Google Reason
EMAIL UPDATES
Get Weekly Updates

REASON JOB POSTINGS
ANNUAL
PRIVATIZATION
REPORT 2007
PRIVATIZATION
WATCH
REASON MAGAZINE
TOPICS
SUPPORT REASON

Privatization and Government Reform

"Your adamant, eloquent defenses of free market economics have proved invaluable in the fight against an ever-expanding American government." - Dick Armey, Retired Congressman and House Majority Leader

"Your organization’s innovative work in privatization demonstrates that it is possible to cut costs while improving government services."
- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush


Study: U.S. Hemp Ban Hurts Environment, Economy
Hemp is cheaper, more environmentally-friendly than crops now used to make car parts, jeans
With oil nearing $110 a barrel and gas prices creeping towards $4 a gallon, the federal government continues to prohibit U.S. farmers from growing hemp, which could be used to efficiently produce biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol. Hemp is also a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly substitute for polyester, cotton, fiberglass and concrete, according to a new Reason Foundation study that examines hemp's uses and the way other countries are benefitting from it. Industrial hemp production is banned in the U.S. as an archaic consequence of the war on drugs.
 » News Release
 » Full Study (.pdf)
 » Policy Summary (.pdf)

Obama, Brownback and Paul Promise Executive Order Mandating Google Government
Coalition of 36 groups calling for "most transparent" presidential administration ever
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) have signed oaths declaring that, should they win the presidency in 2008, they will issue an executive order during their first month in office instructing the entire executive branch to put into practice the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, a Google-like search tool will allow you to see how your tax dollars are being spent on federal contracts, grants and earmarks. All of the major presidential candidates have been invited to sign the "oath of presidential transparency" which is being promoted by a diverse coalition of 36 groups, led by Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank that has advised the last four presidential administrations. "The next president should be committed to transparency and accountability," said Adrian Moore, vice president of research at Reason Foundation. "Redesigning the federal government so that it is more accountable to taxpayers is a nonpartisan issue. Transparency will help produce a government focused on results instead of our current system, which is plagued by secrecy, wasteful spending and pork projects."
» Oath of Presidential Transparency (.pdf)
» Nick Gillespie: Who Will Stand Up and Be Transparent?
» Sen. Barack Obama's Signed Oath
» Sen. Sam Brownback's Signed Oath
» Rep. Ron Paul's Signed Oath
» Press Release

California, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire Restrict the Most Jobs
Hair braider, fortune teller, florist and interior designer are some of the jobs for which states require licenses
Do you want to be a fortune teller in Maryland? Your future better include a license from the state. How about being a hair braider in Mississippi? You'll need 300 to 1,500 hours of training and government permission. Want to sell flowers in Louisiana? Only licensed florists can do that. And almost every state requires certification if you want to move furniture and hang art while calling yourself an interior designer. In California, there are a total of 177 different jobs that require a special license or credential, the most in the country, according to a new Reason Foundation study examining occupational licensing trends. Northeastern states aren't much better. Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire all require job seekers to obtain a license before performing more than 130 jobs. In stark contrast, you can do most of those very same jobs - without a license - in Missouri, where just 41 careers require certification.
» Press Release with Complete Rankings
» Full Study (.pdf)
» State-by-State Occupational Licensing List (.xls)

21st Annual Privatization Report
Long-term toll road leases and airport privatization among year’s biggest trends
Reason Foundation's 21st Annual Privatization Report finds states are increasingly partnering with the private sector to build roads and reduce traffic jams that have become one of the biggest complaints among taxpayers living in nearly every mid- to large-sized city in the country. The report analyzes the latest developments in privatization and government reform in the areas of transportation, aviation, education, local government services, telecommunications, and eminent domain. The Annual Privatization Report finds the most important trend of the last year is the rising tide of long-term toll road leases. Over 21 states have now passed laws enabling public-private partnerships that can be utilized to build much-needed roads and reduce gridlock. The report also finds it was a historic year for airport privatization. Globally, 15 major airports were privatized in 2006, the second-highest annual total ever (there were 21 airport privatization deals in 1998).
 » Annual Privatization Report 2007
 » Editor's Note: Examining This Year's Privatization Trends
 » Press Release


