Economic Growth Only One Factor in Choosing Judicial Sele...
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Economic Growth Only One Factor in Choosing Judicial Selection System
- October 31, 2008
by Eric D. Dixon
The Show-Me Institute’s study of judicial selection systems provides a valuable set of data for looking at the issue in one particular way. However, it doesn’t provide a comprehensive treatment of the subject. People seriously considering various judicial selection systems might place any number of factors higher than economic growth. read more
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Transit Efficiency Questions Need to Include Both Costs a...
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Transit Efficiency Questions Need to Include Both Costs and Benefits
- October 31, 2008
By Joseph Haslag
What is the most efficient means of getting people from the place they are to the place they want to be? Here, the term “efficient” encompasses a broad set of issues, including travel time, future flexibility, resources used, and external costs to society. One answer to this fundamental question, at least in part, is on the Nov. 4 ballot in Saint Louis County, and is referred to as Proposition M. Specifically, voters will choose whether to add a half-cent sales tax to fund MetroLink expansion and operations. read more
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Prop. M Would Help Fund, Expand Crucial Alternative to Hi...
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Prop. M Would Help Fund, Expand Crucial Alternative to Highway System
- October 31, 2008
By Keith Womer
Next week, the citizens of Saint Louis County have the opportunity to invest in the future. Passage of Proposition M would add a half-cent to the St Louis County sales tax supporting expansion of the MetroLink system in the county and operation of the current MetroLink and bus system in both the city and county. With the passage of Proposition M, by reallocating existing sales tax revenue, the county’s plan is to increase funding for county highways as well. This measure would help build the kind of infrastructure that will move our region toward economic growth and prosperity, rather than allowing our transportation system to deteriorate.
read more
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Metro’s Broken Promises Likely to Continue After Pro...
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Metro’s Broken Promises Likely to Continue After Proposition M
- October 31, 2008
by Wendell Cox
Voters in Saint Louis County are being asked to approve yet another sales tax to fund transit on the November ballot. However, Metro’s string of broken promises and its profligate spending suggest that the revenue from this tax increase would not be wisely spent.
The broken promises go back to even before construction of the first MetroLink line. In 1988, officials told the public that no tax increase would be necessary to operate light rail, but by 1994, the Bi-State Development Agency (Metro’s former name) threatened to close it down unless a new tax was provided. read more
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Voter Information, Actions Linked to Media Coverage Area
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Voter Information, Actions Linked to Media Coverage Area
- October 30, 2008
From the paper's abstract:
In this paper we estimate the impact of press coverage on citizen knowledge, politicians' actions, and
policy. We find that a poor fit between newspaper markets and political districts reduces press coverage of politics.
Voters living in areas
with less coverage of their U.S. House representative are less likely to recall their representative's
name, and less able to describe and rate them. Congressmen who are less covered by the local press
work less for their constituencies: they are less likely to stand witness before congressional hearings,
to serve on constituency-oriented committees (perhaps), and to vote against the party line. Finally,
this congressional behavior affects policy. Federal spending is lower in areas where there is less press
coverage of the local members of congress. read more
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'Missouri Clean Energy Initiative' Fraught With Hidden Costs
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'Missouri Clean Energy Initiative' Fraught With Hidden Costs
- October 21, 2008
By Jacob Voss
To date, 26 states have adopted renewable energy standard (RES) laws, which require energy utilities to derive a specified percentage of electricity from renewable energy, by a particular date. These standards range from 8 percent in Pennsylvania by 2020 to 40 percent in Maine by 2017. In November, voters will decide on a measure that would place similar obligations on Missouri's three investor-owned utilities. The "Missouri Clean Energy Initiative" requires AmerenUE, Kansas City Power & Light, and Empire District Electric to produce 15 percent of their electricity through renewable sources by 2021. read more
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Charitable Tax Credits Provide Constructive Alternative t...
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Charitable Tax Credits Provide Constructive Alternative to Prop. 1
- October 20, 2008
By Calvin Harris II
This November, Saint Louis County constituents will vote on a new annual tax of one-quarter of a cent (1 cent on every $4.00) to fund programs supporting the mental health and well-being of area youth. The estimated $40 million that would be collected after the passing of Proposition 1 would create a steady stream of funding for emergency shelters, transitional living programs for older youth, outpatient substance abuse treatment, and services to teen mothers. A Saint Louis County needs assessment concluded that the availability and funding of children's programs should be increased, and while taxation may seem like a logical means to reach this end, there are other options. read more
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8 percent: A tipping point for sales tax?
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8 percent: A tipping point for sales tax?
- October 14, 2008
By Deann Smith and Finn Bullers
The Kansas City Star
We don't have it as good as shoppers in Alaska. But we don't have it as bad as those in Chicago.
The Kansas City area is in the middle of the country when it comes to sales taxes. But we will move up in the pecking order if taxes pass in Kansas City and Johnson County next month.
If either tax passes, broad sections of the metropolitan area will for the first time see sales tax rates above 8 cents on every dollar, with some shopping and entertainment meccas going higher yet. read more
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The Show-Me Institute is a research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Missouri by advancing sensible, well-researched solutions to state and local policy issues.
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