By: Mae Baltz In 2021, the United States produced over 33 million tons of sugarcane, with a majority of the crop harvested in the fields of Belle Glade, Florida. The city has a median household income of $28,028, with the sugar industry as one of its largest employers. As such, many of the Glade’s citizens … Continue reading The Lack of Nuisance Laws in South Florida Sugarcane Farming
Private Sector Can Shoulder Some of the Risk for New Road Construction
By Giovanna da Silva The 21st century has seen a substantial increase in public-private partnerships in the United States and around the world. The basic principle behind public-private partnerships, or P3s, is that government works with the private sector in order to build and finance public works projects. P3s have been increasingly encouraged by state … Continue reading Private Sector Can Shoulder Some of the Risk for New Road Construction
Challenges to Privatizing Flood Insurance
Giovanna Dasilva The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), implemented in 1968 to address a market failure in the flood insurance sector, has been the subject of scrutiny following hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Increasing the scope of the private sector has often been cited as a potential solution to the NFIP’s pitfalls. However, there are challenges … Continue reading Challenges to Privatizing Flood Insurance
After this Hurricane Season, We Need to Rethink Flood Insurance
Giovanna Dasilva With the national spotlight on flooding caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has come under scrutiny. The federal program primarily focuses on offering flood insurance coverage and reducing the impact of flood damage. The NFIP was established in 1968 to counteract a market failure on the … Continue reading After this Hurricane Season, We Need to Rethink Flood Insurance
Microfinancing: Good for the Poor?
By Logan Shewmaker Many businesses start on loans. Traditionally, the loan process works by allowing a business owner or individual to approach a bank, receive the money upfront, and then pay back the amount loaned out over a period of time. Bank loans range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to millions. Eligibility criteria usually … Continue reading Microfinancing: Good for the Poor?
FDA Rules May Vaporize The E-cigarette Industry
By Kevin Gomez In the last three years, the electronic-cigarette business has exploded. According to Wells Fargo Securities, the “vaping” industry has gone from estimated revenue of $1 billion in 2012 to $3.5 billion in 2015. Although much more research is needed to assess e-cigarettes health effects, some medical professionals say it is at least … Continue reading FDA Rules May Vaporize The E-cigarette Industry
Pricing Water in Florida
By Tyler Worthington As Florida’s population grows it will have to address a multitude of new problems, including stress on water supplies. States like California have experienced severe water shortages in recent years, and mismanagement has exacerbated this problem. Because California does not accurately price water, it has been misallocated. In Florida, The Turkey Point … Continue reading Pricing Water in Florida
Depopulation of Citizens Property Insurance Should Continue
By Matt Kelly On February 17th, 2015, Florida state Senator Anitere Flores filed SB 1006, which would place restrictions on shifting insurance policies from state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to private sector insurers. Citizens’ policyholders would be notified before being transferred to private insurers, who would be barred from increasing premiums more than 10% annually … Continue reading Depopulation of Citizens Property Insurance Should Continue
Reforms are Brewing in Florida
By Matt Kelly Floridians are brandishing their growlers as the state’s legislature considers reforms that would finally legalize the popular 64 oz. alcoholic beverage container. Florida is the only state in the nation to prohibit the growler, a legal idiosyncrasy that craft brewers say stifles their growth. An exemption to allow small brewers to self-distribute … Continue reading Reforms are Brewing in Florida
The Current State of Pensions in Florida
By Matt Kelly With their swampy humidity and world famous theme parks, Florida’s cities seem a world away from the frigid cold and automotive factories of Detroit, Michigan. Yet the two states have at least one commonality: underfunded pension liabilities. Such liabilities can potentially put a state or municipality into budgetary crisis, even bankruptcy. Reforming … Continue reading The Current State of Pensions in Florida