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# Reason Foundation

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## Latest Posts


## Latest: Airport Policy News

- [Airport Policy News #126](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-news-126/): In this issue: Congress expands airport privatization program Why might airport owners opt for long-term P3 leases? Congress finally reauthorizes TSA JFK and Newark: new terminals but no new runways Can Mexico City's new airport be saved? French airport company ... [Continued](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-news-126/)
- [Airport Policy News #125](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-news-125/): In a growing number of large metro areas, residents who find themselves under newly changed arrival or departure paths are filing suit.
- [Airport Policy News #124](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-news-124/): Did you know that airport security screening's average cost in Australia is $3.50 per passenger compared with TSA screening that costs $6.70 per passenger?
- [Airport Policy News #123](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-news-123/): In this issue: Airline attack on airport privatization Congress's windfall for small airports Orlando backs off on dumping TSA New hope for "Uber for planes" Federal Air Marshals to be downsized Canada considers privatizing screening agency Aviation Event News Notes ... [Continued](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-news-123/)
- [Airport Policy News #122](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-and-security-news-122/): In this issue: White House infrastructure plan boosts airport privatization An out-of-control subsidy program Strengthening airline competition Paine Field lands three airlines Rethinking airport organization Atlanta airport's monopoly power News Notes Quotable Quotes White House Infrastructure Plan Boosts Airport Privatization ... [Continued](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-and-security-news-122/)
- [Airport Policy and Security News #121](https://reason.org/airport-policy/airport-policy-and-security-news-121/): December's unprecedented 11-hour shutdown of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport raises disturbing questions about airport vulnerability. As we learned soon after the incident, the shutdown was caused by a power surge that knocked out both primary and backup electricity, leaving the entire airport powerless.

## Latest: Aviation Policy Newsletters

- [What went wrong at LaGuardia Airport last month](https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/what-went-wrong-at-laguardia-airport-last-month/): Plus: A better approach to airport security, the FAA's office relocation problem, and more.
- [Aviation Policy News: Why ADS-B/In is essential for aviation safety](https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/why-ads-b-in-is-essential-for-aviation-safety/): Plus: NASA reforms Artemis lunar program, D.C. ground stop explained, and more.
- [Aviation Policy News: DHS shutdown highlights airport security system's flaws](https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/dhs-shutdown-highlights-airport-security-systems-flaws/): Plus: NTSB collision report cites FAA failures, NASA's obsolete Moon launch program, and more.
- [Aviation Policy News: The so-called Brand New Air Traffic Control System](https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/brand-new-air-traffic-control-system/): Plus: FAA controller shortage getting worse, revitalizing Dulles Airport, and more.
- [Aviation Policy News: Air traffic controller staffing and resignation claims](https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/air-traffic-controller-staffing-and-resignation-claims/): Plus: How air traffic control reforms are described, the costs of modernization, and more.
- [Aviation Policy News: Protecting air traffic control and travelers from the next government shutdown](https://reason.org/aviation-policy-news/protecting-aviation-from-the-next-government-shutdown/): Plus: NASA's huge risk in Artemis II mission, airport privatization back on Canada's agenda, and more.

## Latest: Reason Alert E-News

- [Reason Alert: President Obama's Nobel Prize](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-president-obamas/): Reason.tv Video: President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize and Heisman Trophy What President Obama's Nobel Prize Says About the World "Among many other things, this selection illustrates the United States' way-too-oversized role in the world's imagination. And it shows how people-almost touchingly-remain suckers for likeable politicians who replace guys they hated, investing in them a kind of faith mere mortals usually don't merit. As Chili Davis famously (and presciently) said about Dwight Gooden, 'He ain't God, man.'" - Reason magazine Editor-in-Chief Matt Welch
- [Reason Alert: Bailout, California Propositions](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-bailout-californi/): Free Markets Vilified You'll Pay for Mortgage Bailout Plan California Headed to a Fiscal Train Wreck Examining the Propositions on California Ballot New at Reason.org and Reason.com New Reason.tv Videos Free Markets Vilified Reason.com editor Nick Gillespie says there are ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-bailout-californi/)
- [Reason Alert: Wall Street's Woes Aren't a National Crisis](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-wall-streets-woes/): The Roots of the Financial 'Crisis' Chicago to Privatize Midway Airport The Priorities That Should Come Before Global Warming New at Reason.org and Reason.com The Roots of the Financial 'Crisis' As seen on the Drudge Report earlier today, Reason Foundation's ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-wall-streets-woes/)
- [Reason Alert: Bailout, Innovators in Action](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-bailout-innovator/): Corporate Socialism, Not Capitalism Innovators in Action Watch the Debate with Bob Barr at Reason's DC Office or Online McCain Resurrects an Old Stunt Reason.com's First-Ever Webathon New at Reason.org and Reason.com Corporate Socialism, Not Capitalism In his FoxNews.com column, ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-bailout-innovator/)
- [Reason Alert: Bailouts and High-Speed Rail's True Costs](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-bailouts-and-high/): Bailouts Will Cost Taxpayers One Trillion Dollars California's High-Speed Rail Plan Will Cost Billions More Than Advertised Serve a Cause Greater Than Yourself on the Taxpayer's Dime Continuing to Debate Feminism and Gov. Sarah Palin New at Reason.org and Reason.com ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-bailouts-and-high/)
- [Reason Alert: Feminism and Palin, Drew Carey on Second Life](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-feminism-and-pali/): Debating Sarah Palin and Feminism Drew Carey Visits Second Life Looking for Proof the GOP Believes in Small Government Event: Reason Goes Hollywood New at Reason.org and Reason.com Debating Sarah Palin and Feminism At LATimes.com, Reason magazine's Katherine Mangu-Ward debates ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-alerts/reason-alert-feminism-and-pali/)

## Latest: Air Traffic Control Reform Newsletters

- [Air Traffic Control Newsletter #159](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-159/): FAA has announced that a modification is under way at the 35 major airports equipped with the ASDE-X surface-detection system.
- [Air Traffic Control Newsletter #158](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-158/): While everyone in US aviation breathed a sigh of relief when Congress finally approved the long-delayed FAA reauthorization bill last month, this is still a ridiculous way to run a high-tech 24/7 service business.
- [Air Traffic Control Newsletter #157](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-157/): There is progress to report on both U.S. remote tower pilot projects, funded by the states of Colorado and Virginia, with cooperation and oversight from FAA.
- [Air Traffic Control Newsletter #156](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-156/): In this Issue How many technicians does FAA need? Will we ever fix the ailing ATC system? Overcoming ATC strikes in Europe The case for controller training companies Airlines vs. commercial launch companies News Notes Quotable Quotes FAA Doesn't Know ... [Continued](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-156/)
- [Air Traffic Control Newsletter #155](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-155/): In a major report released today, the White House has proposed sweeping reforms and reorganization of the administrative branch of the federal government.
- [Air Traffic Control Newsletter #154](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-154/): In this issue: Shuster shot down on a modest ATC reform Remote tower progress overseas--and maybe here Military ADS-B problem worse than previously known Digitized ATC trialed in Europe Electric urban air taxis: hype vs. reality Airlines warm up to ... [Continued](https://reason.org/air-traffic-reform/air-traffic-control-newsletter-154/)

