In March, Chicago voters will decide whether to increase the city’s real estate title transfer-tax, part of a referendum pushed by Mayor Brandon...

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February 7, 2024 • Weekly Newsletter
Chicago, San Francisco Should Cut Real Estate Transfer Taxes ([link removed])
Lawrence J. McQuillan (Bloomberg Tax Insights & Commentary)
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In March, Chicago voters will decide whether to increase the city’s real estate title transfer-tax, part of a referendum pushed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Chicago should consider the painful experience of San Francisco, now working to undo past mistakes on the same issue. But will Chicago listen? READ MORE » ([link removed])
The Puzzle of Local Double Taxation ([link removed])
Why Do Private Community Associations Exist? ([link removed])
The Independent Review, Winter 2008/09
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The Plastic Bag Racket ([link removed])
Adam Summers
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Single-use plastic bag bans have been all the rage for the past 20 years, but—as is often the case with environmental regulation—proponents have vastly overstated the benefits of these bans and understated the costs. And those costs are very high—both to human health and the environment. Bring back those plastic bags! READ MORE » ([link removed])
Nature Unbound ([link removed])
Bureaucracy vs. the Environment ([link removed])
By Randy Simmons et al.
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In Los Angeles, “Squatters Have Rights, Too” ([link removed])
Lee E. Ohanian (California on Your Mind)
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Voters are not likely to support incumbent George Gascón, LA district attorney, in next month’s primary. And for lots of good reasons, including a 11.7 percent increase in violent crime since 2019 and a 42 percent rise in personal crimes and theft since 2021. Thanks to squatters occupying nearby vacant mansions, even those in Beverly Hills dislike him. He should start burnishing his resume.... READ MORE » ([link removed])
Rightsizing Los Angeles Government ([link removed])
The Independent Review, Spring 2005
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Two Cheers for the Bipartisan Tax Deal ([link removed])
John C. Goodman (Forbes)
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Two cheers for a rare bipartisan agreement in Congress that would create a larger child tax-credit for parents (Democrats like this bit) and extend key 2017 Trump business-tax breaks (Republicans like this bit). How do we get to three cheers? Less means-tested welfare spending! READ MORE » ([link removed])
Readings on Poverty and the Welfare State ([link removed])
By Williamson M. Evers
The Latest from The Beacon

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The Black Cloud in Jobs Growth’s Silver Lining ([link removed])
William F. Shughart II
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Total Interest on U.S. National Debt Now Exceeds $1 Trillion a Year ([link removed])
Craig Eyermann
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The Limitations of OPEC ([link removed])
Thomas J. Grennes
The Latest from Catalyst

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Labor Department’s New Rule Is Bad News for Contractors ([link removed])
Nate Scherer
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The Housing Crisis Explained—with Mini Fridges ([link removed])
Patrick Carroll
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Upzoning: Only Part of the Housing Affordability Fix ([link removed])
Scott Beyer

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