Corporate Welfare Directory: Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate
Corporate Welfare Directory: Oklahoma Film Enhancement RebateAuthor Tyler WilliamsonAbstract This paper examines Oklahoma's Film Enhancement Rebate Program and concludes that it is a corporate welfare scheme that results in a net loss for Oklahoma. It is recommended...
Abating Economic Disaster: A Call to Reform Oklahoma’s Public Nuisance Statute
Abating Economic Disaster: A Call to Reform Oklahoma’s Public Nuisance Statute Author Mike Davis Abstract This paper examines the history of public nuisance law and how Oklahoma’s public nuisance statute was misapplied in Oklahoma v. Johnson and Johnson. It lists the...
Dental Assistant Licensing in Oklahoma
Dental Assistant Licensing in Oklahoma Author Spencer Cadavero Abstract This paper summarizes Oklahoma dental assistant licensing requirements, describes the profession, and concludes that there is no public interest justification for such licensing. It is recommended...
Independent, Principled
State Policy
Oklahoma’s Legislature Should Protect Federalism While Guarding its Own Power
Oklahoma’s senate has called for a national federalism task force. The senators wisely recognize the dangers of the...
SB 634 Respects Free Speech and Saves Teachers Money
On Thursday, the House Rules Committee approved SB 634, which would prohibit school districts from deducting union dues from teachers’ paychecks unless they obtain a written...
Hollywood, Oklahoma?
Here at the 1889 Institute, we firmly believe in an economic system that rewards individual initiative and eschews government intervention in markets. In addition, it is clear...
Our Story
The 1889 Institute is named for the first land run in Oklahoma. On April 22, 1889, pioneers gathered at a starting line and raced to claim tracts of land from the U.S. government for the price of staying on the
land for five years. The land run typifies the American ideal of opportunity – readily available to anyone with the personal initiative to take it, but without expecting equal results. Regardless of status, education, or station, no participant in a land run had an official advantage. In this way, the land run illustrates 1889 Institute’s commitment to fighting privilege granted by government, and expanding opportunity where government has intruded excessively.
Who We Are
The 1889 Institute is an independent group of scholars dedicated to making Oklahoma the best it can be. We are not affiliated with a political party, do not receive any money from any government entity, and do not engage in grassroots advocacy.
What We Do
The 1889 Institute analyzes and develops state public policy for the state of Oklahoma based on principles of limited and responsible government, free enterprise, and a robust civil society. We disseminate analyses and recommendations to policymakers and the general public.