Gubernatorial hopeful Billy Harper has a radio ad coming out tomorrow that stays on the theme of repealing the the Alternative Minimum Calculation:
"This job killer has taken more than $100 million from taxpayers and given it to politicians."
The snorting pig in the middle of the commercial might have been too much in a state where we like to use dogs in our political commercials, but in this one it works.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Winner Of 2002 Powerball Blew It All
Wasting $113 million in four years is pretty sick, don't you think?
It is interesting that so many of Jack Whittaker's problems seemed to occur in and around casinos. And we want to set our under-educated, over-entertained population loose in gambling houses as a way to finance bigger government in Kentucky.
It is interesting that so many of Jack Whittaker's problems seemed to occur in and around casinos. And we want to set our under-educated, over-entertained population loose in gambling houses as a way to finance bigger government in Kentucky.
Annie, Get Some More Guns
Cities and towns would do well to get serious about fighting crime by promoting gun ownership.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Stan Lee Gets CJ Love
How about this?
The rumors about Rep. Lee running for Attorney General will get a little push from this write-up.
The rumors about Rep. Lee running for Attorney General will get a little push from this write-up.
Greg Stumbo, You Have The Right To Remain Silent
Attorney General Greg Stumbo should consider himself lucky Kentucky doesn't still have a statute on the books that deems adultery a felony.
Michigan's Attorney General, another prosecutor who is a known adulterer, isn't so lucky.
Michigan's Attorney General, another prosecutor who is a known adulterer, isn't so lucky.
Still Eating Our Social Security Seed Corn
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) says the Bush administration needs to get off the idea of Social Security solvency as the top priority of reform and focus on creating a better deal for young people. He suggests this could be an issue in 2008.
Republicans surrendered the high ground when they didn't end the practice of spending the current payroll tax surplus each year. Personal accounts need to happen and will happen eventually, but the argument has likely been too damaged for that to happen very soon.
Of course Pence is right that raising payroll taxes would be a horrible idea. The tragedy is that this even has to been stated.
Republicans surrendered the high ground when they didn't end the practice of spending the current payroll tax surplus each year. Personal accounts need to happen and will happen eventually, but the argument has likely been too damaged for that to happen very soon.
Of course Pence is right that raising payroll taxes would be a horrible idea. The tragedy is that this even has to been stated.
Scary Truth About California's Health Plan
If you have read a little about California's proposal to provide universal coverage, you have probably been misinformed. The plan would not hit the state for much; it is mostly federal money that will finance this monster.
Can Kentucky be very far behind in trying to implement this very dangerous idea?
Can Kentucky be very far behind in trying to implement this very dangerous idea?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
A Glimpse Into Our Future: New Jersey For Sale
The next time someone tells you how casinos will solve Kentucky's budget woes, tell them about this.
And of course the MSM hasn't told you anything about the massive higher education budget cuts in Blue State New Jersey, home of a dozen casinos.
And of course the MSM hasn't told you anything about the massive higher education budget cuts in Blue State New Jersey, home of a dozen casinos.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Jody Richards' Proliferation Of Nonsense
I waited all week for someone else to say something dumber than House Speaker Jody Richards' whopper on Monday in defense of Certificate of Need laws.
It didn't happen.
Bear in mind that every single analysis of CON has determined that by artificially limiting supply of health care services, CON laws cause prices for medical services to go higher than they would with repeal of these laws.
From the Kentucky Tonight television program on Monday night, here is Speaker Richards' comment:
"Since so much of hospital costs are paid by Medicaid and Medicare, I think if you allowed a proliferation of this very expensive technology I think you are going to see in the long run rates go up and I think it is going to be counterproductive. I'm very much in favor of keeping the current Certificate of Need laws."
Proliferation of technology?! What on Earth is he talking about? In what alternate universe does limiting supply lower costs?
With everyone else trying to find ways to lower healthcare costs, it would seem logic might trump partisanship and we could repeal Kentucky's CON laws. Richards is expected to announce a run for Governor soon. Is this the kind of rhetoric we can expect from him between now and May?
It didn't happen.
Bear in mind that every single analysis of CON has determined that by artificially limiting supply of health care services, CON laws cause prices for medical services to go higher than they would with repeal of these laws.
From the Kentucky Tonight television program on Monday night, here is Speaker Richards' comment:
"Since so much of hospital costs are paid by Medicaid and Medicare, I think if you allowed a proliferation of this very expensive technology I think you are going to see in the long run rates go up and I think it is going to be counterproductive. I'm very much in favor of keeping the current Certificate of Need laws."
