Archives: Cronyism / Articles
Archives: Cronyism / Articles (page 2)
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Union Time on the Taxpayer Dime
Connecticut state budgets are in dire straits. Belts need to be tightened. Revenue projections estimate the budget deficit could spill over $900 million in 2016-2017. With such staggering shortfalls,…
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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Vetoes Expansion of Renewable Portfolio Standard
Late last week, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan vetoed SB 921/HB 1106. The legislation known as the “Clean Jobs Bill” would, among other things, increase the state’s renewable energy…
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Subsidies and Cost Shifting Won’t Power Maine’s Economy
An economic resurgence is clearly needed, and state legislators have two options.
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Why does the NDAA limit military recruits to one type of shoe?
The National Defense Authorization Act is up for debate in Congress, and one of the more interesting sections is Section 808 (2015-16 NDAA), which would essentially grant New Balance, the athletic shoe company, with an exclusive contract to outfit new military recruits with running shoes.
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Is RI-Innovates Corporate Cronyism in the Best Interests of Ocean State Families?
Part of the RI Innovates plan is designed to give away taxpayer-funded subsidies to many of the same industries targeted by a similar in the Empire State, called Start-Up NY.
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An Open Letter to American Water Works Association
Responsible elected officials, financial professionals and utility engineers must support and promote open competition and the need for alternative products and materials in bidding processes for underground infrastructure. Moreover, this is a fundamental right and responsibility of all municipal governments.
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Cutting Cronyism and Taxes are a Maine Source of Opportunity
Sad news struck Maine’s once-thriving paper industry recently. Only months after Verso Corp. was forced to file for bankruptcy, Madison Paper Mill reported that…
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ALEC Principles Shine Light on Government Failures
Sunshine Week, running from March 13 to 19, aims to promote transparency in government, which is a fundamental component of the ALEC principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. The private sector can offer superior alternatives to failing public schools, overly complex healthcare services and expensive infrastructure projects. When government services are transferred to the free market, private companies deliver high-quality public services at far less cost to the taxpayer.
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Will Flint officials adopt a competitive bidding process to fix their pipes?
Federal disaster relief for Flint Michigan’s water contamination could exceed one billion tax dollars before all is said and done. As that money is being dispersed to solve Flint’s water contamination, what steps are being taken to ensure this money is being used wisely? How are the taxpayers going to be reassured that this money is not going into the pockets of pet projects and crony capitalists?
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State of the State: Washington
“Our economy is not working for everyone.”
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Rally for Rebecca
On a freezing Monday morning, dozens of teachers, parents and policymakers gathered on the steps of the United States Supreme Court to cheer on plaintiff Rebecca Friedrichs during oral argument…
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Jonathan Williams and Karla Jones Interviewed on I Spy Radio
Jonathan Williams, Vice President of the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform, spoke with Dr. Mark on I Spy Radio in Oregon about the continued trend of Americans moving to…
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New Fiscal Year Resolutions for Washington, D.C.
As Washington, D.C. starts a new fiscal year, policymakers should look to the states for innovative budget reforms. States are taking the lead in reforming budgets and ensuring taxpayer dollars…
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Ben Wilterdink Testifies To Connecticut State Tax Panel
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has been following the progress of the Connecticut State Tax Panel, which develops recommendations on how to improve the state tax code in the wake of ongoing economic…
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Pope Francis is Right: Free Markets Serve the Common Good
On Thursday, Pope Francis delivered remarks to a joint session of Congress and urged for unity in his message. While left-leaning pundits have been quick to highlight comments from…
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ALEC Releases New Report Examining the Effect of State Taxes on Charitable Giving
Charity is a crucial component of efforts to address societal challenges and help individuals thrive. From religious organizations to community charities, philanthropic donations drive the institutions of civil…
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Right-to-Work: A Pro-Growth Reform Opportunity in Missouri
This week, Missourians have a chance to see their business climate greatly improved by becoming the 26th Right-to-Work (RTW). Despite recent attempts to link Right-to-Work laws with racist conspiracies or…
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Volcker Alliance Calls For Greater Transparency and Integrity in State Budgeting
While 49 states have some kind of a balanced budget requirement, budget challenges are a stark reality for numerous states. When lawmakers use temporary fixes to…
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ALEC Honors Oklahoma Representative Randy McDaniel as 2015 Legislator of the Year
In 2014, Oklahoma policymakers took a bold step to secure the financial future for current and future state employees. Those leaders passed a reform package that transitioned the state…
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Vermont’s Soft Drink Tax Is a Nightmare for Small Businesses
Vermont consumers have an unwelcome surprise at the cash register: a new six-percent sales tax on their favorite soft drink. This session, Vermont passed $63 million in new taxes,…