This paper critiques a plan put forth by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority that effectively expands Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare.
Author: Byron Schlomach
Abstract: An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute.
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This paper proposes three big ideas for reducing the cost of higher education. These include:
Changing the Conversation: Three Ideas for Lower-Cost, Not Higher-Cost, College. When towns, cities, or counties create TIF districts, tax revenues that result from additional sales or increased property taxes are not shared in the community as a whole but are concentrated on the district. TIFs burden those not in the TIF to support community-wide infrastructure and schools. TIF money is often spent on private investment and favors large corporations. Tax Increment Finance Districts (TIFs) Author: Byron Schlomach Abstract: An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute. Oklahoma’s Teacher Pay: 30th, Not 48thThis paper breaks down facts about Oklahoma’s average teacher salary, considers how benefits might change generally-accepted teacher pay comparisons across states, cost of living, and inflation adjustments. Historical comparisons are also made, along with a discussion of facts regarding comparisons with other professions so that information on the issue is as full and accurate as possible. Oklahoma’s Teacher Pay: 30th, Not 48th Author: Byron Schlomach Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute. This paper is a critical look at TIFs in Oklahoma. It points out that TIFs burden businesses not located in TIFs. All taxpayers statewide are burdened when TIFs access school property taxes. Recommendations for reform include greater transparency, stricter limits on use of TIF funds, and greater state oversight. Tax Increment Finance and Suggestions for Reform This paper provides model bill language for states to create a more competitive and open system of professional credentialing. Private certification, as outlined and described, would provide for competitive credentialing that would lower prices of services for consumers and provide them better information, as well as create more opportunity for potential service providers, as compared to licensing. An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute. Oklahoma’s Teacher Supply: Shortage or Surplus?This paper looks at the anecdotal, circumstantial and hard numbers evidence of a teacher shortage in Oklahoma and finds the evidence wanting. At worst, any shortage is trivial in size. The state might even have a surplus. Oklahoma’s Teacher Supply: Shortage or Surplus? This paper proposes a $4,500 ESA for every school-age child in Oklahoma that parents can supplement. It recommends specifics of what purchases are allowable under an ESA. It discusses how the program would be funded, how it would be administered, and academic accountability. A Truly Universal Education Savings Account Proposal, Including Fiscal Implications Rising Above Mere Politics: General Principles for Spending Taxpayers’ MoneyThis paper argues that state budget writers should ask five basic questions:
In addition, they must recognize that pursuing federal funding can often be counterproductive and that, too often, spending reflects the victory of political symbolism over the substance of actual accomplishment. Rising Above Mere Politics: General Principles for Spending Taxpayers’ Money This paper describes the two conditions under which occupational licensing would be proper – real, high risk of physical harm and some type of civil-law or market failure. It describes an alternative to licensing in the form of private certification and recommends that when licensing does exist, education requirements be eliminated (relying on exams and experience only) and licensing boards be reformed. Policy Maker’s Guide to Evaluating Proposed and Existing Occupational Licensing Laws |
The 1889 Institute:Oklahoma Policy Innovation Project. Archives
May 2023
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