Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Time to Wake Up Oklahoma!

As a young person paying my way through law school, I have become, as my father delicately puts it, a tightwad. I force myself to mentally justify each expenditure, never buy on the spur of the moment and carefully examine any alternatives before removing my debit card from the safety deposit box. I often wonder how this compares to the amount of care our state and federal leaders use when they spend our money.

For far too long it seems we have accepted at face value the claim from our state leaders that the amount of money they request (and are allocated) is what is needed to effectively operate our government. However, where are we as a state? Our schools are suffering, roads and bridges are terrible, and welfare spending is higher than ever. It is time for the people of this state to wake up, to realize that more of our money (your money) is being spent than ever before. It is time for the people of this state to speak up, to demand that our elected officials have a line-by-line accounting of each dollar spent. Finally, it is time for the people of this state to stand up, stand up to our elected and other state officials to remind them that they work for us. If they are going to spend our money, they must have something to show for it. If there is not a legitimate reason to spend our dollars, and a tangible result to show for it, the dollars should not be spent. We can accept that they need to spend some of our money but only once they have shown it will be done reasonably and responsibly. They should spend our money with at least the same amount of care and reflection as I use on the rare occasions that I spend my own money.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Free Lunches and No Taxes

The popular saying, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” came to mind as I stood up after a delicious meal at Hideaway Pizza. Even though Brian Bush, the Executive Vice President, picked up the tab, I couldn’t help but wonder what the real cost of the meal was. 
Thinking back to free-market theories of economics I had picked up in school, I remember the economist Milton Friedman, and his constant use of the phrase. I also recall Dr. Friedman’s support of the negative income tax, which is closely related to one of my favorite policies supported by the OCPA-the elimination of the state income tax.
Honestly, when I first heard of this idea, I was shocked. Being a new student of economics, I was still stuck on the elementary idea that taxes provide money for the nation and its states and that smaller paychecks were necessary for greater prosperity.
On my first day here, I have already started to research policies far more advanced and in-depth than anything covered in class. What happens at the OCPA corresponds directly to what is happening in the real world and the solutions created by the think tank’s outstanding professionals are as advanced as the problems.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Congressman West Comes to Oklahoma


 “If you like [Obama] fine, then take him out to dinner after we kick him out of the Whitehouse.” Congressman Allen West said a few remarks yesterday about the drastic failings the Obama administration has procured on our nation. 


           

OCPA held the reception with Congressman West at the Ranch Steakhouse.  Many people came to hear a few words from the Congressman and to take a picture with the possible Vice President candidate, including myself.

Cassandra Howard standing with Congressman Allen West of the 22nd district of Florida
This was a very memorable first day to my summer internship at OCPA.  I look forward to sharing more pictures and stories!  

Monday, May 14, 2012

Changes at OCPA

OCPA is moving forward on building the new event center right next door! Here's a picture of the wrecking crew at work late last week.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Trip to the Capitol

Just visiting the Lt. Gov's office..

We passed out some new editions of "Rich States, Poor States" - a book analyzing gov't fiscal policies and their effect on states' economic competiveness. Great read for anyone interested in looking at Oklahoma's economic environment compared to other states.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Welcome!

Earlier this semester, Adam and I were looking for ways to reach out to college students and recent grads to keep them informed of what is going on in the state legislature and the impact it has on them. At OCPA, policy issues are primarily focused on limited government, individual liberty and the free-market economy. Through our blog we will share with you  what we have learned through our experience and what it is like to be "Inside the Tank."

We hope you enjoy our blog and look forward to hearing your feedback