Designed to help inform policy makers about the issues that are crucial for Florida’s economic recovery, the Winter/Spring 2011 edition of The Journal of The James Madison Institute covers lots of “hows” and “whys,” including these:
How diversifying our economy could help prevent a recurrence of the historic “boom-and-bust” cycle caused by an overreliance on too narrow an array of economic assets.
How the long-festering problems in Florida’s property insurance market could threaten the private sector’s recovery and the state government’s solvency.
Why several of Florida’s major cities now face severe budget problems arising from the lavish pensions won by public employee unions — and what can be done about it.
Why barring government entities from collecting union dues via payroll deductions can yield a better balance between the rights of taxpayers and public employees.
Why increases in government spending should be capped at no more than the rate of inflation and population growth – unless voters approve exceeding the cap.
How unrealistic “renewable energy” mandates could result in utility rates that are not competitive with those in other states, making Florida less attractive for business.
Why the Obama Administration’s transportation plan, which emphasizes a costly expansion of passenger rail service, is not a good fit for Florida’s infrastructure needs.
Why expanding the array of educational options that parents may choose for their children can build on Florida’s progress thus far as a national leader in school reform.
Why high school graduation standards need to be raised if Florida is to benefit from the global emphasis on STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math.
Why the premature evaluation of U.S. Presidents can be a risky business.
