Heartland Institute

I am a retired research engineer, (University of Denver,DRI). In 1999 the Kyoto protocol was quite active and I was introduced to Dr. Arthur Robinson (Access to Energy) and then the Environmental Engineering publication from the Heartland Institute. It was very obvious to me that the whole issue of man caused global warming was a huge scam that was blinding the world.
Thanks to continuing information from the Heartland Institute and other sources I wrote editorials to our local newspapers and spoke openly in opposition to this scam. I was one of the signers of the petition against the protocol. I appreciate Heartland very much and still follow Heartland news regularly in this my 92nd year!
My best regards to The Heartland Institute
William H. Snyer, Cedaredge, CO

I have supported Heartland for years. They do a terrific job advocating free market solutions to our most pressing problems.

I have had a multifaceted career ranging from Air Force fighter pilot to consultant for great American companies to author of two books. In all my work, I have had to ensure the validity of pertinent data and analysis. My experience gives me the background and ability to evaluate the work Heartland has done over the last decades. My conclusion: Heartland provides accurate, relevant, and high-impact reports on many of the most consequential issues facing the nation and the world. I have met Heartland directors and staff and have visited its headquarters in Arlington Heights. The people struck me as highly competent, uncompromisingly honest, and unafraid to espouse positions that challenged widely-held “consensus” opinions regardless of the resultant threat to them and the Institute. The facility itself reflects the nature of those who use it: simple, utilitarian, purpose-designed. As a donor, I am well-satisfied with how my money is being used and expect to increase my donations. Heartland is vitally important and deserves the widest possible support as it expands its reach to key people and institutions throughout the United States and the world itself.

Heartland is an outstanding non-profit that has earned my trust and respect over the years. My background is chemical and environmental engineering and I have held high level positions such as technology director for top international engineering companies. As I've come to expect, Heartland provides the straight facts and expert analysis in energy and environmental topics, especially climate change. Their analysis of these topics closely reflects my knowledge, training, and experience and they are not afraid to challenge the established narrative. The best way to counter lies and misinformation is to spread the truth, which is what Heartland does best.

An organization that presents facts (which are withheld purposely by main stream media) and the full perspective on all of the subjects broached. I am thankful particularly for their focused efforts to tell the truth and expose the deceit behind climate alarm, ie: control. The climate alarmism being shoved down our throats and shouted from the hill tops exists solely to take control of the masses and to amass incredible wealth and power for the elites. Honest reporting. Something on life support in this world.

As an Environmental Manager, the Heartland Institute has served me well for many years. Their recent study on national spending looks very interesting: CPI-X: A Novel Method to Decrease Spending and the National Debt

I am glad to see this organization doing the work that they do and shining a light on the better ways of doing things.

It's a great source for accurate reports. and i reguarly read what Heartland publishes

Truth tellers instead of scare tactics seen almost everywhere else!

It takes courage and determination to keep alive the Founding Fathers' vision of America as a nation where freedom of thought, speech, research, publication and action are guaranteed. On a growing range of subjects, the totalitarian, illiberal faction that calls itself "Democrat" and "liberal" seeks to use every artifice to deny to the people of the United States those ancient liberties that their forefathers won for them at the point of the sword. The Heartland Institute stands all but alone in opposing the totalitarian climate-change narrative that is rejected in practice by the totalitarian nations themselves; and in seeking to uphold the deindoctrination of schools and colleges; and in trying to restore free and fair elections. Long may it flourish, and long may the ideas that it so gallantly promotes prevail.

Heartland regularly reports on analysis of issues across the world, but particularly in the U.S. They do a creditable and understandable analysis AND periodically conduct seminars and program in various locations. their analysis is generally complete and NOT so mired in technical or long explanations to cause me to edit. I also give them great credit for MINIMAL reguests for funding.
A model of how a private think tank should operate!

Steven Sass. Baltimore Md.

A critical source of information for me as relates to climate change data and analysis as well as economic perspective. One of the best "narrative" debunkers in the US.

My husband, Craig Jones and I have been associated with the Heartland Institute since the late 1980's. Craig wrote a policy paper for Heartland and we found them to be knowledgeable and professional.

Individual liberty is a core value of Heartland, shared by like minded citizens and should be championed continuously.

Linda Jones

Over the past few years I have seen great work coming from this organization, especially in the area of health care. Their ideas are fresh, forward looking, and thoroughly researched. They are very good at collaborating with health care professionals, patients, and other organizations interested in securing best care for those who need it, and communicating those needs and solutions through multiple platforms.

The Heartland Institute is easily the most underrated think tank in America. Based in Chicago, they are free of the "groupthink" that infects the many Washington -based think tanks of either left or right. When nobody wanted to touch the scientifically intricate issue of global warming/climate change, it was the Heartland Institute who took a leadership role and held a series of annual conferences where scientists could present and discuss actual measurements of data pertaining to atmospheric physics and planetary cooling. This was in sharp contrast to the elegant global gatherings where people were taught to believe in the output of computer programs that made frightening predictions far off in the future. I have attended nearly all of those Heartland conferences, and learned important new facts at each conference. When I need accurate information on a particular point, I turn to one of the Heartland volumes in the series "Climate Change Reconsidered." I have found them to be clearly written and focused on data, rather than resorting to claims of "consensus." Heartland provides much-needed balance to the international debate on the changing climate.
Thomas P. Sheahen, Chairman, S E P P

I have known the Heartland Institute for over 20+ years. I have worked with just about
everyone on their team and their levels of professionalism and hard-work ethics far
exceeding anyone's expectations. Heartland Institute leadership in the climate change
arena is known nationally and internationally and the Heartland Institute International
Climate Change Conference is a must-attend event whenever they are being held.

The Heartland Institute is a strong and dedicated advocate for free-market solutions to the nation's problems.

According to third-party polling, Heartland is the most influential free-market organization on a dollar for dollar basis. If you want to expand freedom in America, Heartland is the best investment you can make. Freedom for all!

Great “bang for your buck” — the staff is hard-working and makes the most of its budget. Mission-driven, no wasted motion here. Their research, writing, events, and social media efforts (including great podcasts and videos) are top-notch.

Very focused on solutions for all, not special interest groups. Great publications. Responsive.

The Heartland Institute is a great organization that strives to promote free-market solutions to public policy problems in the United States. Their work on stopping socialism is top-notch.

The Heartland Institute is a wonderful organization that cares about people and their freedom. They publish very meaningful and policy changing work. Kudos to Publications and Editorial!

If you support limited government, free markets, and individual freedom, there is no better place to donate than The Heartland Institute!

The Heartland Institute is an organization that promotes free market policy and is a cornerstone to freedom and limited government. Thanks for all you do to promote liberty.

Great organization. Provides quality, transparent research on leading issues in America.

A purveyor of fossil fuel propaganda, contrarian science, junk science, and fake news to purposely broadcast disinformation and dupe the undereducated and ill-informed. A fraudulent and charlatan faux nonprofit masquerading as a source of information. Obviously no due diligence was done prior to publication on your platform. Do not trust the information put forth under the guise of being science research or analysis.

