Economic Progress

On Tuesday, Stand Together Trust and The James Madison Institute gathered a panel of experts to discuss one of the most important questions facing state and federal policymakers today: What role should the government play in fostering economic competition and growth? In Florida, which leads the country along with Texas in job creation and wage […]

In an op-ed for the Washington Examiner, Alison Acosta Fraser, managing director of research and policy at Stand Together Trust, uses Florida’s recent win against cronyism, the denial of $250 million in funding for a state enterprise fund, to illustrate how cronyism goes beyond “enterprise funds” to affect consumers and entrepreneurs through subsidies and regulations. As she […]

The expiration and subsequent renewal of the Export-Import Bank’s charter last year served as a reminder that cronyism can take many forms, and the fight is far from over. While those on the right typically oppose the pro-union, anti-business sentiments of the left, some prioritize shortsighted policies that appear to undermine free-market principles and long-term […]

In a new op-ed for The Daily Caller, Alison Acosta Fraser, managing director of research and policy at Stand Together Trust, chronicles some of the more high-profile examples of cronyism. However, as Fraser continues, cronyism is pervasive at all levels of government. As she writes: “It’s too early to know if politicians will turn over a […]

Christmastime is traditionally associated with carolers, the act of giving, and the fresh pine scent of decorated Christmas trees. However, that fresh pine scent might cost you a little more this year. Starting in 2015, Christmas tree growers and importers that sell more than 500 trees will have to pay $0.15 per tree to the […]

Today, the Fraser Institute released its Economic Freedom of North America 2015 (2015 EFNA) report, an annual index that uses a 10-point scale to measure North America’s economic freedom according to size of government, taxation, and labor market freedom at the country, state, and provincial levels. Since 2003, Canada, Mexico, and the United States have […]

Does your state have a business climate that fosters opportunity and economic growth for its residents? While many factors contribute to a dynamic business environment, the State Business Tax Climate Index, released each year by the Tax Foundation, ranks each state’s performance on taxation. In order to score high on the index, states must keep […]

Though we may have arrived at our current criminal justice system through the actions of many well-meaning individuals, far too many of its features run counter to the basic principles of a free society. The United States currently incarcerates 2.2 million people, at a rate of over 700 for every 100,000 residents. Somewhere between 70 […]

Honest Enterprise, a project of Stand Together Trust, is pleased to announce the release of its latest film, Farming in Fear. The recipient of this year’s Audience Award at the Anthem Film Festival, Farming in Fear tells the story of Martha Boneta, a young, idealistic woman who fulfills her childhood dream of buying and operating […]

America is the land of the free—but how free is it? The 2015 Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) Index  downgrades the United States to 16th of the 157 countries surveyed for five major indicators of freedom, such as size of government, freedom to trade internationally, and regulation. This ranking is a steep decline from 2000, […]