Better living through better policy.

Category: Data

In which Southwest states do residents pay the most sales tax?

Post author By Patrick M. Brenner
Post date June 16, 2023
2 Comments on In which Southwest states do residents pay the most sales tax?

Which states in the American Southwest have the most sales per person?

New Mexico and Nevada lead the region, while Oklahoma and Utah report the lowest sales tax burdens.

Tags Groceries, Gross Receipts Tax, Sales, Sales Tax, Spending, Tax Burden

Arizona California Colorado Data Economy Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Top Issues Utah

SPPI Employment Index: November-April

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date May 22, 2023
No Comments on SPPI Employment Index: November-April

The good times roll on — how long can they last?

Tags Jobs, Unemployment

Budget and Spending Data Debt Domestic Policy Government Spending Health Care Medicaid Medicare Social Security

Paying for Your Golden Years, and Theirs

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date May 11, 2023
No Comments on Paying for Your Golden Years, and Theirs

Local- and state-government employees need a dose of reality.

Tags OPEB, Pensions, Unfunded Liabilities

Arizona California Colorado Data Domestic Policy Economy Markets and Finance Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Top Issues Utah

SPPI Employment Index: October-March

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date April 24, 2023
No Comments on SPPI Employment Index: October-March

The American Southwest’s jobs boom continues.

Tags Employment, Jobs, Unemployment

Arizona California Colorado Data Economy Government Regulation Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Poverty & Welfare Texas Top Issues Utah

SPPI-TV: Breaking Barriers with Occupational Licensing Reform

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date April 21, 2023
No Comments on SPPI-TV: Breaking Barriers with Occupational Licensing Reform

Tags Economic Opportunity, Occupational Licensing

Arizona Budget and Spending California Colorado Data Domestic Policy Economy Government Regulation Government Spending Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Taxes Texas Top Issues Utah

We’re No. 17.5! We’re No. 17.5!

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date April 17, 2023
1 Comment on We’re No. 17.5! We’re No. 17.5!

The latest research from the American Legislative Exchange Council offers more cause for optimism.

Tags Economic Development

Arizona California Colorado Data Economy Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Top Issues Utah

SPPI Employment Index: September-February

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date March 29, 2023
No Comments on SPPI Employment Index: September-February

Recession? Not here!

Tags Employment, Jobs

Arizona California Coal, Oil, Natural Gas Colorado Data Economy Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Top Issues Utah

SPPI Employment Index: August-January

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date March 17, 2023
No Comments on SPPI Employment Index: August-January

Cause for optimism — at least for now

Arizona California Colorado Data Economy Government Spending Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Poverty and Inequality Texas Top Issues Utah

Diversity, Economics, and Income

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date March 8, 2023
No Comments on Diversity, Economics, and Income

What states are best-positioned to face the challenges to come?

Tags Economic Development

Data Economy Government Spending New Mexico Oklahoma Space Policy Texas Top Issues

Austin, We Have a Problem

Space is booming in Texas — it doesn’t ‘need’ corporate welfare

Tags Corporate Wellfare