The TaxWatch Research Archives

Strengthening the Role of the Office of the Inspector General Will Improve State Operations by Reducing the Cost of Services

Sunday, February 28, 2010 / Categories: Research, Cost Savings

This briefing outlines how expansion of the duties of Inspector General will help ensure that the state's internal audit capability will identify ways of improving overall cost-effectiveness.

Report and Recommendations of the Florida TaxWatch Government Cost Savings Task Force to Save More Than $3 Billion

Sunday, February 28, 2010 / Categories: Research, Cost Savings

The Task Force provides a compilation of 88 extensively researched recommendations that could help the state save more than $3 billion in the first year and beyond.

When Good Policies Go Bad: Unintended Economic Consequences of Assessment Cap

Sunday, February 28, 2010 / Categories: Research, Guest Columns

"With the premise that the best-intentioned policies can be harmful, this report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, delves into both the benefits and negative aspects of assessment limitations. "

Modernizing Process of Estimating Fiscal Impact of Legislation Benefits Florida

Sunday, February 28, 2010 / Categories: Research

"Newer generations of analytical and empirical methods for assessing economic and fiscal impacts are being developed, tested and refined. "

Borrowing Short-Term Federal Money to Pay Unemployment Benefits Will Help Boost Florida's Economy and Generate Jobs

Sunday, February 28, 2010 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

"Due to the record level of unemployment, the state Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund has been paying out more for unemployment benefits than what it has been collecting from employers. This Special Report shows how funding the unemployment benefits with additional federal loans could alleviate the situation. "

The Economic Impact of Legal Aid Services in the State of Florida

Sunday, January 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Corrections/Judicial

Civil legal aid programs in Florida provide a broad array of legal services to Floridians who cannot afford to pay for legal representation. This report calculates the economic impact that the provision of civil legal services has on the Florida economy. In addition to calculating the effect of the existing program in 2008, TaxWatch also estimates the effect of expanding the program to include the cases that were turned away for lack of resources.

Recap of Five Good Things About Florida's Economy Forum

Sunday, January 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

A rebounding housing market and renewed entrepreneurial spirit are some of the positive aspects in an otherwise bleak Florida economy.

Preparing Florida's Students to Close the Talent Gap for an Innovation Economy

Sunday, January 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Education, Guest Columns

"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, explains how the Florida must make dramatic improvements in math and science education if it is to establish a solid foundation of innovation. "

It's Not About the Amount of Money in the Budget. It Is About the Measurable Value Added to Florida and Floridians

Sunday, January 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Guest Columns

"Written independently of Florida TaxWatch, this report goes beyond the decimal points to explain other means of evaluating the efficacy of budget items. "

Five or Even Six Good Things About Florida's Economy (Presentation)

Sunday, January 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

"From higher manufacturing profits to improving business inventories, this PowerPoint presentation shows some areas doing well in an otherwise down economy. "

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship: Let the evidence speak for the scholarship for low-income students

Thursday, December 31, 2009 / Categories: Research, Taxes, Education

"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, defines this scholarship, enumerates its benefits, and explains how it relates to both high-poverty and low-poverty schools."

Governor Crist Releases Optimistic $69.2 Billion Spending Plan

Thursday, December 31, 2009 / Categories: Research, Taxes, Budget/Approps

"Despite talk of a looming budget shortfall, the final budget of Charlie Crist's tenure as governor called for a $2.7 billion increase in spending. "