Well, to give credit where it is due, at least Speaker Richards isn't calling himself the Economics Governor.
Richards "new and exciting plan" apparently consists only of increasing need-based aid to college students. This is exactly the wrong thing to do at exactly the wrong time. Until we dramatically increase graduation standards in Kentucky, we will continue to send unprepared students to college where too many of them are doomed to fail. Giving them more money to do it doesn't accomplish anything. In fact, piling more state aid on our colleges artificially inflates tuition rates for those students who remain after the weak ones wash out. That makes education harder to afford for people who aren't poor enough for the aid.
Seeking to offer universal access to higher education (or Galbraith's "further education") will always have a perverse effect on the demand curve, squeezing middle income students out. What we need is a combination of more merit-based aid to improve our state schools and higher standards to better prepare our children. Until we do one of these, we will keep failing our students. And until we do both we will continue flushing increasing amounts of money down the toilet.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Kentucky Club For Growth Takes First Shot Tuesday
Stay tuned for a major announcement tomorrow from the Kentucky Club For Growth.
State Would Have Zapped Billy Donovan $210,000
As you write out your state income tax check, consider another reason Florida Gator coach Billy Donovan is smiling in sunny Florida.
No state income tax.
If the University of Kentucky had paid Donovan $3.5 million as was rumored to be their offer, the state's 6% cut would have been $210,000.
Don't tell new coach Billy Gillispie, formerly of no-income-tax Texas.
No state income tax.
If the University of Kentucky had paid Donovan $3.5 million as was rumored to be their offer, the state's 6% cut would have been $210,000.
Don't tell new coach Billy Gillispie, formerly of no-income-tax Texas.
A Race To Watch In Kentucky This Year?
Ryan Alessi is right about one thing, the race for governor isn't generating any sparks at all. I don't think it is likely to, either.
But the race for Attorney General is another story. Tim Coleman has emerged with a strong challenge to front-runner Stan Lee for the GOP nomination. The winner will face off against either Jack Conway or his primary opponent Bob Bullock. Bullock has the support of state Sen. Julian Carroll.
Most likely, it will be Stan Lee against Jack Conway.
But the race for Attorney General is another story. Tim Coleman has emerged with a strong challenge to front-runner Stan Lee for the GOP nomination. The winner will face off against either Jack Conway or his primary opponent Bob Bullock. Bullock has the support of state Sen. Julian Carroll.
Most likely, it will be Stan Lee against Jack Conway.
For Dems Debate On KET, Only One Question
Who will not show up?
I think Steve Henry and Jody Richards are the most likely to sit this one out. Otherwise, those who show are just going to agree on issues like supporting the casino industry and wrecking our health insurance market again.
9:40 Update: Well, I was wrong. Steve Beshear and Jonathan Miller were the two who didn't show up. And they were there!
Miller just called his opponents a six-pack and himself Miller Genuine. That's cute if you are running for class president. And Beshear's insistence that casino gambling and "kicking butt" will fix Frankfort falls flat.
I think Steve Henry and Jody Richards are the most likely to sit this one out. Otherwise, those who show are just going to agree on issues like supporting the casino industry and wrecking our health insurance market again.
9:40 Update: Well, I was wrong. Steve Beshear and Jonathan Miller were the two who didn't show up. And they were there!
Miller just called his opponents a six-pack and himself Miller Genuine. That's cute if you are running for class president. And Beshear's insistence that casino gambling and "kicking butt" will fix Frankfort falls flat.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Consider This In The Kentucky Treasurer Race
One very good reason to support Lonnie Napier for Treasurer is that Garrard Judge Executive John Wilson would be certain to replace Napier in the General Assembly.
Did You Ever Think Income Taxes Might Be Illegal?
I found a pretty interesting constitutional case against the 16th amendment, which is the one that made the income tax the law of the land.
We should make presidential candidates answer why the 16th amendment should not be repealed. Forcing this issue is the only way we will ever do more than just whine about our broken tax system.
Pushing to have the 16th amendment repealed through the legislative process or deemed unconstitutional by the judiciary would not yield quick results, but it would make more people think about what we are doing to ourselves with a fatally flawed program for financing our government. But I think once the ball got rolling, it would force the reform issue.
Defending the indefensible makes people say goofy things. While we have so many wannabes on the presidential contender talk circuit, we should encourage them to try.