## Latest: Backgrounders

- [Senate Bill 55 would complete retirement benefits for Alaska teachers](https://reason.org/backgrounder/senate-bill-55-would-complete-retirement-benefits-for-alaska-teachers/): Alaska's government employees do not participate in Social Security, which leaves a significant gap in retirement benefits.
- [West Virginia House Bill 4819 reduces licensing barriers for people with criminal records](https://reason.org/backgrounder/west-virginia-house-bill-4819-reduces-licensing-barriers-for-people-with-criminal-records/): The bill would strengthen licensing reforms and give people with criminal records clearer access to stable employment.
- [Kentucky House Bill 185 expands job opportunities and reduces licensing barriers for people with criminal records](https://reason.org/backgrounder/kentucky-house-bill-185-expands-job-opportunities-and-reduces-licensing-barriers-for-people-with-criminal-records/): The bill would let people find out in advance whether their criminal record disqualifies them from a license while strengthening transparency.
- [Tennessee's Senate Bill 2099 would reduce costly failures to appear and improve efficiency](https://reason.org/backgrounder/tennessees-senate-bill-2099-would-reduce-costly-failures-to-appear-and-improve-efficiency/): States and localities should implement evidence-based court reminder systems as a cost-effective way to reduce unnecessary license suspensions, warrants, and jail admissions while improving court efficiency.
- [Oklahoma House Bill 3313 advances retirement goals of government employees](https://reason.org/backgrounder/oklahoma-house-bill-3313-advances-retirement-goals-of-government-employees/): The bill would significantly improve the retirement security of Oklahoma's public workers and bring the plan up to minimum industry standards.
- [Washington House Bill 2034 redirects pension funds for non-pension spending](https://reason.org/backgrounder/washington-house-bill-2034-redirects-pension-funds-for-non-pension-spending/): Redirecting billions in surplus police pension assets to non-pension projects goes against the purpose of these funds.

## Latest: Commentaries

- [Trump's medical marijuana rescheduling is historic--but many questions remain](https://reason.org/commentary/trump-medical-marijuana-rescheduling-historic-questions-remain/): The Trump administration has officially rescheduled state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.
- [Bailing out Spirit Airlines would not help taxpayers, travelers or the airline industry](https://reason.org/commentary/bailing-out-spirit-airlines-would-not-help-taxpayers-travelers-airline-industry/): This week, The Wall Street Journal and others are reporting that the Trump administration is in advanced negotiations to provide up to $500 million in government financing to troubled Spirit Airlines. According to the reporting, this taxpayer-backed loan would be secured ... [Continued](https://reason.org/commentary/bailing-out-spirit-airlines-would-not-help-taxpayers-travelers-airline-industry/)
- [Devolution and the future of federal transportation funding](https://reason.org/commentary/devolution-and-the-future-of-federal-transportation-funding/): An Eno Center report examines the devolution of federal transportation programs to states and how states would fund roads and highways.
- [States react to nitrous oxide deaths with unnecessary, unworkable bans](https://reason.org/commentary/states-react-nitrous-oxide-deaths-unnecessary-unworkable-bans/): State legislatures truly concerned about teen safety should look beyond bans and embrace a regulatory approach that protects and educates consumers.
- [How Trump's executive order could accelerate widespread access to psychedelic therapies](https://reason.org/commentary/trumps-executive-order-accelerate-widespread-access-psychedelic-therapies/): Trump's new executive order comes as states have begun taking significant action on psychedelic policy reform, positioning the federal government as a partner.
- [Gov. Newsom can harness AI to improve California's government without limiting innovation](https://reason.org/commentary/newsom-can-harness-ai-improve-california-government-without-stifling-innovation/): If Gov. Newsom wants California to remain the global leader in artificial intelligence, the state should not slow down innovation and advancement.

## Latest: Data Visualization

- [Study: Illinois, Connecticut, Alaska, Hawaii, New Jersey and Mississippi have the most per capita pension debt](https://reason.org/data-visualization/state-pension-debt/): Nationwide, 47 of the 50 states had public pension debt at the end of 2024, Reason Foundation's Annual Pension Solvency Report finds. The study shows that 23 states each had over $20 billion in unfunded pension liabilities at the end ... [Continued](https://reason.org/data-visualization/state-pension-debt/)
- [The public pension plans with the most debt, best and worst investment return rates](https://reason.org/data-visualization/pension-plans-debt/): Forty-four public pension systems in the United States had more than $10 billion in debt each at the end of their 2024 fiscal years, a new Reason Foundation report finds. The study also identifies the pension plans that produced the ... [Continued](https://reason.org/data-visualization/pension-plans-debt/)
- [Debtor Nation 2025](https://reason.org/data-visualization/debtor-nation-2025/): At $36 trillion, the United States' debt-to-GDP ratio now exceeds 120%, surpassing the peak reached after World War II.
- [How Connecticut pensions can save $7 billion in interest costs over the next 30 years](https://reason.org/data-visualization/connecticut-pensions-dashboard/): The "fiscal guardrails" have saved Connecticut more than $170 million since enacted and, if kept intact, can save $7 billion over the next 25 years.
- [Forecast: State pension debt totals $1.3 trillion at the end of 2023](https://reason.org/data-visualization/forecast-state-pension-debt-totals-1-3-trillion-at-the-end-of-2023/): Reason Foundation projects $1.3 trillion in total unfunded liabilities across 118 state pension plans at the end of the 2023 fiscal year.
- [Comparing Alaska's defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans](https://reason.org/data-visualization/comparing-alaskas-defined-benefit-and-defined-contribution-retirement-plans/): This analysis shows that the vast majority of Alaska's public employees would be better served in the existing defined contribution plan.

## Latest: Amicus Briefs

- [Day v. Henry: Legal protections for interstate shipment of alcohol](https://reason.org/amicus-brief/day-v-henry-legal-protections-for-interstate-shipment-of-alcohol/): In-state physical presence for alcohol retailers is demonstrably non-essential to the functioning of the alcohol regulatory system.
- [U.S. v. Hemani: Federal ban on firearm possession by unlawful drug users violates the Second Amendment](https://reason.org/amicus-brief/u-s-v-hemani-does-the-federal-ban-on-firearm-possession-by-unlawful-drug-users-violate-the-second-amendment/): This ban violates the Constitution because it is historical, vague, and far too broad.
- [United States v. Lacey et al: Digital free speech is at risk](https://reason.org/amicus-brief/united-states-v-lacey-et-al-digital-free-speech-is-at-risk/): The district court's deeply flawed handling of this case presents profound threats for speech and the Internet.
- [Marfil v. City of New Braunfels: Regulating short-term rentals](https://reason.org/amicus-brief/marfil-v-city-of-new-braunfels-2/): Short-term rentals in New Braunfels are prevalent, and the city has issued no nuisance citations against these properties.
- [Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers' Research](https://reason.org/amicus-brief/federal-communications-commission-v-consumers-research/): The idea that delegations of power to private parties are judged by a stricter standard than delegations to public parties has no support in any holdings of this Court.
- [Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority v. National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association](https://reason.org/amicus-brief/horseracing-integrity-and-safety-authority-v-national-horsemens-benevolent-and-protective-association/): The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is an unaccountable agency that exercises significant federal rulemaking, investigation, and enforcement authority.

## Latest: Drug Policy Newsletters

- [Drug Policy Newsletter: Federal Marijuana Reform, Expunging Cannabis Convictions, and More](https://reason.org/drug-policy/federal-marijuana-reform-expunging-cannabis-convictions-and-more/): Plus how marijuana market regulations often lead to corruption, why Mexico is delaying it's marijuana legalization efforts and more.
- [Drug Policy Newsletter: Drug Arrests Increase, Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana, and More](https://reason.org/drug-policy/drug-policy-newsletter-marijuana-arrests-still-common-gateway-drug-theory-challenged-and-more/): Analysis by researchers at Reason Foundation and Harvard University finds that states permitting adult-use of recreational marijuana tend to have fewer vaping-related lung injuries.
- [Reason Foundation's Drug Policy Newsletter, September 2019](https://reason.org/drug-policy/reason-foundations-drug-policy-newsletter-september-2019/): Estimating the demand for recreational marijuana is a difficult and unpredictable venture that has thus far been somewhat inaccurate.
- [Reason Foundation's Drug Policy Newsletter, August 2019](https://reason.org/drug-policy/reason-foundations-drug-policy-newsletter-august-2019/): Proprietary Reason Foundation analysis shows there may not be a relationship between opioid prescribing, overdose deaths, and addiction, citing data from Germany.
- [Reason Foundation's Drug Policy Newsletter, June 2019](https://reason.org/drug-policy/reason-foundations-drug-policy-newsletter-june-2019/): There are key qualities about state legislatures that make it difficult for them to pass marijuana legalization bills as opposed to voter ballot measure initiatives.
- [Reason Foundation's Drug Policy Newsletter, May 2019](https://reason.org/drug-policy/reason-foundations-drug-policy-newsletter-may-2019/): The history of marijuana regulation provides a good perspective into current state regulations and possible paths forward.

