1889institute:

  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.

Full Text PDF

Tax Increment Finance Districts (TIFs)

Author:  Byron Schlomach

​

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

1889institute:

This paper describes Oklahoma’s common school formula funding in detail, providing many insights. In addition, an overview of the state’s public education funding is provided. ​ A Primer for Understanding Oklahoma’s School Funding System Author: Byron Schlomach Full text PDF Summary PDF An encore reposting of the works of the 1889 Institute.

---

1889institute:

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. Summary PDF - Full text PDF

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.

---

1889institute:

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. Full Text PDF Teacher Pay: Facts to Consider Authors: Baylee Butler, Byron Schlomach Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

---

1889institute:

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. Full Text PDF Raising Teacher Pay: Things to Consider and Do Authors: Byron Schlomach, Baylee Butler Abstract: An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

---

1889institute:

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. Summary PDF - Full text PDF 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.

---

1889institute:

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. Full Text PDF Barbering and Cosmetology Licensure in Oklahoma Author: Byron Schlomach ​ Abstract:  ​An encore reposting of the research from the 1889 Institute.

---

1889institute:

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. Full Text PDF 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.

---

1889institute:

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

---

1889institute:

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. Summary PDF Full text PDF 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.

---