Commentary
Business & Economics
High (Tax) Times in California?
It is going to be a long hot summer in California’s capital as negotiations heat up over what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in late April projected to be a $20.2 billion budget deficit for next fiscal year, starting July 1. Because a two-thirds majority is required to pass the budget, some
Commentary
Study Doubts Benefits of Insurance Regulation
Although the number of state initiatives intended to improve access to affordable health care has been rising, it is not clear what effect the proposed programs will have on the health status of the newly insured population or the population in general, says a report from the American Enterprise Institute.
Business & Economics
The Government’s Scapegoats
With food and energy prices soaring, housing prices collapsing, and the economy sinking into what could be a deep recession, the government has been searching around for villains. The latest scapegoats are speculators, OPEC, and of course, the big bad oil companies. As usual, our government ignores its own role
Business & Economics
Impact – May 2008
PRI Ideas in Action – May 2008 Policy Update and Monthly Impact Report PRI continues to impact public policy in California, the nation, and abroad. Click below to view PRI’s recent contributions.
Business & Economics
Genetic Info Law: A Civil Rights Victory?
Last week, President Bush signed into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which will protect individuals from employer and insurance discrimination based on the results of high-tech gene tests. Fighting discrimination is a good idea, but the lack of opposition to GINA points to some potentially serious problems. GINA
Climate Change
Questions for McCain
Senator McCain, as an across-the-board conservative, I plan to vote for you in November—unless a more authentically conservative ticket emerges or you choose a liberal running mate, such as Mitt Romney. You would be superior to a President Barack Obama in protecting and defending America and promoting free market reforms
Commentary
Will Romneycare Hurt Mitt’s VP Bid?
As I was glassing over the news that I have missed over the last week, I came across this item from May 21 edition of the Wall Street Journal: The New Big DigMay 21, 2008; Page A18 Mitt Romney’s presidential run is history, but it looks as if the taxpayers
Business & Economics
Why rob consumers to reward retailers?
WASHINGTON (Map, News) – A recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found Americans rank the skyrocketing cost of gasoline as their most serious economic concern. The House Judiciary Committee will soon consider a proposal to put more money in the pockets of gas station owners and major retailers, while
Commentary
Massachusetts proves the folly of universal health insurance
Universal health care recently celebrated its second — and perhaps final — birthday in Massachusetts. There’s not a lot of cause for celebration. Although a success in the media and a blueprint for other politicians seeking solutions to health care — including Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton
Business & Economics
Cleaner Environment Not Necessarily in the Bag
Yesterday the Assembly Appropriations Committee was scheduled to consider AB 2058, “Reducing Plastic Bags,” by Lloyd E. Levine, a Sherman Oaks Democrat, which imposes on consumers a recycling “fee” of $.25 per bag. The committee, and all Californians, should also consider some facts about plastic bags and their alternatives. Assemblyman
High (Tax) Times in California?
It is going to be a long hot summer in California’s capital as negotiations heat up over what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in late April projected to be a $20.2 billion budget deficit for next fiscal year, starting July 1. Because a two-thirds majority is required to pass the budget, some
Study Doubts Benefits of Insurance Regulation
Although the number of state initiatives intended to improve access to affordable health care has been rising, it is not clear what effect the proposed programs will have on the health status of the newly insured population or the population in general, says a report from the American Enterprise Institute.
The Government’s Scapegoats
With food and energy prices soaring, housing prices collapsing, and the economy sinking into what could be a deep recession, the government has been searching around for villains. The latest scapegoats are speculators, OPEC, and of course, the big bad oil companies. As usual, our government ignores its own role
Impact – May 2008
PRI Ideas in Action – May 2008 Policy Update and Monthly Impact Report PRI continues to impact public policy in California, the nation, and abroad. Click below to view PRI’s recent contributions.
Genetic Info Law: A Civil Rights Victory?
Last week, President Bush signed into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which will protect individuals from employer and insurance discrimination based on the results of high-tech gene tests. Fighting discrimination is a good idea, but the lack of opposition to GINA points to some potentially serious problems. GINA
Questions for McCain
Senator McCain, as an across-the-board conservative, I plan to vote for you in November—unless a more authentically conservative ticket emerges or you choose a liberal running mate, such as Mitt Romney. You would be superior to a President Barack Obama in protecting and defending America and promoting free market reforms
Will Romneycare Hurt Mitt’s VP Bid?
As I was glassing over the news that I have missed over the last week, I came across this item from May 21 edition of the Wall Street Journal: The New Big DigMay 21, 2008; Page A18 Mitt Romney’s presidential run is history, but it looks as if the taxpayers
Why rob consumers to reward retailers?
WASHINGTON (Map, News) – A recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found Americans rank the skyrocketing cost of gasoline as their most serious economic concern. The House Judiciary Committee will soon consider a proposal to put more money in the pockets of gas station owners and major retailers, while
Massachusetts proves the folly of universal health insurance
Universal health care recently celebrated its second — and perhaps final — birthday in Massachusetts. There’s not a lot of cause for celebration. Although a success in the media and a blueprint for other politicians seeking solutions to health care — including Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton
Cleaner Environment Not Necessarily in the Bag
Yesterday the Assembly Appropriations Committee was scheduled to consider AB 2058, “Reducing Plastic Bags,” by Lloyd E. Levine, a Sherman Oaks Democrat, which imposes on consumers a recycling “fee” of $.25 per bag. The committee, and all Californians, should also consider some facts about plastic bags and their alternatives. Assemblyman