## Latest: Psychedelics Policy Newsletters

- [Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: States pursue psilocybin expansion, Trump administration denies drug fast-tracking, and more](https://reason.org/psychedelics-policy/psychedelics-policy-newsletter-states-pursue-psilocybin-expansion-trump-administration-denies-drug-fast-tracking-and-more/): Plus: The Drug Enforcement Administration increases psychedelics legal production quota.
- [Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: New real-world psilocybin study, ibogaine educational materials, and more](https://reason.org/psychedelics-policy/psychedelics-policy-newsletter-new-real-world-psilocybin-study-ibogaine-educational-materials-and-more/): Plus: A real-world study on mental health outcomes from Oregon, providing educational ibogaine documents to lawmakers, and more.
- [Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: DEA considers rescheduling psilocybin, FDA releases rejection decision, and more](https://reason.org/psychedelics-policy/psychedelics-policy-newsletter-dea-considers-rescheduling-psilocybin-fda-releases-rejection-decision-and-more/): Plus: Reason Foundation testifies in Mississippi, author Joe Dolce talks about his new psychedelics book, and more.
- [Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: RFK Jr. gives hopeful approval timeline, Arizona advances ibogaine, and more](https://reason.org/psychedelics-policy/psychedelics-policy-newsletter-rfk-jr-gives-hopeful-approval-timeline-arizona-advances-ibogaine-and-more/): Plus: Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry penned an op-ed about his commitment to advancing ibogaine as a treatment option.
- [Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: FDA prioritizes drug reform for psychedelics, Texas advances ibogaine research, and more](https://reason.org/psychedelics-policy/psychedelics-policy-newsletter-fda-prioritizes-drug-reform-for-psychedelics-texas-advances-ibogaine-research-and-more/): Plus: New psychedelics-related hire at the Department of Health and Human Services, update on state progress, and more.
- [Psychedelics Policy Newsletter: Reforms for Congress, data for rescheduling, and more](https://reason.org/psychedelics-policy/psychedelics-policy-newsletter-reforms-for-congress-data-for-rescheduling-and-more/): Plus: State regulation progress and more.

## Latest: FAQs

- [Frequently asked questions about public pensions investing in Bitcoin and other digital assets](https://reason.org/faq/public-pensions-investing-bitcoin-cryptocurrency/): Public pension investment in digital assets must be grounded in fiduciary duty, prudence, and risk control--not in novelty or return-chasing.
- [FAQ: Timeline for FDA ibogaine approval](https://reason.org/faq/faq-timeline-for-fda-ibogaine-approval/): It can take between 5 and 12 years to complete a drug trial, but the timeline to drug approval can vary significantly depending on the type of treatment.
- [Frequently asked questions about the Personal Retirement Optimization Plan](https://reason.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-personal-retirement-optimization-plan/): The Personal Retirement Optimization Plan (or PRO Plan) is a new framework for public worker retirement benefits that delivers post-employment security in a cost-effective way.
- [Frequently asked questions on public school open enrollment](https://reason.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-on-public-school-open-enrollment/): Public school open enrollment policies allow students to transfer to the public school of their choice.
- [Frequently asked questions on student-centered funding](https://reason.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-on-student-centered-funding/): Student-centered funding puts student needs as the focus of education funding decisions.
- [Frequently asked questions about the FDA's ban on menthol cigarettes](https://reason.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-fdas-ban-on-menthol-cigarettes/): Here are the key facts about the state of the evidence regarding a menthol cigarette ban and its possible consequences.

## Latest: Harm Reduction Newsletters

- [Nicotine and Harm Reduction Newsletter - September 2019](https://reason.org/harm-reduction/nicotine-and-harm-reduction-newsletter-september-2019/): The latest data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows yet another decline in the teen smoking rate.
- [Nicotine and Harm Reduction Newsletter - July 2019](https://reason.org/harm-reduction/nicotine-and-harm-reduction-newsletter-july-2019/): A new study shows smokers who use e-cigarettes daily were 77% more likely to have quit cigarettes after two years than non-e-cigarette users.
- [Nicotine and Harm Reduction Newsletter - June 2019](https://reason.org/harm-reduction/nicotine-and-harm-reduction-newsletter-june-2019/): Rarely do anti-vape policies make international news, but San Francisco's decision to ban the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes stirred interest across the world.
- [Nicotine and Harm Reduction Newsletter - May 2019](https://reason.org/harm-reduction/nicotine-and-harm-reduction-newsletter-may-2019/): After more than two years in review, the FDA finally approved the sale of Phillip Morris International's tobacco heating system known as IQOS.
- [Nicotine and Harm Reduction Newsletter - April 2019](https://reason.org/harm-reduction/nicotine-and-harm-reduction-newsletter-april-2019/): The vapor industry has been subjected to an onslaught of attacks on both the federal and state levels in 2019.
- [Nicotine and Harm Reduction Newsletter - December 2018](https://reason.org/harm-reduction/nicotine-and-harm-reduction-newsletter-december-2018/): Six California lawmakers are pushing a bill to ban all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarette flavors to combat youth use.

## Latest: How-to-Guides

- [How states can implement highway public-private partnerships](https://reason.org/how-to-guide/how-states-can-implement-highway-public-private-partnerships/): Public-private partnerships (P3s) are a tool to help states stretch funding and build and maintain highways.
- [Contracting Mass Transit Services: A How-to-Guide](https://reason.org/how-to-guide/contracting-mass-transit-services/): This how-to guide shows how to successfully contract for mass transit services.
- [Best Practices in Pension Reform: Lessons Learned from Successful Reformers](https://reason.org/how-to-guide/best-practices-in-pension-reform/): This report assesses the lessons learned from various efforts to reform public employee pensions in jurisdictions across the United States. It draws on the experience of policymakers, officials and campaigners in Michigan, Alaska, Utah, Rhode Island, San Diego and San Jose to outline a series of best practices that will equip a willing and motivated pension reformer with the tools he or she needs to bring about substantive change.
- [Pension Reform Handbook: A Starter Guide for Reformers](https://reason.org/how-to-guide/pension-reform-handbook-a-starter-g/): This handbook bring together the best practices that have emerged from public employee pension reform efforts across the United States. It begins by outlining the causes of pension problems, before taking the reader through seven pension reform case studies. It offers guidance to policymakers seeking to research their jurisdiction's pension problem, lays out the general principles of reform, and then examines in detail what it takes to build a successful reform effort from the ground up. Whether you are looking to create coalitions, engage officials and labor unions, or build the case for reform and take it to the general public, this handbook contains the tools you need to make your efforts a success.
- [A Handbook for Student-Based Budgeting, Principal Autonomy and School Choice](https://reason.org/how-to-guide/handbook-student-based-budgeting/): The growth of student-based budgeting in school districts and a few states mirrors a national trend toward more decentralized school funding where the money follows the child. In the United States, we are in a transition period, moving from funding institutions to funding students. K-12 education funding is moving closer to the funding model for higher education, where the money follows students to the public, private or nonprofit school of their choice. We are moving away from a K- 12 system funded by local resources and driven by residential assignment to a system where funding is driven by parental choice and student enrollment. Public funding systems at the state and local level are adapting to a "school funding portability" framework, where state and local school funding is attached to the students and given directly to the institution in which the child enrolls. More than 30 "school funding portability" systems (in cities like New York, Baltimore, Denver, Hartford and Cincinnati, and states including Rhode Island, Hawaii and Indiana) are funding students through student-based budgeting mechanisms. In 2012, Prince George's County, Newark and Boston have moved to full weighted student formula systems where the money follows the child. Los Angeles Unified has more than 100 pilot schools funded on a per-pupil basis. In California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio and Utah there are ongoing legislative debates about fixing the state school finance system through a weighted student formula. Student-based budgeting proposes a system of school funding based on five key principles:
- [Knowing What the Federal Government Owns](https://reason.org/how-to-guide/what-the-federal-government-owns/): One aspect of fiscal responsibility is efficient and effective management of federal property. President Barack Obama came into office in January 2009 committed to cutting waste in the government and promising a new era of transparency and efficiency. Since then, White House Chief Performance Officer Jeffrey D. Zients has been able to push through a handful of reforms, but none of them changing the inefficient way the government manages its real property. However, in June 2010, the White House began to move on federal property efficiency. On June 10 the president signed a memo directing agencies to accelerate their efforts to divest excess and surplus property in an effort to achieve upwards of $8 billion in savings by fiscal year 2012. This presidential order also asks agencies to find ways to consolidate office space, reduce operating costs, eliminate wasteful lease arrangements, and use space management techniques more efficiently. This memo is a good step towards more efficient federal real property management. However, it is missing a serious component of any efficient real property management system: a dynamic, centralized asset inventory system. Office of Management and Budget director Peter R. Orszag says the federal government owns "1.2 million buildings, structures, and land parcels" including "14,000 building \[sic\] and structures currently designated as excess and 55,000 identified as under- and not-utilized." This assessment, however, comes from an incomplete database built from inconsistent data managed mainly by the agencies themselves, each using its own inventory method, rather than an accurate, centralized inventory.

