Poverty and Inequality
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Press Release
SPPI to Testify in Alaska Against Consumer Credit Price Control Bills
The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) has been invited to provide expert testimony in the upcoming legislative sessions for Alaska House Bill 145 and Alaska Senate Bill 264, which will take place on April 30, 2024.
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Coalition Letter
SPPI Joins Coalition Opposing the RECOUP Act
The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI), a leading advocate for policy solutions that enhance freedom and prosperity in the Southwest, today announced its support for the Competitive Enterprise Institute-led coalition opposing the RECOUP Act (S. 2190).…
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Policy Brief
The Wells Fargo Flex Loan is Anything But Flexible
Wells Fargo’s Flex Loan program is a labyrinth of unclear eligibility requirements and a baffling case of vanishing funds.
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Op-Ed
A public bank could crowd out community-based financial institutions
The 2022 passage of House Bill 132, which set a stringent cap of 36% on interest rates for consumer loans, is having its intended and significant repercussions on New Mexico’s financial landscape. This was no accident:…
Originally published inAlbuquerque Journal
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Op-Ed
A case for a permanent fund dividend
New Mexico stands on the cusp of a golden era, with its oil and gas boom enriching the state’s coffers to unprecedented levels. Now is the time to ensure that this wealth directly benefits the very…
Originally published inLas Cruces Sun-News
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Op-Ed
The myth of big-bank small-dollar loans
In response to Fred Nathan’s (July 30) op-ed praising New Mexico’s efforts to end predatory lending, I must assert that the celebratory tone is premature and misguided. Two significant studies conducted by the Southwest Public Policy…
Originally published inAlbuquerque Journal
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Policy Brief
Safeguarding Access to Lending Services for Unbanked and Low-Income Americans
Last week, the Southwest Public Policy Institute joined Carrie Sheffield from the Independent Women’s Forum, Tirzah Duren from the American Consumer Institute, and Ann Petros from the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions for the panel…
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Policy Brief
Shocking Decline in Academic Scores Revealed: Are Our Schools Failing?
Recent data from the National Assessment of Academic Progress (NAEP), also known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” reveals a significant decline in reading and math scores for 13-year-olds. The results highlight the academic failures caused by…
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Op-Ed
Need a $200 Loan? You’re Mostly Outta Luck
Originally published at realclearmarkets.com on June 21, 2023 In New Mexico, an interest rate cap on specialized emergency loans when into effect in January. Since then, big-bank promoters have endorsed the small-dollar short-term loan products offered by U.S. Bank, Bank…
Originally published inRealClearMarkets
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White Paper No. 4
No Loan for You, Too!
The unintended consequences of price controls on consumer access to credit.