Southwest Public Policy Institute
Originally published at santafenewmexican.com on April 26, 2025. America may finally be turning a corner in the opioid crisis. For the first time in years, overdose deaths are declining. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a 17% decrease in opioid-related fatalities between July 2023 and July 2024: a promising sign that prevention and […]
The $26 billion opioid settlement offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combat America’s deadliest drug crisis, if states and localities spend the funds transparently, strategically, and solely on opioid abatement.
This isn’t just about miles and points; it’s about economic freedom and financial choice.
A group of states are pursuing similar efforts to cap credit card interchange fees, endangering rewards programs that customers value, and raising concerns about an illegal interstate compact.
Colorado’s interchange swipe fee cap will ultimately harm small businesses, drive up banking costs, and gut credit card rewards.
Last week, I had the opportunity to testify before the Alaska Senate Finance Committee on the dangers of Senate Bill 39, a proposal to impose a 36% APR cap on consumer credit. Additional testimony was submitted to the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee before the bill was advanced to the Senate Finance Committee. This legislation […]
Alaska’s Senate Bill 39 (SB 39) proposes a 36% APR cap on consumer loans up to $25,000. The bill aims to regulate financial services, prevent “predatory” lending, and bring state laws in line with federal consumer protection measures. However, while the bill’s intentions may seem noble, its real-world consequences will devastate Alaskan consumers—especially those with […]
And benefit the nation, too.
New Mexico’s HB 476 stealthily caps interchange fees by targeting sales tax, bypassing federal oversight while shifting costs to consumers and small businesses.
Arizona’s HB 2629 stealthily caps interchange fees by targeting sales tax, bypassing federal oversight while shifting costs to consumers and small businesses.