## Latest: Innovators in Action

- [National Microschooling Center founders illustrate how microschools are changing K-12 education](https://reason.org/innovators/national-microschooling-center-founders-illustrate-how-microschools-are-changing-k-12-education/): Microschools provide an innovative alternative for families looking to leave the traditional K-12 education system.
- [Innovators in Action: James Small, public safety director of Palmyra, Wisconsin](https://reason.org/innovators/innovators-in-action-james-small/): In the time Small has served in this role, the property crime rate has plummeted by 88% to just over five property crimes per 1,000 residents.
- [Arizona State Senator Sine Kerr on transforming student transportation policy](https://reason.org/innovators/arizona-state-senator-sine-kerr-on-transforming-student-transportation-policy/): Arizona's new student transportation law will remove unnecessary busing regulations to help families and schools across the state.
- [Commissioner Penny Schwinn explains how school finance reform would help Tennessee students](https://reason.org/innovators/commissioner-penny-schwinn-explains-how-school-finance-reform-would-help-tennessee-students/): Tennessee's Commissioner of Education, Penny Schwinn, and Aaron Garth Smith talk about Tennessee's proposal to adopt an education funding system that focuses on student needs.
- [Idaho State Sen. Steven Thayn explains the success of state's Advanced Opportunities program](https://reason.org/innovators/idaho-state-sen-steven-thayn-explains-the-success-of-idahos-advanced-opportunities-program/): A conversation between Christian Barnard and Idaho state Sen. Steven Thayn on Idaho's Advanced Opportunities student funding program.
- [Marguerite Roza discusses how school districts should use federal COVID-19 relief funds to improve student outcomes](https://reason.org/innovators/marguerite-roza-discusses-how-school-districts-should-use-federal-covid-19-relief-funds-to-improve-student-outcomes/): Edunomics Lab's Marguerite Roza and Reason's Jude Schwalbach discuss how school districts should use the influx of funds they have received since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Latest: News Releases

- [Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey receives 2023 Savas Award](https://reason.org/news-release/former-arizona-gov-doug-ducey-receives-2023-savas-award/): The Savas Award for Privatization honors leaders who harness the power of the private sector to save taxpayer dollars, help innovation flourish, and more.
- [Task Force Pineapple co-founder Scott Mann receives 2022 Savas Award](https://reason.org/news-release/task-force-pineapple-co-founder-scott-mann-receives-2022-savas-award/): The annual Savas Award recognizes leadership for private provision of public services.
- [FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Wins Reason Foundation's Savas Award](https://reason.org/news-release/fcc-chairman-ajit-pai-wins-reason-foundations-savas-award/): Reason Foundation presented its sixth annual Savas Award for Privatization to Federal Communications Chairman Ajit Pai tonight in recognition of his efforts advancing a free and open Internet that encourages private sector investment and innovation in broadband and mobile networks. ... [Continued](https://reason.org/news-release/fcc-chairman-ajit-pai-wins-reason-foundations-savas-award/)
- [Study: States Can Lease Toll Roads to Fund Other Infrastructure, Pay Off Debt](https://reason.org/news-release/study-states-can-lease-toll-roads-to-fund-other-infrastructure-pay-off-debt/): As state governments grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, recession, and potentially long-term revenue and budget problems, a new study shows how leasing their major toll road systems would allow states to fund many other transportation projects, pay down state debt ... [Continued](https://reason.org/news-release/study-states-can-lease-toll-roads-to-fund-other-infrastructure-pay-off-debt/)
- [Study: How to Accelerate the Pace of Exploration and Economic Development of Space](https://reason.org/news-release/study-how-to-accelerate-the-pace-of-exploration-and-economic-development-of-space/): The current structure of the U.S. space program is preventing the country from taking full advantage of technology and private resources that could make significant improvements to communication and navigation systems, clean energy, manufacturing, research, and national defense, a new ... [Continued](https://reason.org/news-release/study-how-to-accelerate-the-pace-of-exploration-and-economic-development-of-space/)
- [Study: Asset Recycling Could Generate Up to $885 Billion for US Infrastructure Investment](https://reason.org/news-release/study-asset-recycling-could-generate-up-to-885-billion-for-us-infrastructure-investment/): A new Reason Foundation study finds asset recycling via long-term leases of America's largest existing toll roads, bridges, airports, seaports, water and wastewater facilities, and university parking systems could generate $720 billion to $885 billion for state and local governments to spend on new infrastructure projects.

## Latest: Pension Reform Newsletters

- [Pension Reform News: How state public pension systems rank on key health metrics](https://reason.org/pension-newsletter/how-state-public-pension-systems-rank-on-key-health-metrics/): Plus: Crucial pension reforms under fire in California, Oklahoma bill advances retirement goals of government employees, and more.
- [Pension Reform News: Rules on how public pensions should invest in crypto](https://reason.org/pension-newsletter/rules-on-how-public-pensions-should-invest-in-crypto/): Plus: Alaska could take on billions in extra costs by rolling back reforms, unfunded public pension liabilities are a debt, and more.
- [Pension Reform News: Public pension reform drives fiscal responsibility, not inequality](https://reason.org/pension-newsletter/public-pension-reform-does-not-increase-inequality/): Plus: How property tax cuts will impact pensions in Texas, Louisiana's pension crisis threatens taxpayers, and more.
- [Pension Reform News: The political push for Connecticut's pensions to invest in the WNBA](https://reason.org/pension-newsletter/the-political-push-for-connecticuts-pensions-to-invest-in-the-wnba/): Plus: San Diego pension debt drives taxes and fees on residents, pensions are a major contributor to state and local government debt, and more.
- [Pension Reform News: Reason analysis shows debt drives the rise in pension costs](https://reason.org/pension-newsletter/analysis-shows-debt-drives-the-rise-in-pension-costs/): Plus: Ohio bill would advance shared pension responsibility, Florida has decades to go before fully funding benefits, and more.
- [Pension Reform News: Reason's annual report finds $1.5 trillion in aggregate pension debt](https://reason.org/pension-newsletter/reasons-annual-report-finds-1-5-trillion-in-aggregate-pension-debt/): Plus: Undoing California's pension reforms could cost billions, what government worker reductions mean for pensions, and more.

