https://patrickishmael.com/ Patrick Jude Ishmael's personal archive of published policy writing, testimony, and commentary. en-us Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:29:56 +0000 https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-despite-missouri-s-effort-to-keep-them-kansas-city-chiefs-moving-to-kansas-anywa/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-despite-missouri-s-effort-to-keep-them-kansas-city-chiefs-moving-to-kansas-anywa/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000 A wry take on the Chiefs' decision to relocate a few miles across the state line to Kansas, despite Missouri's incentive efforts to keep the team — a coda to Ishmael's long-running stadium-subsidy coverage. Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-make-local-government-great-again/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-make-local-government-great-again/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Argues that mandatory local-government spending transparency is an underrated, durable good-government reform, and asks whether DOGE-style federal attention could give the idea fresh momentum at the state and local level. Government Transparency Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-the-troubling-dohrnification-of-the-white-woke-left/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-the-troubling-dohrnification-of-the-white-woke-left/ Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Draws a parallel between 1968 and 2024 — assassination attempts, a president replaced mid-cycle, a disillusioned activist left — prompted by reactions to the killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Commentary & Media Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/royals-officially-probably-staying-in-jackson-county/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/royals-officially-probably-staying-in-jackson-county/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 With loyalty like this, who needs wins? After flirting for a new stadium with suitors like Clay County and even (reportedly) Kansas, the cellar-dwelling Kansas City Royals appear ready to settle down. Congratulations Jac… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/as-legislature-returns-whose-priorities-will-take-priority/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/as-legislature-returns-whose-priorities-will-take-priority/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Happy New Year! After a lackluster 2023 legislative session, hope springs eternal for 2024 as the Missouri Legislature returns to do the people's work in Jefferson City this week. Show-Me Institute analysts have shared i… Local & Municipal Government Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-2024-session-begins/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-2024-session-begins/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Patrick Ishmael join Zach Lawhorn to discuss the start of the 2024 Missouri legislative session. (This is a podcast episode page; the audio is not reproduced here — see source_url above.… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies David Stokes, Patrick Ishmael, Elias Tsapelas, and Zach Lawhorn https://patrickishmael.com/entries/why-dont-we-remove-the-floor-from-missouris-income-tax-triggers/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/why-dont-we-remove-the-floor-from-missouris-income-tax-triggers/ Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 RSMo §143.011(4)(1) represents the essence of Missouri's income tax reduction trigger law. Passed in 2022, the law reduces the state's income tax over time to a floor of 4.5%, assuming certain revenue targets are met. Im… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-authority-of-the-missouri-auditor-should-be-expanded-to-enhance-local-transparency/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-authority-of-the-missouri-auditor-should-be-expanded-to-enhance-local-transparency/ Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 The Missouri State Auditor's Office plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in government. Although the Auditor arguably already has many powers to advance these ends, state law could provide th… Government Transparency Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/expanding-interstate-license-reciprocity-can-improve-access-to-health-care/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/expanding-interstate-license-reciprocity-can-improve-access-to-health-care/ Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Interstate licensing reciprocity in healthcare is an issue near and dear to my heart. Starting with the implementation of the Volunteer Health Services Act in 2013 and followed by a host of reciprocity reforms in recent … Occupational Licensing & Regulation Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/repeal-certificate-of-need-for-the-health-and-welfare-of-missourians/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/repeal-certificate-of-need-for-the-health-and-welfare-of-missourians/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Certificate of need (CON) laws have been a subject of debate since their inception in the United States half a century ago. Intended to control healthcare costs and improve access to care, Missouri's CON law requires hea… Health Care Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/transparency-in-municipal-government-should-be-mandatory/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/transparency-in-municipal-government-should-be-mandatory/ Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Longtime readers are familiar with the wide array of transparency projects that the Show-Me Institute has undertaken over the last few years. In fact, our Show-Me Checkbook Project has helped prod two separate "checkbook… Government Transparency Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-parents-bill-of-rights-its-time-has-come/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-parents-bill-of-rights-its-time-has-come/ Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 We have long said