1889 Institute Blog Headlines

Tax Increment Finance and Suggestions for Reform

1/6/2022

This paper is a critical look at TIFs in Oklahoma. It points out that TIFs burden businesses not located in TIFs. All taxpayers statewide are burdened when TIFs access school property taxes. Recommendations for reform include greater transparency, stricter limits on use of TIF funds, and greater state oversight.

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Tax Increment Finance and Suggestions for Reform

Author: Byron Schlomach

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

Oklahoma’s Teacher Pay: 30th, Not 48th

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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Oklahoma’s Teacher Pay: 30th, Not 48th

Author: Byron Schlomach

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

Tax Increment Finance Districts (TIFs)

1/6/2022

When towns, cities, or counties create TIF districts, tax revenues that result from additional sales or increased property taxes are not shared in the community as a whole but are concentrated on the district. TIFs burden those not in the TIF to support community-wide infrastructure and schools. TIF money is often spent on private investment and favors large corporations.

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Tax Increment Finance Districts (TIFs)
Author: Byron Schlomach

Abstract: An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute.

Changing the Conversation: Three Ideas for Lower-Cost, Not Higher-Cost, College

1/6/2022

This paper proposes three big ideas for reducing the cost of higher education. These include:

Two years of low-cost virtual education,
Greater cooperation with Western Governors University, and
Development of a $10,000 bachelor’s degree.

Changing the Conversation: Three Ideas for Lower-Cost, Not Higher-Cost, College.

Authors: 1889 Institute, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Americans for Prosperity.

Abstract: An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute.

Medicaid Expansion: Bad Policy by Any Name

1/6/2022

This paper critiques a plan put forth by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority that effectively expands Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare.

Author: Byron Schlomach
Abstract: An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute.

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Medicaid Expansion: Bad Policy by Any Name

Oklahoma is a Medium, Not Low, Tax & Spending State

1/6/2022

This paper demonstrates that when state and local taxes and spending in Oklahoma are compared to the same in other states as a percentage of GDP, Oklahoma ranks surprisingly high in tax and spending metrics.

Author: Byron Schlomach

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Oklahoma is a Medium, Not Low, Tax & Spending State

An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute.

Designing an Education Savings Account

1/6/2022

Designing an Education Savings Account

Authors: Byron Schlomach, Vance H. Fried

Abstract:
This paper provides a comprehensive framework for an Oklahoma ESA program – an update of an earlier publication.

Full text PDF

An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Wind Energy Tax Credits

1/6/2022

Oklahoma provides a half-cent per kilowatt hour income tax credit for wind generation. This represents a subsidy to the wind energy industry and is very costly given the need to double-up on electrical generation capacity.

Full Text PDF

Wind Energy Tax Credits

Author:
Byron Schlomach

Abstract:

An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

Blueprint for Education Reform: Educational Choice and Empowered Public Schools

1/6/2022

This paper lays out a vision for the future of education that is coming due to technological disruption of the current, outdated factory model. Policy must evolve by providing greater educational choice.

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Blueprint for Education Reform: Educational Choice and Empowered Public Schools.

Author:
Vance H. Fried

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

Oklahoma’s Billion-Dollar Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust

1/6/2022

This paper briefly describes the constitutionally-established fund into which 75 percent of the state’s tobacco settlement payments are deposited. Investment proceeds are partly used to fund tobacco use cessation efforts. The paper explores the sources of funding, its uses, and whether it can be put to alternative uses.

Full Text PDF

Oklahoma’s Billion-Dollar Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust

Author: Byron Sclomach

Abstract:

An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

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