The TaxWatch Research Archives

Florida Taxation and Budgeting Workshop (presentation by Director of Tax Research Kurt Wenner)

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Taxes

PowerPoint explores local and state tax structures and details spending and budget figures.

Federal Debt and Florida's Future

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Guest Columns

"With the premise that congress is 'spending without thought of tomorrow' this report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, makes the case for a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced federal budget. "

How Independent Are Florida Inspectors General?

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Cost Savings

"Written independently of Florida TaxWatch, this report explores whether an Inspector General can be objective if he or she is subject to removal at the pleasure of the agency head. "

Florida's Financial Exposure from Its Self-Insurance Programs: The Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Insurance

Florida faces a property insurance crisis and this report details the current situation as well as recommendations for improving the solvency of the system

2010 Legislative Briefing: Education Personnel Reforms

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 / Categories: Research, Education

The Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance and Accountability (CEPA) stresses the need for reform in education through the legislative process.

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.