Although I appreciate the need for encouraging free market capitalism, I am concerned that pushing false information about climate change will ultimately have a negative impact on the conservative economic aims of this organization. Opinions on what should be done about global warming (which clearly exists and humans are clearly responsible) need to be carefully examined and subject to wide analysis. But you cannot have your own science and trying to do so destroys the credibility of conservative aims. Heartland looks in horror at the proponents of solutions like the Green New Deal but it is hopelessly ineffective to fight those proposals by pretending scientists are caught up in ideology thus are blinded to climate reality. This will not work. I was once a Republican but with the distortions and false attributions made about real climate scientists pushed by Heartland, I will now vote Democratic in future elections.

I have worked with Heartland for more than 25 years on many different subjects in the US and internationally. They are without a doubt the leaders in collating and publishing the real science of climate change, and are involved in many other topics as well. I look forward to continued collaboration with Heartland as we work to provide reliable and factual information to the public and leaders in government and industry.

This website is where I can trust the presentation of contemporary issues in an objective, critical and studied way. This is one of the few public service websites that truly serves the public interest. That is why I agreed to serve as a volunteer advisor to the Institute.

Dave Harbour

As a nonprofit executive, it was my good fortune to be given a sabbatical from the Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise for a couple of years with Heartland Institute at the request of then-president, Joseph L. Bast, a long-time friend. The Institute was expanding its excellent publication system of periodicals, reports by noted scientists, books and peer-reviewed studies. It was time to disseminate information online and use a new style of website. Bast sought my advice working with the communication staff responsible for the new website. I had developed a method of exposing anti-free market operations, detailing their funding sources, lobbying plans, policy methods and other inside facts of opposition influence instruments. The Heartland staff liked the idea and adapted it to their goals. Working with them was like building a new space probe with NASA: a busy crew of experts were plowing new territory and trying every new idea but keeping only the good ones. The website master plan was to provide news and analysis, but also something new: detailed graphic profiles of the opposition's groups, organizations and networks, exposing where the funding came from and went, who was doing what, and why they did it. The result was a day by day online graphic view of Heartland's work on public policy, and its companion, a new library stocked with literature including the opposition - like a donated rare collection of the complete works of Lenin. When my job was finished, I had given my best ideas to Heartland, but I took away more good ideas that they taught me. As I departed, I saw their website was given the perfect name, "Left Exposed."
Ron Arnold

I do a lot of speaking and some consulting on climate and energy issues. Whenever I am unsure of my data or need confirmation of information, Heartland Institute has always been there with a complete complement of knowledge, information, and analysis this in incomparable! These guys are the best in their field!

I have been a supporter of the Heartland Institute since 2007, as a financial donor as well as an active participant in the field of climate and energy issues. Heartland exhibits an unwavering adherence to the principles of free enterprise, factual analysis, and honesty in their efforts to educate the public and political entities. By sponsoring climate/energy conferences and outreach programs to political office holders, Heartland provides a unique public service by countering the biased media where political cronyism, anti-science dogma, and emotional rhetoric have become so prominent.

Heartland's programs deliver the free-market message where it counts-- where public opinion is shaped.

Prof. Steve H. Hanke
The Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Heartland does an excellent job of pulling from the vast experience of its advisors. They have experts in almost every area that can make informed public comments, perform policy analysis, and serve as a resource for the media.

The Heartland Institute provides timely and well-researched information on issues like climate, economics, or other societal issues to lawmakers, policy makers, and the general public. They promote free-market solutions to many of the issues that face society today. Their advisors are well-respected in their fields of expertise.

A great source of honest and sophisticated info and analysis on many topics, most especially on climate change.

Heartland Institute is a national treasure. They have a top level staff dedicated to presenting the truth about numerous subjects of great national interest. Besides staff they have several hundred affiliated scholars, who contribute their expertise through articles and commentary on recent events in the news. Their energy conferences are top notch and much needed in a world that sometimes seeks to suppress valuable information about energy and the environment. These conferences are so good that those who have a different view are afraid to participate and engage in a free debate. Heartland has had substantial influence at the national level in a number of areas, but probably most notably in energy and the environment.

Full disclosure: I am a former professor (25 years) and have decades of experience in the regulatory area related to energy. I have about fifty publications (academic journals and OpEds). I often review for academic journals.

Heartland provides outstanding information and analysis on many of the critical issues confronting America. I get their printed and digital issues and my wife and I usually read cover to cover.

Heartland's research is spot on and covers a wide range of subjects. Their books on "Climate Change Reconsidered" are a must have resource for anyone looking for a balanced discussion on climate change.

In one of the bluest areas of the country, the Heartland Institute is a shining beacon of sensible conservative and scientific thought. The Institute's work on climate change -- exploding the shoddy methodology and assumptions of the alarmists -- is some of the best in the world. The research it sponsors and the speakers for whom it provides a forum are indispensable if common sense, tradition, and the things that have made this country great are to prevail.

The Heartland Institute is involved in many issues such as climate science, energy policy, education, taxes, etc. It is the premier organization in the world on providing information on global warming (climate change) and energy policies resulting from global warming scenarios. This information has been of great assistance to the U. S. government in providing responses to various alleged global warming threats. President Trump and members of Congress have advisers who are affiliated with The Heartland Institute as employees and policy advisers. In addition, The Heartland Institute mails out monthly or semi-monthly policy papers to about 8000 elected officials throughout the United States.

Dr. James H. Rust, professor of nuclear engineering (ret. Georgia Tech)

The Heartland Institute is doing the all-important work of promoting limited, responsible, government that supports free markets and the rule of law. They are also the world's leading advocate for the true science behind some of the most pressing issues of our times, to include climate change, energy, and environmental quality. I am proud to be one of their advisors and wholeheartedly lend my support their critical mission.

A growing number of today's generation is less concerned about historical facts than they are on today's opinions. The opinion that humans are controlling the Earth's temperature is growing among the uninformed. Today's public has been evolving from facts to opinions. Heartland Institute has for years been the prime example of sticking to facts. We should continue to support that commitment . Walter Cunningham

The Heartland Institute conducts hard hitting, incisive research with a conservative perspective on a wide range of important policy issues. I am honored to be associated with them as a policy advisor.

Great provider of pro-liberty information on a wide range of topics, including education, healthcare, the environment, and state governance. Heartland is very influential among state legislators and boasts an impressive network of academic subject experts.

The Heartland Institute is THE world’s top climate realist think tank. The second best one isn’t even close.

Heartland's courageous willingness to confront spurious conventional wisdom -- and to "speak truth to power" as a counternarrative -- in which it allowed me to pay a role in advocating the gold standard during the Trump transition team -- earns it five stars.

A very important supporter of scientific method and credible analysis of regulatory science, and particularly in relation to climate modeling and catastrophic predictions.

Have been involved with Heartland for years. Great organization, great people who cover education, climate change et al. with scholarship, data and honesty. All of which are in short supply these days.

A great organization with many strengths! They hold some of the most Impactful conferences.

As a long-time energy economist in Canada and a close follower of the work and publications of the Heartland Institute, I always have been impressed by the quality of the analysis done by the Institute and its dedication to both evidence-based policy and adherence to democratic principles. I attended the Institute's 13th Conference on Climate Change in Washington recently. There, I heard several outstanding presentations. In my view, the Heartland Institute is one of the premier public policy think tanks in the world.

