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January 8, 2016

Title: Railway Revival
Topic: Railway Revival

Discussed by Marc Scribner
with Competitive Enterprise Institute www.cei.org

In the late 19th Century, railroads were the best way to travel and sent large amount of goods across the country. They also created the first interstate commerce act and business was booming. Less than a century later, however, they were on the verge of extinction due to the government’s involvement with strict regulations. No one saw the collapse coming and many railroad systems went bankrupt. In the 1980’s, though, the railroad industry bounced back on its own.

Businesses today can certainly learn a lesson or two from the downfall of the railroad industry. Listen in as Marc Scribner explains how the railroads changed their future and what executives can do today to help their companies based upon their plans. “One thing business leaders need to recognize is that this appeasement strategy and they fatalistic mindset is not in their long-run interest.” They must take a stand against government interference; it never ends well if you don’t fight back.

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August 6, 2015

Title: The Highway Trust Fund
Topic: Highway Trust Fund

Discussed by Marc Scribner
with Competitive Enterprise Institute www.cei.org

Part 1 of 2

Demographers estimate that the population in Texas will double over the next ten years. Traffic statewide is bad enough as it is. What will it look like in five or ten years?

Marc Scribner  is a transportation, land use, and telecommunication policy expert with the Competitive Enterprise Institute,  Marc is here to help us understand the Highway Trust Fund and what the future may look like if we don’t make some changes – and soon.

“First, the problem is that we’re spending more money than we’re bringing in,” Marc explains. He goes on to discuss some of the money collected via the various gas taxes and possible tax increases Congress wants to impose. Marc believes that the key to success is giving more control over these decision to state and local officials. Listen in as he explains just what the “Highway Trust Fund” was created for and why it isn’t working.

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - The Highway Trust Fund
Topic: Highway Trust Fund

Discussed by Marc Scribner
with Competitive Enterprise Institute www.cei.org

So, what can be done to correct the obvious mistakes resulting from the Highway Trust Fund? Marc Scribner has some great suggestions you’ll either love or hate!

First, governments at all levels – local, state, and federal – must stop spending outrageous sums on mass transit. For example, on the federal level, about twenty percent of all funds is given to mass transit. However, less than two percent of trips are made by mass transit. It’s even worse when you break down the state and local levels.

CHECK THIS OUT!!! Studies have shown that the government could buy each person who utilizes mass transit a new Toyota Prius every three years!! Come on, now. That’s crazy talk.

Marc also discusses “Private Activity Bonds” and “Mileage-based User Fees”. These are both highly controversial, especially in Texas, but don’t tune out. Listen to what Marc has to say and then research these options for yourself before you form an opinion.

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November 25, 2014

Title: UAS - Not on My Land!
Topic: Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Discussed by Marc Scribner
with Competitive Enterprise Institute www.cei.org

In Texas, landowners have rights to whatever is on their land. But do they have rights to the space above their land?

The newest trend these days is drones. They seem to be everywhere! Have you seen one? Marc Scribner, with the Competitive Enterprise Institute, calls drones “Unmanned Aircraft Systems”. Regulators in the industry are having a hard time actually defining what UAS’s are. Are they like a remote control airplane? Is it UPS or the pizza delivery guy? Is it property of the government?

Marc discusses the safety issues surrounding UAS’s. As an expert on transportation, land use, and telecommunications policy issues, he says many people are concerned about the civil UAS’s – ones owned and operated by the average citizen. Their concerns are not just focused on injuries, but there are privacy issues and concerns about interference with air traffic.

So, who has the right to issue laws about UAS’s? Do we really want the government in control of this? Marc says the US is unique in regards to the FFA and its regulation over aircraft. Right now, if it is moving through the air, it is currently regulated by the FFA. Marc proposes one solution similar to Canada’s. Listen in to hear more about it!

In the last part of this segment with Marc Scribner, he explains property and privacy rights. Can just anyone fly a UAS in your backyard and spy on you? Is it legal for average citizen and companies to use UAS’s to deliver packages?

For the full article by Marc Scribner of drones and UAS’s, click [here].

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August 13, 2014

Title: Public Still Favors Transportation Fees over Tax Increases
Topic: Tax Shifting

Discussed by Marc Scribner
with Competitive Enterprise Institute www.cei.org

Part 1 of 2

Many states have a flat rate charged every time you pump gas. This “tax” is divided between the federal government and the state government. In Texas, the rate for this gas tax hasn’t been raised in decades, which can either be good or bad, depending on your point of view.

So, how is the federal government spending those tax dollars? The money is supposed to be used to build new roads and repair existing roads, but that is rarely the case.

Marc Scribner has been researching and studying highway development with the Competitive Enterprise Institute since 2008. His duties include transportation, land use, and telecommunications policy issues. He discusses how those dollars are dispersed in this first segment.

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Public Still Favors Transportation Fees over Tax Increases
Topic: Tax Shifting

Discussed by Marc Scribner
with Competitive Enterprise Institute www.cei.org

A new poll from GfK and the Associated Press reveals that most voters are not too keen on raising the gas tax, but would be in favor of more toll roads.

What are your thoughts? Would you favor more toll roads or a tax increase at the pump? Send me your comments and suggestions using the “Contact” link above.

You can learn more about this issue by visiting www.CEI.org . 

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