purposes.”
  • The Mackinac Center’s recent report on pensions was featured in an editorial for The Detroit News. The report found Michigan’s 100 largest cities have over $5.5 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. “While local governments must follow through on constitutionally protected pension promises, they need to ensure they’re creating a more sustainable financial path,” said The Detroit News.
  • Trent England, Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs participated in a debate hosted by the Steamboat Institute, on the electoral college versus the national popular vote. The event was broadcast on C-SPAN this week.
  • The Texas Public Policy Foundation explained what policies led to Texas’ booming economy—including property tax cuts and getting rid of local regulations. Not on the list? Mandatory paid sick leave. As some city governments pass paid sick leave laws, TPPF warned this policy will undo Texas’ recent economic success.