State Powers
What if the solution to Washington… wasn’t in Washington? The 50 states could be America’s secret weapon against an ever-expanding federal government. States can amend the constitution to demand fiscal responsibility in Washington, can request that federal regulation comply with local ordinances, and can form interstate compacts to better protect constitutional rights. The Goldwater Institute is providing a roadmap for states to reassert their power under the Tenth Amendment.
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The Compact Clause and Interstate Compacts Teleforum
Posted on January 11, 2012 | Type: Blog | Author: Jon GabrielThe Compact Clause and Interstate Compacts: A Teleforum Sponsored by the Environmental Law & Property Rights Practice Group and the Federalism & Separation of Powers Practice Group
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Have we learned our lesson on Washington spending yet?
Posted on January 05, 2012 | Type: Blog | Author: Nick DraniasAs history increasingly shows, Washington’s limitless ability to incur debt is one of the greatest errors in our Constitution. Fortunately, there is no reason to wait for Congress to propose what Thomas Jefferson called the “Missing Amendment.”
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NY Times profiles Goldwater Institute: "A Watchdog for Conservative Ideals"
Posted on December 26, 2011 | Type: In the News | Author: Marc LaceyClint Bolick looks like any other high-powered lawyer, for the most part. But glance down at his index finger, which sports a scorpion tattoo, for first-hand evidence of his unconventional streak.
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SPN News: Goldwater Institute update (Nov/Dec 2011)
Posted on December 20, 2011 | Type: In the NewsGoldwater Institute's latest investigative report, "Money for Nothing: Phoenix Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Union Work," found that Phoenix spends $3.7 million a year on salary and benefits for city employees to work exclusively for labor unions. The report was a central issue in a contested mayor's race, with both candidates saying the practice of "release time" must be stopped. This practice is common in union contracts nationwide and is ripe for investigative reporters to examine. Voters in Cave Creek, Ariz., thought they had a deal when they approved school bonds for new buildings. But a few years later, the school district tried to spend the money on something else. Goldwater challenged the move as a violation of the contracts clause and a judge agreed. Arizona now joins four other states in recognizing bond elections create contracts between governments and voters.
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State policymakers can give a gift of certainty next year
Posted on December 08, 2011 | Type: Blog | Author: Stephen SlivinskiSince 2001, the federal tax code allowed business owners to write off more of the investment they make in their company each year and, today, businesses can write off 100 percent of the capital investments they made this year. But if Congress and the President don’t act, that tax cut will end in January 2012. State policymakers, on the other hand, could offer a little certainty in their state income tax code by allowing businesses to immediately write-off on their taxes the full value of their new capital investments.
