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American Citizenship
Strengthening public engagement by improving history and civics education, advancing government transparency, and offering easy-to-use data on the performance of governments across America.
Latest From American Citizenship
March 17, 2026
Sunshine Week is an opportunity to celebrate transparency in government. Unfortunately, this year we once again observe it by pointing out major shortcomings in open government—starting with the Massachusetts Legislature’s continued refusal to practice it. Voters spoke clearly in 2024: they want the…
March 16, 2026
MA Residents Believe State Officials, and Legislators in Particular, Falling Short on Government Transparency
State Legislature’s Favorability Rating at 28 Percent BOSTON – A new poll commissioned by Pioneer Institute finds that state government, and the Legislature in particular, are falling far short when it comes to government transparency, and that satisfaction with the Legislature is in free fall. Only twenty-eight percent of respondents in the poll of Massachusetts residents have a…
March 2, 2026
Mass. Officials Talk a Big Game About Democracy. Do They Practice What They Preach?
Elected officials in Massachusetts sure have a lot to say about “democracy” these days. For those paying attention to goings on around here in recent years, hearing politicians trumpeting their state as a citadel defending democracy and the rule of law, you might be…
September 25, 2025
Statement of Pioneer Institute on Board Member Mike Kennealy’s Bid for Governor
This statement was released on April 15, 2025. BOSTON – Congratulations to Mike Kennealy on his decision to run for Governor of Massachusetts. Mike has served as a thoughtful and deeply engaged member of Pioneer Institute’s board since 2023. We are grateful for…
August 7, 2025
Surge in State Revenue, Growing Expenditures and Inflation
How has state government spending and revenue changed from 2017 to 2022? Changes in revenue and spending can be a key indicator of state priorities for the size and scope of government, as well as a state’s overall health and economic output….
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Pioneer’s Data Labs empower you by pulling back the curtain. They give you the ability to compare the performance of all 50 states and D.C. against common policy goals.
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Senior Fellow
Fact of the day
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