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Agenda for Leadership 2026 is available!

June 9, 2026

Pioneer Institute Urges Caution as Legislature Considers New Restrictions on Ballot Initiatives

As Massachusetts lawmakers consider proposals that would make it more difficult for citizens to place questions before voters, Pioneer Institute is urging caution. Pioneer Institute believes that policy change should occur primarily through the legislative process. However, the initiative petition process remains an important safety valve when citizens believe elected officials are not addressing their concerns.
June 8, 2026

In 2025, Massachusetts Permitted the Fewest New Homes Since 2012

This edition of The House Call explores new Census Bureau data showing how building permit activity declined in Massachusetts between 2024 and 2025. It also highlights a court case in Somerville over whether, in at least some contexts, prevailing wage standards should apply to off-site modular construction.
June 4, 2026

The Rise of Internet Crimes in America and the States Most Vulnerable

As invisible as it is devastating, internet crime cost Americans almost $21 billion last year. Massachusetts, once a moderately targeted state, is now among the six most targeted in the country. Phishing and spoofing work to trick people through fake media—from texts to emails—to get sensitive information, gain access to a user’s device, or install harmful software. This is one of the most prevalent cybercrimes, especially because it requires no technical breach, only deception.
June 3, 2026

Pioneer Institute Urges Governor Healey to Bring Federal Scholarship Dollars to Massachusetts Families

As states decide whether to participate in the new federal scholarship tax credit program, Pioneer Institute is urging Governor Healey to ensure Massachusetts families are not left behind. In a letter to the governor, Executive Director Jim Stergios notes that governors from blue states, including most recently New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have already moved to participate in the program. Massachusetts students and families should not be denied the same opportunity.
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Pioneer succeeds when its research, communications, litigation, and coalition-building lead to tangible improvements in Americans’ lives—access to world-class learning options for students; affordable and innovative care for patients; and plentiful jobs, a rich civic life, and individual liberty for all.

We focus on state policy as a proving ground—testing, refining, and demonstrating reforms that work, in order to raise the bar for opportunity across the United States.

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Dependency Index – Federal Money to the States

Think you know which states depend most on Washington? Pioneer’s new Dependency Index may change your mind. Alaska ranks most dependent on federal funds, and Idaho ranks least. Check out where your state ranks here! https://loom.ly/6LMwO0c

PioneerEducation supports excellent school options for all children, world-class liberal arts-based academic standards, and accountability for results in public education.

PioneerHealthcare champions market-based reforms to rein in the cost and improve the quality of care for patients.

PioneerOpportunity seeks a business climate in which entrepreneurs and employees benefit from a thriving economy.

American Citizenship:  To increase public engagement in the nation’s civic life, Pioneer champions K-12 history and civics education, and provides transparent government data for citizens to hold their state governments accountable.