## Latest: Policy Briefs

- [Advanced air mobility infrastructure: Considerations for state policymakers](https://reason.org/policy-brief/advanced-air-mobility-infrastructure-considerations-for-state-policymakers/): Advanced air mobility services aim to bring small-scale aviation to the local and regional transportation markets currently dominated by automobiles.
- [From prison to paperwork: A 50-state survey of policies on reentry identification documents](https://reason.org/policy-brief/from-prison-to-paperwork-a-50-state-survey-of-policies-on-reentry-identification-documents/): State correctional agencies can facilitate the reentry process by assisting inmates with obtaining essential identification documents prior to release.
- [Could clearance rates be key to addressing criminal justice failures?](https://reason.org/policy-brief/could-clearance-rates-be-key-to-addressing-criminal-justice-failures/): Clearance rates are the closest metric we have to evaluating how well the criminal justice system does at catching people who commit crimes.
- [Harm reduction: An evidence-based approach to the drug war](https://reason.org/policy-brief/harm-reduction-an-evidence-based-approach-to-the-drug-war/): Harm reduction includes proven tools like naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, fentanyl test strip access, and supervised consumption sites.
- [The Gold Standard In Public Retirement System Design Series](https://reason.org/policy-brief/gold-standard-in-public-retirement-system-design-series/): Best practices for state-level retirement plans.
- [Deepfakes, AI, and existing laws](https://reason.org/policy-brief/deepfakes-ai-and-existing-laws/): A nuanced policy response can address the challenges of deepfakes while preserving the benefits of creative and expressive digital technologies.

## Latest: Policy Studies

- [U.S. public pension and trust fund investment in digital assets](https://reason.org/policy-study/us-public-pension-trust-fund-investment-digital-assets/): Policy considerations for public sector investment in Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other cryptocurrencies.
- [Staffing surges and student outcomes: Rethinking unions, resource allocation, and school choice in American education](https://reason.org/policy-study/staffing-surges-student-outcomes-unions-resource-allocation-school-choice-education/): Despite declining student enrollment in many U.S. school districts, K-12 education spending and staffing have grown substantially over the past two decades.
- [Evaluating Amtrak and intercity bus performance for smarter federal investment](https://reason.org/policy-study/evaluating-amtrak-intercity-bus-performance-smarter-federal-investment/): This analysis compares Amtrak service with intercity bus options between the same two cities.
- [Report: State and local pension plans have $1.48 trillion in debt](https://reason.org/policy-study/annual-pension-report/): Public pension systems in the United States saw a decrease in unfunded liabilities in 2024, dropping from $1.62 trillion to $1.48 trillion, a 9% decrease, Reason Foundation's 2025 Pension Solvency and Performance Report finds. This was primarily driven by the ... [Continued](https://reason.org/policy-study/annual-pension-report/)
- [Incentivizing US airport privatization](https://reason.org/policy-study/incentivizing-us-airport-privatization/): This report explores how to make US airport privatization more attractive to airport owners by proposing a level financial playing field for potential private-sector airport investors.
- [Best practices in cash balance plan design](https://reason.org/policy-study/best-practices-in-cash-balance-plan-design/): A transition to a cash balance structure offers an opportunity to reset actuarial assumptions, enforce strict funding discipline, and improve stakeholder transparency.

## Latest: Annual Privatization Reports

- [Annual Privatization Report 2025: Housing](https://reason.org/privatization-report/annual-privatization-report-2025-housing/): States are working to reform zoning laws, problematic policies, growth restrictions, lot sizes, and parking requirements.
- [Annual Privatization Report 2025](https://reason.org/privatization-report/annual-privatization-report-2025/): Annual Aviation Infrastructure Report 2025 Annual Surface Transportation Infrastructure Report 2025 Annual Transportation Finance Report 2025
- [Annual Privatization Report 2024 -- Transportation Finance](https://reason.org/privatization-report/2024-transportation-finance/): This report reviews 2023 developments in infrastructure investment, focusing on transportation infrastructure.
- [Annual Privatization Report 2024 -- Aviation](https://reason.org/privatization-report/2024-aviation/): This brief reviews developments in the United States and worldwide regarding private-sector participation in airports and air traffic control.
- [Annual Privatization Report 2024 -- Surface Transportation](https://reason.org/privatization-report/2024-surface-transportation/): Of the top 10 worldwide surface transportation P3s that reached financial close in 2023, seven used availability payments, continuing what had been a growing trend over the last seven years.
- [Annual Privatization Report 2023](https://reason.org/privatization-report/annual-privatization-report-2023/): Examining the latest trends and developments in privatization and public-private partnerships.

## Latest: Privatization Watch Issues

- [Privatization Watch: Vol. 32, No. 3](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/privatization-watch-vol-32-no-2/): If there's one silver lining of our current economic recession and widespread government fiscal woes, it's the pressure to do more with less in education. With no money left to blindly throw at the problem, communities are reforming the system itself to better serve the increasingly varied needs of families and students. The data show these reforms are accelerating academic progress, piloting the way for fundamental reform in the way schools do business.
- [Privatization Watch: Vol. 32, No. 2](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/privatization-watch-vol-32-no-1/): Advocates of limited government face perilous times. The pendulum is swinging strongly toward state intervention in the economy, and there are many indications that this interference is making the economy worse, not better. Further, the "perfect storm" of a financial crisis, global recession and growing government budget deficits has left many of us with more questions than answers. Articles in this issue explore these important topics and more.
- [Privatization Watch: Vol. 32, No. 1](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/privatization-watch-vol-32-no/): Articles include: 1. Utah Strengthens State Privatization Board, 2. Getting Government Out of the Business of Business: Legislators bring the 'Yellow Pages Test' to Utah government, 3. Chicago Raises the Bar on Asset Privatization, and 4. Georgia Contract Cities Movement ... [Continued](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/privatization-watch-vol-32-no/)
- [Focus on Land Use](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/focus-on-land-use-2/): Articles include: 1. Flexibility and Freedom Lead to Growth and Redevelopment in Anaheim (by Mayor Curt Pringle), 2. Smart Growth Planning Reducing Housing Affordability in Florida, 3. The Failures of Government Planning (Despite the "Best-Laid Plans"), and 4. Sustainable Development ... [Continued](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/focus-on-land-use-2/)
- [Privatization Watch: Innovators in Action](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/privatization-watch-innovators/): Articles include: 1. Improvement Requires Willingness to Change (by Gov. Jeb Bush), 2. Addressing Public Challenges with Private Partners (by Gov. Bill Owens), 3. Running Government More Like a Business (by Virginia Del. Chris Saxman), and 4. Reflections of a Texas Transportation Trailblazer. Other articles include: City of Charlotte's Privatization and Competition Advisory Committee; Managed Competition in San Diego; Privatization Briefs; and Who, What, Where.
- [Focus on Government Reform](https://reason.org/privatization-watch/focus-on-government-reform/): Articles include: 1. Government Transparency Reforms Sweep the Nation, 2. Occupational Licensing: Serving the Public Interest or Special Interests?, 3. Privatization to Modernize Indiana's Welfare System, and 4. Federal Government Performance Reviews Continue.