The Heartland Institute provides trustworthy, indispensable resources and information about some of the most pressing issues facing civil society today.

I've been using the Heartland Institute's resources for many years.

The most noteworthy thing about that great work is that Heartland tackles really tough, high value-added, controversial issues.

Heartland makes a lot of people mad because they often throw a wet blanket on poorly conceived, politically-correct work such as impending doom, again, from climate change. We need more wet blankets like that.

Heartland develops efficient policy options for real policy options, and they know how to get the word out!!!

Rational, intelligent, wise, caring. A great counterweight to the intentionally misleading hyped up media that fills heads with spin and propaganda. So glad that Heartland is there making sense in a country that is, for want of a better term, gone far astray from where it should be.

Heartland is one of the few organizations that has the courage and conviction to take on the climate alarmists with fact-based analysis. Keep up the good work.

This non-profit provides valuable guidance to policy-makers at low cost with a focus on the values dear to everyday Americans. Their influence is huge compared to their size.

They are expert, smart, tireless and indefatigable.

In the face of massive monied Leftist opposition - they remain strong...and always correct.

Heartland is a great research organization and resource advancing free market ideas and solutions in many important policy areas.
I love their research and know many in and outside of government find it very useful and high impact.
Count me as a longtime Heartland Institute fan. Scott Cleland, Precursor LLC and NetCompetition

I've been a staff member of Heartland at two different periods, and continue to be involved with the organization. It's one of the most effective free market think tanks in the country, and continues to do vital work that helps to shape public policy in all fifty states and on the national level.

Speaking for Heartland conferences is such a pleasure. They are organized, responsive and professional.

Heartland gets to meat of issues with genuine academic research and well-written policy guides. They afford advisors the freedom to pursue their own positions on issues, which further improves the veracity of their work.

¡Heartland Institute is a great non profit because its programs and actions are morally acceptable and its finance administration is transparent and efficient!

In the face of vitriolic allegations and false accusations, Heartland's scholars and staff soldier on in an amazing battle to ensure fact-based policy proposals get a hearing. They stay above the fray and they are quick to lend their experts and expertise to policy organizations in need counsel and research. I am so grateful for their voice of reason in a cacophony of shrill emotionalism.

This is an excellent organization for in-depth analysis of today's policy issues. Their publications are relevant and insightful. Highly regarded.

The Heartland Institute is one of the top free market thinks in the U.S. Heartland brings the key policy issues with market-based solutions to the public in a way that is easy for everyone to understand--the man on the street, legislators and staff, the media, and policy entrepreneurs can understand and use in their own research and communications.

Heartland is your best source for news on school choice!

Heartland is a great organization that focuses on its mission and speaks for (and to) an often ignored voice in America.

Great organization that covers a wide range of issues!

Heartland consistently stands on the right side of issues pertaining to the prosperity of mankind.

The Heartland Institute stands tall for freedom, demonstrating the way that free markets and individual liberty can solve many social and economic problems. They publish well-researched materials at an astonishing pace, bring together people from across the country for informative events, and help policymakers understand the key issues at stake.

The Heartland Institute is a great think tank, consisting of extremely talented and highly-qualified experts. Heartland's experts always publish high-quality research with the utmost integrity and professionalism and are definitely a group to look toward for sound advice regarding public policy.

Heartland does an excellent job discovering, explaining, publicizing, disseminating, and advocating for policy innovations that increase individual liberty and economic well-being while solving social and environmental problems at all levels of government. Heartland practices what it preaches, maintaining an efficient, energized, expert staff on a lean budget.

I find Heartland's publication about the Environmental Protection Agency and fiscal/budget polices most informative and useful. Articles are precise and relevant to the issues of the day. Heartland informs readers of contrary or unreported news in Big Media. It is such an important voice in the Global Warming Controversy where extremists dominate the issue in most major media. Heartland helps save America from their program of shutting down or preventing major infrastructure projects in America. My articles on EPA are on the web if one searches for jon utley EPA.
by Jon Basil Utley, Publisher, The American Conservative

Great effective research and writing on critically important policy issues.

I appreciate Heartland's strong stand against government intervention in general. We must stop our country's slide into socialism. The Institute's pro-freedom stance deserves to be applauded and supported.

Heartland has been very successful in organizing conferences that bring scientists together to discuss energy issues, including Anthropogenic Global Warming.
Heartland has focused on science and data, and on making this information available to the general public.

I've been involved with the Heartland Institute, as a donor, as a member of the board of directors (more than 20 years ago), and currently as a senior fellow, for more than 25 years. It has always been an organization made up of smart, energetic liberty-oriented and reason-guided people and I'm proud to be associated with them. I believe Heartland takes on issues that other places don't address frequently enough and they do it in a way that can appeal to important audiences, such as elected officials who are in positions to make better decisions with better "intellectual ammunition" that Heartland provides them.

Heartland is one of the most effective think tanks in the country. The organization's policy experts, many of whom are nationally recognized scholars, cover a range of topics. But no group has been better at challenging the environmental lobby's narrative, which the mainstream media never seem to question.

For many years, Heartland has courageously resisted the siren calls of statism with the most important weapon there is: the dissemination of the results objective factual inquiry.

Regional think tanks like Heartland, in keeping its community well-informed, in balancing its local interests against the instincts of the national government in Washington to regulate the life of the citizens of 50 diverse states, play a critical role in the Federal nature of the U.S. Constitution and its government.

Its coverage of higher education in particular meets the needs of the quarterly online news digest in which I am engaged: Paideia Times, to stay abreast of developments in the nation's Heartland.

Stanley Stillman

The Heartland Institute is a great source of excellent analysis on a range of public policy issues. It is an invaluable research resource for me and my colleagues.

As a marine scientist concerned with the corruption of scientific standards by political advocacy, I find the the Heartland Institute efforts to have been of great value in bringing to public attention conflicting information and dissenting expert opinion . This has been achieved with remarkable effectiveness and has been especially important in a prevailing climate of uncritical propagation of alarmist claims by mainstream news and censure of conflicting research in leading professional journals through peer review.

The Heartland Institute is true to the principles of freedom and prosperity that made America the great country it is, whether the principles that made America prosperous and free are understood or popular or not. America is the only truly revolutionary country that has been at the cutting edge of freedom and Democracy and spread those principles worldwide to the demise of the monarchies and aristocracies of the Old World, which is what brought then down in the name of true Equality. This is the original Liberalism, which too many uneducated and ignorant of today do not understand. The Heartland Institute is a true beacon of liberty and justice for all, and upholds that beacon to scatter the darkness no matter what winds blow and what storm clouds gather. It is directly because of the work of this brave and faithful Institute that freedom is rising in America today.

The Heartland Insitute represents and defends the conservative values that I feel makes America Great. They stand firmly behind the President and Vice President who have done more to unite this country then any president since Ronald Regan. All you have to do is read the articles that are in their publications to realize they reach out to a very talented array of writers who are experts in important topics of the day. I consider myself a Libertarian and thus a patriot. Their views are made mine.

