There are now two commissions considering reforms to the state tax code. One was appointed by the governor, and the other was created by the House Ways & Means Committee. Whatever plans come out of either of these groups, they should be guided by some key principles. (more…)
Mississippi’s budget woes would not be nearly as severe if marriage still had the prominence it once did in the state, according to Forest Thigpen, president of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy (MCPP). His comments were based on a study released today in Washington, DC, that estimates the cost of divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing on federal, state, and local budgets. The landmark study, entitled “The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing,” is the first scholarly, peer-reviewed study to ever estimate the cost of “family fragmentation” to federal, state, and local governments. (more…)
The commission appointed by Governor Barbour to study the state tax code has begun meeting. The governor wants the commission to look at the total tax burden experienced by Mississippians, including federal and local taxes, to determine what changes need to be made in the state tax code so that the overall tax burden is not detrimental to job creation and growth. (more…)
A prominent Mississippi businessman is asking the taxpayers of Mississippi to give him 17 million dollars to help his company. He told a Senate committee that the reason he was asking for the money was because the legislature had provided millions of dollars to other companies, and since he had been in business 43 years and had never asked the legislature for anything, he wanted them to give him some money, too. (more…)
Charter School FAQ
by Forest M. Thigpen
This Issue Brief describes the general concept of charter schools; specific legislation may differ.
What is a Charter School?
There's a phrase that's often used as a conversation-stopper in public policy debates. Those who use this phrase seemingly seek to intimidate their opponents into defending evil against good. It seems to be used when all rational arguments fail. The phrase? "Anything for the children." (more…)
Health insurance is one of the largest expenses for businesses, government, and families. There are lots of reasons for that, most of which have to do with government actions that inhibit innovation and competition - two of the primary elements that lead to improved quality and lower price in other service sectors. (more…)
The Rationale for a Statewide Health Insurance Exchange
by Robert E. Moffit, Ph.D.
Summary: The Mississippi Legislature has options available under current federal law to improve the affordability and availability of private health insurance coverage, with little to no government funding required.
It is often said in the halls of power that "personnel is policy." Key staff members appointed by our leaders are usually indicative of the philosophy of those leaders.
If that's the case with Governor Barbour and Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, the state is in very good shape. Governor Barbour has named Paul Hurst as his new chief of staff, and Lt. Gov. Bryant has named Joe Nosef as his chief of staff. (more…)