Proliferation of technology?! What on Earth is he talking about? In what alternate universe does limiting supply lower costs?
With everyone else trying to find ways to lower healthcare costs, it would seem logic might trump partisanship and we could repeal Kentucky's CON laws. Richards is expected to announce a run for Governor soon. Is this the kind of rhetoric we can expect from him between now and May?
UK: Unmarried Bennies To Cost You $633K/Year
The University of Kentucky's effort to become a Top Twenty Research University is obviously on the ropes if their best idea for moving forward is spending tax dollars for their employees to sign up "domestic partners" to their benefit plans.
What a pathetic waste.
What a pathetic waste.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Upcoming Harper Ad Hits Hard
Now this is a real issue worth talking about.
Some in Frankfort say repeal of the AMC tax would be a bad thing. The Bluegrass Institute says the tax is the bad thing.
Some in Frankfort say repeal of the AMC tax would be a bad thing. The Bluegrass Institute says the tax is the bad thing.
"Blogging Mayor" In Illinois A Role Model
Governing Magazine's blog has the story of a small town mayor whose outreach effort is worthy of emulation here.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Mitt Romney In Kentucky
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is coming to Louisville and unlike last time, there is no disaster in Massachusetts that will prevent him from coming.
The then-Governor was scheduled to appear in the Derby City last July to meet with Republicans and talk to legislators about his healthcare plan. Unexpected state business prevented him from appearing, though an aide was on hand to make an uninspiring pitch for universal coverage.
Romney's campaign has been dogged by his evolving positions on some key issues.
The then-Governor was scheduled to appear in the Derby City last July to meet with Republicans and talk to legislators about his healthcare plan. Unexpected state business prevented him from appearing, though an aide was on hand to make an uninspiring pitch for universal coverage.
Romney's campaign has been dogged by his evolving positions on some key issues.
Northup in 2007
So, would Anne Northup be an upgrade in the Governor's Mansion, a downgrade, or just business as usual?
Have to imagine with the former Congresswoman in the race that the field is set. Will the GOP primary be about real issues like fiscal policy and meaninful education reform or, well, not?
For now at least, I am more interested in an upgrade at Attorney General.
Have to imagine with the former Congresswoman in the race that the field is set. Will the GOP primary be about real issues like fiscal policy and meaninful education reform or, well, not?
For now at least, I am more interested in an upgrade at Attorney General.
Democrats Declare War -- On George Bush
Still without a "plan" of their own, Congressional Dems say it is time to expect more from Iraqis. That's just what President Bush said.
There is no reason to believe the anti-war fist-shaking contains any substance now.
I don't believe they will really do anything on this.
There is no reason to believe the anti-war fist-shaking contains any substance now.
I don't believe they will really do anything on this.
Indiana Gambling Expansion On Steroids
Gambling-for-tax-revenue enthusiasts want to put slot machines in 3500 new locations in the Hoosier State.
What's interesting is that even the Louisville Courier Journal sees this gambling revenue deal doesn't work as well as promised.
The last sentence in the editorial -- "There would be more losers than winners." -- is obviously true, but also misses the point. The point is there is far more losing than winning. Taxpayers wind up getting hosed in these set-ups. And the proliferation of illegal gambling is a pretty poor excuse for capitulation to gambling interests. Illegal gambling hits government once when problem gamblers and their families wind up on the dole. Legal gambling hits government twice -- once when families get wiped out and once more when new gambling revenue gets spent on politician-enhancing projects instead of on cleaning up its own mess.
What's interesting is that even the Louisville Courier Journal sees this gambling revenue deal doesn't work as well as promised.
The last sentence in the editorial -- "There would be more losers than winners." -- is obviously true, but also misses the point. The point is there is far more losing than winning. Taxpayers wind up getting hosed in these set-ups. And the proliferation of illegal gambling is a pretty poor excuse for capitulation to gambling interests. Illegal gambling hits government once when problem gamblers and their families wind up on the dole. Legal gambling hits government twice -- once when families get wiped out and once more when new gambling revenue gets spent on politician-enhancing projects instead of on cleaning up its own mess.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Do The Minimum Wage Dance
If your slavish devotion to liberal ideology requires you to support the minimum wage, you really don't want to read this.
Funny Thing Happened To Dem Peace Rally
Congressional Democrats talk tough about how the courageous thing to do is to surrender Iraq to the terrorists, but they can't/won't pull the trigger.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
On Priorities And Polar Bears
Kentucky may not have a Bridge to Nowhere, but we do have a proposed polar bear exhibit at the Louisville Zoo that will not die until it gets $6 million in tax dollars.
