A liberal Kentucky blogger this morning displays maddening devotion to the goofy bureaucratic idea that governments can take in tax money, spend it, count it as a loan to itself -- and therefore an asset -- and that none of this carried on at a rapid pace for years and years represents a crisis. And these are the same people who extrapolate a warm month or two into boiling oceans and Canadian tropics.
All this reminds me of gubernatorial wannabe Jonathan Miller and the moribund KAPT program. Keep swinging, guys.
As baby boomers and their children -- with their vast sums of stock market funds -- grow older, the inevitability of private accounts in Social Security scares them silly.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Swept Under The Rug
The federal case surrounding the Fayette County Detention Center isn't getting headlines these days, but it is only getting worse. The liability for taxpayers will eventually be substantial. The biggest surprise is that Mayor Newberry isn't publicly addressing the problem.
It's not like he doesn't know about it.
It's not like he doesn't know about it.
Free Market Health Care? In Kentucky?
The state is working on putting out for bids the health insurance of the 262,000 children covered by Medicaid and KCHIP in Kentucky.
This should get folks upset before, during, and after it saves us some money.
This should get folks upset before, during, and after it saves us some money.
More Fletcher Versus McConnell
Governor Fletcher proposed a tax break for a solid voting bloc and LG Steve Pence responded by saying the state budget surplus really isn't one.
Meanwhile, GOP donors report none of the gubernatorial campaigns are giving out specific polling data.
UPDATE: A Northup poll shows her even with Fletcher and with Harper way behind.
Meanwhile, GOP donors report none of the gubernatorial campaigns are giving out specific polling data.
UPDATE: A Northup poll shows her even with Fletcher and with Harper way behind.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Will Jack Conway Indict Louisville Courier-Journal?
Louisville candidate Jack Conway really, really wants to be Attorney General. Maybe he just wants the office so he can prosecute the Louisville Courier-Journal for "journalistic malpractice."
Alternative Minimum What?
GOP candidate Billy Harper keeps calling the Alternative Minimum Calculation -- actually the LLET -- an Alternative Minimum Tax.
This is brilliant. What's Governor Fletcher going to do, correct him on the name of this insidious tax? Nope. But the General Assembly really should stop taxing unprofitable Kentucky companies.
This is brilliant. What's Governor Fletcher going to do, correct him on the name of this insidious tax? Nope. But the General Assembly really should stop taxing unprofitable Kentucky companies.
"Wage Controls Reduce Poverty," "Bush Lied"
Sen. Barack Obama wants to make it illegal for Republicans to lie in political campaigns and The New York Times loves it.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Health Insurance Give-Aways Cost Too Much
In 2007, Congress is expected to reauthorize the SCHIP subsidy for medical expenses of children in families who don't qualify for Medicaid. No one can seriously think this won't happen, but we could do better. A long-term fix would be to enact the FairTax and allow people to go across state lines to buy health insurance.
Time To Change Debate On Taxes
Fifteen states tax food purchased in grocery stores. Tennessee tops the list with the highest tax rate at 8.35%, and some people there want to get rid of that tax and instead tax incomes. They suggest, of course, that doing so will benefit the poor.
In Kentucky, where we tax incomes but not grocery food, we should go in the exact opposite direction our neighbors to the south are contemplating for exactly the same reason.
A food tax is regressive, hitting low-income earners harder than others. But there is no ripple effect through the economy caused by consumption taxes. The ripples -- a type of multiplier effect -- hit the more vulnerable citizens harder and make upward mobility that much harder. Corporate taxes, however, get passed on through every layer of production and hit the consumer as well. If we really want to help lower-income people with tax policy, we should move away from taxing profits, incomes, and business activity. Taxing consumption only, even at rates that look pretty high at first glance, would cause less collateral damage to our economy.
In Kentucky, where we tax incomes but not grocery food, we should go in the exact opposite direction our neighbors to the south are contemplating for exactly the same reason.
A food tax is regressive, hitting low-income earners harder than others. But there is no ripple effect through the economy caused by consumption taxes. The ripples -- a type of multiplier effect -- hit the more vulnerable citizens harder and make upward mobility that much harder. Corporate taxes, however, get passed on through every layer of production and hit the consumer as well. If we really want to help lower-income people with tax policy, we should move away from taxing profits, incomes, and business activity. Taxing consumption only, even at rates that look pretty high at first glance, would cause less collateral damage to our economy.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Democratic Congressman Apparently Can't Read
Earlier today, Rep. Baron Hill (D-Indiana) said "access to health care is a constitutional right."
Last time I checked, HillaryCare wasn't in the Constitution.
Last time I checked, HillaryCare wasn't in the Constitution.
February GOP Showdown In Jessamine County
Word is circulating that the annual Republican Party of Kentucky Lincoln Dinner in Louisville is completely sold out.
If you haven't gotten tickets, don't worry. If you really want to see the GOP gubernatorial candidates go toe-to-toe, you can head out to the Jessamine County Republican Party Lincoln Dinner on Saturday, February 10 at the Bluegrass Sportsman's Club. The event runs 11 AM to 1 PM.