that if the government can take your money, it needs to account for it, and whether that money is taken by state government or local governments, the obligations remain the same. This is especially true… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-citys-source-of-income-housing-rule-is-an-abuse-of-government-power/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-citys-source-of-income-housing-rule-is-an-abuse-of-government-power/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 A version of this commentary appeared in the Courier-Tribune. In an attempt to increase the supply of affordable housing in Kansas City, the Mayor and council have passed, with various amendments over time, requirements … Local & Municipal Government Patrick Ishmael and David Stokes https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-city-ordinance-231019-and-housing-vouchers/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-city-ordinance-231019-and-housing-vouchers/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 On December 12, Patrick Ishmael and David Stokes submit testimony to the Kansas City Council Special Committee for Legal Review regarding proposed Ordinance 231019 and housing vouchers. (This is a testimony source-docume… Local & Municipal Government Patrick Ishmael and David Stokes https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-patrick-ishmael-show-me-institute-2023-2/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-patrick-ishmael-show-me-institute-2023-2/ Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 A dated Show-Me Institute radio segment, syndicated via Omny. Commentary & Media Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-the-tim-jones-and-chris-arps-show-10-20-2023/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-the-tim-jones-and-chris-arps-show-10-20-2023/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 An appearance alongside guest Zack Smith on the Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show on NewsTalkSTL. Commentary & Media Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-for-new-stadium-royals-appear-committed-to-a-public-financing-method-others-avoi/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-for-new-stadium-royals-appear-committed-to-a-public-financing-method-others-avoi/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Royals owner John Sherman wants taxpayers to pay for a big chunk of the roughly $1 billion cost of a new ballpark, raising the question of which taxpayers -- those in Jackson County or those in Clay County -- would end up covering the public financing. Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/and-then-there-were-three-blue-springs-joins-jackson-county-property-tax-lawsuit-party/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/and-then-there-were-three-blue-springs-joins-jackson-county-property-tax-lawsuit-party/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 First it was Lee's Summit and Independence initiating legal action against Jackson County for the county's uneven and hamfisted property tax reassessment rollout. Now, Blue Springs is joining the litigation party. Is it … Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/welcome-to-kensas-city-barbie-themed-streetcar-wrap-costs-taxpayers-25000/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/welcome-to-kensas-city-barbie-themed-streetcar-wrap-costs-taxpayers-25000/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Are the Underpants Gnomes running the Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA)? Hot on the wheels—pardon, hot on the heels —of the news that Kansas City's riverfront streetcar extension will be going way, way over budget, … Transit & Infrastructure Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/royals-put-off-stadium-decision-another-month/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/royals-put-off-stadium-decision-another-month/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 The Royals had previously announced a decision on a new Kansas City ballpark by the end of September. Now, as of Sept. 21, the team is looking to push off a decision as negotiations continue with both Jackson County and … Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/to-nobodys-surprise-riverfront-extension-of-kansas-city-streetcar-going-over-budget/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/to-nobodys-surprise-riverfront-extension-of-kansas-city-streetcar-going-over-budget/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 It's the viral crossover no one asked for and no one needs—high inflation and government waste. But here in Kansas City, it's a mashup we're getting anyway with the extension of the streetcar to the riverfront. The quest… Transit & Infrastructure Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/hey-hey-hey-hey-pay-for-your-own-stadium/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/hey-hey-hey-hey-pay-for-your-own-stadium/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Yesterday I wrote about an interview I did with KMBC 9 on the Royals' latest announcement that they had new renderings and "economic impact" details for their new proposed stadium. What makes the subject especially conte… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/show-me-talks-royals-stadium-move-on-kmbc/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/show-me-talks-royals-stadium-move-on-kmbc/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 This week, the Kansas City Royals unveiled their latest renderings for two potential new stadia sites—one in Kansas City proper, and one in North Kansas City, which is a different municipality. They also unveiled some ne… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-patrick-ishmael-show-me-institute-2023/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-patrick-ishmael-show-me-institute-2023/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 A dated Show-Me Institute radio segment. Commentary & Media Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-patrick-ishmael-show-me-institute/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-patrick-ishmael-show-me-institute/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 