I have been reading Heartland's newsletters and pamphlets (and monographs) for years, especially on educational matters. They are readable and appropriately balanced in content. They explain an issue clearly and provide a reasonable understanding of the arguments for and against an issue. They contribute to what may be missing in many high school or college classrooms today--the framework for serious, rational arguments about a controversial issue. Sandra Stotsky

Heartland's dedication to the cause of freedom and fairness, despite all the arrows aimed at their back, is something to behold. Each and every person I have had the pleasure of talking or interacting with has been professional and full of integrity.

The Heartland Institute is a true American success story, having grown from one couple’s imagination and foresight to become one of the most important non-political “think tanks” in the country. Its research is careful, its views are untainted, and its people are outstanding. I am proud to be a supporter and unpaid policy advisor of The Heartland Institute, and cannot think of any organization in the country that does more important public policy work.

A relentless search for the truth at a time when it is under an orchestrated attack. The first agency to provide a credible world forum for the climate science that is not heard. No preaching, just the other side and now you make up tour own mind.

Heartland publishes informative, documented policy reports and reference material. Their work on climate change is outstanding, and their voice is one of the few truly "scientific" voices in the cacophony of "consensus" beliefs.

Fairly lean operation that does not throw money around. Turns out a lot of good policy analysis and commentary from a libertarian/free market perspective. High priority giving target for people sympathetic to it's outlook.

I've counted on Heartland to keep be abreast of current developments on public policy issues affecting education, the environment, finance and healthcare. Thanks to Heartland and its fact-based policy studies (complete with footnotes and references), I am considered particularly well informed among my friends and acquaintances.

Heartland's reports are succinct, current and accurate.

Heartland does a terrific job informing the public on matters that are vitally important for the promotion of liberty. The Institute is especially effective in advocating to state legislatures for common-sense policy reforms to health care, education, and the environment.

The Heartland Institute consistently produces top-notch, timely policy analyses on a wide variety of issues. I look forward to receiving their emails and publications each month.

Heartland is now the leading state think tank in helping folks address the debt crisis at both the state and national level. Given the lethargy in Congress in addressing the crisis it is imperative that state think tanks get this message out.

Barry W. Poulson
Emeritus Professor of Economics
University of Colorado Boulder

Excellent center for impartial research in economics and climate science. Great resource for us - academics with available materials for classroom use, internship for students and interesting events at the Heartland HQ.

Very high output--not a lazy strand of hair on anyone's head at Heartland.

a great battle rages today between foundational truths that have made our nation exceptional and those that wish to dismantle it. Heartland stands on the frontline in the battle not only to resist the destruction of American exceptionalism but to build upon it

Heartland is a principled, conservative/libertarian think tank whose first-rate staff and affiliated scholars work hard to provide critical, evidence-based analysis and solutions to public policy issues that have an impact on the lives of Americans. My personal experience with the Heartland Institute have been consistently positive and I look forward to a continued relationship for many years to come.

Heartland works assiduously in spreading news of interest to liberty-loving people around the United States and world. Its publications are well researched and written.

This nonprofit is exceptional at education and policy review and has reliable and trusted expertise in many fields.

The Heartland Institute is a very professional organization. It offers interesting and important programming across a range of disciplines.

Do great research that really helps educate people about important issues such as health care legislation.

Courageous in its research, efficient in its use of resources. I have been a supporter for over 30 years.

I have been involved with the Heartland Institute primarily concerning expanded freedom for patients to make informed choices regarding health treatments. At every level of the organization, Heartland associates are highly motivated, very competent, and work hard to achieve the greater good. A contribution to Heartland will yield a very high return on your investment in America.

No organization in the Midwest United States, and few in the world have done more to promulgate a rigorous and open discussion of important policy issues over the last thirty years.

Roll on, Heartland.

Heartland has a top group of leaders and staffers dedicated to promoting truth in the policy arena. Their studies and conferences employ top researchers and experts to address issues of great importance to the country. I am impressed with their excellent and very influential work. They are an American Treasure.

Quality communications. Professional publications. Good focus on key issues.

Importantly, Heartland has focused on helping states engage and use their constitutional state-rights authority to prevent or upend Congress' imposition of federal laws.

I enjoy reading Heartland Institute's insightful commentary and analysis.

I've used information from articles published by Heartland Institute to inform audiences about problems and issues in education, specifically with common core state standards. I'm grateful for having Heartland as a resource to find credible responses to Progressive claims of having one-size fits all answers for all of the children of America.

Consistently, year after year, the best NGO in the country!

Heartland stands for the timeless principles of individual rights, free markets, private property, and limited government—the principles of a free society. Heartland’s work is honest and worthy of continued support.

The Heartland Institute offers top-notch policy research and insights that's hard to find elsewhere. I find their research to be highly credible and influential, and would recommend their publications to anyone with an interest in public policy.

The Heartland Institute consistently shares information which is not grounded in scientific fact, preferring rather to disseminate the views of fossil fuel interests. They are significantly influenced the the money their donors give, rather than objective, scientific data.

I saw your group mentioned in a good article in the Sunday Tulsa World newspaper. I am an oil and gas well operator in Oklahoma and got the short end of the EPA meaningless regulations on two occasions in the past two years. One was last summer when the sparse grass around oil storage tanks was 4-6" high and the inspector wanted it 2" high. He also fined me for not having a plastic 5 gallon catch bucket on the end of a oil pipe where the truck loads each month. I also had to "clean up" a 2' X 3' area under the pipe where oil has spilled for the past 15 years when the truck connects and disconnects his hoses. This was because that could with a heavy rain have run into a creek 1320' away thru two pastures and a 10% down grade. Really ? I have pictures. I switched out the dirt in the area and put a bucket on the pipe within 3 hours of the inspection but still had to pay $300.00. Mind you I have never had a spill or problem in 15 years. You would think a reasonable inspector would say "fix this today and I won't fine you". Nope. I went along with all the requirements of the inspector and didn't make a stink.
I also got fined $2,000.00 for not having 4" of heavy oil sludge cleaned out of two 200 barrel oil tanks inside a dike that had been shut in for 3 years. The dike is clean and the tanks were technically empty. No spills or problems here in years and years also. No homes within a mile either. But, I cleaned the tanks within 5 calendar days of his inspection and still had to pay the fine. The inspector said if there was a lightning strike the 3 barrels of heavy asphalt substance might catch fire. But again I was not given any time to comply, and none of us have the time to read a big book of regulations to find out where we can get fined. We are safe and responsible because our livelihood depends on it.
I hope Scott Pruitt the new director of the EPA will get rid of this kind of heavy handed stupidity.
Leonard R.
Silvertin Farm Production, LLC
Tulsa, Ok.

You emails keep me apprised of current event in the smaller government movements and are basically conservative which is my preference with all government programs, policies and Constitutional issues. Keep up the good work. From a Tea Party organizer and member who believes government is totally out of control in all areas.

I admire the Heartland Institute for its pursuit of the truth. They bring an important voice to the marketplace of ideas. I can count on their opinions to be well researched and thoughtful. I may not share all of their views, but I do always respect them. For that reason, I have also put my money where my mouth is and made a small contribution. My thanks go to the Heartland Institute for what they do.

This organization scores high on ideology, low on facts and credibility.

