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.

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…
Criminal Justice, Education, Government Accountability, Health Care, Poverty, Regulation Reform, Taxes and Spending, Transportation

Guide to the Issues: Occupational Licensing

Principles

Citizens have a right to pursue a legal occupation and the burden should fall on the government to justify any restrictions to that right. Restrictions on economic liberty should be targeted at protecting health and safety and policy-makers should demand proof…
Criminal Justice, Education, Government Accountability, Health Care, Legal System, Poverty, Regulation Reform, Taxes and Spending, Transportation

California Lawmakers Reach Consensus over Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill: A Model for Georgia Reform?

California State Democratic Sen. Holly Mitchell and various law enforcement groups in California have reached an agreement regarding the fate of a bill introducing various reform measures to the state’s civil asset forfeiture laws, according to The Los Angeles Times…

Criminal Justice, Education, Government Accountability, Health Care, Legal System, Poverty, Regulation Reform, Taxes and Spending, Transportation

Above All, Do No Digital Harm

Congressional action could have unintended negative consequences.
Criminal Justice, Education, Government Accountability, Health Care, Legal System, Poverty, Regulation Reform, Taxes and Spending, Transportation

‘Guide to the Issues’ Offers Georgia-focused Solutions

By Benita Dodd

BENITA DODD

The media hype surrounding the political parties’ national conventions spotlights the enormous discord created by personalities and politics as the presidential election approaches. Getting short shrift amid slogans and the scramble for dollars and votes…

Government Accountability, Taxes and Spending

Sunshine Week 2016: Shine a Light on Ga. Senate Committees

By Benita M. Dodd

March 13-19 is Sunshine Week, the annual nationwide celebration of government transparency and access to public information. It’s come just in time to reinforce the need for increased transparency under the Gold Dome to empower more Georgia citizens.  

Georgia House and Senate…

Environment, Government Accountability, Taxes and Spending

The Dangers of Municipal Broadband

Watchdog reports on taxpayer-funded broadband initiatives.