Seems like there are a lot of things we could do with that money that would benefit the state more than creating a fake arctic monument to the public welfare.
In fact, the Louisville Zoo would probably benefit immensely from an effort to wean it off tax dollars permanently.
Seems like there are a lot of things we could do with that money that would benefit the state more than creating a fake arctic monument to the public welfare.
In fact, the Louisville Zoo would probably benefit immensely from an effort to wean it off tax dollars permanently.
Avoiding Obvious Solutions On Healthcare
Speacking on last night's Kentucky Tonight program, gubernatorial wannabe Speaker Jody Richards actually spoke in favor of Kentucky's archaic Certificate of Need laws that are proven to keep medical costs artificially high. He even went so far as to decry the proliferation of technology that would occur without the "protection" of CON laws.
Nice.
Nice.
Monday, January 08, 2007
California Scheming
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is talking about a plan that would prohibit his state's insurers from denying health insurance coverage to people based on their health problems.
That's the same great idea that destroyed Kentucky's health insurance market in 1994.
That's the same great idea that destroyed Kentucky's health insurance market in 1994.
How To Turn A Scandal Into Campaign Freebie
Attorney General Greg Stumbo is touting $500 checks car dealer JD Byrider has been ordered to issue to customers. The whole scandal got started when AG Ben Chandler's Louisville consumer office head Bob Winlock got caught arranging special deals for himself on JD Byrider cars.
Nice spinning, guys. I wonder if Winlock got his $500 check yet.
Nice spinning, guys. I wonder if Winlock got his $500 check yet.
This Should Get Them Worked Up
Again, when you hear "embryonic stem cell research," think "government cheese."
No amount of snark will change the facts on this one, guys. The private sector would be all over the embryos if they worked for this kind of therapy. Embryonic stem cell research with taxpayer dollars is a key plank in the Democratic Party platform.
No amount of snark will change the facts on this one, guys. The private sector would be all over the embryos if they worked for this kind of therapy. Embryonic stem cell research with taxpayer dollars is a key plank in the Democratic Party platform.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The Next Counterproductive Wage Fix Scheme
If you have enjoyed watching economic illiterates pimp minimum wage increases as serious policy and get away with it, you are going to love the effort to run women out of academia in the name of "gender pay equity."
More than 100 faculty members at the University of Georgia signed a letter of complaint because a national study released in November showed female faculty at the school receive 85.2% as much pay as male faculty members.
Female faculty at the University of Kentucky are at 82.6% and those at the University of Louisville get 78.5%, so the feminist wackos in the bluegrass have so far missed a fabulous excuse to shriek frantically.
Fixing labor costs based on gender at public universities would be impossible to defend if more than sloganeering were necessary. It isn't, of course, so the opportunity shouldn't stay missed for long.
Have at it, ladies. But don't thank me for the heads up. If we force schools to pay female professors above-market salaries, jobs will become more difficult for them to get.
More than 100 faculty members at the University of Georgia signed a letter of complaint because a national study released in November showed female faculty at the school receive 85.2% as much pay as male faculty members.
Female faculty at the University of Kentucky are at 82.6% and those at the University of Louisville get 78.5%, so the feminist wackos in the bluegrass have so far missed a fabulous excuse to shriek frantically.
Fixing labor costs based on gender at public universities would be impossible to defend if more than sloganeering were necessary. It isn't, of course, so the opportunity shouldn't stay missed for long.
Have at it, ladies. But don't thank me for the heads up. If we force schools to pay female professors above-market salaries, jobs will become more difficult for them to get.
Is Kentucky's Future Growth Urban Or Rural?
With all the bubbling turmoil in the state legislature, one element of contention that deserves more attention is whether we want to keep trying to use tax dollars from urban areas to support rural parts of the state.
If we do, how do we make continued transfers less detrimental to both rural and urban communities?
If we do, how do we make continued transfers less detrimental to both rural and urban communities?
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The War On Terror Is About To Change Shape
The term "nuclear deterrent" has much less meaning in a world teeming with suicide bombers than it did during the Cold War. Our fear of the Russians seems almost quaint now; we knew they didn't want to die any more than we did. We have no such comfort in dealing with our Islamic terrorist enemies.
So when military officials in Israel start talking to journalists about planning a nuclear attack against Iran, it is hard to be very surprised. In fact, after reading this I feel almost a sense of relief that it is coming to this now. A nuclear showdown has been inevitable for some time. It will be awful and it will make things worse. But let's get the show on the road.
