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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
Iowa's Childcare Solutions Fund: A Model for Closing the Childcare Gap

Based on results from Iowa's pilot program, a statewide CSF would add nearly 11,000 new registered or licensed childcare slots across the state, enable about 5,000 women to enter the workforce, directly and

Housing & Our Community
Housing Affordability in Iowa

While housing affordability has declined nationwide since the pandemic, Iowa has one of the most affordable housing markets in the nation.

Jobs & Our Economy
Inflation Misery Index

Losing income can make you poorer, and rising prices can make you poorer. Thanks to surging inflation since the pandemic, Iowans are poorer today in real terms than they were at the height of the Great Rece

October 09, 2024 Zachary MilneBen Murrey
Healthcare
Iowa’s Healthcare Landscape

The United States boasts the largest healthcare economy in the world. In 2022, health spending reached $4.5 trillion nationally, or over 17% of GDP.

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
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.

Jobs & Our Economy
Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey

Our recent study, Clarkonomics, is not the first to explore the economics of Clark’s superstardom, but it takes a unique approach.

April 03, 2024 Ben Murrey