We should make presidential candidates answer why the 16th amendment should not be repealed. Forcing this issue is the only way we will ever do more than just whine about our broken tax system.
Pushing to have the 16th amendment repealed through the legislative process or deemed unconstitutional by the judiciary would not yield quick results, but it would make more people think about what we are doing to ourselves with a fatally flawed program for financing our government. But I think once the ball got rolling, it would force the reform issue.
Defending the indefensible makes people say goofy things. While we have so many wannabes on the presidential contender talk circuit, we should encourage them to try.
I Love A Good Misleading Headline
The Courier Journal's bold print this morning says "Stumbo respected by both parties."
Then you read the story and see they are only talking about Bob Heleringer. Bob is a casino supporter who used to be a Republican state representative.
Then you read the story and see they are only talking about Bob Heleringer. Bob is a casino supporter who used to be a Republican state representative.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Good News For Them Is Good News For Us
A column on Bloomberg today should give fiscal conservatives great hope for the future of the United States.
A discussion of emerging-market bond funds might be a great cure for your insomnia, but while many of us have slept poor nations in the world have been catching up to us quickly.
It is time to wake up.
The jolt will be tough for a lot of us, but as prosperity and achievement spread throughout the world we will have to cut our patience for counterproductive public policies.
In other words, as the economies of the third world get stronger we will be less able to afford liberal economic policies.
Could we be seeing progress already? Look at how quickly this turned into this.
A discussion of emerging-market bond funds might be a great cure for your insomnia, but while many of us have slept poor nations in the world have been catching up to us quickly.
It is time to wake up.
The jolt will be tough for a lot of us, but as prosperity and achievement spread throughout the world we will have to cut our patience for counterproductive public policies.
In other words, as the economies of the third world get stronger we will be less able to afford liberal economic policies.
Could we be seeing progress already? Look at how quickly this turned into this.
Gatewood Galbraith Scores 12%, Otis Hensley Gets 8% In Latest Dem Polls
Mock polls on college campuses may be a nice teaching tool, but I was surprised to see two candidates -- Jody Richards and Jonathan Miller -- have now issued press releases touting the results.
At least Jonathan Miller printed the raw numbers. It's a whole lot less impressive when you consider them.
At least Jonathan Miller printed the raw numbers. It's a whole lot less impressive when you consider them.
Fred Thompson Pimps Tax Cuts
If he is going write op-eds in the Wall Street Journal calling out the tax-raisers on Tax Weekend, Fred Thompson needs to go ahead and announce for president.
By the way, have you ever wondered how we got the income tax? Good story.
By the way, have you ever wondered how we got the income tax? Good story.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Battle Of The Would-Be State Treasurers
Responding to Melinda Wheeler's suspicious call to shut down the Treasurer's office she is running for, an opponent has called for her to drop out of the race.
In an email statement from his campaign manager, Rep. Ken Upchurch (R-Monticello) said "if Ms. Wheeler does not have anything to add to the office, perhaps she should consider withdrawing from the race."
Another comment attributed to Rep. Upchurch practically guarantees no other candidate for the office will engage this controversy unless absolutely forced to do so. He said what he would do in an effort to compensate for the lack of meaningful duties associated with the Treasurer's office:
The first lesson in a good financial literacy class, though, might say something about not spending too many tax dollars to make a state officeholder with few real responsibilities look busy.
In an email statement from his campaign manager, Rep. Ken Upchurch (R-Monticello) said "if Ms. Wheeler does not have anything to add to the office, perhaps she should consider withdrawing from the race."
Another comment attributed to Rep. Upchurch practically guarantees no other candidate for the office will engage this controversy unless absolutely forced to do so. He said what he would do in an effort to compensate for the lack of meaningful duties associated with the Treasurer's office:
"Down ticket offices can serve the Commonwealth outside of their basic duties with innovative leadership. My plan to increase financial literacy education in our high schools is an example of a forward-thinking platform worthy of this constitutional office."
The first lesson in a good financial literacy class, though, might say something about not spending too many tax dollars to make a state officeholder with few real responsibilities look busy.
A Conservative Looks At Abstinence Education
I have to admit I haven't paid any attention at all to the "abstinence-only" approach to sex education for middle and high school students in public schools.
Now that this report has come out today claiming that such a thing doesn't work, I have to say I don't doubt the report at all.