So when military officials in Israel start talking to journalists about planning a nuclear attack against Iran, it is hard to be very surprised. In fact, after reading this I feel almost a sense of relief that it is coming to this now. A nuclear showdown has been inevitable for some time. It will be awful and it will make things worse. But let's get the show on the road.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Deep Thought
It occurs to me we are watching Democrats pander to their base as the majority party in Washington because Republicans didn't pander to their base when they were the majority party in Washington.
The same thing could well be about to happen in Kentucky if the Senate Republican leadership doesn't change its tune on getting rid of the AMC.
The same thing could well be about to happen in Kentucky if the Senate Republican leadership doesn't change its tune on getting rid of the AMC.
Stein Named Judiciary Chair
The face of Kentucky's Democratic Party just got a whole lot more liberal. Also, Jody Richards just ended his gubernatorial campaign with this move.
Pelosi's House Sets Up Tax Increases
You won't read about this in the Mainstream Media.
After the Bush tax cuts have brought record-level revenues into Washington, the desire for tax increases can't be about bringing in more money. It is just about control.
After the Bush tax cuts have brought record-level revenues into Washington, the desire for tax increases can't be about bringing in more money. It is just about control.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Top Hog At The Trough
House Budget Chairman Harry Moberly knows how to pack the budget with illegal changes to the law. This is how he plans to cover his tracks.
Feel Good, Do Little At U of L
The University of Louisville is going to get more warm fuzzies in the media with its plan to "fight rising tuition" costs for low-income students than it will ever be worth as an investment of tax dollars.
What this amounts to is putting more students in federal work-study jobs that generally don't involve much in the way of work. A lot of students from moderate or low-income families already figure out a way to get through college. I fail to see how letting a few of them study on the clock at the library instead of getting a job will change much.
What this amounts to is putting more students in federal work-study jobs that generally don't involve much in the way of work. A lot of students from moderate or low-income families already figure out a way to get through college. I fail to see how letting a few of them study on the clock at the library instead of getting a job will change much.
OK, I've Had Enough Of This...
Gubernatorial hopeful Billy Harper's tv ads tout his role in putting together the Kentucky Education Reform Act.
In a press release issued today he does it again, claiming KERA "helped dramatically improve Kentucky ’s education system starting in the 1990s."
Somehow I missed this "dramatic" improvement. Any help?
In a press release issued today he does it again, claiming KERA "helped dramatically improve Kentucky ’s education system starting in the 1990s."
Somehow I missed this "dramatic" improvement. Any help?
Nancy Pelosi Is In Charge Now
To commemorate Rep. Nancy Pelosi's ascension to the office of Speaker of the House, here is San Francisco-based Recliner's monster smash hit from 2004 "Hey Kid."
By the way, if you are looking for some deep political meaning in the song, forget it. One of the band members was my college roommate and I just like the song.
KY Club Takes On CON
Brian Richmond of the Kentucky Club for Growth lays out a solid analogy for why our state's Certificate of Need laws hurt our citizens.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Get Ready For More American Nuclear Power
I missed this one in the Christmas rush: U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said he expects 12 American utilities to file for permission to build 18 nuclear reactors over the next three years.
No new applications have been filed since 1973.
Waste disposal continues to be an issue -- how about the Middle East? -- but this will be a good way to combat rising energy costs. And Ahmadinejad can just eat his heart out, because he has proven himself to be too untrustworthy to be allowed to mess around with nuclear anything.
No new applications have been filed since 1973.
Waste disposal continues to be an issue -- how about the Middle East? -- but this will be a good way to combat rising energy costs. And Ahmadinejad can just eat his heart out, because he has proven himself to be too untrustworthy to be allowed to mess around with nuclear anything.
Income Study Shines Light On Kentucky
Kentucky has the 6th highest percentage of personal income from government transfer payments, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis.
Surely all of us except for Jonathan Miller can agree this is not a good thing.
The best way to decrease our dependence on government largesse is to spur business growth. And that starts with not taxing companies that aren't making a profit.
This shouldn't be so hard when we have a Republican governor and a Republican Senate.
Surely all of us except for Jonathan Miller can agree this is not a good thing.
The best way to decrease our dependence on government largesse is to spur business growth. And that starts with not taxing companies that aren't making a profit.
This shouldn't be so hard when we have a Republican governor and a Republican Senate.
The Virtual Campaign Of John Edwards
The Edwards for President blog ad flashes the words "Iraq. Poverty. Energy. Universal Healthcare. Global Warming. Join Us."
