New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) are the most popular school-choice program in the nation, with significant growth in participation. The authors argue for expanding EFAs to all students, removing the current income cap, and highlight the financial and educational benefits of such an expansion. They counter critics' claims about affordability and negative impacts on public schools, citing data and research to support their position. The article emphasizes that universal access to EFAs would save taxpayers money and improve educational outcomes for all students.

House Bill 1002 in New Hampshire proposes charging up to $25 per hour for public records requests exceeding 10 hours, potentially reducing government accountability by discouraging requests. Critics argue it creates a perverse incentive for officials to delay responses and disproportionately affects average citizens and public interest groups. The bill is seen as a way to deter frivolous requests but may instead hinder legitimate oversight. Alternatives like targeting commercial requests or addressing harassment through other statutes are suggested. The decline in local journalism heightens the need for accessible public records.

A New Hampshire court ruling attempted to set the cost of an adequate education, but the article argues that only a competitive education marketplace can determine true costs. The court's decision, rooted in the Claremont case, is criticized for methodological flaws and a lack of data, particularly on the efficiency gains from competition. The article suggests that without market competition, the state will not know the real cost of adequate education.

New Hampshire has been ranked as the most economically free state in North America by the Fraser Institute's 2023 Economic Freedom in North America report. The state scored 7.96 out of 10, surpassing Florida and leading all U.S., Canadian, and Mexican states. The report, which assesses government spending, taxation, and labor market restrictions using 2021 data, also notes that U.S. economic freedom has declined since 2017, reaching its lowest levels in two decades. The report is a collaborative effort involving the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and scholars from various institutions.

Burgess Biopower, a wood-fueled power plant in New Hampshire, has faced financial difficulties due to its reliance on state-mandated subsidies. The plant's efforts to diversify its revenue through regional economic development projects have been hindered by the uncertainty of its future. The New Hampshire government's mandate for electricity providers to purchase power from renewable resources initially provided Burgess with an advantage, but technological advances in natural gas and a cap on payments above market rates led to financial strain. A legislative attempt to bail out the plant failed when Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed House Bill 142. The article argues that subsidizing Burgess may have been economically wasteful and potentially harmful to health, as research suggests biomass burning can be more detrimental than coal. The politicization of alternative energy, as seen in the case of Burgess and the broader issue of electric vehicle adoption, is creating a divisive political climate that may hinder the transition to alternative energy sources.

The New Hampshire legislature has set specific costs for an adequate education, but a lawsuit led by the Contoocook Valley School District argues that actual costs are much higher. The state Supreme Court is hearing the case, with both sides presenting flawed methods for determining education costs. The article argues that without a competitive educational market, the true cost of an adequate education cannot be known.

Governor Chris Sununu is working to reduce New Hampshire's occupational licensing requirements, but the state House recently voted to require a license for music therapists, primarily for health insurance reimbursement purposes. Critics argue that this move is unnecessary and would create an additional licensing bureaucracy without addressing health or safety concerns. The article highlights the national trend towards reducing licensing barriers to enhance economic opportunities, especially post-COVID-19.

New Hampshire ended its fiscal year with a significant budget surplus of $538.9 million, attributed to robust business tax revenues and low unemployment rates. The state's economic success contrasts with high-tax states like Massachusetts and California, which face budget shortfalls and declining revenues. The article suggests that New Hampshire's low-tax policies are beneficial for its economy and state budget, setting a positive tone for the upcoming governor's race.

House Bill 1002 in New Hampshire proposes charging up to $25 per hour for public records requests exceeding 10 hours, potentially reducing government accountability by discouraging requests. Critics argue it would disproportionately affect average citizens and not deter commercial entities. The bill is seen as treating public records as government property, which could hinder public oversight and transparency.

The article discusses the benefits of creating a dedicated land use docket in New Hampshire's Superior Court to address the backlog and complexity of land use cases. It highlights the current inefficiencies in the judicial system, the need for specialized judges, and the potential economic and procedural benefits of such a docket. The proposed House Bill 347 aims to establish this docket and hire an additional justice, covering all local land use regulations, not just housing. The article argues that while this won't solve the state's housing and industrial real estate shortages, it will significantly improve the dispute resolution process and reduce costs for all parties involved.

During the winter of 2017-18, New England faced a severe energy crisis due to constrained natural gas supplies, nearly leading to rolling blackouts. Despite being a major producer of natural gas, the region couldn't access sufficient supplies due to the Jones Act, which mandates that goods transported between U.S. ports must be on American-made and owned ships. Efforts to obtain a waiver for this law were blocked by the Maritime Administration to protect U.S. shipbuilders from foreign competition. This has left New England in a precarious position, with ongoing warnings from energy officials about potential winter blackouts. The article highlights the tension between regional energy needs and federal protectionist policies.