Privatization and Government
Reform Experts


Adrian Moore
Vice President, Research

Leonard Gilroy
Director of Government Reform

Adam Summers
Policy Analyst

Media Contact


Chris Mitchell
Director of Communications
(310) 367-6109


Policy Studies


CSI for Real: How to Improve Forensic Science
December 2007
Policy Study 364
By Roger Koppl
 » Full Text (.pdf)

Measure 50: Are Tobacco Taxes The Answer To Funding Children's Health Programs?
October 2007
Policy Brief 65
By Skaidra Smith-Heisters
 » Full Text (.pdf)

Streamlining San Diego: Achieving Taxpayer Savings and Government Reforms Through Managed Competition
September 2007
By Geoffrey F. Segal, Adam B. Summers, Leonard C. Gilroy, and W. Erik Bruvold
 » Full Text (.pdf)
 » Press Release

Occupational Licensing: Ranking the States and Exploring Alternatives
August 2007
Policy Study 361
By Adam B. Summers
 » Full Study (.pdf)
 » Policy Summary (.pdf)
 » State-by-State Occupational Licensing List (.xls)
 » Press Release with Complete Rankings

Annual Privatization Report 2007
July 2007
Edited by Leonard C. Gilroy
 » Full Report
 » Press Release

Innovators in Action 2007
July 2007
Edited By Geoffrey F. Segal
 » Full Report
 » Press Release

Privatizing University Housing
January 2007
Policy Study 356
By Leonard C. Gilroy, Laura J. Davis, Sarah F. Anzia and Geoffrey F. Segal
 » Full Study (.pdf)
 » Press Release

Annual Privatization Report 2006: 20th Anniversary Edition
July 2006
Edited By Leonard C. Gilroy
 » Full Report
 » Special Excerpt (.pdf)

Detailing Foreign Management of US Infrastructure
March 2006
By Leonard C. Gilroy and Adam B. Summers
 » Full Text (html)

Privatizing Public Hospitals: A Win-Win for Taxpayers and the Poor
November 2005
Policy Brief 41
By Dr. Francois Melese
 » Full Text (.pdf)

The Sky Isn't Falling in Colorado: Proven Strategies for Budget Reconciliation
October 2005
By Geoffrey F. Segal and Adam B. Summers
 » Full Text (.pdf)

Rebuilding After Katrina: Policy Strategies for Recovery
October 2005
By Adrian Moore, Lisa Snell, and Geoffrey Segal
» Full Text (.html)

The Gathering Pension Storm: How Government Pension Plans are Breaking the Bank and Strategies for Reform
June 2005
Policy Study 335
By George Passantino and Adam B. Summers
 » Full Study (.pdf)
 » Policy Summary (.pdf)
 » Press Release

Offshoring and Public Fear: Assessing the Real Threat to Jobs
May 2005
Policy Study 333
By Ted Balaker and Adrian T. Moore
 » Full Study (.pdf)
 » Policy Summary (.pdf)
 » Press Release

Making Florida's Government Competitive
April 2005
By Geoffrey F. Segal
 » Full Report (.pdf)

Funding the National Park System: Improving Services and Accountability with User Fees
April 2005
By Adam B. Summers
 » Full Study (.pdf)
 » Policy Summary (.pdf)

Priority Colorado: Balancing the Budget While Preserving TABOR and Colorado’s Quality of Life
February 2005
By Geoffrey F. Segal, George Passantino, et al.
 » Full Report (.pdf)

Virginia Spending and Budget Reform
February 2005
By Geoffrey F. Segal
 » Full Report (.pdf)

Expanding Slot Gaming in California: A Business Analysis
October 2004
By Jeffery Hooke and Thomas Firey
 » Full Study (.pdf)

What's in the Government's Attic?
December 2004
By John Palatiello
 » Full Brief (.pdf)

Exposing the Myths and Realities of Competitive Sourcing
August 2004
By Geoffrey F. Segal, with Ade Ifelayo and Chandra Pesheck
 » Full Brief (.pdf)