If you haven't gotten tickets, don't worry. If you really want to see the GOP gubernatorial candidates go toe-to-toe, you can head out to the Jessamine County Republican Party Lincoln Dinner on Saturday, February 10 at the Bluegrass Sportsman's Club. The event runs 11 AM to 1 PM.
Is Dan Rather Doing Crowd Counts For CBS?
Bob Schieffer at CBS would like to see "hundreds of thousands" come out and protest the war, which is his prerogative. Reporting it when it didn't happen, though, is noteworthy.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Hillary Clinton Goes Hard Left On Iraq
Will Cindy Sheehan love President Rodham now that she is demanding Bush surrender Iraq before leaving office?
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.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
One More For The GOP?
Rep. Lonnie Napier looks like he is going to make the gubernatorial primary a foursome in a 1/27/07 press conference at 11:00 a.m. at the Garrard County Courthouse.
Baby, It's Cold Outside
The Weather Channel is busily trying to destroy its credibility by going AlGore on global warming.
Top-rated Lexington meteorologist Bill Meck has said publicly that the Gore version of our self-destruction is bogus. In fact, you can check out his blog, page down to the July 28 entry, for an extensive discussion about the man-made global warming farce.
Top-rated Lexington meteorologist Bill Meck has said publicly that the Gore version of our self-destruction is bogus. In fact, you can check out his blog, page down to the July 28 entry, for an extensive discussion about the man-made global warming farce.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Not Missing An Opportunity To Miss An Opportunity
President Bush is going to propose making individual health insurance coverage tax deductible on federal tax returns.
There is nothing wrong with this idea except that it is a few decades late and a few billion dollars short of having a real impact on anything.
Yeah, color me unimpressed.
If we do nothing else, we should allow tax filers who do not itemize deductions to pay health premiums with pre-tax dollars. Even this, however, doesn't come close to real tax reform.
There is nothing wrong with this idea except that it is a few decades late and a few billion dollars short of having a real impact on anything.
Yeah, color me unimpressed.
If we do nothing else, we should allow tax filers who do not itemize deductions to pay health premiums with pre-tax dollars. Even this, however, doesn't come close to real tax reform.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
Looks like Steve Henry has finally found a running mate and will be running for governor.
Howard Dean, Call Your Office
Lexington businessman Dick Robinson sounded like a pretty nice guy earlier in the month when he talked about running for Secretary of State in Kentucky. He even said his foray into politics was "not a reflection on Trey Grayson" and hoped to continue some of Grayson's innovations.
Today, though, Dr. Dick went Deaniac, earning accolades from the far left when he said:
Here Dr. Dick shows that he is just hopping on the D Train and hoping to ride it all the way to Frankfort. Grayson is one member on the Board of Elections and only votes in the event of a tie. The vote Dr. Dick is talking about was 6-0.
Not the best start for a statewide campaign.
Today, though, Dr. Dick went Deaniac, earning accolades from the far left when he said:
Unlike Mr. Grayson, I will not require a judge’s order to know not to attempt to certify a citizen of Indiana as the winner of a Kentucky legislative election.
Here Dr. Dick shows that he is just hopping on the D Train and hoping to ride it all the way to Frankfort. Grayson is one member on the Board of Elections and only votes in the event of a tie. The vote Dr. Dick is talking about was 6-0.
Not the best start for a statewide campaign.
Liberal Economics Is Contagious
America's left coast is famous for raising taxes. Currently, Washington state is trying again to change its constitution to implement an income tax.
While there is little surprising in a group of politicians digging around for more vote-buying money, a justification for this one almost caused me to spit hot chocolate all over my desk. From the liberal Economic Opportunity Institute:
Did you catch that? They want to create a new $1000 tax so some families -- less than one-third of taxpayers itemize deductions on federal returns -- can reduce their federal taxes by $270.
Washington is one of seven states without a state income tax. I can't imagine any of the others falling for such flimsy reasoning.
While there is little surprising in a group of politicians digging around for more vote-buying money, a justification for this one almost caused me to spit hot chocolate all over my desk. From the liberal Economic Opportunity Institute:
By not having a state income tax, Washington loses its opportunity to take advantage of shifting part of the state’s tax burden to the federal government. Taxpayers that itemize deductions on their federal tax returns are allowed to deduct state and local income taxes from their federal taxable income[3]. For example, if a Washington family in the 27% federal tax bracket pays $1,000 in state income taxes they can deduct this amount from their federal taxable income for a savings of $270. By virtue of the deduction, the federal government has paid part of the family’s state tax bill.
Did you catch that? They want to create a new $1000 tax so some families -- less than one-third of taxpayers itemize deductions on federal returns -- can reduce their federal taxes by $270.
Washington is one of seven states without a state income tax. I can't imagine any of the others falling for such flimsy reasoning.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Saving Detroit One Student At A Time
School Choice is having a huge impact in Detroit. There is no reason to imagine the same thing wouldn't happen here.
Another State Goes For Socialized Medicine
This time it is Pennsylvania.
