Government action should take place in an atmosphere of transparency and accountability, with respect for private property, individual rights and freedom of speech. A top down analysis of federal, state and local regulations can help protect individuals from government overreach with respect to such concerns as eminent domain, local architectural ordinances, municipal broadband and civil asset forfeiture.

Government Accountability, Taxes and Spending

Georgia Governor’s Budget Reports

Each year, the Governor recommends to the General Assembly a budget for the State of Georgia. This proposed budget and an amended version of the current year’s budget are detailed in the Governor’s Annual Budget Reports.
Economy, Government Accountability

Georgia Department of Community Affairs

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has been an advocate for our state’s communities for four decades, helping spur private job creation, implement comprehensive plans, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions and promote volunteerism.
Government Accountability, Regulation Reform

Architectural Ordinances: Government Overreach vs. Home Rule

Local governments are stifling innovation, mandating aesthetics and materials, restricting designs and layouts, all while infringing upon the rights of private property owners.
Government Accountability, Regulation Reform

Foundation President Kyle Wingfield Provides Testimony on ‘Architectural Ordinances’

Kyle Wingfield, president of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, was invited to provide testimony to the Georgia House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee on February 20, 2019, regarding architectural ordinances. His prepared testimony is published below.

 

GEORGIA HOUSE AGRICULTURE…

Government Accountability, Taxes and Spending

Case for Incentives Strikes Out

This commentary by John Hood, chairman of the John Locke Foundation, appeared in the Carolina Journal’s August 2018 edition. Read it online here.

Case for Incentives Strikes Out

By John Hood

North Carolina politicians and policy analysts have been arguing for decades about targeted…

Education, Government Accountability, Health Care

2019: Continue a Course of Bold Policies

A new governor, a new lieutenant governor, a host of new committee chairs – there are numerous reasons the 2019 legislative session is full of intrigue. Add to them Georgia’s growing political competitiveness, the possibility of a national recession sooner rather than later, and some truly important challenges, and there should be plenty of urgency, too.
Education, Government Accountability, Health Care

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Publishes Foundation Op-Ed on Legislature 2019

A new governor, a new lieutenant governor, a host of new committee chairs – there are numerous reasons the 2019 legislative session is full of intrigue. Add to them Georgia’s growing political competitiveness, the possibility of a national recession sooner rather than later, and some truly important challenges, and there should be plenty of urgency, too.
Environment, Government Accountability

Puerto Rico’s Steady Decline to ‘Puerto Pobre’ Began Long Before Maria

Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, but he physical, economic and social destruction caused by Maria followed economic and demographic problems that began long before the hurricane hit.
Government Accountability, Legal System, Regulation Reform, Taxes and Spending

2018 Georgia Legislative Policy Forum Agenda

The 2018 Georgia Legislative Policy Forum is slated for Friday, September 7, 2018 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel.
Civil Discourse, Government Accountability, Regulation Reform

Sen. John McCain: ‘Our wealth and culture are the product of our freedom’

To honor the life and career of John McCain, we share excerpts from his remarks at the Georgia Public Policy Foundation’s 15th anniversary celebration in 2006.
Government Accountability

Hands-off Government Requires Hands-on Responsibility

There is no surer way to invite government intervention than to abandon personal responsibility.
Sunshineweeklogo
Civil Discourse, Government Accountability, Regulation Reform

Sunshine Week 2018 Shines a Light on Ongoing Need for Transparency

Sunshine Week highlights government transparency and access to public information.
Government Accountability

Sunshine Week a Reminder Transparency’s Still Clouded

By Benita M. Dodd

March 12-18 is Sunshine Week. Launched in 2005, the initiative promotes open government and pushes back against “excessive official secrecy.”

Sunshine Week is promoted by the American Society of News Editors and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the…

Government Accountability

Tempers in a Teacup Dilute Women’s Issues

The issues that matter to women.
Government Accountability

President’s Letter: Join Our Birthday Celebration November 11

We're proud to celebrate 25 years in Georgia. Join us and John Stossel!
Government Accountability, Health Care

Obscure State Laws Hurt Patients, Make Hospitals Worse

When providers have to compete for patients, the level of care increases.
Criminal Justice, Government Accountability

Resistance Grows to Civil Asset Forfeiture

By Ross Coker

Ross Coker

While the discussion and debate over reform for civil asset forfeiture remain ongoing, most Americans still probably do not even know what it means, much less how it is being wielded by law enforcement.

Among the…

Criminal Justice, Government Accountability

Reacting to the 2015 FBI Crime Report

By Ross Coker

Ross Coker

Atlanta – The FBI released its comprehensive report on 2015 crime and crime rates across the nation today (September 26). The report, “Crime in the United States,” highlights some potentially troubling statistics, among them, a…

Criminal Justice, Government Accountability, Health Care, Regulation Reform

Wall Street Journal Op-Ed Supports Donor Privacy for Nonprofits

The Wall Street Journal edition of September 23, 2016,  published an op-ed by Tracie Sharp, head of the State Policy Network (of which the Georgia Public Policy Foundation is a member) and our Darcy Olsen, head of our sister think…

Education, Government Accountability, Health Care, Regulation Reform

Guide to the Issues: Pension Reform

Principles:

Any reforms to pensions should consider the long-term solvency of a plan and protect the already promised benefits for employees already in the system. The benefits in a public employee retirement system should be sustainable, secure and affordable:

Provide retirement security…