Matthew Prensky

May 1, 2024 | ij.org | Matthew Prensky

As former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” That is, allowing the public to see what officials do serves as the best watchdog against government abuses. Yet, several states such as Arizona, Indiana, and now Florida have passed laws in recent years that obstruct transparency and criminalize people’s ability to view what public officials do. Earlier this month, Florida Gov.

Mar 23, 2024 | hawaiifreepress.com | Matthew Prensky

Victory! Honolulu Agrees to Suspend Enforcement of Unconstitutional Ordinance, Saving Local Businesses By Selected News Articles @ 11:50 PM :: 448 Views :: Honolulu County, First Amendment, Small Business, Tourism Victory! Honolulu Agrees to Suspend Enforcement of Unconstitutional Ordinance, Saving Local Businesses by Matthew Prensky, Institute for Justice, March 22, 2024 ARLINGTON, Va.—Yesterday, officials with the city of Honolulu’s Department of Planning agreed to stop enforcing an...

Mar 18, 2024 | hawaiifreepress.com | Matthew Prensky

Public Interest Law Firm Urges Honolulu to Change Sign Regulations to Save Businesses, Protect Free Speech Rights By Selected News Articles @ 2:50 PM :: 17 Views :: Honolulu County, First Amendment, Small Business, Tourism Public Interest Law Firm Urges Honolulu to Change Sign Regulations to Save Businesses, Protect Free Speech Rights by Matthew Prensky, Institute for Justice, February 26, 2024 ARLINGTON, Va.—Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) sent a letter to city officials in Honolulu,...

Feb 12, 2024 | ij.org | Matthew Prensky

New Hanover County, North Carolina, like many communities nationwide, is struggling to build enough affordable housing for its growing community. One well-meaning pastor in the county wanted to help fix that, but NIMBY-ism has repeatedly thwarted his efforts. NIMBY, or “Not In My Back Yard,” is a growing phenomenon in which residents of a particular area object to proposed development slated to join their community.

Feb 6, 2024 | ij.org | Matthew Prensky

Americans helping one another is a time-honored tradition. Whether it’s offering supplies to those affected by disasters, or caring for those who are going through difficult times, these acts of kindness represent some of the best qualities of this nation. Yet municipalities across the United States have routinely punished well-meaning Americans for helping others, whether it’s by using their properties to house the homeless, or, in this case, simply feeding the homeless.