This paper, published by the Mackinac Institute, estimates the effects of Alabama’s reintroduction of barbering licensing requirements on the receipts and growth of barber shops in the state. It contains state-level comparisons of barber and beauty shops ...
An occupational license is essentially a government permission slip to do certain work. In Alabama, before one can become a hair braider, cosmetologist, shampooer, massage therapist, auctioneer, pest control worker, and so on, one must first jump through ...
An education savings account is an individual student bank account, established by state law, which holds some or all of the public funds that would normally be allocated for the education of the participating student. Generally, the student must meet cer ...
While the state of Alabama has seen incremental reform in the realm of public education in recent years, one major component of the national education reform movement has remained elusive. Despite rapid and often successful growth nationwide over the last ...
Tax credits, at both the federal and state levels, directly offset an individual or business’ tax bill for the year. Tax credits are often part of a package deal when it comes to policymaking: tax deductions, tax incentives, and tax “breaks” are all close ...
Free speech is a constitutionally protected right for all Americans—and those attending colleges and universities are no exception. The Supreme Court has held that “speech may not be banned on the ground that it expresses ideas that offend.” Harmful and ...
Since the passing of Roe v. Wade in 1973, abortion has been legal in the United States.1 While the federal government has legalized abortion, in Alabama, a majority of citizens do not agree with abortion due to the consequences of the procedure physically ...
In late October, the Alabama Policy Institute commissioned a poll to determine Republican voter opinions about Alabama’s financial readiness and the degree to which Alabama is reliant on funding from the federal government. The survey of 750 Alabama Repu ...
Originally, an "earmark" was a sign of ownership--a mark in the ear of a sheep or other animal. Today, earmarks are the sign of bad fiscal policy. Earmarking is the dedication of certain tax revenues to the financing of specific programs. Currently, 93% ...
Over the last few decades—and especially the last eight years—the United States has witnessed a "sustained assault on religious liberty and the right of conscience." A chief aim has been to force health-care providers, no matter their religious beliefs, t ...
