A Research and Data Perspective on Delaware’s Minimum Wage Dr. John Stapleford, Director and Justin Chan, Research Associate | 1/5/2020 State Senator Darius Brown has proposed additional minimum wage increases on top of the increase from the last legislative session. These proposed increases are substantial, raising the Delaware minimum wage from $9.25 to $11.00 in 2020 and then adding $1.00 every year after until a $15.00 minimum wage in 2024. An extraordinary increase of 16

Delaware and High-Tech Innovation Dr. John E. Stapleford, Director | 12/15/2019 In its recent report on “Growth Centers” the Brooking Institute declares that “the future of America’s economy lies in its high-tech innovation sector.”   Brookings identifies a cohort of 13 innovation industries where R&D expenditures exceed $20,000 per worker and have a STEM-worker share of 45%. These industries range from computer equipment manufacturing to scientific research and development s

Fundamental problems with a federal offshore wind leasing program have led to heated debates. The Delaware beach community is now caught up in an argument pitching progressives focused on climate change against a wide coalition concerned about a potential $5 billion hit to the beach economy, and misuse of state park property. A better designed leasing program could create a win-win solution.   The Energy Act of 2005 encouraged onshore and offshore renewable energy. The Interi

The View from Pew Dr. John E. Stapleford, Director | 12/5/2019 The Pew Center Trust has recently updated its information website on the fiscal health of states. It confirms much of what is known about the State of Delaware’s finances.   On the positive side, as of 2018 Delaware state government could run 20.5 days on rainy day funds if tax revenues completely stopped coming in. This compares well with a U.S. state average of 23.2 days and zero days for both neighboring Pennsy

Recommendations for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Offshore Wind Leasing Program   Executive Summary   Using a case history from Maryland’s two offshore wind projects, offshore wind permitting and leasing should be halted until several critical issues are addressed.  A Benefit Cost Analysis of two Maryland projects show costs are four times higher than benefits as currently proposed with two-thirds of costs related to lost tourism.  The two projects may be typical of thirt

Recent economic news for Delaware Dr. John E. Stapleford, Director | 11/11/2019 The Fraser Institute has just released its 2018 economic freedom rankings for the states in the U.S. and Delaware remains ranked a low 39 th . Delaware ranked as high as 10 th among the states in economic freedom in 2002 and fell precipitously in the rankings following the 2007-08 recession.   The causes for the decline in ranking are straight-forward and confirmed by ratings from other organizat

A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships Dr. John E. Stapleford, Director | 10/31/2019 In a recent opinion piece Ted Kaufman, relying upon data from the liberal Economic Policy Institute, argued that weak wages require policies that would restore unions and raise the minimum wage. I would favor the policies that encourage economic growth.   The Obama-Biden approach to macroeconomics was increased taxes and regulations. The Trump-Pence approach is decreased taxes and regulations. How are

Dear Governor Carney,   One of the true joys of visiting the ocean is the chance to stare out on a crystal clear day and let the mind wander to the mysteries that lie over the horizon, and to enjoy the pure beauty.  It is rejuvenating.  Have you ever watched with wonder as the moon rises over the ocean?  Politicians in Washington and Maryland have decided to take that view away on Delaware beaches, and to fill the night sky with red flashing aircraft warning lights 1 .  In a

Dear Governor Carney,   One of the true joys of visiting the ocean is the chance to stare out on a crystal clear day and let the mind wander to the mysteries that lie over the horizon, and to enjoy the pure beauty.  It is rejuvenating.  Have you ever watched with wonder as the moon rises over the ocean?  Politicians in Washington and Maryland have decided to take that view away on Delaware beaches, and to fill the night sky with red flashing aircraft warning lights 1 .  In a

Delaware Public Education: A Proposal Dr. John E. Stapleford, Director | 10/24/2019 CRI believes that the first substantive step in approaching any public policy issue is gathering unbiased data. Data, while never perfect, moves away from rhetoric and anecdotes. Data tells us where we are so that we can measure future success or failure.   The Delaware Department of Public Education is to be congratulated and commended for the detailed measures of performance it now provides