Record 47 Million Americans Now Receive Food Stamps
Although food stamp participation rates typically increase during a recession, a new study demonstrates that the rate of growth between 2008 and 2012 is unique.
State Medicaid Costs Continue to Outpace Education and Other Vital Services
Medicaid costs continued to rise in 2011, consuming a greater percentage of overall state spending. This was a result of federal stimulus money, heightened health care expenses and increased enrollment.
Commentary: Obama High Speed Rail Plan Officially DOA
Once the initial government subsidies end, states would be left to pay for the mammoth costs of a higher-speed version of the failing Amtrak model.
Proposed High-Speed Rail No Bargain for Louisiana
A feasibility study by Burk-Kleinpeter Inc. and HDR Engineering emphasizes the economic and social benefits of the proposed high-speed rail linking New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Currently under revision, the final report is due March 16. With an estimated 78% probability of having a positive return on investment, the study claims that the value creation…
Cato’s State of the Union Fact Check
The Cato Institute offers interesting commentary on Obama’s State Of The Union speech. Cato Editors provide useful information on tax cuts, the stimulus bill, the budget freeze, and job creation. Read the State Of The Union Fact Check for information on some of the major statements made during Wednesday’s address to Congress.
House Pledges Billions for Jobs…Again
On December 16th, 2009, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a $174 billion piece of legislation intended to boost employment. It provides roughly $50 billion for public works projects and another $50 billion for state and local governments. According to the New York Times, the measure included a “mix of money for highway, transit and…
Rising Unemployment and Questionable Projects Highlight Failures of Stimulus Spending
Months after the passage of the $787 billion economic stimulus package, rising unemployment and questionable projects highlight the problems with stimulus spending. A Department of Labor report disclosed that, “In all, more than one out of every six workers — 17.5 percent — were unemployed or underemployed in October. The previous recorded high was 17.1…
Larry Reed on Louisiana Stimulus
I had planned to comment on this amusing piece from the New York Times, but Lawrence Reed beat me to the punch. As always, Larry’s take is insightful. Another interesting aspect of the article is that it demonstrates a pronounced shift in the media narrative. Now that Bush is out and Obama is in, Louisiana…
The NY Times Knows Best
Recently the New York Times editorialized against Governors Bobby Jindal and Rick Perry for threatening to reject federal stimulus money tied to unemployment insurance. The editorial overlooks a number of key issues. First, the governors are chided for “putting ideology ahead of the needs of their constituents.” The assumption seems to be that everyone in…
Bobby Jindal on Encouraging Growth in Louisiana
Bobby Jindal has recently been in the national news for his opposition to the stimulus plan and his threat to reject large portions of the stimulus plan. But he acknowledges that there is a problem with the economy and that government can do something–Back Off. A couple of days ago, Jindal penned an editorial in…