Our Mission

It's Just Common Sense.

CSI’s mission is to examine the fiscal impacts of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws so that citizens are educated and informed on issues impacting their lives. CSI employs rigorous research techniques and dynamic modeling to evaluate the potential impact of these measures on the economy and individual opportunity.

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OUR IMPACT

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most.

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Research

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Education

Outside the Classroom Door: Where Iowa’s Education Dollars Go

Introduction Public education is the largest single line in Iowa’s state budget. Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) spending alone accounts…

September 1, 2026

Andrzej Wieciorkowski , Isaac Flores

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Jobs & Our Economy

Oregon’s Livestock, Hunting, and Fishing Economy

Oregon’s livestock, hunting, and fishing sectors contribute to the state’s rural economies, natural-resource industries, and food system. Their economic footprint…

August 31, 2026

Miranda Vargas , Mark McMullen , Serra Kirsch