On September 16, University of Texas Austin released a study showing that shale gas production releases fewer methane emissions than previously thought. If true, the study’s findings could swing the debate over hydraulic fracturing—a technique used to extract gas from shale formations—in favor of the natural gas industry. In the last five years, developments in … Continue reading
It has been more than two years since the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a Dodd-Frank requirement intended to regulate financial services and to protect Americans from another financial crisis. Despite start-up challenges, lawsuits questioning its legitimacy, accusations that it is too powerful, and the controversial recess appointment of Director Richard Cordray, … Continue reading
Nearly everyone, regardless of personal political beliefs, will agree that President Obama’s stance(s) on Syria has been perplexing. Syria’s conflict began back in March 2011 as a popular uprising during the Arab Spring. As the conflict transformed into a civil war, rumblings grew for international intervention. On August 20, 2012, Obama stated that his red … Continue reading
Since the last election, the national budget has been a sore spot between Republicans and Democrats. Government programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are leading the debates on reducing the national budget. With all the on-going arguments, our politicians seem to be oblivious of a greater threat to the budget. People with Alzheimer’s … Continue reading
Shale gas discoveries has proliferated in the United States as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, a relatively new technology, has allowed an efficient way to extract shale gas, producing a cheaper and cleaner source of energy than coal. The shale gas boom happening in the United States which has resulted in an economy-boosting decrease in gas prices … Continue reading
As a recent college graduate it is hard to ignore the constant increasing cost of higher education. Sure, I may not have to worry about those rising costs now but I have been left with the burden of student loans that I have to repay as I enter into this competitive job market. The question … Continue reading
The State of Indiana has been allowed an exception for one year from the Affordable Care Act and has subsequently denied government incentives to expand Medicaid and has declined to set up an exchange for consumers. This exception is being officially referred to as a health-law “waiver”. This exception was given to Indiana in order … Continue reading
On Tuesday, August 27, the IRS issued its final rule regarding the individual mandate to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The rulemaking formally establishes the IRS requirement for most Americans to be subjected to a financial penalty if an individual does not acquire “minimum essential coverage.” The rule will be published … Continue reading
In the past weeks U.S. Representative Steve King, a Republican from Iowa’s 4th district, has emerged as the leader of the anti-immigration reform coalition in the House. Cantaloupes and drug mules aside, King has become the face of conservative opposition to any proposed reform that includes a pathway to citizenship, or even legal status. King’s … Continue reading
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Many states have implemented minimum wages that are higher than that. But, in most places around the country, the minimum wage is not enough to support a family’s basic needs. This is where the debate over implementing a “living wage” comes into play. The living wage, as the … Continue reading
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