Sunday, January 28, 2007
With Brain Drain Myth Gone, Improve Kentucky Higher Ed With Competition
My son graduates high school this year and will very likely receive the maximum $2500 annual KEES stipend for four years of college. The strings attached to the money are supposed to keep him at an in-state school.
It won't work. But new data suggests we need not try so hard to force our students to stay here for school.
Now that it appears we are not experiencing a brain drain, perhaps we should explore improving the educational opportunities of our young citizens by doing away with this provision of the KEES program.
Currently, Kentucky high school graduates can take their KEES money out of state only to participate in programs that aren't available at in-state schools. While it is positive that we can expand our offerings in this way, our economy would probably benefit even more if we allowed students to take KEES money to out of state programs that are available here but are demonstrably superior to those available at state schools.
Armed with the confidence that Kentucky can retain its educated citizens, shouldn't we do even more to ensure they get better preparation?
It won't work. But new data suggests we need not try so hard to force our students to stay here for school.
Now that it appears we are not experiencing a brain drain, perhaps we should explore improving the educational opportunities of our young citizens by doing away with this provision of the KEES program.
Currently, Kentucky high school graduates can take their KEES money out of state only to participate in programs that aren't available at in-state schools. While it is positive that we can expand our offerings in this way, our economy would probably benefit even more if we allowed students to take KEES money to out of state programs that are available here but are demonstrably superior to those available at state schools.
Armed with the confidence that Kentucky can retain its educated citizens, shouldn't we do even more to ensure they get better preparation?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Breaking: GOP Lawmakers Running For Statewide Offices
Rep. Lonnie Napier is running for Treasurer and Rep. Stan Lee is running for Attorney General.
Bloodbath: Dem Gov 2007 Will Be Fun For Sure
Greg Stumbo is running with Bruce Lunsford. What can that possibly lead to except millions of dollars spent on ripping up the eventual primary winner and -- as a bonus -- a trip to the private sector for Stumbo?
Good luck building golf courses with your own money, Greg.
Good luck building golf courses with your own money, Greg.
Friday, January 26, 2007
What Is It About Kentucky College Students That So Offends The Good Folks At AFL-CIO?
Rep. Joe Fischer wants Kentucky's public college students to have a few rights in the classroom and around campus. The Kentucky AFL-CIO voted earlier this month to oppose what seems like a pretty straightforward proposition.
Bush Calls Dems Bluff On War
The same people who are apoplectic that President Bush has dared state "I am the decision maker" on Iraq punt very quickly when he challenges naysayers: "They have an obligation and a serious responsibility therefore to put up their own plan as to what would work."
What Not To Do When No One Shows For Your 8 AM Press Conference -- Candidate Billy Harper
The delivery, setting, and just about everything else around this announcement is a disaster. But is the message the right one?
By the way, I'm told there were three reporters present.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Harper Campaign Blasts Fletcher Over Ford
Billy Harper for Governor campaign manager Stan Pulliam laughed out loud at comments Governor Ernie Fletcher made about Ford Motor Company's financial woes.
"These guys are unbelievable," Pulliam exclaimed in response to public comments from Fletcher that he would try to get state funds for the struggling automobile manufacturer. Ford posted quarterly losses of $5.8 Billion today.
"So they are going to help Ford Motor Company after they tax them for being unprofitable," Pulliam said. "This is a perfect example of why we need to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax."
"These guys are unbelievable," Pulliam exclaimed in response to public comments from Fletcher that he would try to get state funds for the struggling automobile manufacturer. Ford posted quarterly losses of $5.8 Billion today.
"So they are going to help Ford Motor Company after they tax them for being unprofitable," Pulliam said. "This is a perfect example of why we need to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax."
Obama Loves HillaryCare
Who needs Sen. Barack Obama if all he is going to do is agree with Sen. Hillary Clinton and her extreme ideas?
Four years ago, all the Democratic presidential candidates were for socialized medicine. Looks like we are headed in that direction again. Unfortunately, this time Kentuckians should probably be asking gubernatorial candidates of both parties if they will push universal mandated coverage.
The best argument for socialized medicine is that it doesn't kill everyone in Europe and Canada. And if that makes you angry, please read this before responding so we can discuss it.
Four years ago, all the Democratic presidential candidates were for socialized medicine. Looks like we are headed in that direction again. Unfortunately, this time Kentuckians should probably be asking gubernatorial candidates of both parties if they will push universal mandated coverage.
The best argument for socialized medicine is that it doesn't kill everyone in Europe and Canada. And if that makes you angry, please read this before responding so we can discuss it.
One Interesting Thing About Dem Primary 2007
Will all the other candidates eat Jody Richards due to his apparent ambivalence toward casino gambling? Will Richards jump on the bandwagon to avoid being eaten?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
John Kerry Cuts And Runs From 2008 Bid
...and he has a new website to celebrate his courage, wisdom, and foresight.
