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Ben Murrey

Director of Policy and Research

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Ben Murrey is Iowa Director of Policy and Research with the Common Sense Institute where he leads the research efforts of CSI Iowa to provide insightful, accurate and actionable information about the impact of public policy on Iowa families, businesses and communities.

Prior to joining CSI in January of this year, Ben spent over a decade in political and public policy roles at the state and federal levels. After earning his degree at Hillsdale College, he joined Ted Cruz on the campaign trail, first as a grassroots field director overseeing 45 rural east Texas counties and later as assistant director of operations. He went on to serve seven years as a legislative staffer for Sen. Ted Cruz in Texas and Washington, D.C. Most recently, he served as fiscal policy center director at Independence Institute, a free market think tank in Colorado. In addition to leading reports on a range of fiscal, tax and economic issues, Ben’s writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Real Clear Policy and more. His work has contributed to public policy change at the state and federal levels that advanced sound tax policy and free enterprise.

Expert's Work
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Workforce
Where are the Men?

This report examines the decline in Iowa’s male LFPR and explores factors that may be contributing to that decline.

Education
Are Iowa’s ESAs Working? - An Assessment of School Enrollment and ESA Utilization under the Students First Act

This initial CSI report examines K-12 enrollment and ESA utilization in Iowa during the program’s first two years.

Workforce
Demographics are Destiny: How Iowa's Demographics are Shaping the State's Population, Workforce, and Economy

This report identifies the most up-to-date population trends in Iowa, including international and domestic migration and net births.

State Budget
Iowa’s D.O.G.E.: How state government alignment is returning money back to Iowans and contributing to the state’s economy

CSI found Iowa’s state government alignment enabled Iowa to lower its individual income tax rate from 3.9% to 3.8% two years sooner.

February 04, 2025 Ben Murrey
Report: Midwest inflation rates cooling but families still feeling the pinch
The Center Square

Inflation increased 0.2% in the midwest in May, the lowest rate all year.

June 12, 2024 Ben Murrey
Jobs & Our Economy
New analysis concludes recent Iowa income tax cuts will lead to job gains
Kiwa Radio

The latest round of state income tax cuts may create up to 68-hundred new jobs in Iowa next year.

June 08, 2024 Ben Murrey
Taxes & Fees
Study finds 2024 income tax cuts will result in $1.85 billion in tax savings over 10 years
Ottumwa Courier

A study from an Iowa research institute found that the latest individual income tax cuts will result in $1.85 billion in tax savings.

June 04, 2024 Ben Murrey
Taxes & Fees
Study: Income tax cuts will save $1.85 billion
Southeast Iowa Union

The latest individual income tax cuts will result in $1.85 billion in tax savings for income tax payers in the next decade.

June 04, 2024 Ben Murrey
State Budget
Iowa's DOGE Prototype and Its Results featuring Ben Murrey

The state of Iowa does not have a Department of Government Efficiency, however, Iowa lawmakers began improving government efficiency through a state initiative known as “alignment."

February 24, 2025 Ben Murrey
Workforce
Boosting Iowa's Economy: The Childcare Solutions Fund featuring Sherri Penney

Without affordable and reliable childcare, parents’—especially mothers—miss out on work. Learn more about the causes, solutions, potential impacts, and how childcare profoundly affects Iowa's workforce.

November 20, 2024 Ben Murrey
Healthcare
Iowa's Healthcare Landscape featuring Dr. Chelsea Lensing

Iowa’s policymakers, providers, and insurers operate within a state comprised of an aging population and large rural areas.