Getting a Day in Court
Though Washington, D.C. is a town that prides itself on being a perpetual hub of activity, it was still mostly asleep at 5:30am yesterday morning when a small group of people from the Yankee Institute for Public Policy, including myself, lined up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building for a chance to hear [...]
» Read MoreNot a Step Back
Just one day after announcing their plan for the largest tax increase in state history, the administration of Governor Dannel P. Malloy tossed their second stinkbomb when they made it known that they would seek $2 billion in concessions from state employees. The usual suspects from the state employee unions have taken to the microphones [...]
» Read MoreWill Malloy Plan Spur Reform?
In the weeks since Governor Dannel P. Malloy unveiled his budget proposal, the plan has been subject to harsh criticism from all sides. Some have decried the $1.8 billion in tax increases that, on top of the state’s already heavy tax burden, threatens to deter future economic growth. Others have focused on Malloy’s proposed reforms [...]
» Read MoreConcessions a Recipe for Real Reform on Spending?
Both parties have been guilty of overspending. But as the bill for these excesses has come due, it is now time to take a hard look at how government spends money and identify ways for doing it far more effectively. Governor Malloy’s plan should be commended for shifting the focus onto spending reform.
» Read MoreEast Hampton Budget: Compared to What?
The process of adopting a local budget for the coming fiscal year took a giant step this week as the East Hampton Board of Education adopted their $26.61 million education budget. The budget process is, as always, an important discussion because it impacts everyone as taxpayers and as consumers of town services. It is a task made more challenging because when people make most decisions about how to spend their money, they compare the potential purchases.
» Read MoreFreedom Can’t Come Soon Enough to Libya
As the turmoil in Libya has grown and threatened that nation’s copious oil contributions to global petroleum markets, drivers have been feeling the pain at the pump in recent weeks. The price of gasoline has increased by nearly 10% since mid-February and some analysts are even predicting $5/gallon by Memorial Day.
» Read More