Getting the Right People for the Right Job: Solving Human Capital Challenges with Competitive Sourcing
September 2003
By Geoffrey F. Segal, Adrian T. Moore, and John P. Blair
 » Full Study (.pdf)

 

More Privatization and Government Reform Studies

Commentary


Reining in Job Licensing Laws in Arizona
You need a license to do 72 jobs in the state, including landscaping and fishing guide
May 8, 2008 | Reason.org
By Adam Summers, Reason
 » Full Text

Scrap the Visa Cap
America's ability to attract new foreign-born workers and to keep the existing ones is diminishing
April 5, 2008 | The Wall Street Journal
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Why Penalize Peter to Deport Pablo?
The SAVE Act won't stop illegal immigration, but might cost you your job
April 1, 2008 | Detroit News
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Occupational Licensing Laws Protect Special Interests, Not the Public
Testimony to the Arizona House Government Committee
April 1, 2008 | Testimony
By Adam Summers, Reason
 » Full Text

What Hillary Is Hiding
Her tax records, pork...
March 22, 2008| New York Post
By Amanda Kathryn Hydro
 » Full Text

Payday Loans Get Pink Slip in California
Baldwin Park government tries to block check-cashing stores
March 20, 2008 | Reason.org
By Adam Summers, Reason
 » Full Text

Competition Can Solve Atlanta's Budget Crunch
Embracing competitive service delivery would reduce costs, improve service quality
March 19, 2008 | Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation Newsletter
By Leonard Gilroy, Reason
 » Full Text

Eliot Spitzer and the Seduction of Crusader Politics
Hypocritical politicians manipulate system to serve their own agendas
March 12, 2008 | Reason.org
By Sam Staley, Reason
 » Full Text

California Focus: End Recurring Budget Deficits
Limits on the money California spends and collects would force prioritizing
February 24, 2008 | Orange County Register
By Adrian Moore, Reason
 » Full Text

Fixing San Diego's Finances
Interview with Carl DeMaio
February 22, 2008 | Reason.org
By Adrian Moore, Reason
 » Full Text

Government Bonds and Debt Disguised as "Stimulus"
Strickland's FDR-style stimulus package is no way to help Ohioans
February 21, 2008 | Cincinnati Enquirer
By Sam Staley, Reason
 » Full Text

Agency Activity Inventory a Powerful Tool to "Right-Size" State Government
Testimony to the Utah Senate Business and Labor Standing Committee
February 21, 2008 | Testimony
By Leonard Gilroy, Reason
 » Full Text

What Would Jefferson Think?
Private business can do it better
February 10, 2008 | The Sale Lake Tribune
By Leonard Gilroy, Reason and M. Royce Van Tassell
 » Full Text

Bringing Transparency to Virginia's Fairfax County
Interview with Pat Herrity
February 6, 2008| Reason.org
By Amanda Kathryn Hydro
 » Full Text

Lottery Privatization Options for Virginia
Leasing out rights to operate the state lottery could generate a steady income stream, reduce revenue risks
January 28, 2008 | Bacon's Rebellion
By Leonard Gilroy, Reason
 » Full Text

Utah Should Embrace The Yellow Pages Test
Utah's state and local governments are unfairly competing with private businesses
December 21, 2007 | Reason.org
By Leonard Gilroy, Reason and M. Royce Van Tassell
 » Full Text

Put a Lid On State Budget, Already
California's budget woes underscore need for a spending limit
December 12, 2007 | Orange County Register
By George Passantino, Reason
 » Full Text

Private Solution to California's Infrastructure Problems
Schwarzenegger says state needs $500 billion
December 12, 2007 | The Libertarian Perspective
By Adam Summers, Reason
 » Full Text

Time to Shine Light on Government Spending
Oath of Presidential Transparency brings accountability
October 23, 2007 | FoxNews.com
By Amanda Kathryn Hydro and Jason Mercier
 » Full Text

"Clean Water Restoration Act" Would Expand Federal Powers
Over 100 Conservationists, Seniors Advocates, Farm Bureaus, Civil Rights Leaders, Cattlemen, and Taxpayer Action Groups Detail Potential for Abuse
October 7, 2007 | Reason.org
By Adrian Moore, et al.
 » Full Text (.pdf)