A dated Show-Me Institute radio segment, syndicated via Omny. Commentary & Media Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tax-free-weekend-property-tax-freeze-and-school-lunches/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tax-free-weekend-property-tax-freeze-and-school-lunches/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Patrick Ishmael, and David Stokes join Zach Lawhorn to discuss freezing property taxes for seniors, what the research says about the impact of "Tax Holidays", the latest developments in the Kansas City Royals search for … Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael, David Stokes, and Zach Lawhorn https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tax-free-weekend-underscores-importance-of-sound-stable-and-uniform-tax-policies/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tax-free-weekend-underscores-importance-of-sound-stable-and-uniform-tax-policies/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 My colleague David Stokes has been in the news in recent weeks as one of a handful of vocal (and correct) policy professionals objecting to local property tax freezes for seniors, a policy enabled by legislation passed e… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/state-created-tax-map-a-solid-tool-for-oversight-of-local-sales-and-use-taxes/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/state-created-tax-map-a-solid-tool-for-oversight-of-local-sales-and-use-taxes/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Over the years, I've talked a lot about the importance of transparency because transparency can often be an effective tool against government overreach. Generally speaking, the more the public knows about its government,… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/more-than-a-metaphor-the-kansas-city-streetcar-nearly-goes-off-the-rails/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/more-than-a-metaphor-the-kansas-city-streetcar-nearly-goes-off-the-rails/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 As Americans across the United States were celebrating the country's independence two weeks ago, it appears the Kansas City Streetcar wanted to join the fun when, on the Fourth of July, one of its rails moved (gently) sk… Transit & Infrastructure Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/get-the-popcorn-city-of-independence-mulls-lawsuit-over-jackson-county-property-taxes/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/get-the-popcorn-city-of-independence-mulls-lawsuit-over-jackson-county-property-taxes/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Kansas City and Jackson County have been feuding over the county's hiked property taxes, and now it looks like there may be more intergovernmental conflict coming—this time between Independence and Jackson County over th… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tensions-simmer-as-jackson-county-property-taxes-explode/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tensions-simmer-as-jackson-county-property-taxes-explode/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 How much of their taxes will the Royals not have to pay? Until recently, that question was the hottest tax policy debate in Jackson County as the baseball team considers their options for a new stadium and the county con… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-citys-courtship-of-the-royals-is-getting-awkward/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-citys-courtship-of-the-royals-is-getting-awkward/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Since their founding over 50 years ago, the Kansas City Royals have played their home games in Kansas City proper, but last month, the team announced they were considering a new stadium site north of the river and outsid… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/show-me-testifies-before-civil-rights-commission-on-curriculum-transparency-and-crt/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/show-me-testifies-before-civil-rights-commission-on-curriculum-transparency-and-crt/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Last week I testified before the Missouri Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights on the topic of transparency and racial issues in education. The full text of the testimony is here. I was deli… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-civil-rights-impact-of-curricula-prohibitions-in-missouri/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-civil-rights-impact-of-curricula-prohibitions-in-missouri/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 A transcript of testimony before the Missouri Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, addressing how state curricula restrictions intersect with transparency and civil-rights considerations in K-12 education. Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-city-leaders-need-to-get-a-handle-on-crime-situation-now/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/kansas-city-leaders-need-to-get-a-handle-on-crime-situation-now/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Frequent Show-Me Institute readers are likely familiar with our analysts' concerns about violent crime in St. Louis, but many of those critiques apply to the state's largest city, Kansas City, as well. The City of Founta… Local & Municipal Government Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/legislature-might-look-at-indy-500-winner-for-inspiration/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/legislature-might-look-at-indy-500-winner-for-inspiration/ Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 I've let my feelings be known about how the 2023 legislative session went: poorly. A handful of bills that I favor passed, including one to keep men out of women's sports. A long-discussed Interstate 70 expansion got the… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/hunting-and-fishing-fees-may-be-going-up-in-missouri/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/hunting-and-fishing-fees-may-be-going-up-in-missouri/ Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Are higher fees coming to Missouri for huntin' and fishin' (but fortunately not for lovin' every day)? Maybe. