CSI Iowa: Insightful Analysis for Informed Action
October 31, 2024 | Public Policy
The Common Sense Institute (CSI) is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to promoting economic prosperity and free enterprise. CSI hopes to help the public understand the fiscal impacts of legislative proposals, regulations, and initiatives by offering objective and data-driven insights. In simpler terms, they provide common sense by simply providing the facts. Their work involves sophisticated models to forecast how policy changes ripple through Iowa’s economy, forming a clear picture of potential outcomes for policymakers and citizens alike.
Founded 14 years ago in Denver, Colorado, CSI announced its Iowa chapter at the Economic Alliance’s Annual Meeting last January. The organization’s founders, a group of business leaders, saw the need for fact-based economic analysis in a divisive political landscape, where decisions are often made based on ideology rather than evidence. CSI’s non-partisan approach has since made a significant impact, helping individuals and policymakers to navigate complex economic issues by providing clear, actionable insights.
At the time of the Iowa chapter announcement, CSI president and CEO Kristin Strohm (a Coe College graduate) noted the expansion of the CSI into Iowa aligns with CSI’s commitment to be in all pivotal policy states across the nation, providing policymakers and citizens with the facts on the issues that impact their lives. For example, their recent report, “Iowa’s Healthcare Landscape,” provides a thorough analysis of consumer costs, hospital expenditures, and workforce demographics, all while comparing Iowa’s statistics to the rest of the nation. This context, presented clearly and without bias, will help the reader form an objective opinion on healthcare-related issues.
CSI Iowa’s research is invaluable to the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. By leveraging CSI Iowa’s in-depth analysis, we can advocate for policies that promote economic vitality, individual opportunity, and long-term sustainability, benefiting businesses and residents in the area. This partnership highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in supporting Iowa’s economic future.
Non-partisanship is another virtue our two organizations share. Our public policy work revolves around doing what is best for businesses and communities throughout the region, regardless of how it aligns politically. CSI Iowa’s reports are based on fact rather than emotion, ensuring we can utilize their work while remaining neutral.
Doug Neumann, our Executive Director, serves on the board of CSI Iowa, facilitating the close relationship between the two organizations. The Economic Alliance relies on CSI Iowa’s studies to better understand and navigate the economic landscape of the Cedar Rapids metro and the broader state. With 26 reports already published since CSI’s expansion into Iowa, the Economic Alliance is confident their research will help local business leaders and policymakers make more informed decisions, fostering economic growth, supporting free enterprise, and enhancing the quality of life in our region.
For more on Common Sense Institute Iowa, please visit: https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/iowa/
Engage with CSI – sign up for the CSI Iowa Newsletter and follow them on Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For further information or to get involved, contact the Economic Alliance’s public policy strategist, Barbra Solberg.