by KARL BORN, J.D. As Indiana’s bicentennial is now only four years away – and with that, the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the State’s first constitution – I propose that we amend Indiana’s current constitution to restore an important part of the original, which was replaced when Indiana’s second (and current) constitution took effect in 1851. Our original (1816) constitution’s Bill of Rights began: “That the general, great and essential principles of liberty…

“Capitalism works better from every perspective when the economic decision-makers are forced to share power with those who will be affected by those decisions.” — Barney Frank *      *      * WITH THE ECONOMY the overriding political issue, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce next session arguably will be the most powerful force at the Statehouse — the question is a force for what? As suggested in our summer 2011 journal, Reawakening the Chamber, a free-market legislator…

by Matthew Hisrich In 2008, a large manufacturer in my county shuttered its doors and the head of the local economic-development group resigned. At that time, there were calls to re-evaluate our approach to economic development. Fast forward four years and once again we find ourselves in a similar situation. The question stands before us again: Will we continue to regard economic development as something best left to publicly-funded agencies run by highly-paid “experts,” or…

For immediate release (634 words). by Heather Crossin and Jane Robbins, J.D. Part of the mantra recited by proponents of the nationally designed Common Core State Standards, endorsed in concept by both Gov. Mitch Daniels and Superintendent of Education Tony Bennett, is that they will make students “college-ready.” Producing college-readiness, however, could take place in one of two ways: 1) Increase the academic preparation of students to meet college requirements; or 2) decrease college requirements…

For release July 18 and thereafter (665 words) by Andrea Neal Call it Mitch Daniels’ gift to the next governor. While 31 states are still struggling to close budget shortfalls blamed on the recession, Indiana is touting the largest surplus in its history: $2.15 billion. Some will be put aside for a rainy day. $360 million will be applied to our unfunded pension liability. Another $360 million will be given back to taxpayers under terms…

For the use of the membership only (448 words) The author, an intern at the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, is a sophomore at DePauw University majoring in political science. Miss Hang La is a native of Hanoi, Vietnam, where she was winner of the A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) scholarship. Most recently she was awarded DePauw’s President’s Award for Excellence to study here. She is pursuing a career in public policy with an…

by Craig Ladwig Up until 15 years ago Indiana had something special. It was the single-class state basketball championship. But Hoosiers, despite the iconic movie, never understood what was so special. So they lost it. Last week, the Indiana High School Althletic Association (IHSAA), announced that the public and the experts had spoken for good: multi-class basketball will be the rule. “While there still exists a segment of Hoosier citizens that would support a return…

If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between extreme and reasonable in the Indiana political discussion this gubernatorial election is going to draw it for you. Don’t expect, though, to learn much about the issues themselves. We’ve been writing lately about the importance of an independent mass media as an honest arbiter of the public discussion, the kind envisioned by the Founders as they searched for ways to keep raw democracy within constitutional bounds.…

by Andrea Neal Visalia, Calif. — In Sequoia National Park in California, tall trees beckon one million visitors a year. The tourists come from all over the world to see something exceptional: the largest living things on earth. Rangers don’t think twice about marketing the park’s uniqueness. Brochures in multiple languages brag of “big trees, high peaks, and deep canyons in North America’s longest single continuous mountain range; superlatives abound amidst glorious scenery.” If only…

by Cecil Bohanon, Ph.D. Here is a simple federal income-tax reform proposal. All earners report their income based on the current definition of adjusted gross income (AGI). All current tax exemptions, deductions and credits are abolished. Taxable income becomes adjusted gross income. All tax preferences are gone — tax breaks are nada, nothing, nil, not there. AGI from $0 to $32,396 is taxed at one percent. This is the income level in 2009 that defined…