## Latest: Student-Based Budgeting Newsletters

- [Education Newsletter: School Finance During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://reason.org/student-budgeting/school-finance-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/): Policymakers should maintain consistent pension contributions at appropriate levels and adopt more risk-averse plan assumptions.
- [Education Newsletter: SCOTUS Delivers a Huge Win For Kids, California's Funding Plan Shortchanges Charter Schools, and More](https://reason.org/student-budgeting/education-newsletter-scotus-delivers-a-huge-win-for-kids-and-more/): At a time when our country is fiercely divided along partisan lines, school finance reform presents an opportunity for meaningful bipartisan policy change.
- [Education Newsletter: COVID-19 Increases Need for School Finance Reform, Identifying Student Poverty, and More](https://reason.org/student-budgeting/covid-19-increases-need-for-school-finance-reform-identifying-student-poverty-and-more/): Three principles to guide education and stimulus spending during the coronavirus pandemic.
- [Education Newsletter: School Systems Adapt During Coronavirus Pandemic, Education Stimulus Money and More](https://reason.org/student-budgeting/how-coronavirus-stimulus-dollars-should-be-allocated-adapting-during-the-pandemic-and-more/): Plus: When and how the U.S. should reopen schools, ensuring K-12 budget cuts don't hurt highest-need students, previewing the COVID-19 impact on state pension plans and more.
- [Education Newsletter: Coronavirus and the Impact on Education Budgets, Homeschooling, and More](https://reason.org/student-budgeting/homeschooling-the-coronavirus-impact-on-education-budgets-and-more/): Education has changed rapidly in the past two decades and school finance systems must be reformed to reflect these new dynamics, including strict limits on excess local revenue.
- [Education Newsletter: COVID-19's Fallout For School Finance, Benefits of Open Enrollment, and More](https://reason.org/student-budgeting/education-newsletter-covid-19s-fallout-for-school-finance-benefits-of-open-enrollment-and-more/): A growing body of evidence shows that open enrollment provides substantial benefits to both kids and school districts.

## Latest: Funding Education Opportunity Newsletters

- [The impact of declining fertility rates on public schools already struggling with significant enrollment decreases](https://reason.org/education-newsletter/the-impact-of-declining-fertility-rates-on-public-schools-already-struggling-with-significant-enrollment-decreases/): Since 2007, the number of births in the U.S. has dropped by 18%. This means that nearly 718,000 fewer children were born in 2025 than in 2007.
- [Funding Education Opportunity: The best open enrollment proposals moving through state legislatures](https://reason.org/education-newsletter/the-best-open-enrollment-proposals-moving-through-state-legislatures/): Plus: Three states announced they will reconsider their initial opposition to the federal tax-credit scholarship program.
- [Funding Education Opportunity: About one in four students is chronically absent](https://reason.org/education-newsletter/about-one-in-four-students-is-chronically-absent/): School districts may need to implement new policies to encourage students to attend school more regularly.
- [Funding Education Opportunity: How states fund K-12 open enrollment programs](https://reason.org/education-newsletter/how-states-fund-k-12-open-enrollment-programs/): Plus: Mississippi gears up for a school choice battle, New Hampshire considers an expansive open enrollment proposal, and more.
- [Funding Education Opportunity: School buses and changing transportation needs](https://reason.org/education-newsletter/school-buses-and-changing-transportation-needs/): Plus: Texas finalizes rules for new private school choice program, and states opt into federal tax-credit scholarship program.
- [Funding Education Opportunity: Study examines K-12 education spending, teachers' salaries and benefit costs](https://reason.org/education-newsletter/funding-education-opportunity-2025-k-12-education-spending-spotlight-release/): Between 2002 and 2023, K-12 public school funding rose by 35.8% from $14,969 per student to $20,322 per student.

## Latest: Privatization and Government Reform Newsletters

- [Privatization and Government Reform News: Impact of occupational licensing, ESG investing, and more](https://reason.org/privatization-news/occupational-licensing-esg-investing-and-more/): Examining privatization, outsourcing, contracting, and more.
- [Privatization and Government Reform News: Expensive ambulances, Jackson's water crisis, FDA reform, and more](https://reason.org/privatization-news/expensive-ambulances-jacksons-water-crisis-fda-reform-and-more/): Plus: Promising results for a jail diversion program, why Congress should ignore the NCAA, and more.
- [Privatization and Government Reform News: Rethinking K-12 transportation, water needs, and more](https://reason.org/privatization-news/rethinking-k-12-transportation-water-needs-and-more/): Plus: Changing the conversation on highway funding, housing regulations, and more.
- [Privatization and Government Reform News: Trends in aviation, Arizona water P3s, and more](https://reason.org/privatization-news/annual-trends-arizona-water-and-more/): Plus Michigan budget issues, government failures in the City of Flint, and more.
- [Privatization and Government Reform News: Savas Award and Annual Privatization Report 2022](https://reason.org/privatization-news/savas-award-and-annual-privatization-report-2022/): Plus municipal water system soundness, transportation finance, and more.
- [Privatization and Government Reform News: Surface transportation trends, revenue-risk, and more](https://reason.org/privatization-news/surface-transportation-trends-revenue-risk-and-more/): Plus: Reason Foundation's Annual Privatization Report, affordable housing, and more.

## Latest: Reason Roundtables

- [Politics - Not Economics - Is Hampering Nuclear Energy](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/politics-not-economics-is-hamp/): "Nuclear has gone from too cheap to meter to too expensive to matter," exults anti-nuclear guru Amory Lovins. "It is so hopelessly uneconomic that one doesn't need to debate whether it's clean or safe." Given that there hasn't been a ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/politics-not-economics-is-hamp/)
- [Nuclear Energy: Risky Business](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/nuclear-energy-risky-business/): Nuclear energy is to the Right what solar energy is to the Left: Religious devotion in practice, a wonderful technology in theory, but an economic white elephant in fact (some crossovers on both sides notwithstanding). When the day comes that ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/nuclear-energy-risky-business/)
- [Going Nuclear - But Not for Energy Independence](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/going-nuclear-but-not-for-ener/): Nuclear energy is receiving renewed attention this election season, thanks to the battle-cry of energy independence that both presidential candidates have raised. Our contributors to this edition of the Reason Roundtable consider whether nuclear energy is the right answer - ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/going-nuclear-but-not-for-ener/)
- [Climate Change: No Harm, No Claim](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/climate-change-no-harm-no-clai/): Typically, calls that industrialized countries pay poor, developing nations for harms allegedly caused by human-induced or anthropogenic global warming come from UN climatocrats or Third World activists eager to redistribute global wealth. But does Free Market Environmentalism, given its core ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/climate-change-no-harm-no-clai/)
- [Climate Change As If Property Rights Mattered](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/climate-change-as-if-property/): For most libertarians the best thing that policy makers can do to advance environmental values is to protect property rights from both government and private harm. Landowners should be free to make productive use of their property so long as ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/climate-change-as-if-property/)
- [Global Warming: Keeping Property Rights at the Forefront](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/global-warming-keeping-propert/): "Consider the source" is not a bad starting point when evaluating a new theory. Unfortunately, when it comes to global warming, that is where free market advocates had largely become stuck. Until recently, they had concentrated their efforts predominantly on ... [Continued](https://reason.org/reason-roundtable/global-warming-keeping-propert/)

## Latest: Surface Transportation Innovations Newsletters

- [Preparing for what may be the last federal transportation reauthorization bill](https://reason.org/transportation-news/preparing-for-the-last-federal-transportation-reauthorization-bill/): Plus: Ranking every state's roads, highways and bridges in cost-effectiveness and performance.
- [Surface Transportation News: Can central planning revitalize U.S. shipbuilding?](https://reason.org/transportation-news/can-central-planning-revitalize-u-s-shipbuilding/): Plus: NTSB identifies the most vulnerable large bridges, populist attack on potential California road charges, and more.
- [Surface Transportation News: Five ways to cut red tape and build infrastructure faster](https://reason.org/transportation-news/five-executive-actions-to-cut-red-tape-and-build-infrastructure-faster/): Plus: DOT Advisory Board supports asset recycling, replacing the American Legion Bridge, and more.
- [Surface Transportation News: Priced managed lanes come of age](https://reason.org/transportation-news/priced-managed-lanes-come-of-age/): Plus: Conflicting measures of U.S. traffic congestion, bipartisan NEPA reform passed in the House, and more.
- [Surface Transportation News: Key Bridge replacement costs soar](https://reason.org/transportation-news/key-bridge-replacement-costs-soar/): Plus: Fixing the Highway Trust Fund, Spain de-tolls motorways resulting in problems, and more.
- [Surface Transportation News: The strong performance of express toll lanes](https://reason.org/transportation-news/express-toll-lanes-strong-performance/): Plus: U.S. traffic congestion at record high levels, reforming environmental litigation, and more.

