Economic freedom

Economic freedom means property rights are protected under an impartial rule of law, people are free to trade with others, both within and outside the country, there is a sound national currency, so that peoples’ money keeps its value, and government stays small, relative to the size of the economy.

Say no to special tax treatment, again
14
Feb
By Bob Weeks

Say no to special tax treatment, again

In Kansas, a company seeks to avoid paying property taxes, again. In a bill presented in the Kansas Legislature, the owner of health clubs seeks to avoid paying property taxes. The same company and its owner have tried this before. In 2014, I explained how granting this exemption was a bad idea. What has changed since then? This exemption is still a bad idea for reasons of public policy. Additionally, Brandon Steven, the owner of the health clubs, plead guilty to a gambling charge and forfeited one million dollars in earnings. The companies also owe a lot of the tax…
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More Wichita planning on tap
05
May
By Bob Weeks

More Wichita planning on tap

We should be wary of government planning in general. But when those who have been managing and planning the foundering Wichita-area economy want to step up their management of resources, we risk compounding our problems. As announced by the City of Wichita, "In response to recent recommendations from Project Wichita and the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee, community organizations and their leadership are stepping forward to take the next step to create a comprehensive master plan and vision that connects projects and both banks of the Arkansas River." The city says these organizations will be involved: Downtown Wichita Greater Wichita…
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WichitaLiberty.TV: Russ McCullough, Ottawa University and Gwartney Institute
25
Apr
By Bob Weeks

WichitaLiberty.TV: Russ McCullough, Ottawa University and Gwartney Institute

In this episode of WichitaLiberty.TV: Dr. Russ McCullough of Ottawa University introduces us to the Gwartney Institute and explains the importance of economic freedom. View below, or click here to view at YouTube. Episode 194, broadcast April 28, 2018. Shownotes Website: Gwartney Institute Economic Freedom Basics Dr. Russ McCullough is the Wayne Angell Chair of Economics at Ottawa University in Kansas. He is also the Founder/Director of the Gwartney Institute for Freedom, Justice and Human Flourishing -- A think tank that explores the evidence of social institutions around the world including faith and economics. He joined OU in 2011 coming…
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WichitaLiberty.TV: Dr. Tom G. Palmer and the causes of wealth
22
Mar
By Bob Weeks

WichitaLiberty.TV: Dr. Tom G. Palmer and the causes of wealth

In this episode of WichitaLiberty.TV: Dr. Tom G. Palmer of Atlas Network joins Bob Weeks to explain why the usual approach to foreign aid isn’t working, and what Atlas Network is doing to change the lives of the poor across the world. View below, or click here to view at YouTube. Episode 189, broadcast March 24, 2018. Shownotes Video from Atlas Network: Locally Grown Solutions to Poverty Alleviation Atlas Network Tom Palmer on Twitter Tom Palmer on Facebook Website: Tom G. Palmer | Libertarian Author, Thinker, and Scholar
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Rich States, Poor States, 2107 edition
25
Apr
By Bob Weeks

Rich States, Poor States, 2107 edition

In Rich States, Poor States, Kansas improves its middle-of-the-pack performance, but continues with a mediocre forward-looking forecast. In the 2017 edition of Rich States, Poor States, Utah continues its streak at the top of Economic Outlook Ranking, meaning that the state is poised for growth and prosperity. Kansas continues with middle-of-the-pack performance rankings, and after falling sharply in the forward-looking forecast, continues at the same level. Rich States, Poor States is produced by American Legislative Exchange Council. The authors are economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, Stephen Moore, who is Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Project for Economic Growth at The Heritage Foundation,…
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Jeff Glendening of Americans for Prosperity
25
Mar
By Bob Weeks

Jeff Glendening of Americans for Prosperity

Jeff Glendening is Kansas State Director for Americans for Prosperity. He spoke on the topic "It’s Time to Wake Up!" Recorded at the Wichita Pachyderm Club, March 24, 2017. Shownotes Americans for Prosperity Mentioned website: NoNewKansasTaxes.com AFP Kansas on Twitter Americans for Prosperity-Kansas on Facebook Video: Will You Be A Torchbearer? Video: Economic Freedom in 60 Seconds
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Sedgwick County economic freedom accountability index
06
Feb
By Bob Weeks

Sedgwick County economic freedom accountability index

A new initiative to provide residents of Sedgwick County with more information about their elected county commissioners. Indexes of voting behavior are common at the national and state levels. These indexes let voters examine how elected representatives have actually voted, rather than having to rely on their rhetoric and campaign promises. Indexes also provide a useful institutional memory. Based on my experience on producing the Kansas Economic Freedom Index for several years -- a service now provided by Kansas Policy Institute -- Sedgwick County will have such an index. It's a timely launch, as this week Sedgwick County commissioners will…
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Year in Review: 2016
28
Dec
By Bob Weeks

Year in Review: 2016

Here are highlights from Voice for Liberty for 2016. Was it a good year for the principles of individual liberty, limited government, economic freedom, and free markets in Wichita and Kansas? Also be sure to view the programs on WichitaLiberty.TV for guests like journalist, novelist, and blogger Bud Norman; Radio talk show host Joseph Ashby; David Bobb, President of Bill of Rights Institute; Heritage Foundation trade expert Bryan Riley; Radio talk show host Andy Hooser; Keen Umbehr; John Chisholm on entrepreneurship; James Rosebush, author of "True Reagan," Jonathan Williams of American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC); Gidget Southway, or Danedri Herbert;…
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Tim Norton: Saving farms from people and their preferences
23
Oct
By Bob Weeks

Tim Norton: Saving farms from people and their preferences

In the campaign for Sedgwick County Commission, the incumbent Tim Norton touts his experience, judgment, "intellectual stamina, thirst for data and feedback," and his efforts in economic development. Following, from January 2013, an example of how uninformed he is. You also see his preference for government regulation over economic and personal freedom. Tim Norton: Saving farms from people and their preferences Last week at a meeting of the Sedgwick County Commission, Commissioner Tim Norton spoke in favor of the need for comprehensive government planning. In support, he cited the commonly-held belief that humans -- especially with their desire for large…
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