New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) are highlighted as the most popular school-choice program in the nation, with significant growth in participation. The article argues for the expansion of EFAs to all students, removing income caps that currently limit eligibility. It presents data showing that universal EFAs would save taxpayers money and improve educational outcomes, countering critics' claims that such programs harm public schools or are unaffordable. The authors advocate for fulfilling the promise of public education by providing every child with access to an education that meets their individual needs.

The article critiques the outdated management approaches of politicians who believe in concentrating power and authority in the hands of a few top-level managers. It argues that this approach, which fell out of favor in business decades ago, is still prevalent in government, leading to inefficiency and lack of accountability. The article references historical figures like Robert McNamara to illustrate the failures of this management style and calls for a rejection of the idea that societies should be molded by competent managers and large bureaucracies.

A poll conducted by the Competitiveness Coalition and The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy reveals that New Hampshire Republican primary voters prioritize economic issues such as inflation and the cost of living over breaking up large technology companies. The poll indicates strong opposition to new regulations targeting tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google, with concerns about potential negative impacts on consumers. Additionally, there is significant support for eliminating the Interest & Dividends Tax and resistance to higher electricity costs for renewable energy conversion. The poll also shows Donald Trump leading the Republican primary race by a substantial margin.

Former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, announcing her gubernatorial run, vows to prevent New Hampshire from becoming like Massachusetts, which she implies is less free and more oppressive. The article contrasts New Hampshire's libertarian-leaning culture, which values freedom and has a constrained government, with Massachusetts' preference for order and higher levels of taxation and regulation. It criticizes Massachusetts for its one-party rule, high tax burden, and aggressive policies, suggesting that these factors drive residents to relocate to more liberty-oriented states like New Hampshire and Florida. The piece underscores New Hampshire's historical commitment to freedom and its role as a refuge for those seeking to escape oppressive government.

New Hampshire ended its fiscal year with a $538.9 million surplus, attributed to business tax cuts and economic growth. Business tax revenues exceeded expectations, contributing to a significant increase in state revenues since 2012. The state also achieved a record-low unemployment rate of 1.8%. The article contrasts New Hampshire's economic success with the financial struggles of high-tax states like Massachusetts and California, where high taxes are driving away wealthy residents and creating budget shortfalls.

The article discusses the American Founders' intent to create a society free from government coercion, contrasting the historical elite domination with the ideals of independence and decentralized power. It references historians like Bernard Bailyn and Gordon S. Wood to argue that the American Revolution was a fight against courtiers who used state power for personal gain. The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy aligns with the Founders' vision, advocating for the dismantling of laws and regulations that favor insiders over outsiders, and promoting free markets as a means to empower individuals and uphold the spirit of the Revolution.

The article reflects on the ideals of the American Founders, emphasizing their rebellion against government corruption and the concentration of power among elites. It argues that the Founders sought to create a system that limited insider power and promoted independence from government control. The text critiques modern policies in New Hampshire that perpetuate insider advantages and advocates for free markets as a means to empower individuals and uphold the Revolution's ideals.

New Hampshire has become the first state in New England to grant universal recognition for occupational licenses, allowing professionals licensed in other states to work in New Hampshire without obtaining a separate state license. Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 594 and House Bill 655, which streamline the licensing process and shift authority to the Office of Professional Licensure. This move is expected to attract skilled professionals to the state, address labor shortages, and benefit small businesses and consumers by increasing the supply of service providers and stabilizing costs.

The New Hampshire Zoning Atlas, released by the Center for Ethics in Society at Saint Anselm College, provides a comprehensive view of local zoning ordinances across New Hampshire. It maps 23,000 pages of regulations in 2,139 districts within 269 jurisdictions, revealing the extent to which municipalities restrict housing options. The atlas indicates that single-family homes are predominantly allowed, but often with large minimum lot sizes that make affordable starter homes nearly impossible to build. The data suggests that zoning often prohibits smaller yards, duplexes, apartments, and mixed-use developments, with some towns imposing extreme restrictions. The atlas is expected to influence policy changes by highlighting the disconnect between housing demand and restrictive zoning laws.

Massachusetts' new 'millionaire's tax' has prompted high-income residents to consider relocating, with New Hampshire and Florida as top destinations. The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants reports that 82% of surveyed CPAs' clients plan to leave due to the tax increase. New Hampshire's lower tax burden and plans to repeal its Interest and Dividends Tax by 2026 make it an attractive alternative. The article highlights the economic advantages of New Hampshire's tax policies and the potential for increased migration from high-tax states.

