A recent study suggested that nearly half of the cost of a home in the Seattle area is due to land-use regulations.

The study, by University of Washington Economics professor Theo Eicher, was highlighted in a recent article in the Seattle Times.

Professor Eicher’s research shows that the . . . Read more!

Summary

For over 25 years, an increasing number of other countries have established some form of personally held accounts in response to their own social security and pension crises. Following their lead is a smart and sustainable way to reform our own Social Security system before it is too late. . . . Read more!

Introduction

In a world where taxes are used to finance government, possibilities for revenue include sales taxes, flat taxes and others. But among the many competing options, some are decidedly worse than others. The capital gains tax is one of the worst sources of revenue, since it taxes the very tool used ultimately to create higher wages for workers and increased standards of living. . . . Read more!

Summary

The Social Security System worked well when there were sixteen workers to support each retiree, back in 1950. Now there are only three workers supporting each retiree, and soon there will only be two. The system is headed toward financial disaster. Congress must address these concerns, and Oregonians should lead the way toward reforming the system. . . . Read more!

A recent article in Resurgence Magazine (December 2007) makes the claim that our free-market economy “lacks a moral compass” and is “value-free.” The author proposes a moral compass for the economy based on values pointing towards the environment and fulfilling human needs.

However, this sort of economy overlooks the . . . Read more!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: James M. Taylor
E-mail: taylor@heartland.org

Hundreds of the world’s leading “skeptics” of the theory of man-made global warming will meet in New York City March 2-4, 2008 to present their case and discuss the latest scientific, economic and political research on climate change. . . . Read more!

Within the last week, two major news stories have demonstrated why politicians should not try to plan the economy. First, Science magazine published the results of several studies showing that the mad rush to promote ethanol and other biofules as a tool for “fighting global warming” is generating a substantial net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The studies found that clearing rainforest or grasslands for conversion to croplands (necessary as the feedstock for ethanol production) releases large amounts of carbon.

The second news story, published in The Oregonian, focused on . . . Read more!

Summary

Dick Stamm’s experience on an Illinois school board shows what four dedicated people can do to improve education in their district. During his tenure, test scores rose from the 54th percentile to the 90th. . . . Read more!