1889 Institute Blog Headlines

Wind Energy in Oklahoma: A Costly Solution in Search of a Problem

1/6/2022

This paper rigorously demonstrates that wind electrical generation is very costly and that subsidies for wind energy through tax credits at the federal and state levels merely hides these costs even as they drive increased wind energy investment.
What’s more, wind generation accomplishes little in reducing carbon-dioxide emissions and, even if it did, potential reductions in Oklahoma would be insignificant globally.
Finally, while wind power subsidies destabilize Oklahoma’s state finances, they provide a negligible amount of property tax funding to schools.

Additional contributions in the paper are provided by Per Bylund, Paul C. Knappenberger, and Byron Schlomach.

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Wind Energy in Oklahoma: A Costly Solution in Search of a Problem

Author: Robert Michaels
Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Teacher Pay: Facts to Consider

1/6/2022

This 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.

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Teacher Pay: Facts to Consider

Authors: Baylee Butler, Byron Schlomach
Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Raising Teacher Pay: Things to Consider and Do

1/6/2022

This paper looks at the costs of increasing Oklahoma’s average teacher pay and how different raises will affect Oklahoma’s position compared to other states. It recommends that if the state funds a teacher pay raise, that it be done through block-granting with transparency regarding who gets raises. Finally, it points out that districts have sufficient resources to provide for substantial raises.

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Raising Teacher Pay: Things to Consider and Do

Authors: Byron Schlomach, Baylee Butler
Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Critique of the Incentive Evaluation Commission’s Tax Incentive Evaluation Report: 2016

1/6/2022

This paper looks at the first report of Oklahoma’s Incentive Evaluation Commission (IEC) and finds it wanting. The IEC was created to review Oklahoma’s many tax incentives for industry over a period of years. In their first round of recommendations, they suggest repealing only four of eleven reviewed incentives. The Institute suggests repealing nine. Apparently, the IEC is more interested in the status quo than real reform, having made unique recommendations with only $3 million in financial impact. Therefore, the IEC should be abolished.

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Critique of the Incentive Evaluation Commission’s Tax Incentive Evaluation Report: 2016
Author:
Byron Schlomach

Abstract:
An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure in Oklahoma

1/6/2022

This paper briefly describes the state of cosmetology and barbering licensing in the state. It recommends that the licensing statute in this area be allowed to expire July 1, 2017 according to its sunset date.

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Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure in Oklahoma

Author:
Byron Schlomach

Abstract:
An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Policy Maker’s Guide to Evaluating Proposed and Existing Occupational Licensing Laws

1/6/2022

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.

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Policy Maker’s Guide to Evaluating Proposed and Existing Occupational Licensing Laws

Authors: Byron Schlomach, Vance H. Fried
Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Rising Above Mere Politics: General Principles for Spending Taxpayers’ Money

1/6/2022

This paper argues that state budget writers should ask five basic questions:

Is a program or agency consistent with the mission of Oklahoma’s state government?
Are the benefits from a program or agency unambiguous and universal?
Do the benefits of a program or agency indisputably outweigh the costs?
Is the program or agency fulfilling a need only government can effectively fill?
Does the existing program or agency show evidence of past success?

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.

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Rising Above Mere Politics: General Principles for Spending Taxpayers’ Money
Author:Byron Schlomach
Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

A Truly Universal Education Savings Account Proposal, Including Fiscal Implications

1/6/2022

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.

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A Truly Universal Education Savings Account Proposal, Including Fiscal Implications

Authors: Byron Schlomach, Vance H. Fried

An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Oklahoma’s Teacher Supply: Shortage or Surplus?

1/6/2022

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.

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Oklahoma’s Teacher Supply: Shortage or Surplus?

Authors: Baylee Butler and Byron Schlomach
Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

The Need to Review and Reform Occupational Licensing in Oklahoma

1/6/2022

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.

The Need to Review and Reform Occupational Licensing in Oklahoma

Author: Byron Schlomach

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An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

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