"Hahahahahaiii" 's comment was useful to me in that he hung himself. I have a biology degree with geology. I tend to think in units of 1,000 yrs. or more. Climate has changed many times, sometimes drastically in the history of the planet. Is human activity that much of an effect? I doubt it, strongly.

This is the biggest load of BS I've ever seen. It's a bunch of rich Americans trying to get richer by doubting climate change to save the petroleum industry. It disgusts me how inaccurate their articles are and how they try to confuse the public about global warming.

I've been an email subscriber for several years. I find their reporting; their analysis to be spot-on and the most timely, informative alternative to the socio-fascist print and electronic propaganda!! Go HEARTLAND!!

Heartland Institute provides the most reliable information on school choice and climate change of all the organizations I follow. Heartland analysts defend their positions against anyone, any where and any time and rarely are found wanting. By the way, Koch Industries employ more than 50,000 Americans in high paying industrial jobs. For our welfare state correspondents, that alone is reason enough to vilify.

Heartland Institute is a breath of fresh air in the midst of a political culture of silencing critics. It offers opinions not freely expressed in the media. Facts and actual information is so helpful when dealing with the issues of supposed global warming.

I became acquainted with Heartland when I served in the NH Legislature as someone left their newspaper for us in the anti room. Most interesting was the researched articles that gave more information on how laws were being introduced by special interest groups and what facts they may have uncovered. While I always try to read both or many sides of an issue I also like groups who do not go to the pocket book of the taxpayer. So I have continued to read and digest their well researched articles and am hopeful they will continue providing other information.

Heartland is ,for me, is enough reason for Chicago to exist. Most of what comes from the windy city is just wind!
If you value honesty, facts and accurate information Heartland is a must. With so much non-scientific drivel out there Heartland is a island of sanity.
Education, climate and budgetary issues all get an honest treatment with real Austrian economics instead of surreal Keynesian fantasy economics.
A GREAT source of unbiased, factual scientific information for those with enough education to realize the difference

This wonderful organization is a great source of unbiased scientific data that debunks much of the junk science and politically motivated deception that currently masquerades as truth.

If you'd like to know the whole truth and see the big picture, you'll enjoy their work.

If your mind's made up and you don't want your favorite sacred cow deflated by the truth, you may not love them.

I sent $2 each to the Democratic and Republican parties so that I could get their words of wisdom about the other party. Wow. What an eye opener. The words used by republicans to describe the democratic party were spirited, but the words used by democrats to describe republicans were very similar to those used by the Fascist Exposer. I wonder if he writes for them? Logic and facts are not nearly as useful to destroy as stuff you can make up.

The commenter Fascist Exposer apparently does not even read the financial information that Heartland releases on a regular basis. If he or she had, this commenter would know that the allegations in the comment are completely fabricated. Before spouting off next time, how about going to the source to get straight information before repeating falsehoods--if your purpose is to really speak the truth.

I have known the Heartland's founders more than 30 years--before Heartland was even founded. I donate to Heartland because of their integrity and desire to improve the world for everyone, and have found their research to be of top notch quality. It appears that rather than trying to refute their research, those who don't like the information they provide resort to name calling and lies. If their research and information is so factually incorrect, you could easily discredit Heartland by pointing out the specific errors. I'm sure the dedicated folks at Heartland would welcome a genuine dialog in an effort to bring forth the truth. You might want to try it. It would do a lot more to better the world than spewing hatred and lies.

Heartland is a wonderful organization; they stand for unbiased scientific and technical analysis and for personal freedom. That is why I contribute what I can to them, and I wouldn't if I had any question about the integrity of the people behind the organization.

The Heartland Institute is one of the best non-profits for providing accurate statistics and analyses on a variety of subjects. I have personally checked their accuracy on subjects and found them to be extremely accurate. I don't know where this Fascist Explorer gets his or her information. It is certainly not on planet earth.

If you want an alternate view to the liberal newspapers and tv news, This is the place to in which to tune

Professional, Scientific and unbiased, in all presentations and programs.

As an economist and researcher, I find The Heartland Institute is consistently at the forefront of all organizations in providing practical research that promotes prosperity for individual states as well as for the nation as a whole.

As an ordinary citizen and utility rate payer, I am interested in climate and energy issues. Heartland's internet newsletters have been a tremendous source of information and real scientific evaluations to counter the government hype and interference making our utility rates soar for no detectable environmental benefit. Heartland scientists have focused a bright light on fraudulent hype coming out of the UN and the US Government.

I was able to attend the 2014 Climate Conference in Las Vegas. It was so well done, accessible, and affordable for an average person to attend. The lectures and printed materials were invaluable.

Heartland provides a wealth of printed material at no or low cost for us to distribute to legislators and others. They have been a great assistance in helping us develop strategies for working with our legislators and others on energy issues.

Heartland is just a great organization!

As a novelist, I've read numerous Heartland Institute reports for research. My novels, The Carbon Trap and The Carbon Cross incorporate information provided on their outstanding website.

[see two edits below my initial review]

I'm pleased to have the opportunity to offer Heartland info on how the 'industry corrupted skeptic climate scientists' accusation implodes under hard scrutiny, and enviro-activists make a monstrous self-damaging mistake when they think my work implies that I'm on Heartland's payroll.

Heartland itself isn't paid or directed to lie and mislead, they are a bulwark against anti-science, anti-intellectual notions about catastrophic man-caused global warming, and eventually historians will view Heartland for what it is and for the bravery required to do what was needed to be done. Their effort to give skeptic climate scientists a larger voice, and to give people like me the same opportunity to point out fatal faults in the political side of the issue is one that every critical thinker should commend and endorse.

[1/2/15 update: How utterly predictable that someone like reviewer "Fascist_Exposer" would eventually show up here (December 31, 2014) to hurl a literally unsupportable ad hominem attack. This person says Heartland 'claims cigarettes don't cause cancer', insinuates the organization works at the behest of illicitly-received money, and claims outright that its people are racist haters spreading lies. Notice anything missing in that individual's rant? Not a shred of proof to back any of it up. How embarrassing.

While this individual might get a hearty pat on the back from like-minded friends, it is a sure bet that none of them will ever actually look to this person as a source of hard facts to prove any one of the above attack lines. If anything, some of the more level-headed pals this person might have try to offer advice to him or her about the folly of drawing attention to accusations that not one on their side have any chance of proving. And when I say "not one", I mean not one individual from top folks like Al Gore, Naomi Oreskes and Ross Gelbspan, on down to this lowly drive-by attacker. We have a country based on free speech, but surely this person knows that baseless attack carries no weight, and only draws attention to why one side of an issue feels a compulsion to resort to that tactic rather as a first-resort defense of their agenda.]

[ [ 1/8/15 Update: Apparently, the review by "Fascist_Exposer" (December 31, 2014) was so merit-less that it rose to the level of something that the GreatNonProfits administrators deemed to be worthy of deletion, despite having a policy of not deleting negative reviews. Or else that individual chose the option to unpublish his or her review, which if that turns out to be the explanation, speaks even louder about the merits of that person's accusations.] ]

The Heartland Institute does an excellent job of providing a clear-thinking free market perspective in many different policy fields. Joe Bast and his colleagues are conscientious and provide a valuable service by offering clear communication of information that is often not available elsewhere in the same compiled form (that is, unaltered by media forces that selectively omit or distort facts that are inconvenient to their agendas). Heartland's network of policy advisors with relevant expertise add to the substantive content and varied perspectives offered in Heartland's resources.