The Secrets of Intangible Wealth
Why is a Mexican migrant to the U.S. five times more productive than one who stays home?
September 29, 2007 | The Wall Street Journal
By Ron Bailey, Reason
 » Full Text

Stop Government Takeover of Health Care
GOP's focus on illegal immigrants sidetracks fight on kids care program
September 5, 2007 | Detroit News
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Obama, Brownback and Paul Promise Executive Order Mandating Google Government
Coalition of 36 groups calling for "most transparent" presidential administration ever
August 24, 2007 | Reason.org
By Reason Foundation, et al.
 » Oath of Presidential Transparency
 » Press Release

Employers and Workers Are Victims of New Immigration Policy
Bush's crackdown: all politics, no principle
August 20, 2007 | Los Angeles Business Journal
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Google Government Brings Accountability
How to bring unprecedented transparency to Virginia's state and local government
August 1, 2007 | Bacon's Rebellion
By Geoffrey Segal, Reason
 » Full Text

Developing Transparent, Accountable and High Performing Competition and Privatization Programs
Testimony to the Utah General Assembly Government Competition and Privatization Subcommittee
July 31, 2007 | Testimony
By Geoffrey Segal, Reason
 » Full Text

Health Care Costs Imperil Big Three
The UAW's health care dreams
July 27, 2007 | The Wall Street Journal
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Examining the Year's Privatization Trends
Reason's Annual Privatization Report 2007 highlights the latest in privatization, transportation, education, and more
July 26, 2007 | Reason.org
By Leonard Gilroy, Reason
 » Full Text

For Prosperity, Immigrants Need the Family
Letter to the Editor
July 21, 2007 | The Wall Street Journal
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Lessons of a Serial Killing
We need to start searching for workable reforms to end the apartheid-like justice system
July 6, 2007 | Live Mint
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

Examining Texas' Efforts at Accountability
Gov. Perry promotes Google government: getting expenditures, contracts online
July 5, 2007 | Reason.org
By Amanda Kathryn Hydro, Reason
 » Full Text

Our Militarized Police Departments
Testimony to House Subcommittee on Crime
July 2, 2007 | Testimony
By Radley Balko, Reason
 » Full Text

Gov. Daniels Quest to Root Out Pork Should Be Applauded, Not Ridiculed
Competition and privatization are proven, practical management tools
July 2, 2007 | Reason.org
By Geoffrey Segal, Reason
 » Full Text

Gov. Daniels's Welfare Modernization Will Improve Service Delivery
Private sector brings technology upgrades; employees and customers win
June 22, 2007 | Indianapolis Star
By Geoffrey Segal, Reason
 » Full Text

End the Unholy Alliance Between Crime Labs and Prosecutors
Nifong's been disbarred, but we need to fix the system
June 21, 2007 | Reason.org
By Roger Koppl
 » Full Text

Bring Back Internet Gambling
Testimony to House Financial Services Committee
June 11, 2007 | Testimony
By Radley Balko, Reason
 » Full Text
 » YouTube Video

Florida Can Learn From Sandy Springs
Georgia city shows how to cut costs effectively
June 8, 2007 | Tallahassee Democrat
By Geoffrey Segal, Reason
 » Full Text

Coalition Commends OMB Implementation of Federal FAT Act
Pilot Program implementation is critically important to taxpayers' understanding of government spending
June 6, 2007 | Reason.org
By Reason Foundation, et al.
 » Full Text (.pdf)

Stand Down, Trans Fat Fighters
Some trans fat may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers
May 29, 2007 | Reason.org
By Ted Balaker, Reason
 » Full Text

Reagan Embraced Amnesty, So Should Bush
Unskilled workers don't have a path to permanent residency
May 7, 2007 | Los Angeles Business Journal
By Shikha Dalmia, Reason
 » Full Text

 

More Privatization and Government Reform Op-Eds and Commentaries


Recommended Links


Privatization.org: A program of Reason Foundation devoted to providing information on privatization, government reform, contracting out, and public/private partnerships


Home Contact Reason Support Reason

© 2006 The Reason Foundation. All rights reserved.
3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 391-2245
Please email feedback@reason.org if you have questions about this Web site.