It will be interesting to see how long Edwards or any other Democrat can keep this up. He is trying to build a campaign in 2007 by pretending that it is still 2006. When Democrats were in the minority, they could get away with just throwing rocks. I'm not saying shallow campaign slogans can't win the Presidency, but if Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid can't deliver more than empty promises in 2007 it will be more difficult for Edwards and friends to stay that course in 2008.
So what could be the issue that carries one Democrat hopeful to the nomination for the White House? Probably Universal Healthcare. Watching the various candidates trot out their plans for a government takeover of medicine could be very interesting. I can see it now: Edwards takes the Canadian model, Hillary goes for Belgium, and which way will Obama go?
It will be interesting to see how long Edwards or any other Democrat can keep this up. He is trying to build a campaign in 2007 by pretending that it is still 2006. When Democrats were in the minority, they could get away with just throwing rocks. I'm not saying shallow campaign slogans can't win the Presidency, but if Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid can't deliver more than empty promises in 2007 it will be more difficult for Edwards and friends to stay that course in 2008.
So what could be the issue that carries one Democrat hopeful to the nomination for the White House? Probably Universal Healthcare. Watching the various candidates trot out their plans for a government takeover of medicine could be very interesting. I can see it now: Edwards takes the Canadian model, Hillary goes for Belgium, and which way will Obama go?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Hot GOP Primary Rumor
Washington D.C. sources report a Republican primary challenger to Governor Ernie Fletcher has committed to run and will announce soon.
Stan Lee Wins Whip Slot
Rep. Stan Lee (R-Lexington) has been elected House Minority Whip.
This is a very good thing. We need to get some fiscal conservatism back in the legislature. This move should help.
Update: And the Democrats move Left by electing Charlie Hoffman of Georgetown as Caucus Chairman. Interestingly, defeated Chairman Bob Damron's biggest accomplishment in the legislature was passage of the 2004 fetal homicide bill he stole from Rep. Lee.
This is a very good thing. We need to get some fiscal conservatism back in the legislature. This move should help.
Update: And the Democrats move Left by electing Charlie Hoffman of Georgetown as Caucus Chairman. Interestingly, defeated Chairman Bob Damron's biggest accomplishment in the legislature was passage of the 2004 fetal homicide bill he stole from Rep. Lee.
Kavanaugh On Health Care Costs
Dr. Kevin Kavanaugh of Somerset, chairman of Health Watch USA, makes the case today in the Lexington Herald-Leader for repealing Certificate of Need. As he says, before we try to improve pricing by trading out big corporations for big government, we should try releasing the stranglehold providers have on pricing information.
Repeal of Certificate of Need is a no-brainer for legislators who aren't bought and paid for by hospitals. This should have wide bipartisan support. It's a sorry shame this does not.
Repeal of Certificate of Need is a no-brainer for legislators who aren't bought and paid for by hospitals. This should have wide bipartisan support. It's a sorry shame this does not.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Back Door Benefits Scam Will Fail
Unmarried University of Kentucky employees currently pay $25 per month for full health insurance benefits. If the Rainbow Alliance has its way, these same single employees will be able to add a boyfriend or girlfriend to their plan -- the administrators at UK are spending your money, so they don't care which -- for a mere $221 per month.
The real cost for a single plan is $380 per month. Since the real PPO premium for an employee's spouse and children is $568 ($948-$360=$568) and with the combined credit the total monthly cost of adding a non-spouse partner and children would be only $126 per month ($151-$25=$126), this whole "homosexuals are more creative than straight people" scam really just amounts to clamoring for a $5304 a year sex-based goody($568-$126*12=$5304) per domestic partnership. Being as compassionate as they are creative, the homosexual ones of course don't mind demanding more taxpayer dollars to give the same goody to their less creative, but also unmarried, fellow employees.
House Speaker Jody Richards is basking in the glow of liberal blogger love for now, but when this whole thing is viewed properly as just another money grab, even the politicians in Frankfort will come to their senses on this one.
The real cost for a single plan is $380 per month. Since the real PPO premium for an employee's spouse and children is $568 ($948-$360=$568) and with the combined credit the total monthly cost of adding a non-spouse partner and children would be only $126 per month ($151-$25=$126), this whole "homosexuals are more creative than straight people" scam really just amounts to clamoring for a $5304 a year sex-based goody($568-$126*12=$5304) per domestic partnership. Being as compassionate as they are creative, the homosexual ones of course don't mind demanding more taxpayer dollars to give the same goody to their less creative, but also unmarried, fellow employees.
House Speaker Jody Richards is basking in the glow of liberal blogger love for now, but when this whole thing is viewed properly as just another money grab, even the politicians in Frankfort will come to their senses on this one.
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