Tuesday, February 23, 2010

North Dakota Retirement Systems Need A Review

Dear Tom,



This newsletter tackles two very important issues, public pensions and property taxes. The two different articles present problems and solutions. Sunshine on Schools has some new features. For example, users will be able to email charts to their friends. There's also some fresh BS.


If you haven't seen our new "Support" page, click HERE to check it out. Also, if you have a Facebook account you should become a "fan" of the NDPC by clicking HERE.








“Pension Reform: Patching the Hole in the Sinking Ship


Current and retired state and local public employees participating in the public pension system in North Dakota must soon come to grips with the fact that the system many of them are relying on for retirement is headed towards insolvency. Legislators will soon have to make tough choices about the future of the pension system. This report is intended to be a primer on the system and offer a solution to the problem.

Click HERE to read more.

“Problems with Property Tax Relief and Options for Reform


The problem with the recently passed "property tax relief" bill is that it's just that: relief. The system needs reform. Debating these issues over the next couple of years will be key as fundamental reform is needed before SB2199 runs out of money. The range of debate on this issue should not be limited, and legislators need to come to the table with open minds. Taxpayers deserve nothing less.

Click HERE to read more.

O Toole: TIF is Not Free Money


Originally created with good intentions, tax-increment financing (TIF) has become a way for city officials to enhance their power by taking money from schools and other essential urban services and giving it to politically connected developers. It is also often used to promote the social engineering goals of urban planners.

Click HERE to read more.

BS Alert: Misleading Journalism Regarding NPCC


The bottom line is that the millions of taxpayers dollars poured into the NPCC have resulted in no freight traffic, which was one of the biggest selling points of the center. Either Eckroth purposely misled Bismarck Tribune readers, or she dropped the ball on the real story. Either way, the quality of journalism here is BS.

Click HERE to read more.

Taking the Next Step in Government Transparency


By putting every expenditure online, citizens will be able to examine where their money is being spent and be in a better position to judge that spending. Shining sunlight on government spending is not only a legitimate function of government; it's necessary.

Click HERE to read more.

Cap & Trade and North Dakota's Economic Future


Today, the NDPC released a study detailing the effects that a cap and trade system would have on ND's economy.

Click HERE to watch the video and read the study.

Tax Deductible Support


Please, consider supporting the North Dakota Policy Council. You can make a tax deductible online contribution by clicking HERE, or simply send your tax deductible contribution to:


North Dakota Policy Council
PO Box 3007
Bismarck, ND 58502








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