Economists have long recognized that technological innovation and enhanced communication increase productivity and reduce friction in economic activity. And never before has technology’s impact on economic growth been as evident as it is today.
At IPI, we focus on technology and communications policy not only because it’s critical to economic growth, but also because government’s inherent tendency to regulate prospectively poses an active threat to the economic gains and lifestyle enhancements made possible by technological innovation.
The communications and technology industries are among the country’s most competitive and the biggest capital investors in the U.S. economy, and are thus prime engines of economic growth and job creation. It is critical that public policy encourages continued innovation and investment in the tech sector, and that we don’t limit the innovation upside with counterproductive taxes and regulations.
Lift H1-B Cap
A new study from academic economists at Colgate University and UC-Davis shows wages rise fastest in U.S. cities with the greatest influx of highly skilled immigrants.
State Telecom Activities
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB-2453 into law Friday, letting Chicago increase its monthly 911 charges on wireline, wireless and prepaid cellphones. The measure, which took effect immediately, has come under attack from free-market groups like the Institute for Policy Innovation, which said the increase could produce more than 911 needs and be used for other purposes like bolstering the city's pension fund.
Et tu, Governor Quinn?
By Monday Illinois Governor Quinn must approve or deny a scheme that may well leave him in a similar, if less dramatic, situation as Nero.
Can't We All at Least Agree on One Immigration Reform?
A new study shows that more highly skilled workers increase wages for everyone. It's a good reason to pass at least limited immigration, but politics may trump economics.
Coalition Letter Regarding Net Neutrality
Coalition letter urging Congress to act expeditiously in expressing its understanding of the proper role of the FCC in regard to regulating the Internet, and urging the FCC to wait for Congressional direction.
Libertarian Groups Attack Online Gaming Ban
More and more voices are joining the chorus of dissent towards the Restoration of America’s Wire Act (H.R.4301), the Sheldon Adelson-backed federal bill to ban online gambling.
Capitol Hill
The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (HR-3086) and the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act (S-1431) need to pass Congress before the end of the current congressional session, said an Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) blog post Thursday.
Rescue Consumers from Internet Tax Now
The number of working days remaining in the current congressional session, is quickly dwindling. On the must-do list should be protecting the Internet from multiple or discriminatory taxes, a process Congress began in 1998.
Mississippi Rejects Medicaid Expansion and Embraces Innovation Instead
Obamacare tries to impose a failed industrial-era Medicaid program on states; Mississippi is choosing 21st century technology and innovation instead.
Group protests 'Wire Act' as overreaching
A group of 10 conservative and free market organizations co-authored a letter of opposition to the federal legislation backed by casino owner Sheldon Adelson that would outlaw Internet gaming in the U.S.
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