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has granted initial approval for a fee increase to hunting and f… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/30-car-break-ins-fewer-airbnb-and-more-moleg/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/30-car-break-ins-fewer-airbnb-and-more-moleg/ Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 David Stokes, Patrick Ishmael, and Avery Frank join Zach Lawhorn to put a bow on the legislative session, discuss new restrictions on short-term rentals, and calls to increase security in downtown St. Louis following a r… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies David Stokes, Avery Frank, Patrick Ishmael, and Zach Lawhorn https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-kansas-city-royals-of-north-kansas-city/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/the-kansas-city-royals-of-north-kansas-city/ Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 With the expiration of the leases for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals creeping ever closer, there's been a lot of talk about where the teams might build their next stadiums—and how much local taxpayers will… Corporate Welfare & Subsidies Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/initiative-petition-reform-clears-senate-hurdle-great-now-stop-wasting-time-2/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/initiative-petition-reform-clears-senate-hurdle-great-now-stop-wasting-time-2/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 In a move that may open the spigot on legislation in both chambers, on Thursday the Missouri Senate finally passed an amended version of a Missouri House initiative petition (IP) reform proposal. The proposal would raise… Elections & Voting Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-parents-bill-of-rights-could-empower-parents-across-missouri-if-legislators-pass/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/ext-parents-bill-of-rights-could-empower-parents-across-missouri-if-legislators-pass/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 A Parents' Bill of Rights is a law that helps secure the right of parents to have a major say in how their kids are educated. Paired with enhanced school choice, it gives parents the information to judge how the government is educating their kids. Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/optimism-and-concern-on-the-future-of-parents-bill-of-rights-legislation/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/optimism-and-concern-on-the-future-of-parents-bill-of-rights-legislation/ Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 For those unfamiliar with it, a "Parents' Bill of Rights" is a law that helps to ensure parents have transparent access to their children's instruction, spending, and performance materials, and ultimately helps to secure… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/dei-statements-biggest-budget-yet-and-pot-tax-vote-tuesday/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/dei-statements-biggest-budget-yet-and-pot-tax-vote-tuesday/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Patrick Ishmael, David Stokes, and Elias Tsapelas join Zach Lawhorn to discuss recent changes to language used in University of Missouri System job listings, the progress of the state budget process, a preview of the upc… Tax & Fiscal Policy David Stokes, Patrick Ishmael, Elias Tsapelas, and Zach Lawhorn https://patrickishmael.com/entries/dei-blocking-bills-and-amendments-rain-down-in-loyalty-oath-aftermath/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/dei-blocking-bills-and-amendments-rain-down-in-loyalty-oath-aftermath/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 I've talked a lot in the last month about how the state shouldn't allow institutions of higher learning to impose woke loyalty oaths on job applicants and how the University of Missouri System responded to the controvers… Local & Municipal Government Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/legislature-must-remove-the-compact-exception-to-license-reciprocity/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/legislature-must-remove-the-compact-exception-to-license-reciprocity/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 I've talked a lot about licensing reform in the last decade, especially in the health care space. The reason is simple: supply matters, and ensuring that consumers of all services have the maximum available supply of pro… Occupational Licensing & Regulation Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/university-of-missouri-system-walks-back-loyalty-oaths-in-job-listings/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/university-of-missouri-system-walks-back-loyalty-oaths-in-job-listings/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Last month I criticized a wide swath of Missouri public universities for requiring woke ideological attestations as a condition of employment, which I characterized as "loyalty oaths." Around that time, a state legislato… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tax-cut-and-reform-package-passes-the-house/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/tax-cut-and-reform-package-passes-the-house/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Earlier this year, Show-Me Institute analysts testified on both House Bills 816 and 660, back when they were still separate corporate income tax proposals. Since then, the bills have been combined and amended, and that c… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/a-tweaked-clean-slate-bill-offers-an-important-opportunity-for-criminal-justice-reform/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/a-tweaked-clean-slate-bill-offers-an-important-opportunity-for-criminal-justice-reform/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Over the past few years, the Clean Slate Initiative has picked up steam in