TheEconomic Efficiency and Pollution Reduction Act of 1998 completely eliminates school district’s general education property tax levy and finances it at the state level through a tax on pollution.… Read More
Community ownership of professional sports teams is an idea with decades of successful experience. The Green Bay Packers have been operating as a nonprofit corporation since 1923, during which time they have won three world championships and three Super Bowls, and have recently financed two stadium upgrades from retained earnings. Their ownership structure has generated unprecedented fan support while maintaining the fiscal discipline exhibited by corporations. This report by David Morris and Daniel Kraker takes a closer look at the issues surrounding community owned sports. … Read More
This report examines major solid waste issues facing the nation’s capital and offers recommendations for making ecologically sound and cost-effective improvements that build community and entrepreneuralism. The report includes recommendations on recycling, trash collection routes and vehicles, waste transfer stations, and retraining city workers. by Neil Seldman Download PDF File (2.52 MB)
Market economies work best when they rely on accurate prices. Yet many of the prices we pay do not reflect the full costs of producing, using and disposing the goods we consume. The most important example of this mismatch may occur in the transportation sector. The price we pay at the pump for gasoline and diesel … Read More
This March 1997 report by John Bailey and David Morris examines how the proposed $1.5 billion tax shift in Minnesota would impact low income households and offers ways to mitigate the net effect of the tax shift on these households. The Energy Efficiency and Pollution Reduction Act (EEPRA) is a revenue neutral measure proposed in Minnesota to increase energy taxes by $1.5 billion and to reduce existing taxes on labor or income by an equal amount.
This February 1997 report by David Morris, Alyson Schiller, and John Bailey examines the impact of the proposed Economic Efficiency and Pollution Reduction Act (EEPRA). The bill’s introduction in the 1996 Minnesota State Legislature prompted a discussion about its impact on Minnesota businesses. This report addresses this question. It does so by assessing the net impact of several types of tax shifts on 23 Minnesota businesses, ranging from neighborhood coffee shops to equipment manufacturers and farmers and paper mills.
EEPRA imposes a tax on all fossil fuels and nuclear energy and reduces taxes on property and work. The tax in the form of a $50 fee per ton of carbon burned would raise $1.5 billion a year.
This report profiles six model reuse operations and seven programs that collect reusable goods from households. Each profile documents materials handled, marketing information, process and equipment utilized, costs, and replicability. The report also details job creation and other community benefits of reuse. View Introduction by Brenda Platt ISBN 0-917582-95-0, LC 97-1338 Download PDF File (8.92 MB)
Because computers become obsolete so swiftly, they are often discarded with many or all working components. This report provides contact information on 150 computer recovery facilities as well as in-depth profiles of the operating experiences of 13 that focus on computer reuse. Operations profiled are all replicable and many are interested in starting similar enterprises in … Read More
By documenting 10 programs that collect discarded textiles from households, this reports shows how to integrate textiles into existing recycling programs. Key tips for replication (such as partnering with local charities) are highlighted. Appendices provide sample outreach materials and list companies accepting municipal textiles. by Brenda Platt ISBN 0-917582-93-4, LC 97-3520 Download PDF (17.7 MB)
Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and similar chain dollar stores are targeting vulnerable communities across the US. Our new report details these companies’ rapid expansion, the growing resistance, and the pressing need for federal policy interventions.
Read the report, and find all of our resources and reporting on chain dollar stores here.
