Better living through better policy.

Category: Top Issues

Breaking Barriers: The State Occupational Licensing Index Reveals Opportunities for Occupational Licensing Reform in the US

A new report by the Archbridge Institute finds that occupational licensing creates unnecessary barriers that exacerbate skilled worker shortages and hinder opportunity and prosperity.

Tags Cato Institute, Institute for Justice, National Conference of State Legislatures, Occupational Licensing, State Occupational Licensing Index (SOLI)

Arizona Renewable Energy Technology Top Issues Transportation

A Mother Lode of Obstructionism

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date March 27, 2023
1 Comment on A Mother Lode of Obstructionism

What does it take to get a copper mine approved in Arizona?

Tags Copper, EVs, Mining

Culture Domestic Policy Economy Government Regulation Legal and Judicial Life Markets and Finance New Mexico Political Thought Poverty and Inequality Top Issues

American Banker: If I Can’t Get An ‘Emergency’ Loan From A Bank, It’s Not Clear Who Possibly Can

Post author By Patrick M. Brenner
Post date March 27, 2023
No Comments on American Banker: If I Can’t Get An ‘Emergency’ Loan From A Bank, It’s Not Clear Who Possibly Can

We tested the prediction that banks will step in when payday lenders face restrictions. They didn’t want our business.

Tags American Banker, Bank of America, Credit, Lending, Specialized Emergency Loans, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo

Arizona Budget and Spending California Colorado Debt Government Spending Medicare Nevada New Mexico Oklahoma Poverty & Welfare Poverty and Inequality Social Security Texas Top Issues Utah Welfare

Surviving D.C.’s Debt Disaster

Post author By D. Dowd Muska
Post date March 20, 2023
1 Comment on Surviving D.C.’s Debt Disaster

Utah’s chances are good — but New Mexico…

Tags Entitlements, National Debt

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

Domestic Policy Government Regulation Legal and Judicial Political Thought Public Opinion Top Issues Transparency Updates

Celebrating Government Transparency with Sunshine Week

Post author By Patrick M. Brenner
Post date March 15, 2023
No Comments on Celebrating Government Transparency with Sunshine Week

Sunshine is a natural disinfectant: let it shine on every facet of government.

Tags Accountability, Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG), Open Government, Openness, Sunshine Week, Transparency

Legal New Mexico Press SPPI v New Mexico Department of Health Top Issues Updates

SPPI Files Lawsuit Against Department of Health

Post author By Southwest Public Policy Institute
Post date March 15, 2023
1 Comment on SPPI Files Lawsuit Against Department of Health

Luis Sánchez Saturno/New Mexican file photo

The Southwest Public Policy Institute sues New Mexico Department of Health for violating the Inspection of Public Records Act in connection with the Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes.