It’s not a recession, but our economic growth is clearly slowing, pointing up the need for a short-term restraint on spending and a long-term solution for boom-bust state budgeting.
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Is there a “business case” for universal preschool? Advocates argue that there is a long-term “Return On Investment,” paying back the early costs of preschool through decreased K-12 education costs and “positive effects on adult crime, earnings, wealth,” and other components. But this paper demonstrates that such claims are overblown....
Working with legislators, key government officials and business leaders, the Thomas Jefferson Institute continued to bring creative and workable ideas for solving some of Virginia’s most critical challenges. This report outlines efforts to bring a more business-like approach to running state and local government, more parental choice and accountability to...
Two Congressman are putting ideology ahead of finding effective solutions. Fortunately, the Tenth Amendment stands in their way.
... Virginia now faces a $300 million shortfall. But four months ago, the General Assembly approved $700 million in new spending despite signs of an economic slowdown. Why didn’t they see it coming?
... Isn’t it time colleges did more to keep parents informed when their children pose a danger to themselves or others?
... At a time when more money is needed for vital services like roads, would Virginia taxpayers be better off if the state sold or licensed our liquor business? This scholar says “Yes.”
... Private sector financing and user-based fees offer the revenues needed to fix Virginia’s transportation system. Now we need a blueprint on how to spend it wisely.
... Submitted for your consideration: A successful reading program that may die in the cross-fire of No Child Left Behind’s Twilight Zone politics.
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Harry Potter and the Revival of Reading
The Harry Potter books opened up the world of reading to a generation of younger children. Potter succeeded where parents and teachers had failed, but his secret isn’t magic.
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