Author: scott prell

Forecasts Hazy for State Marijuana Revenue | The Pew Charitable Trusts

Revenue from “sin taxes” is notoriously volatile and difficult to predict, even when the taxes—such as those on cigarettes, liquor, or gambling—have been around for decades. Although consumption of or participation in these “sins” can change dramatically, analysts at least have historical data from across the nation to guide forecasts.
— Read on www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2019/08/forecasts-hazy-for-state-marijuana-revenue

D.C. Police Release Long-Delayed Stop-And-Frisk Data, Showing Racial Disparities In Stops | WAMU

Long-awaited data on police stops shows that 70% of those stopped by D.C. police are African American, but Chief Peter Newsham says it’s too early to draw conclusions on police practices.

There are several interesting links in this news report.

— Read on wamu.org/story/19/09/10/d-c-police-release-long-delayed-stop-and-frisk-data-showing-racial-disparities-in-stops/

WANU Stop and Frisk webpage

TV station WANU has a webpage dedicated to DC Police Stop and Frisk. Access it HERE

DC Police data page HERE

Addicted to Fines: A Special Governing Report

This topic was propelled to the forefront after the practices Ferguson, MO were examined by the Department of Justice.

Hundreds of small cities and towns throughout the country rely significantly on fines to fund their budgets.
— Read on www.governing.com/topics/finance/fine-fee-revenues-special-report.html

More parts of the report are available here:

Addicted to Fines Small Towns in much of the Country are Dangerously Dependent on Punitive Fines and Fees

https://www.governing.com/topics/finance/gov-addicted-to-fines.html

 

Read full analysis with data for local governments

https://www.governing.com/topics/finance/fine-fee-revenues-special-report.html