## Latest: Testimonies

- [California Senate Bill 1246 would disrupt autonomous vehicle regulatory modernization and impose rigid mandates](https://reason.org/testimony/california-senate-bill-1246-would-disrupt-autonomous-vehicle-regulatory-modernization-and-impose-rigid-mandates/): Rather than building on existing reforms, Senate Bill 1246 adds rigid, prescriptive rules that depart from performance-based regulatory standards.
- [California Assembly Bill 1709 would violate the First Amendment and undermine parental choice](https://reason.org/testimony/california-assembly-bill-1709-would-violate-the-first-amendment-and-undermine-parental-choice/): A law that would broadly exclude an entire class of minors from those spaces is an unconstitutional burden on protected speech.
- [Vermont Senate Bill 198 would tax safer nicotine alternatives similarly to cigarettes](https://reason.org/testimony/vermont-senate-bill-198-would-tax-safer-nicotine-alternatives-similarly-to-cigarettes/): As it stands, the bill's tax structure would treat safer nicotine alternatives as equivalent to or more heavily taxed than cigarettes themselves.
- [Missouri should not create special liability rules for autonomous vehicles](https://reason.org/testimony/missouri-should-not-create-special-liability-rules-for-autonomous-vehicles/): Singling out autonomous vehicles for special treatment on liability determination is unnecessary to advancing the safe operation of these vehicles.
- [Banning autonomous commercial vehicles won't make Alaska roads safer](https://reason.org/testimony/banning-autonomous-commercial-vehicles-wont-make-alaska-roads-safer/): Unlike human drivers, automated driving systems cannot drive drunk, drugged, drowsy, or distracted, and are programmed to follow the rules of the road.
- [California can protect against defamatory deepfakes without chilling speech](https://reason.org/testimony/california-can-protect-against-defamatory-deepfakes-without-chilling-speech/): The penalties placed on online platforms in Senate Bill 1142 are large enough to lead to several unintended outcomes affecting free expression.

## Latest: Voters' Guide

- [Missouri Amendment 3 would constitutionally protect reproductive freedom](https://reason.org/voters-guide/missouri-amendment-3-would-constitutionally-protect-reproductive-freedom/): Abortion in Missouri is currently banned with exceptions such as procedures necessary for the health or life of the mother.
- [Arizona Proposition 138 would change the minimum wage for tipped workers](https://reason.org/voters-guide/arizona-proposition-138-would-change-the-minimum-wage-for-tipped-workers/): Under current law, workers who regularly receive tips from customers can be paid up to $3 less per hour by the employer.
- [Missouri Proposition A would increase the minimum wage, create a sick leave mandate](https://reason.org/voters-guide/missouri-proposition-a-would-increase-the-minimum-wage-create-a-sick-leave-mandate/): Missouri Proposition A would increase the minimum hourly compensation to $13.75 in 2025 and $15 in 2026.
- [Arizona Proposition 140 would implement a single primary for all candidates](https://reason.org/voters-guide/arizona-proposition-140-would-implement-a-single-primary-for-all-candidates/): Summary Arizona Proposition 140 would replace Arizona's current semi-open partisan primary election process with a single open primary. The proposition would also require the Arizona State Legislature or the secretary of state to decide how many candidates would advance from ... [Continued](https://reason.org/voters-guide/arizona-proposition-140-would-implement-a-single-primary-for-all-candidates/)
- [Colorado Proposition 131 would implement top-four ranked-choice voting](https://reason.org/voters-guide/colorado-proposition-131-would-implement-top-four-ranked-choice-voting/): Summary Colorado Proposition 131 would change the election process for certain state and federal offices by establishing top-four open primaries and ranked-choice voting. The initiative would only affect elections for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor, attorney general, ... [Continued](https://reason.org/voters-guide/colorado-proposition-131-would-implement-top-four-ranked-choice-voting/)
- [Voters' guide to 2024 statewide ballot initiatives](https://reason.org/voters-guide/voters-guide-to-2024-statewide-ballot-initiatives/): Reason Foundation's policy analysts have created voter guides on many statewide ballot initiatives to help voters make informed decisions.

## Latest: Working Papers

- [Working paper: Best practices in optional defined contribution plans](https://reason.org/working-paper/working-paper-best-practices-in-optional-defined-contribution-plans/): With the proliferation of unfunded pension liabilities among U.S. governments, optional defined contribution plans can serve as risk mitigation solutions.
- [Working Paper: How shifting to a defined contribution retirement plan impacted teacher retention in Alaska](https://reason.org/working-paper/how-shifting-to-a-defined-contribution-retirement-plan-impacted-teacher-retention-in-alaska/): Abstract In 2005, Alaska enacted one of the most radical retirement system reforms in the public sector by discontinuing enrollment into its defined-benefit pension plan and creating a 401(k)-style defined contribution plan for all new public workers hired after July ... [Continued](https://reason.org/working-paper/how-shifting-to-a-defined-contribution-retirement-plan-impacted-teacher-retention-in-alaska/)
- [Working Paper: Does Compulsory Schooling Affect Innovation? Evidence from the United States](https://reason.org/working-paper/does-compulsory-schooling-affect-innovation-evidence-from-the-united-states/): We consider how the initial adoption of compulsory schooling affected state-level rates of patenting and real output per worker, finding declines in both once the originally affected cohorts reach middle age.
- [Working Paper: An Evidence-Based Approach to Fighting the Coronavirus Pandemic](https://reason.org/working-paper/evidence-based-approach-to-fighting-the-coronavirus-pandemic/): "A realistic plan for unlocking society must be found. Urgently. This brief seeks to offer elements of what such a plan might look like, based on evidence from actions taken in many jurisdictions."
- [Are Charter Schools Safer Than District-Run Schools? Evidence From Pennsylvania](https://reason.org/working-paper/are-charter-schools-safer-than-district-run-schools-evidence-from-pennsylvania/): This study finds that public charter schools generally report fewer school climate problems than district-run public schools in Pennsylvania
- [Working Paper -- School Sector and Climate: Evidence from New York](https://reason.org/working-paper/working-paper-school-sector-and-climate-evidence-from-new-york/): The charter school climate advantages tend to be more pronounced in New York City than the rest of the state.

## Latest: Solvency Analysis

- [Montana Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Pension Solvency Analysis](https://reason.org/solvency-analysis/montana-trs/): The solvency of the Montana Teacher Retirement System (TRS) has been declining for two decades. In the year 2002, the public pension plan which serves Montana educators was overfunded by nearly $500 million, but today the plan has over $1.96 billion in debt.
- [Arizona State Retirement System (Arizona ASRS) Pension Analysis](https://reason.org/solvency-analysis/arizona-asrs/): In 2002, the Arizona State Retirement System was $1 billion overfunded and on track to provide the retirement benefits that had been promised to state and municipal employees as well as educators. Just 20 years later, the Arizona State Retirement System has over $15.9 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and has fallen deeper into debt each year since 2014.
- [Florida Retirement System (FRS) Solvency Analysis](https://reason.org/solvency-analysis/florida-frs/): The nation's fifth-largest pension system, the Florida Retirement System (FRS), has $36 billion in public pension debt. The Pension Integrity Project's latest analysis shows that this debt has grown rapidly in the last decade and FRS has accumulated an additional ... [Continued](https://reason.org/solvency-analysis/florida-frs/)
- [Texas Employee Retirement System (Texas ERS) Pension Analysis](https://reason.org/solvency-analysis/texas-ers/): Despite being overfunded at the turn of the century, the Employees Retirement System of Texas (Texas ERS), which provides pension benefits for state employees, is now facing the challenge of how to avoid insolvency in the coming decades.