As a state legislator, I greatly appreciate the research and perspective that I gain from Heartland’s publications. I find several of their publications to be invaluable sources on many subjects that concern our state. The Heartland staff is helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient. Overall, Heartland enables me to be a more informed legislator.

The Heartland institute provides top caliber information that presents complex scientific, economic and medical research, among other fields, in lay terms. I find these pamphlets and books to be outstanding resources that enhance my understanding of fields where I have limited training. They also allow me to communicate their findings in easily understood terms. In an age where even science and medicine have been politicized and distorted, their materials represent a much needed and refreshing alternatives,

At the same time, their luncheon presentations and conferences feature world-class experts in all the fields which they cover. I consider them to be outstanding values.

In short, the Heartland provides outstanding value at a very affordable price.

The Heartland Institute has a fine staff of dedicated individuals and many experts world-wide who reach out to inform and educate thousands of individuals through well-documented research that cannot be disputed, although there are many who try to sully its reputation as an outstanding organization that refuses to back down even when under fire. For through the presentation of facts Heartland gets its message out, especially as it applies to a topic that is of great importance to me, that of Global Warming. Al Gore's rants about the catastrophic results of global warming (climate change) are just rants. Heartland, with the help of many experts throughout the world, has been able to dispute the alarmists cries that global warming is a manmade happening (There has been no global warming for 17 years!) and that CO2 is the culprit, when, in truth, if there is any global warming at all, it is caused by factors present in nature that man cannot control.

For a relatively small organization, The Heartland Institute packs quite a punch. It's excellent newsletters reach thousands of legislators here in the U.S. As such I would rate The Heartland Institute as one of a kind in what it does and its service to mankind. Truth will always win out in the end. Seeking the truth is what the The Heartland Institute is all about as it deals with the issues of education, healthcare, the environment, budget and finance, and so much more!

I look forward to the emails from the Heartland Institute and especially their book review series. These events provide an excellent opportunity to personally interact with people who have done great study within their fields. Keep up the great work.

Heartland Institute provides me with not only the story but, the research behind the story. It is refreshing to find an organization that is not about marketing but about knowledge.

As President of a public policy research institute, I rely on the consistently excellent materials produced by Heartland to inform our efforts in a neighboring state. They are clearly "Five Star" in my book!

Heartland stands tall informing the public with solid research about critical areas: state finances, school choice and 'global warming.' (Consensus science isn't science!) They courageously defend, with research and solid communications, issues the public needs to be informed about.

Their events are always informative and well-run.

The Heartland Institute has been an invaluable source of scholarly information that my family and I have used in research for various projects at school, work and in our community. The articles, speakers and events Heartland provides are exemplary. We have attended discussions with and presentations by scientists, historians, teachers, economists and journalists. We have always been impressed by the level of engagement with the audience.

The Heartland is adept at booking authors who have written books or conducted research about science, history, education, the economy and free markets. We so appreciate their boldness to step beyond the status quo and present a different view with a depth of research on topics like "climate change." When we have attended events at their offices in downtown Chicago, we were also impressed with the staff. They are not only knowledable, they are helpful and friendly as well, providing a a welcoming atmosphere for the community (and excellent food, too!)

I have been associated with the Heartland Institute as a volunteer advisor for the last 9 years. I am expert in the field of global warming and green energy. The Heartland Institute has done a yeoman job of exposing the phony goings on in these areas. They have held numerous conferences on the subject of climate and global warming. These conferences bring together prominent scientists from around the world who have a skeptical view of global warming alarmism.

In these times, people who value individual liberty and personal responsibility are in great need of resources that do not merely echo the old left/right talking points. They need look no further than the Heartland Institute for the valuable research and expert analysis with which to make their case.

There are not very many organizations for which the interests of donors and the desires of the staff and clientele are so closely aligned as are those of the Heartland Institute. Americans who want their donations to advance the cause of liberty can do no better than with Heartland.

From incoming staffers to the CEO, everyone associated with Heartland gives the impression that they have the organization's mission in mind. They seem like members of a happy team, all pulling on the same end of the rope.

In the 1980s, not long after university at Northwestern and University of Chicago, I became an early recipient of Heartland Institute publications. I found them to be intelligent, well researched, well written, and accessible to educated though not necessarily trained indviduals. What a wonderful resource. Now, as a Board member, I find the organization to be as well organized, professional, and efficient as its publications and online content. The organization focuses on state and local government issues, but the content is powerful for everything from individual interest and inquiry to national government policy.

I read Heartland every chance I get. I get a lot of excellent information from this source. It's one of the very best.

As a citizen of this Republic, it's my job to be informed. Finding sources that are trustworthy, have integrity, provide factual information with reliable sourcing and are easily accessible is the only way to be an active well informed member of the American public. Heartland has been above reproach and invaluable to me in the pursuit of being well informed! I am indebted to them for their quality public policy research and outreach.

Heartland is one of my favorite NPOs. They do an outstanding job of keeping the public well-informed and truly excel at researching and presenting critical policy issues to both the general population and legislators alike. They are a first-rate, top-notch organization with an important mission and an exceptionally talented staff. I love and regularly attend all the informative events they offer and appreciate the many resources they provide to ensure an educated populace.

Heartland is at the forefront of the truth and small government movement, staying true to the founders' vision for America, that a life of self-achievement and self-reliance and limited government is best way to live and sustain. Heartland has the courage to take on liberal takeovers of our lives, in several key areas. Kudos to the Heartland Institute in Chicago. Their research papers, conferences and publications are second to none.

As a former 15 year state legislator I know the quality of Heartland's public policy information. It was well research, well written and even handed. Heartland does a great job encouraging thoughtful discussion of the issues that are important to our future.

Heartland keeps getting better with each year as I've watched the depth of research on important topics. One gets a perspective on issues such as climate change that are well written, and they provide me with knowledge hardly available in the typical media outlet.

As a senior member of society, I have worked with a multitude of non-profits over many years. Heartland Institute is one of the best. Their peer reviewed science across several fields has often helped me respond to criticisms in the political arena, the educational arena, and the health care arena. Heartland's ability to attract some of the finest leaders and thinkers in the fields they support is nothing short of extraordinary. Those who, like me, are involved in many fields of endeavor, and regularly write and expound on issues, would be without a great friend should Heartland ever have to close its portal.

Heartlands coverage of issues is an invaluable resource.

I am an attorney in Chicago and work with organizations including non-profits in the education area. Heartland provides great programming and print resources, and I have also attended a number of their events, which are generally well thought out and timely. I would recommend Heartland to anyone working in this space, as well as those interested in other policy issues they handle. The organization appears to be very frugal in terms of managing donor funds.

Fortunately, I've known the Heartland Institute since its first year of business: as an advisor, board member, donor, and beneficiary of Heartland research and services. Heartland has excelled in furnishing state legislators policy research they request as well as policy research on a continuum on issues that remain at the top of most state legislative agendas: public education reform; the environment's impact on society and industry; legal reform; taxation and spending, particularly in local and municipal jurisdictions. In all their policy research, Heartland researchers have painstakingly created the webs of inter-related problems which cause ultimately to strain governmental spending and to cause unemployment, poverty, unfair redistributions of wealth, and corruption at all government levels.

