I rarely write about social policy. In terms of public policy I think it generally pales in comparison to the myriad issues we face as a nation. But in thinking about everything on a macro level, you sometimes lose sight of the human component of all policy issues. This morning, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, a … Continue reading
On Friday the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the unemployment report for February. 236,000 jobs were created and unemployment fell to 7.7% (a .2% decrease from January). This is good news for the slowly recovering economy … we think. One aspect that contributed to the lower unemployment rate was a rise in discouraged workers. These … Continue reading
The issue many local school districts and states are now being faced with is whether or not to include student achievement/performance in their respective teacher evaluation programs. Proponents for using student achievement as a teacher evaluation measure, rightfully contend that the new measure will help districts better evaluate their teachers, as well as locate areas … Continue reading
It’s been two years since the contagion effect of the Arab Spring reached Syrian territory. Today, the number of refugees, deaths, war crimes and disappearances are skyrocketing; still, the international community remains silent. The United Nations Refugee Agency reported 1 million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries this week. According to the agency, “around 7,000 to … Continue reading
Figure 1. States position on Medicaid Expansion under the ACA. Via: The Advisory Board Company To expand, or not to expand Medicaid, that is the question. Why are some states skeptical about Medicaid expansion and making the assumption that the “plan is [too] costly?” If the states expand their Medicaid program, they would receive federal … Continue reading
Budweiser’s proposed merger with Corona and Stella Artois was denied in early February by the Department of Justice, but several other big name companies have plans to get together. The big name mergers underway are: Office Depot with Office Max, US Airways with American Airlines, and Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway with Heinz Ketchup. These corporate … Continue reading
For one very simple reason- it’s the right thing to do. Now, in saying that, I really mean that it’s the right move to make. While true altruism is something that exists only in the figments of the most optimistic imaginations, it’s important to note the benefits that the US’ continued investment in Mexico could … Continue reading
On Monday, March 5th the House subcommittee on Energy and Mineral resources conducted a hearing regarding offshore energy potential in the US. Recent debate over the keystone pipeline has occupied much of the president’s attention in terms of energy policy, but there is a very strong push by businessmen and environmentalists alike, pushing for greater … Continue reading
During his State of the Union, President Obama’s call to raise the minimum wage generated enough buzz that congressional Republicans were barely to the steps of the capital building before they were voicing concern. Despite the surging popularity of this proposition, new research suggests that minimum wage increases may not benefit employees as matter-of-factly as … Continue reading
The Venezuelan Comandante and President Hugo Chávez died of a heart attack on Tuesday according to his Communication’s Minister Ernesto Villegas. The rumor of his death was already circulating among Venezuelans in Miami, who have been accusing the government of infringing on their country’s sovereignty for taking decisions from Havana. On Tuesday social media sites … Continue reading
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