"Big Ed" Gatewood Should Stick To Smoking Pot
Gubernatorial candidate Gatewood Galbraith has eschewed his support for legalizing marijuana, but when it comes to education policy he might as well keep on smokin'.
Giving a $5000 higher education voucher to every high school graduate might score some points with the income-redistribution crowd, but even trying to contemplate all the ways this is wrong (tuition inflation, overcrowded classes full of unqualified students, worst ROI for any government plan ever, etc.) is a bad trip, indeed.
Giving a $5000 higher education voucher to every high school graduate might score some points with the income-redistribution crowd, but even trying to contemplate all the ways this is wrong (tuition inflation, overcrowded classes full of unqualified students, worst ROI for any government plan ever, etc.) is a bad trip, indeed.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Did Someone Give A Speech Tonight?
President Bush's approval rating is going down after that one.
Enough of this getting along with the opposition stuff. Other than out-flanking the Democrats on the war -- the actual war, not the political fallout -- Bush giving up the farm on the domestic front gives warm fuzzies to someone, but it mainly just wastes precious time.
I wish I hadn't bothered watching the State of the Union. Yuck.
Enough of this getting along with the opposition stuff. Other than out-flanking the Democrats on the war -- the actual war, not the political fallout -- Bush giving up the farm on the domestic front gives warm fuzzies to someone, but it mainly just wastes precious time.
I wish I hadn't bothered watching the State of the Union. Yuck.
Harper Bus Tour Starts Next Week
Gubernatorial candidate Billy Harper says Frankfort is starving for real leadership and that someone who isn't a politician might be better able to lead state government.
"With fourty years in business, I've learned you can get a lot more done if you don't worry about who is getting the credit," Harper said.
The Harper for Governor campaign takes that message on the road next week, crossing the state by bus. Campaign manager Stan Pulliam says the bus tour will continue "for the duration."
Harper's discussion of issues includes cutting taxes and controlling spending. He scoffs at the idea that the elected officials lining up to express their support for either of his opponents will keep his campaign from gaining traction.
"All the endorsements are like pigs running for the trough," he said.
What quickly becomes clear in talking to Harper, however, is that his passion is for improving Kentucky's schools.
"Education is moving forward in Kentucky but not fast enough to keep up with the rest of the world," Harper said.
Harper expresses enthusiasm for changing laws to allow Kentucky students to escape failing schools and take their state funding with them.
"School choice is a great opportunity for creating competition in the school system," he said.
"With fourty years in business, I've learned you can get a lot more done if you don't worry about who is getting the credit," Harper said.
The Harper for Governor campaign takes that message on the road next week, crossing the state by bus. Campaign manager Stan Pulliam says the bus tour will continue "for the duration."
Harper's discussion of issues includes cutting taxes and controlling spending. He scoffs at the idea that the elected officials lining up to express their support for either of his opponents will keep his campaign from gaining traction.
"All the endorsements are like pigs running for the trough," he said.
What quickly becomes clear in talking to Harper, however, is that his passion is for improving Kentucky's schools.
"Education is moving forward in Kentucky but not fast enough to keep up with the rest of the world," Harper said.
Harper expresses enthusiasm for changing laws to allow Kentucky students to escape failing schools and take their state funding with them.
"School choice is a great opportunity for creating competition in the school system," he said.
Hillary's First Cup Of Coffee Lie For Tuesday
Sen. Hillary Clinton is on The Early Show and is lying right out of the gate.
Harry Smith asked her how she could win over any of the Republicans and Independents who dislike her so much and she responded with her first whopper.
"They told me I couldn't win in New York," she said.
I couldn't find any polls that suggested she would do anything but squash any opponent in liberal New York back in 2000.
Harry Smith asked her how she could win over any of the Republicans and Independents who dislike her so much and she responded with her first whopper.
"They told me I couldn't win in New York," she said.
I couldn't find any polls that suggested she would do anything but squash any opponent in liberal New York back in 2000.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Is Miller For Governor First Casualty of 2007?
Jonathan Miller still hasn't filed to run for Governor. To be fair, Greg Stumbo hasn't filed either and Miller is certainly waiting for him to move.
But Miller has been very quiet recently, giving momentum to speculation that he is on his way to the sidelines.
But Miller has been very quiet recently, giving momentum to speculation that he is on his way to the sidelines.
Surprise, Surprise: RomneyCare Busts Budget
State-by-state socialized medicine looks like it is about to be dealt a serious setback in Massachusetts.
McCain Feingold Gets Another Look
While Hillary Clinton was getting ready to escalate her battle for the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court was making plans to restore free speech to federal campaigns.
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