During the years of my Heartland Institute association, I've given the greatest credit to Joe Bast, Founder, and his wife, Diane, an extremely able business executive and publisher in her own right. Over the past ten years they have increased the quality and numbers of the Heartland staff, as evidenced by their products, services, and recognized impact by their primary markets and favorably disposed media.

The Heartland Institute brings a valuable and thoughtful perspective to the civic policy and political dialogue in Chicago. Our community is better for having this institution.

Heartland is a valued asset in the public forum. I have long been interested in school choice as vital to quality parenting and contributing to the development of human capitol. As a life long educator in both public and private schools there is no question that the private option is essential. It is astonishing that this win win option has failed in so many political forums. Perhaps new strategies should be developed.

I was introduced to Heartland by a friend a number of years ago. At the time, I thought that Heartland had some great positions that the rest of the world needed to learn about. Since then I finished law school and became involved in the Federalist Society and my understanding of Heartland became even more clearer.

As an African American, we have been exposed to one thought but I find Heartland refreshing in that it takes me back to my intellectual self.

I came across the Heartland Institute at the CPAC Chicago and was impressed with their mission. Since that time I have been a regular attendee at their book events. The book events are extremely informative and helpful in understanding the public policy and economic challenges and issues facing America.
The Heartland Institute does great work in educating people about the benefits of free market capitalism, economic freedom, and limited government.

I am extremely glad that I discovered this organization and am truly proud to participate in the things they do. Heartland provides a great and valuable service to Chicago, the Midwest, and America. I share their information and tell all my friends about the Heartland Institute at every opportunity and urge anyone who care about individual liberty, limited government, free market capitalism, and economic freedom and progress to join the Heartland Institute.

Sincerely,
Kevin Truitt

As a totally unpaid volunteer legal policy advisor, I thank and support Heartland for providing a public forum for airing, discussing, and debating views on issues essential to the future of ordered liberty and free market economics. In an ocean of leftist groupthink, Heartland stands out as a constantly breaking wave over the bow of unthinking ships otherwise passing in the night on their way to oblivion. If classic liberalism and the democratic republic envisioned by America's founders can yet be saved, then it will be in no small part the result of the dedicated individuals at, and supporters of, the Heartland Institute.

I've been to many Heartland events and have enjoyed every one of them. Listening to Jonah Goldberg talk about liberalism over pizza and beer was like listening to a stand up comedian. Hearing David Kopel talk about his book, "The Truth About Gun Control" was like attending a course in US history. It was fascinating to hear the historical truths about the Second Amendment, what it means to our freedom and the consequences societies face when governments take away the right of self protection. Heartland is a place where truth trumps propaganda. You can count on Heartland to give you the facts about climate change, education, taxation, public employee unions and many other topics that at at the forefront of today's political landscape. I commend Heartland for its steadfast support of free market principles and will continue to support and promote this wonderful organization.

It is important to me to support organizations which defend the ideals I find so important: individual liberty, limited government and peace. Few do it at all in Illinois, but of the few that do tackle this, the Heartland Institute does it in a professional and well delivered manner every time. I believe in and support the Heartland Institute!

As a not for profit research organization promoting free market solutions to public policy problems, Heartland is as true to its mission as any such organization. The research, writing, and education generated by the Institute is of the highest quality and covers the gamut of public policy concerns, from education to fiscal policy to environmental law and so forth. The Institute has marshalled an impressive number and array of scholars and experts across the world in support of its programs and publications. Free market alternatives have a steady and respected voice in Heartland, which is also one of the most prudent and ethical organizations I know of.

Heartland's programs and materials are thoughtful, informative, and well-executed. Its work is much needed.

The Heartland Institute is an awesome organization, with leading edge research and outreach on critical issues like global warming. In fact Heartland has become the expert in debunking the myths and hysteria of global warming. At the same time they work on school choice, eminant domain abuse and others. These guys really are fighting for our freedoms and put our contributions to great use.

The Heartland Institute is a breath of fresh air for any freedom loving, self-responsible individual, who wants to hear the fact based, logically reasoned arguments for a limited government that protects our rights to life, liberty, property; and otherwise, leaves us free to flourish by our own devices. The Institute demolishes the defenders of crony-capitalism (profits at the end of a gun barrel, profits by coercion), demolishes the idea of the nanny state, that controls us from cradle-to-grave, and stands firmly in the corner of the individual entrepreneur, the innovator and human ingenuity, in general. In other words, the Institute defends the average working man and woman from an over bearing government that has lost its way, that has forgotten, because we have individual freedom, we need a limited, rights respecting government; and not the other way around!! Much thanks to the hard working people at the Heartland Institute.

The Heartland Institute is a lively and energetic organization that doesn’t mind a controversy. Both traditional conservatives and classical liberals, or libertarians, will find much to admire in their work.

Heartland represents a deliberative voice in the realm of policy. Their contribution always represents a fresh perspective and one in which news organizations frequently ignore. Classically liberal in scope, Heartland truly shows us how reasoned political opinion and academic freedom should work in general. Their contribution and commentaries, not to mention policy studies, offer a fresh voice to policymakers, that need more information and caution when considering implementing policy and passing laws that inevitably effect all citizens.

As a 29-year-old free-market think tank based in Chicago, IL, The Heartland Institute, headed by the very capable and involved CEO and president, Joe Bast, has every right to bask in its achievements as it promotes free-market solutions to social and economic problems in its six areas of expertise. Each area is staffed by competent and dedicated individuals: Budget, Education, Environment, Health Care, Law and Legal Policy, and Telecom.

Although the Heartland Institute is a relatively small think tank with a full-time staff of only 31 (21 working in the Chicago office), it's reputation as one promoting ideas that empower people has attracted a huge cadre of approximately 235 academics and professional economists who participate in Heartland's peer-review process, while another160 elected officials serve on its Legislative Forum.

Most impressive is that research and commentary on the major issues of the day is not only shared approximately once a week with national, state, and local elected officials, but requests for information are answered in a timely way. It is indeed rare for any think tank or organization to publish and send five monthly public policy newspapers to every national and state elected official in the U.S. pus 8,400 county and local officials, and thousands of civic and business leaders. Besides, The Heartland Institute also produces books, policy studies, and booklets.

Most impressive is that research and commentary on the major issues of the day is not only shared approximately once a week with national, state, and local elected officials, but requests for information are answered in a timely way.

One area in particular has garnered The Heartland Institute world-wide attention (and unfounded derision at the time), that of the environment, and particularly its work on global warming. On September 17th of this year Heartland published the latest report of the Nongovernmental International Panel of Climate Change (NIPCC), titled Climate Change Reconsidered II: Physical Science, produced by an international team of some 50 scientists. Heartland's NIPCC report rightly challenged this year's United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was based on one hypothesis only, that global warming is made-made and must be checked before during irrevocable harm to Mother Earth. Presentations were also made throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Three of the authors were asked by the Chinese Academy of Sciences to present their findings in Beijing.

