The Heartland Institute

Problem Maryland has struggled to balance its books in recent years and is barely getting back on its feet after the recession. Payments on state debt are projected to triple between 2007 and 2022. The state spends approximately $12 billion, or one-third of its budget, on elementary, secondary, and higher education, according ...

Texans face the daunting challenge of balancing the state’s biannual budget. The Republican-controlled legislature and Gov. Rick Perry have vowed not to increase taxes, seeking instead to control spending. With education representing a significant share of the state’s spending, it is estimated public school budgets will need to ...

Iowans are currently funding a universal statewide preschool program at more than $3,500 per child. The program cost the state more than $70 million last year, and the costs have been growing since its inception. Gov. Terry Branstad has advocated a slightly less burdensome plan that would give preschool vouchers to families ...

Problem According to The Heartland Institute s 2010 State School Report Card, North Carolina public education ranks 47th in the nation in terms of Learning Achievement and receives an F. Currently, North Carolinians have little say in how their schools are improved and no ability to authorize the creation of a charter school ...