In New Hampshire, a severe labor shortage has naturally driven wages higher, with the average entry-level wage rising significantly over recent years. Despite this, legislators are considering House Bill 57 to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. However, recent research indicates that such increases can lead to reduced employer-sponsored health insurance and other negative economic impacts, particularly for small businesses and low-skilled workers. The article argues that market forces are already moving wages toward the desired levels without government intervention.

A draft of New Hampshire's Capital Corridor commuter rail study reveals a significant increase in projected costs and a sharp decline in ridership since the initial 2014 study. The $792 million project is criticized for failing to meet its goals, including reducing congestion and emissions, and for its unrealistic revenue assumptions. The study highlights the financial impracticality of the rail line, given the low population density and shifting work-life patterns favoring remote work. The article argues that the funds could be better spent on other state transportation priorities.

The article discusses the impact of state licensing laws on the availability of barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists in New Hampshire. It highlights a labor shortage exacerbated by restrictive licensing laws that do not recognize out-of-state licenses unless they meet New Hampshire's standards. House Bill 409, sponsored by Rep. Diane Pauer, aims to address this issue by removing the equivalency requirement, allowing licensed professionals from other states to work in New Hampshire without additional training. The article argues that this change would help alleviate the shortage, although it may not completely resolve it.

The article explores the historical and economic foundations of charitable giving, using the legend of St. Nicholas and the story of Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol' to illustrate that wealth is a crucial precondition for charity. It argues that economic growth not only increases charitable donations but also reduces the need for charity by lifting people out of poverty. The narrative underscores that having more than what is needed for survival is essential for acts of generosity.

In New Hampshire, a housing shortage is driving up prices for homes and long-term rentals, while the market for short-term rentals like Airbnb has seen prices fall due to increased supply. The article draws parallels to the scarcity tactics of characters in 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' and suggests that the solution to the housing crisis is to loosen overly restrictive local regulations that hinder new development. Jason Sorens of the Center for Ethics in Society at St. Anselm College supports this view, noting that without more building, long-term rental supply won't increase to meet demand.

Americans and Granite Staters have much to be thankful for, including the historical perspective provided by the settlers of the first Thanksgiving. The article reflects on the scarcity of resources during colonial times and contrasts it with the abundance experienced after the Enlightenment, which led to significant increases in food productivity and average incomes. The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy values economic growth, which has led to a current state where job openings outnumber unemployed individuals in the United States and New Hampshire. The article concludes by expressing gratitude for the prosperity and abundance that have become the default expectation today.

In the winter of 2017-18, New England nearly faced rolling blackouts due to constrained natural gas supplies. Officials and governors suggested modifying the Jones Act to allow timely LNG deliveries during winter. However, the Jones Act, which mandates that goods transported between U.S. ports be on American-made and -owned ships, and a lack of LNG tankers meeting these criteria, prevented LNG shipments to New England. Pipeline construction had not kept pace with production, partly due to anti-fracking and anti-fossil fuel campaigns. Emails obtained by the Cato Institute revealed that MARAD officials worked with the U.S. shipbuilding industry to block a Jones Act waiver for New England to protect domestic shipbuilders from foreign competition. Despite ongoing concerns and warnings about potential blackouts, no waiver has been granted, and New England faces another winter with precarious fuel security.

New England faces a potential fuel shortage this winter due to the Jones Act, a 1920 shipping law requiring goods shipped between U.S. ports to be carried on U.S.-flagged, built, and crewed ships. The region's governors have requested a waiver from the Biden administration to allow the import of LNG from domestic sources, but the response has been unclear. The article argues that the Jones Act is outdated and suggests reforms, including repealing the U.S.-built requirement for LNG tankers, to ensure a reliable fuel supply and lower electricity costs for New England.

The article challenges the widespread media narrative of a national teacher shortage, presenting data from the New Hampshire Department of Education and various researchers to argue that there is no such crisis. It criticizes journalists for relying on anecdotes rather than data, suggesting that the perceived shortage is exaggerated and not supported by evidence. The piece highlights that while some districts struggle with staffing, this is not a new or national issue, and overall teacher turnover rates remain stable.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has selected the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to operate a planned Manchester-Boston commuter rail line, despite MBTA's history of safety issues and financial deficits. The MBTA has been under federal investigation and safety orders, with recent incidents including power losses, train fires, derailments, and inadequate infrastructure. The article questions the decision to proceed with the commuter rail project and the choice of MBTA as the operator, given the rise of remote work, the advent of driverless cars, and MBTA's poor management.