When it comes to state budgeting, it appears that many of our nation's governors are studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's only too bad that their role models are those who focus on the dark arts of deception and deficits. The fiscal trickery of governors across the nation is leading us to a budget disaster independent of the budget problems of Washington that get all the attention.
Time was when Charlie Crist was a model of fiscally responsible government. And sadly, gone are the days when Charlie Crist put the people of Florida ahead of special interests.
The ongoing economic crisis has been a test of leadership not only for the president and Congress, but also for the stewards of America's statehouses. Polls show the public holds the Obama administration in low regard for the tax and stimulus policies at the national level. According to a Cato Institute report released Thursday, however, a handful of governors has demonstrated a better way of managing budgets in tough times.
Will the Republicans really reduce spending if they gain control of Congress? The Republicans have promised to cut spending rather than increase taxes. Their first test may come as early as Dec. 1, when the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (better known as President Obama's deficit-reduction commission) is due to report. The betting is that the commission will recommend a ratio of something close to $3 of spending reduction for each $1 of tax increase. Does this make any sense, and will the Republicans buy into it?
The Supreme Court's upcoming term will include the most emotionally charged freedom-of-speech case in recent history along with the usual assortment of high-profile challenges focusing on hot-button issues such as immigration and prosecutorial misconduct.
Of all the issues being debated in preparation for the District of Columbia's mayoral primary today, education undoubtedly was the most controversial. Teachers are being evaluated for efficiency, trends in test scores are being examined, and D.C. Public Schools is offering bonuses at the slightest signs of improvement. But what if the best remedy for Washington's failed schools were as simple, if politically incorrect, as encouraging religion?
More than four months after pushing through President Obama's health care legislation, Democrats said Missouri voters who overwhelmingly rejected the new law still don't know enough about it.
Gipper appeal has found a new generation: Youthful heartthrob Nick Jonas of Jonas Brothers fame and Grammy-nominated singer Jordin Sparks reveal they are unabashed fans of former President Ronald Reagan.
Major clashes are breaking out between public-sector unions and state and local governments seeking to steady their wobbly books by scaling back employee benefits, pitting labor's political clout against lawmakers eager to avoid raising taxes or cutting programs.