## Latest: Public Schools Without Boundaries

- [Public schools without boundaries 2025: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws](https://reason.org/open-enrollment/public-schools-without-boundaries-2025/): Study finds 16 states have statewide cross-district open enrollment and 17 states have statewide within-district open enrollment.
- [Public schools without boundaries 2024: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws](https://reason.org/open-enrollment/2024-public-schools-without-boundaries/): Study finds Arizona, Idaho, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia have the best public school transfer and open enrollment laws.
- [Public schools without boundaries 2023: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws](https://reason.org/open-enrollment/public-schools-without-boundaries-2023/): Overall, six states--Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Utah--have implemented four out of five of Reason Foundation's best practices for open enrollment. Unfortunately, 19 states, including Texas and New York, have not implemented any of the best practices.
- [Public schools without boundaries 2022: Ranking every state's open enrollment laws](https://reason.org/open-enrollment/public-schools-without-boundaries-a-50-state-ranking-of-k-12-open-enrollment/): Only 11 states have mandatory open enrollment laws that allow students to easily transfer public schools and 26 states allow public schools to charge families tuition.

## Latest: K-12 Education Spending Spotlight

- [K-12 Education Spending Spotlight 2025: Annual public school spending nears $1 trillion](https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/2025-spotlight/): U.S. public schools received $946.5 billion in 2023, with New York topping all states at $36,976 per student, followed by New Jersey at $30,267 per student.
- [Public education at a crossroads: A comprehensive look at K-12 resources and outcomes](https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/crossroads-report/): Examining key education revenue, spending, enrollment, staffing, and student performance data over the past two decades in all 50 states.
- [Public education at a crossroads: K-12 education revenue and expenditure trends 2002-2020](https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/crossroads-report/revenue-expenditure-trends/): Nationwide, inflation-adjusted public school revenues grew from $12,852 per student in 2002 to $16,065 per student in 2020.
- [Public education at a crossroads: Enrollment, staffing, and teacher salary trends 2002-2020](https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/crossroads-report/enrollment-staffing-teacher-salary-trends/): Nationwide, non-teachers now outnumber teachers, accounting for 52.1% of public education staff.
- [Public education at a crossroads: Math and reading outcomes (low-income students only)](https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/crossroads-report/student-outcomes-4th-8th-grade-low-income-students/): Between 2003 and 2019, the average U.S. 4th grade NAEP math score for free and reduced-price lunch eligible students increased by seven points.
- [Public education at a crossroads: Math and reading outcomes (all students)](https://reason.org/k12-ed-spending/crossroads-report/student-outcomes-all-4th-8th-grade-students/): Between 2003 and 2019, the average U.S. 8th-grade NAEP reading score was flat. The average U.S. 8th-grade NAEP math score increased by four points.

## Latest: Government Financial Transparency Project

- [Report: Cities have $1.4 trillion in debt](https://reason.org/transparency-project/gov-finance-2025/city/): Nationally, cities report $1.4 trillion in debt, equivalent to approximately $7,000 per capita, according to Reason Foundation's State and Local Government Finance Report.
- [Report: County governments have $757 billion in debt](https://reason.org/transparency-project/gov-finance-2025/county/): County governments had $757 billion in debt at the end of 2023, equivalent to approximately $2,600 per capita nationwide, according to Reason Foundation's State and Local Government Finance Report.
- [Report ranks every state's debt, from California's $497 billion to South Dakota's $2 billion](https://reason.org/transparency-project/gov-finance-2025/state/): State governments had $2.7 trillion in debt at the end of 2023, a new Reason Foundation analysis finds. This state debt is equivalent to approximately $8,000 per person nationally. With $497 billion in liabilities, California had the largest state government ... [Continued](https://reason.org/transparency-project/gov-finance-2025/state/)
- [Report: State and local governments have $6.1 trillion in debt](https://reason.org/transparency-project/gov-finance-2025/): State and local governments had $6.1 trillion in debt at the end of 2023, a new Reason Foundation analysis finds. On a per capita basis, state and local debt amounts to approximately $18,400 per American. This state and local debt ... [Continued](https://reason.org/transparency-project/gov-finance-2025/)
- [Debt trends for state and local governments 2020-2022](https://reason.org/transparency-project/debt-trends-state-local/): Welcome to Reason Foundation's Government Financial Transparency Project. This dashboard compiles the key elements of governmental financial statements for fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022, covering all 50 states and the top 100 municipalities, counties and school districts. A historical ... [Continued](https://reason.org/transparency-project/debt-trends-state-local/)
- [City debt: New York has more than four times the liabilities of Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and other cities](https://reason.org/transparency-project/debt-trends-state-local/municipal/): Reason Foundation finds that New York City had over $300 billion in total liabilities at the end of 2022, more than four times Chicago's $74 billion in liabilities and nearly six times Los Angeles' $51.3 billion. At the end of ... [Continued](https://reason.org/transparency-project/debt-trends-state-local/municipal/)

## Latest: Annual Highway Report

- [29th Annual Highway Report: Virginia and Georgia have best-performing, most cost-effective highways, while Alaska and California have worst](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/): Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Ohio have the best-performing, most cost-effective roads and bridges, according to Reason Foundation's 29th Annual Highway Report. Alaska, California, Washington, New York, and Louisiana have the worst.
- [29th Annual Highway Report: Summary of findings and rankings](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/executive-summary/): Reason Foundation's Annual Highway Report tracks the performance of the 50 state highway systems. Each state's overall rating is determined by rankings in 13 categories, including highway expenditures per mile, Interstate and primary road pavement conditions, urbanized area congestion, bridge ... [Continued](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/executive-summary/)
- [29th Annual Highway Report: Other Fatality Rate](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/other-fatality-rate/): The other fatality rate measures fatalities on rural and urban minor arterials, collectors, and local roadways in the state as fatalities per 100 million vehicle- miles. The nation's other highway fatality rate improved from 1.56 per 100 million urban vehicle-miles ... [Continued](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/other-fatality-rate/)
- [29th Annual Highway Report: Urban Fatality Rate](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/urban-fatality-rate/): The urban fatality rate measures fatalities on all major urban arterials in the state. The nation's urban highway fatality rate improved from 1.07 in 2022 to 1.00 in 2023 (Table 18, Fatality Rate per 100 Million Urban Vehicle-Miles, 2023, Figure ... [Continued](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/urban-fatality-rate/)
- [29th Annual Highway Report: Rural Fatality Rate](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/rural-fatality-rate/): The rural fatality rate measures fatalities on all major rural arterials in the state. The nation's rural highway fatality held (Table 17, Fatality Rate per 100 Million Rural Vehicle-Miles, 2023, Figure 12). In 2023, 6,095 rural fatalities were reported, fewer ... [Continued](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/rural-fatality-rate/)
- [29th Annual Highway Report: Structurally Deficient Bridges](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/structurally-deficient-bridges/): Federal law mandates the uniform inspection of all bridges for structural adequacy at least every two years; bridges rated "deficient" are eligible for federal repair dollars. The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) is the source of the bridge data in the ... [Continued](https://reason.org/highway-report/29th-annual-highway-report/structurally-deficient-bridges/)

## Latest: Data App

- [Examining the Mississippi Public Employee Retirement System's challenges](https://reason.org/data/mississippi-public-employee-retirement-system/): Data and modeling highlighting the causes of Mississippi PERS' rising costs, $25 billion in unfunded liabilities, and the best strategies and policies going forward.
- [Data shows how Georgia municipalities aggressively use law enforcement to generate revenue](https://reason.org/data/georgia-law-enforcement-revenues/): Local governments in Georgia collected over $158 million in fines and forfeitures revenue in 2019.