Cato Podcast

Protectionist measures like tariffs often harm the very firms and people they're supposed to help. Paul Best explains in a new piece in Free Society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Matzko discusses some of the long history of American-style mashups of faith traditions and the direction of government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry McDonald, a Cato adjunct scholar, discusses the explosion of educational entrepreneurship post-pandemic. She explores the rise of innovative learning environments such as micro-schools and homeschooling, particularly among minority families seeking personalized solutions. McDonald highlights the regulatory hurdles education entrepreneurs face, contrasting the progress in states like Utah with stricter policies in places like Massachusetts. She emphasizes how these challenges often stem from existing laws, advocating for more flexibility to foster diverse educational models.

The freedom to trade is morally good. Congress has sadly delegated many of its powers over trade to the White House. That poses particular risks today. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) discusses his efforts at reclaiming legislative power over trade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As many voters will consider changes to voting processes, what does recent experience tell us about ranked-choice voting? Walter Olson explains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Edwards, a scholar from the Cato Institute specializing in fiscal policy, dives into the Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors for 2024. He evaluates how governors' tax and spending choices impact their grades, revealing a divide between fiscally conservative and liberal approaches. Edwards highlights notable tax reforms by women governors like Kim Reynolds and Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The analysis further uncovers trends in budget strategies, the shift to flat tax systems, and the role of school choice in state fiscal health.

Patrick Jaicomo, a Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice, dives into the complex world of retaliatory arrests. He discusses the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that reshapes how courts assess whether an arrest was made out of retaliation. Jaicomo highlights the burden of proof for plaintiffs, emphasizing the implications for free speech and public engagement. He also explores how the Gonzales v. Trevino case influences current standards, underlining the delicate balance between law enforcement practices and citizens' rights.

Angela Watson, the Creator of Homeschool Hub, and Colleen Hroncich, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom, explore the homeschooling boom sparked by the pandemic. They discuss how parental discontent with traditional schools has reshaped educational choices. The conversation highlights increased transparency in homeschooling, the integration of families into local educational systems, and the rise of hybrid and dual enrollment options, showcasing a dynamic shift in America's educational landscape.

Adam Michel, director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute, dives into the future of American taxation and its potential shift towards a European model. He argues that without significant reforms, Americans might face tax burdens averaging $12,000 higher than today. Michel critiques the misconception that taxing the wealthy can fix deficits, stressing that high government spending drives tax increases for everyone. He also contrasts policy proposals from Trump and Harris, shedding light on their implications for national debt and economic sustainability.

In this discussion, Daniel Dew, the Legal Policy Director at the Pacific Legal Foundation, sheds light on how federal and state agencies possess the power to adjudicate without traditional court oversight. He highlights the challenges individuals face when dragged into these agency-run proceedings, often lacking fair evidence standards. Dew advocates for reform aimed at enhancing the independence of administrative law judges to protect citizens' rights. He also addresses the implications of Indiana's recent reforms and the broader constitutional concerns surrounding the separation of powers.