It is very simple. "Abstinence-only" education works perfectly when two parents who are married to each other start having frank conversations with their children when those children are seven or eight years old. Continuing to hold age-appropriate discussions about members of the opposite sex and what constitutes proper physical contact prior to marriage throughout the teenage years is critical. An intact nuclear family is very important in this process.
As a child of divorced parents, I wish this weren't the case, but it is.
So we are spending $176 million a year in federal tax dollars to start telling 11 year olds in public schools not to have unmarried sex?
What a stupid idea. Sorry, I know liberals have been saying that for a long time. But you guys are so wrong about social issues usually I just tuned it out.
Now that this report has come out today claiming that such a thing doesn't work, I have to say I don't doubt the report at all.
It is very simple. "Abstinence-only" education works perfectly when two parents who are married to each other start having frank conversations with their children when those children are seven or eight years old. Continuing to hold age-appropriate discussions about members of the opposite sex and what constitutes proper physical contact prior to marriage throughout the teenage years is critical. An intact nuclear family is very important in this process.
As a child of divorced parents, I wish this weren't the case, but it is.
So we are spending $176 million a year in federal tax dollars to start telling 11 year olds in public schools not to have unmarried sex?
What a stupid idea. Sorry, I know liberals have been saying that for a long time. But you guys are so wrong about social issues usually I just tuned it out.
Staying Relevant: Bill Frist Says Vote For Fred
Sen. Mitch McConnell escorted Sen. Bill Frist through Kentucky when the former Senate Majority Leader from Tennessee was still considered a potential candidate for president.
Now Frist is carrying the torch for former Sen. Fred Thompson, who Frist is encouraging to run for the White House.
Now Frist is carrying the torch for former Sen. Fred Thompson, who Frist is encouraging to run for the White House.
Richie Farmer Is On The Net
Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has just put up his campaign website. Let's face it, Farmer faces very little chance of losing this year.
But he has talked about running for higher office. He should get ready for the increased scrutiny that goes along with such aspirations.
But he has talked about running for higher office. He should get ready for the increased scrutiny that goes along with such aspirations.
Shutting Down Kentucky Treasurer's Office
The Kentucky Treasurer's office is meaningless and only Jonathan Miller would have missed it these last eight years if it didn't exist.
So why are more candidates -- eight -- running for this office than any of the other down-ticket constitutional offices?
And why am I just getting an email last night from one of the candidates telling me that after three months of trying to tell people what she would do if elected, she has now decided that if she is elected she will push for shutting the office down?
From the email:
Melinda Wheeler hasn't put this on her website yet. A skeptic might be forgiven for wondering if this is just a stunt to revive her campaign. And it is pretty hilarious trying to imagine a candidate struggling for three months trying to answer the most basic question in any campaign. Nevertheless, her Republican opponents should be made to answer whether they agree or disagree with disbanding this office that would serve us better as a part of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Another fun thought would be to get the Democratic candidates arguing with each other about how important the Treasurer's office is to the future of the Commonwealth.
And where is Jonathan Miller on this? What have you been doing with your time these last eight years, big boy?
So why are more candidates -- eight -- running for this office than any of the other down-ticket constitutional offices?
And why am I just getting an email last night from one of the candidates telling me that after three months of trying to tell people what she would do if elected, she has now decided that if she is elected she will push for shutting the office down?
From the email:
"What will you do if elected?" seems like such a simple question.
If the office of Treasurer is significant why is this such a hard question for me to answer? The reason is that the most meaningful duties have been stripped from the office over the preceding decades.
...
As a result, I believe the time has come to eliminate the constitutional office of Treasurer.
Melinda Wheeler hasn't put this on her website yet. A skeptic might be forgiven for wondering if this is just a stunt to revive her campaign. And it is pretty hilarious trying to imagine a candidate struggling for three months trying to answer the most basic question in any campaign. Nevertheless, her Republican opponents should be made to answer whether they agree or disagree with disbanding this office that would serve us better as a part of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Another fun thought would be to get the Democratic candidates arguing with each other about how important the Treasurer's office is to the future of the Commonwealth.
And where is Jonathan Miller on this? What have you been doing with your time these last eight years, big boy?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A Glimpse Into A Universal Health Care Future
If Kentucky elects a governor who pushes mandated health coverage for everyone, it may shake out something like what we are seeing in California.
Jody Richards Press Release: I Won WKU Mock Primary
No, I'm not making it up. Click here to see for yourself.
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