More details on the plan will be available February 6, but the idea is nothing new -- force people to buy health insurance and make large numbers of people sign up for income-based taxpayer subsidies to pay their premiums. The devil will be in the details of course, but it looks a lot like a garden variety government takeover of healthcare.
More details on the plan will be available February 6, but the idea is nothing new -- force people to buy health insurance and make large numbers of people sign up for income-based taxpayer subsidies to pay their premiums. The devil will be in the details of course, but it looks a lot like a garden variety government takeover of healthcare.
Admitting Guilt In The Newspaper Should Preclude Later Claims of Vindication
I really wanted to stay out of the "Fletcher Critic Tax Flap" story. One-car pile-ups have a way of sitting still to be examined slowly. That is what this was.
But the effort to spin this into some kind of false and malicious prosecution story angered a reader and motivated him to call me.
His point was that even though tax cases usually aren't brought to court after restitution is made, the crime occurred. Should the prosecutor drop the case -- and he probably will -- any gloating and charges of dirty tricks can't go unanswered.
Remember that.
But the effort to spin this into some kind of false and malicious prosecution story angered a reader and motivated him to call me.
His point was that even though tax cases usually aren't brought to court after restitution is made, the crime occurred. Should the prosecutor drop the case -- and he probably will -- any gloating and charges of dirty tricks can't go unanswered.
Remember that.
Conceding Too Many Points To The Left
Governor Fletcher spoke about budget priorities in Richmond on Tuesday, addressing the problem of 550,000 people "without health insurance," lowering college tuition, and spending more on social services and child care.
These are all black holes that taxpayer dollars will never provide enough support to fill. Think about it. Every new program to lower tuition costs leads to more wild inflation. And when are we going to try market-based solutions to expanding health coverage instead of slathering on more mandates and answering those with higher subsidies? And we still haven't figured out that spending more on social services and child care succeeds mainly in generating higher demand for more such "free" services.
The story concludes with most in the audience suggesting additional funds should go to the state retirement plans. This is good. Public employee pensions have to be taken care of first.
The focus on the wrong-headed stuff isn't something Governor Fletcher created and no one expects him to repair such entrenched sentiment. But until we get people off government solutions that we know only make things worse, we will have massive problems with trying to move forward as a state.
These are all black holes that taxpayer dollars will never provide enough support to fill. Think about it. Every new program to lower tuition costs leads to more wild inflation. And when are we going to try market-based solutions to expanding health coverage instead of slathering on more mandates and answering those with higher subsidies? And we still haven't figured out that spending more on social services and child care succeeds mainly in generating higher demand for more such "free" services.
The story concludes with most in the audience suggesting additional funds should go to the state retirement plans. This is good. Public employee pensions have to be taken care of first.
The focus on the wrong-headed stuff isn't something Governor Fletcher created and no one expects him to repair such entrenched sentiment. But until we get people off government solutions that we know only make things worse, we will have massive problems with trying to move forward as a state.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Congressional Dems Next Target -- Wal-Mart?
The Maryland law that was to mandate health coverage for Wal-Mart's employees in that state was found illegal in federal court today.
According to the ruling, there is no way the states can carry out the War on Wal-Mart. It will have to be done on the federal level. Given the weakness of the Democrat agenda so far this year, it isn't unreasonable to assume they may well go in that direction.
According to the ruling, there is no way the states can carry out the War on Wal-Mart. It will have to be done on the federal level. Given the weakness of the Democrat agenda so far this year, it isn't unreasonable to assume they may well go in that direction.
Jody Richards Pre-Announcement Appearance
House Speaker Jody Richards had lunch today in Louisville at Harper's with John Y. Brown III.
By meeting so publicly they are trying to generate buzz for an upcoming official announcement, but they will need Bruce Lunsford there in May to even give Richards another close-but-no-cigar moment.
By meeting so publicly they are trying to generate buzz for an upcoming official announcement, but they will need Bruce Lunsford there in May to even give Richards another close-but-no-cigar moment.
Biggest Tactical Blunder On The Net
Consumers of political information on the internet have grown used to checking out surveyusa.com for free polling data for which others have paid.
You can't do that anymore.
The site is now a pay-only 2008 presidential what-if game.
I hope they are making some money on this, but basically I think they are just destroying their franchise.
You can't do that anymore.
The site is now a pay-only 2008 presidential what-if game.
I hope they are making some money on this, but basically I think they are just destroying their franchise.
Be$hear Auditions For Casino Contributions
Steve Be$hear upped the ante for the pot of casino gambling contributions yesterday, saying casinos would bring $500 million into state coffers.
Outbid was scandal-plagued Senator Ed Worley who made his pitch to be the gambling candidate by promising only $450 million.
Will Jonathan Miller go for $550 million?
Casino interests and the politicians who support them like to tell people there are no public costs associated with operating casinos and that all the revenue will be available for them to spend.
Outbid was scandal-plagued Senator Ed Worley who made his pitch to be the gambling candidate by promising only $450 million.
Will Jonathan Miller go for $550 million?
Casino interests and the politicians who support them like to tell people there are no public costs associated with operating casinos and that all the revenue will be available for them to spend.
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