Kevin Kane Center for Opportunity Policy

Systemic poverty threatens human dignity, endangers families, and is fundamentally antithetical to the American experiment. Unfortunately, too many of our government policies in the areas of criminal justice reform, social safety nets, workforce development, and occupational licensure present barriers to economic mobility and block off pathways to opportunity.

The Kane Center honors the work and passions of the Institute’s founder, Kevin Kane, who launched Pelican in 2008. Under his leadership the Institute played a leading role in a variety of critical issues, most notably in criminal justice reform. Kevin was honored by the Louisiana State Legislature following the passage of the landmark 2017 Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which will free thousands of Louisianans from the damaging cycles of recidivism and help these individuals re-enter society and find work. The scope of work in the Kane Center builds on this critical achievement and expands its reach to many others trapped by government policy that too often blocks meaningful pursuit of work and opportunity.

Louisiana Legislature Takes Key Steps on Education and Opportunity, Squanders Chance for Budget Reform

Louisiana Legislature Takes Key Steps on Education and Opportunity, Squanders Chance for Budget Reform

The Louisiana legislature took some steps this legislative session that will help move our state forward. However, much more work must be done to truly transform our state into a land of opportunity and realize our full potential—including bold policies like universal school choice, fundamental tax reform, and creating jobs and opportunity for all. The...

By Team Pelican

Louisiana Economic Situation—May 2023

Louisiana Economic Situation—May 2023

Key Point: Louisianans aren’t reaching their full potential primarily because of bad public policies but that can change with the Pelican Institute’s “Comeback Agenda.” Louisiana’s Labor Market: Table 1 shows Louisiana’s labor market over time until the latest data for April 2023 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Table 1: Labor Market Indicators in...

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D.

Paycheck Piracy? Louisiana’s Public Employees Deserve Protection

Paycheck Piracy? Louisiana’s Public Employees Deserve Protection

Auto-pay is one of modern life’s great conveniences. It’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes with having your credit card or cell phone bill paid on time each month. But can you imagine asking your employer to make sure your Netflix subscription or gym membership is renewed? That’s exactly...

By Sarah Harbison

Alternatives to Crime: Advancing Local Solutions that Work

Alternatives to Crime: Advancing Local Solutions that Work

Recently the Baton Rouge Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation announced the building of a new “Inspiration Center,” modeled after successful similar initiatives in places like Atlanta, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, to curb crime among juveniles. Clay Young, the group’s chairman, said its goal is “turning the city’s youth away from crime before it’s too late.”...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

Collective Bargaining a Bad Deal for New Orleans Taxpayers

Collective Bargaining a Bad Deal for New Orleans Taxpayers

The New Orleans City Council may soon consider an ordinance intended to recognize city workers’ right to collectively bargain. The proposed ordinance would establish city workers’ organizing rights, set up a process for collective bargaining, and require the council to hire a labor relations administrator as a go-between for workers and the city. Proponents of...

By Sarah Harbison

We All Benefit from Second Chances: Improving Public Safety and Louisiana’s Economy

We All Benefit from Second Chances: Improving Public Safety and Louisiana’s Economy

Occupational licensing can be a significant barrier for individuals with criminal histories who are trying to enter the workforce and get their lives back on track. These requirements, typically put in place through laws passed by state lawmakers or through regulations enacted by licensing boards created by the legislature, mandate that individuals obtain a license...

By Jamie Tairov

Louisiana Should Support Prosperity to Reduce Federal Dependency

Louisiana Should Support Prosperity to Reduce Federal Dependency

Louisiana’s state government is the third most dependent state on federal funding. This is according to a report recently released by WalletHub that shows state rankings, with Alaska and Wyoming coming in at first and second. This follows another report release by the Tax Foundation that also ranks Louisiana as the third most dependent on...

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D., Jamie Tairov

One of Every Five Louisianans Receive Food Stamps

One of Every Five Louisianans Receive Food Stamps

You read that correct: One of every five Louisianans receive food stamps. Or, more technically, they receive payments from the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), and those payments are used to purchase groceries. This is according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s newly released performance audit report of the “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: COVID-19 Impact.” SNAP...

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D.

How Long is Too Long, and Is There a Better Way?

How Long is Too Long, and Is There a Better Way?

Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation, largely due to the state’s history of using long prison sentences. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Corrections, as of January 2022, there were approximately 32,000 people in Louisiana prisons and jails. Of those, about 18,000 were serving sentences of 10 years...

By Jamie Tairov

What Happened to the Concept of Work?

What Happened to the Concept of Work?

Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the state agency in charge of administering food stamps (SNAP) and cash assistance (TANF), issued a press release announcing the end of the temporary pandemic-era increases in those benefits. Three years after the federal government increased benefits to help families out of work...

By Jamie Tairov

Routine Performance Audits Can Help Louisianans Find Career Paths Out of Poverty

Routine Performance Audits Can Help Louisianans Find Career Paths Out of Poverty

Louisiana’s official poverty rate of 19.6% in 2021 was the highest in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The map below by American Progress shows that higher poverty rates tend to be in the south.  There has been $25 trillion (inflation-adjusted) spent on the “War on Poverty” since it was declared in 1964...

By Vance Ginn, Ph.D.

A Social Safety Net that Works

A Social Safety Net that Works

Louisiana’s collection of safety-net programs needs a paradigm shift so its low-income, work-capable citizens can move out of dependency on the government and find hope and lasting self-sufficiency. This starts with connecting people with a job, which is the best path to prosperity. Work brings dignity, hope, and purpose through the life-long benefits of earning...

By Jamie Tairov