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OUR FOCUS IS ON THE FACTS.

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It's Just Common Sense.

CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that citizens are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives. CSI employs rigorous research techniques and dynamic modeling to evaluate the potential impact of these measures on the economy and individual opportunity.
 

 

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Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most.

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Research
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Taxes & Fees
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Iowa's Largest Property Tax Reform in Decades Changes the U.S. Tax Burden Map

CSI projects Iowa’s property tax reforms, SF 2472 (2026) and HF 718 (2023), will improve Iowa’s local tax burden rank from 20th most burdened in the nation in FY 2023 to 29th by FY 2033.

June 05, 2026 Ben MurreyAndrzej Wieciorkowski
Education
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Administrative Growth, Student Decline, and Academic Performance in Colorado’s Public Schools

Colorado's public-school system has continued to add administrative positions even as statewide student enrollment has declined.

June 04, 2026 Jimena SanchezCole Anderson
State Budget
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Budget Then & Now 2026

A look into Arizona's budget trends.

June 01, 2026 Glenn FarleyThomas Young, Ph.D.
Housing & Our Community
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Housing Affordability in Iowa: Q1 2026

As of March 2026, the average Iowan needs to work 38 hours per month to afford a new mortgage payment on a typical new single-family home. This is 14 hours less than the national average.

May 29, 2026 Andrzej Wieciorkowski

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