state capitols around the country. What is Clean Slate, you ask? It's a basket of expungement laws intended to help non-violent ex-offenders get … Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/loyalty-oaths-in-university-employment-should-be-a-non-starter/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/loyalty-oaths-in-university-employment-should-be-a-non-starter/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Colleges and universities have been implementing diversity initiatives for many years now. I've commented on the massive problems inherent in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) push in education in the past. But … Labor & Employment Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/parents-bill-of-rights-legislation-clears-senate/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/parents-bill-of-rights-legislation-clears-senate/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000 In a significant first step to becoming law, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 4 on Tuesday. The bill creates a Parents' Bill of Rights, a transparency website, establishes accountability report cards, and adva… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/house-bill-816-and-missouris-corporate-income-tax/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/house-bill-816-and-missouris-corporate-income-tax/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 On January 31, Show-Me Institute Director of Government Accountability Patrick Ishmael submits testimony to the Missouri House Special Committee on Tax Reform regarding House Bill 816 and Missouri's Corporate Income Tax.… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/house-bill-777-certificate-of-need/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/house-bill-777-certificate-of-need/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 On January 31, Show-Me Institute Director of Government Accountability Patrick Ishmael submits testimony to the Missouri House Healthcare Reform Committee regarding House Bill 777 and Certificate of Need abolishment. (Th… Health Care Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/federal-lawmakers-to-consider-longshot-income-tax-repeal-bill/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/federal-lawmakers-to-consider-longshot-income-tax-repeal-bill/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 It's tax season—that magical time of the year when we revisit our past year of income and find out whether we owe the government more money, or whether we overpaid and are owed a refund. Fun times. But if some members of… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/education-health-care-and-1000-in-bitcoin/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/education-health-care-and-1000-in-bitcoin/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Patrick Ishmael join Zach Lawhorn to discuss which bills are moving in Jefferson City, a recent court decision on the City of St. Louis' earnings tax, and the impeachment of the mayor of… Tax & Fiscal Policy Elias Tsapelas, Patrick Ishmael, David Stokes, and Zach Lawhorn https://patrickishmael.com/entries/on-lying-kansas-city-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/on-lying-kansas-city-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 When I was at Saint Louis University's School of Law back in 2006, I vividly remember finding out that SLU (a Jesuit school) had been arguing to Missouri courts that it was not , in fact, an institution "controlled by a … Courts & Constitutional Law Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/missouris-state-of-the-bloating-state/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/missouris-state-of-the-bloating-state/ Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Earlier this month, I expressed my general optimism that Missouri's 2023 legislative session would be a good one, focused on transparency and reform. Now after the governor's State of the State address yesterday, I'm not… Tax & Fiscal Policy Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/senate-bill-4-parents-bill-of-rights/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/senate-bill-4-parents-bill-of-rights/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 On January 18, Show-Me Institute Director of Government Accountability Patrick Ishmael submits testimony to the Missouri Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee regarding Senate Bill 4. (This is a testimony … Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/reminder-missouris-auditor-has-power-to-promote-spending-transparency/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/reminder-missouris-auditor-has-power-to-promote-spending-transparency/ Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 As the 2023 legislative session opens this month, it's heartening to hear the keynote speeches of our elected officials and the extent to which their priorities seem to be hewing toward good government. Tax cuts, educati… Government Transparency Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/enthusiastic-school-choice-supporters-pack-herzog-foundation-education-rally/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/enthusiastic-school-choice-supporters-pack-herzog-foundation-education-rally/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 Now that we're between holidays and recovering from our family get-togethers, I wanted to share with our readers video from the Herzog Foundation's Education Freedom Rally that I attended and spoke at earlier this month.… Education & School Choice Patrick Ishmael https://patrickishmael.com/entries/transparency-in-county-cares-act-spending-underwhelms-in-missouri/ https://patrickishmael.com/entries/transparency-in-county-cares-act-spending-underwhelms-in-missouri/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 The CARES Act of March 2020 allocated over $2 trillion to individuals, state and local governments, small businesses, and others nationwide. The intention was to provide relief not only for individuals and businesses, bu… Government Transparency Patrick Ishmael