Show-Me Institute

The Show-Me Institute is a nonpartisan public policy think tank based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to promoting free-market principles and individual liberty in the state[2][3]. Founded in 2005 by Rex Sinquefield, Crosby Kemper III, and Michael Podgursky, its mission is to advance economic freedom and improve the quality of life for Missourians by researching and advocating for solutions to state and local policy issues[4].

Focus and Activities

The Institute focuses on several key policy areas:

• Education: It supports school choice programs, including education savings accounts and charter schools, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in Missouri's education system[2][4].
• Healthcare: The Institute advocates for healthcare reform that promotes choice, such as direct primary care and health savings accounts. It opposes government-controlled healthcare programs and supports the repeal of certificate of need laws[4].
• Tax Reform: The Institute supports tax reforms like capping sales taxes and repealing dining taxes. It argues that increasing property taxes could promote economic growth in Missouri[2].
• Government Transparency: It advocates for greater transparency in government spending and has developed tools like the Municipal Checkbook Project to track city spending[2].

Funding

The Show-Me Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, funded primarily by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. It does not accept government funding to maintain independence[1][5]. Notable donors include the Donors Capital Fund and the State Policy Network[2].

Affiliations

The Show-Me Institute is an affiliate of the State Policy Network, a network of free-market oriented think tanks[4]. Despite its nonpartisan stance, some members of its board have affiliations with the Republican Party[2].

Governance and Structure

Crosby Kemper III serves as the chairman of the board, and Brenda Talent is the executive director[4]. The Institute's board of directors includes prominent figures in business and academia, such as Rex Sinquefield and Michael Podgursky[4].

Impact

Through its research and advocacy, the Show-Me Institute has influenced policy debates in Missouri, particularly in education and healthcare reform. Its efforts to increase government transparency have led to initiatives like the Municipal Checkbook Project[2][4].