Education about "Common Core" is also a role Heartland has taken upon itself, which can be characterized as a national takeover of schooling. Joy Pullmann, a Research Fellow at The Heartland Institute has written a wonderful booklet -- The Common: A Bad Choice or America, that has been very useful to me in presenting the ills of Common Core to the board of my School District.

As part of its mission to educate and to inform, very much appreciated are the almost weekly noon time events which feature authors who speak about their published books in a continuing series of presentations called the Heartland Author Series. The most recent event was held on Wednesday, October 30, when Mark Q. Rhoads spoke about his book, Land of Lincoln, Thy Wondrous Story, representing the first new history of Illinois in more than 40 years.

The number and the scope of Heartland's contacts is indeed mind-boggling and begs that this question be asked: "How can so much be accomplished by so few people each and every week?" It indeed takes teamwork and a staff that is dedicated to give their all to promote free market principles which has gained Heartland the recognition and endorsement of Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman, former Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus, constitutional scholar Mark R Levin, and former Senator Jim DeMint who now heads The Heritage Foundation.

President Joe Bast imparts daily a spirit of excellence and cooperation which has propelled Heartland to be recognized world-wide. Credit also goes to Jim Lakely who works tiredlessly as Communications Director of the Heartland Institute to ensure that all that Heartland has to offer is posted in a timely and highly professional manner. Lakely also deals with the media which is no easy task. Heartland was quoted by The Economist in 2012 as "The world's most prominent think tank promoting skepticism about man-made climate change," which is really a badge of honor for The Heartland Institute.

The Heartland Institution is a first-rate think tank that deserves high acclaim and recognition. Anything other than a top rating would besmirch its fine work.

Nancy Thorner, Lake Bluff, IL.

Very impressed with the meticulous research always evident in all of Heartland's publications. We are lucky to have them in Illinois. Their events and speakers are always great. A talented and research-oriented group!

Heartland provides well researched output on important political topics and makes sure that output gets to hundreds of state legislators all over the country. They have a critical free market perspective which balances the bias to big government solutions. Heartland also hosts a wide range of interesting authors to speak at the HQ in Chicago.

As a lifelong Democrat, I find their programs and publications constantly challenging my own biased and thinking. While I may not always agree with them on every issue, I believe their voice for free markets and individual liberty and responsibility are a very important point of view when confronting today's major issues.

Heartland is an experienced organization with tremendous reach, especially among state and local officials nationwide. They cover a broad range of policy issues well, and in depth, while maintaining a consistent philosophical approach across the board. I am particularly pleased their willingness to challenge the mainstream media and the government "science" community on politically unpopular topics like climate change, smoking and similar issues.

Heartland consistently provides thoughtful analyses on important topics and provides a great forum for dynamic, informative speakers to share their ideas with the public. It would be naive to think Heartland only holds a single viewpoint as their speakers and publications serve to foster robust debate by offering clear facts alongside the opportunity to engage with others in exploring multiple sides of each issue.

The Heartland Institute has earned my trust with excellent analysis of policy based on the facts and not radical discourse from the far left or the far right. Keep up the great work!

I have found Heartland to be a knowledgeable and though provoking organization with excellent programs.

Heartland is an excellent organization staffed by exceptionally knowledgeable people. I am continuously amazed by their dedication and commitment to providing comprehensive, well-researched, current information in so many important public policy areas. Their community outreach is beyond compare; I attend their lecture series luncheons regularly and am always impressed by their efforts to bring together a wide variety of quality speakers, all experts in their fields, with the general public. Their publications are highly informative and objectively educational. One of my favorite nonprofit organizations, Heartland is an essential contributor to modern society.

I have admired the Heartland Institute for years - for continuing their courageous efforts to inform the public with responsible data and analysis, despite an ongoing, withering barrage from the left.

The Heartland Institute is a great non profit because it publishes the most up-to-date and accurate public policy information for people through different newsletters and emails. They have great policy analysts who work diligently to bring to the public information that is relevant and useful. It holds a variety of events not only in the Chicago area, and its office, but it participates in other conferences and meetings across the country.

The Heartland Institute is a libertarian leaning think tank. They have done a great public service by exposing the public and the intellectual community to the other side of the global warming debate. Heartland is a small outfit with a budget of about $6 million per year. This is nothing compared to the amount of money deployed by the groups that hysterically promote global warming fear. For example, the Sierra Club has a budget of about $100 million per year. Greenpeace spends over $300 million per year. The Environmental Defense Fund spent $105 million in 2012. The liberal environmental establishment is constantly attacking Heartland by claiming that they are receiving vast sums from the fossil fuel industry to muddle the science behind global warming. The numbers speak for themselves. The Heartland Institute is a highly ethical and constructive organization. They are attacked by people who think that it is an outrage that anyone should question their belief in global warming doom.

The Heartland Institute is a wonderful organization and exceptional in informing state legislators in all 50 states about issues before them--1 million contacts each year! They are highly academic and excellent writers and publishers. They are enormously efficient and donor dollars go a long way.

The Heartland Institute, founded by the Libertarian Koch Bros, is 100% engaged inConservative political activism, specifically:

1.) To misinform the public re global climate warming &climate-related extreme weather and influence lawmakers with a view to derailing any legislation that might regulate better environmental practices by oil companies. Heartland works to protect the business and profits of the Oil & Energy Industries (except Clean & Green energy) for which they have received $millions from such as Koch Industries, Exxon Mobil.
In 2010, BBC reported on "the world's biggest gathering of climate change sceptics, organised by the right-wing Heartland Institute"

2.) To misinform the public regarding the benefits of the Affordable Care Act and negatively influence public opinion, providing Republican lawmakers with support for their continuous efforts to repeal President Obama's health care reform law by promoting its "unpopularity among voters". For this, Heartland is rewarded with underwriting by such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Eli Lily.

3.) To misinform & influence public opinion re the health hazards of tobacco use & fight regulation such as on-pack warnings, for which over the years Heartland has received vast funding from such as Altria, RJReynolds. Funded by RJReynolds & Philip Morris, the Heartland Institute helped kill Clinton's health reform plan...which included a 75c per cigarette pack surcharge to pay for the healthcare overhaul which the Tobacco Industry very much disliked!

The Heartland Institute itself states on GuideStar documentation that its "primary audience is 8,400 local, state & federal officials" and that "50% of them said the Heartland Institute influenced their opinion or LED TO CHANGE IN PUBLIC POLICY" - in other words, in addition to the propaganda campaigns financed by industry third-parties & aimed at voters and key influencers, Heartland reveals its is a glorified lobbying organization. This claim is indeed supported by historical data on record regarding its lobbying on behalf of Big Oil, the Tobacco Industry and Pharmaceutical/Insurers.

Since the IRS states : "In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status."

Given the Heartland's history and its own admission regarding its primary audience and success in "influencing legislation", this organization should be paying taxes in the same manner and at same rate as its Lobbying Industry peers and its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status should be revoked.

For those who missed the news item, the Heartland Institute is the group that sponsored a billboard suggesting that those who believe in global warming are as crazy as the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. The sign was to be the first in a campaign to also include Osama bin Laden, Fidel Castro and Charles Manson. Regardless of their mission, they use some extreme examples to make their point.