Jon Stewart and the LIBOR scandal.
Guess what? Pension funds are underfunded in part because big BANKERS are playing games with interest rates...they get paid, you don't!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Bill Frist Reminds Republicans They Like Free Markets
In this illuminating piece, Bill Frist highlights the many benefits of the healthcare exchanges being opposed by several Republican governors (Rick Perry, Chris Christie, and others).
He points out that the exchanges were originally a Republican idea. In fact, they plan that was the alternative to "HillaryCare" in the 90s was essentially a state exchange plan. And it was brought forth by Republicans.
It's a good idea because it increases competition and relies on private markets. People choose a plan that works for them and then they pay for it. It breaks down barriers to purchasing across state lines. And, the experimentation inherent in the plan means that we can learn more about what works in health reform.
Obama included the plan as a way to keep costs down as well as to placate Republicans. No matter your feelings about this President, the exchange idea is a good one -- and Bill Frist makes that point solidly.
He points out that the exchanges were originally a Republican idea. In fact, they plan that was the alternative to "HillaryCare" in the 90s was essentially a state exchange plan. And it was brought forth by Republicans.
It's a good idea because it increases competition and relies on private markets. People choose a plan that works for them and then they pay for it. It breaks down barriers to purchasing across state lines. And, the experimentation inherent in the plan means that we can learn more about what works in health reform.
Obama included the plan as a way to keep costs down as well as to placate Republicans. No matter your feelings about this President, the exchange idea is a good one -- and Bill Frist makes that point solidly.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Kentucky's Education Efforts Applauded
Kentucky's education efforts over the past 20 years are noteworthy, says a Harvard report.
The report ranks Kentucky in the top five in the nation for education improvements. The timeframe of the analysis essentially tracks the timeframe since the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990.
Kentucky has done well at moving more kids from below proficient to proficient in key areas and has also shown growth in most subjects at levels above the national average.
In Kentucky's case, reform focused on increased spending and on helping rural schools achieve spending equity as well as an emphasis on high standards for student achievement. There has also been an increased emphasis on teacher and principal training by way of internship programs.
Kentucky has no charter schools and has not moved in that direction. Likewise, Kentucky teachers have not been subject to the reforms in evaluation that have taken hold in other states such as Tennessee.
Meanwhile, in spite of the BEP and of numerous other "reform" efforts, including opening up the state to almost unlimited Charter School operation, Tennessee has not made noteworthy gains in the same time period.
Tennessee has failed to invest in schools along the same lines as Kentucky or North Carolina, two neighboring states which both show significant gains in the Harvard study. Even Tennessee's current reform efforts do not include increased support or pay for teachers and last year, the BEP growth formula was short of expectations, leaving many school districts hurting for funds.
In short, a commitment to investment in schools, support for teachers, and high standards appears to yield results.
The report ranks Kentucky in the top five in the nation for education improvements. The timeframe of the analysis essentially tracks the timeframe since the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990.
Kentucky has done well at moving more kids from below proficient to proficient in key areas and has also shown growth in most subjects at levels above the national average.
In Kentucky's case, reform focused on increased spending and on helping rural schools achieve spending equity as well as an emphasis on high standards for student achievement. There has also been an increased emphasis on teacher and principal training by way of internship programs.
Kentucky has no charter schools and has not moved in that direction. Likewise, Kentucky teachers have not been subject to the reforms in evaluation that have taken hold in other states such as Tennessee.
Meanwhile, in spite of the BEP and of numerous other "reform" efforts, including opening up the state to almost unlimited Charter School operation, Tennessee has not made noteworthy gains in the same time period.
Tennessee has failed to invest in schools along the same lines as Kentucky or North Carolina, two neighboring states which both show significant gains in the Harvard study. Even Tennessee's current reform efforts do not include increased support or pay for teachers and last year, the BEP growth formula was short of expectations, leaving many school districts hurting for funds.
In short, a commitment to investment in schools, support for teachers, and high standards appears to yield results.
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