2017 has been quite a year for the Pacific Research Institute. We remain, as ever, committed to championing freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility.
Thanks to the steadfast support of our donors in California and throughout the nation, this past year we have advanced market-based policies in the national debate on health care; promoted education reform that benefits all children; and expanded the work of our Center for California Reform to champion reforms that we believe will help restore freedom and opportunity in the Golden State. And this is only the tip of the iceberg! We continue our innovative work on energy and environmental policies and our Beyond the New Normal project is countering the narrative that slow economic growth is “the new normal” for America’s economy.
Our Sacramento-based communications team continues to do an outstanding job of getting our message out to the media. To date in 2017, we had 218 op-eds published in media outlets across the country, 441 citations by media outlets, and 85 radio and television interviews. Through our Young Leaders Circle program, launched last year, we are educating young professionals on the ideas of liberty and encouraging open debate and dialogue on today’s most pressing public policy issues. Our top-notch events – including our latest sold-out San Francisco gala featuring Peter Thiel – continue to receive rave reviews from attendees.
One of the things I am most thankful for is PRI’s work on issues that are important to Californians. Under our Center for California Reform, PRI earlier this year published Unaffordable, an important brief authored by California Fellow Kerry Jackson that examines the policy and regulatory issues that have limited supply and sent home prices skyrocketing in California. Jackson makes the case that free-market reforms are key to building more housing supply and making housing more affordable in the state. PRI hosted several events to promote its work, including three well-attended policy forums in Sacramento. Our scholars regularly participate in speeches and debates and meet with legislators to discuss California policy issues.
We are only able to do this important work because of our loyal supporters. As we approach the holidays and the end of the year, and as you consider your charitable giving, I would like to encourage you to consider supporting PRI’s mission. There are a number of exciting ways to give – including joining our Sir Antony Fisher Freedom Society, which recognizes PRI’s closest friends and most loyal supporters, those who contribute gifts of $1,000 or more each year, and gives them exclusive access to PRI’s events, publications, scholars, and leadership.
Together, we will continue to promote freedom, prosperity, and opportunity… next year, and in the many years to come. Thank you for your support, in whatever form it arrives.
Ben Smithwick is Director of Development for the Pacific Research Institute. Prior to joining PRI, he worked at Fox News Channel’s Los Angeles bureau and for the Santa Barbara News-Press.
