The common wisdom that outside investment is the start of all productive activity can distort economic policy and political unity.
Forbes columnist Louis Woodhill praises GOP congressional candidate Michael Riley for emphasizing “pro-growth” policies during event in East Greenwich. Woodhill also compares current economic conditions with the Great Depression of the 1930s and identifies Nixon as the “worst president” of modern times.
Video and an off-stage anecdote from Justin’s appearance on 10 News Conference with Bob Plain, hosted by Jim Taricani.
The Current collects the legislative votes in favor of and opposed to the budget article allowing tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.
According to the RI Dept. of Labor and Training, the state is creating jobs, but it looks like they’re going to people out of state.
Justin responds, on GoLocalProv, to those who brush aside the exodus of Rhode Island taxpayers.
RI officials acknowledge, but downplay, the intention to link additional government services to the state’s health benefits exchange. But advocates for smaller government see a pattern in federal and state efforts to make various public payments easier to get.
The latest national unfunded pension liability estimate of $4.6 trillion ought to spark conversation about the meaning (and value) of risk.
Rhode Island taxpayers have been fleeing the state since 2003, bringing their money and productivity with them; the trend can definitely be reversed, but it’s a choice that residents will have to make.
In the quality of life versus business friendliness debate, Justin points out that RI’s paradox ought to make its residents even more outraged.
A policy brief for the RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity finds multiple reasons for the state to pull back from its plans to implement a health benefits exchange and to expand Medicaid.
Ramesh Ponnuru characterizes the mandate tax as a deduction, but that neglects the portion of the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows an overall increase.
Two more points from the lieutenant governor’s press conference, yesterday, raise questions about the direction of health care and about what freedom requires.
The language of NFIB v. Sebelius ultimately requires the mandate tax to be a sort of property tax on one’s body, with a corresponding tax credit applied to income for those who purchase health insurance.
Complete video from the Stephen Hopkins Center’s panel on “Unwinding 38 Studios.”
Justin writes live from the Stephen Hopkins Center’s panel discussion on the 38 Studios deal and its aftermath.
A New York Times mention of Woonsocket’s problems has the state buzzing; Justin suggests that everybody should look a little more deeply into the heart of Rhode Island’s problems.
The economic drag of legal uncertainty surrounding ObamaCare may be resolved with the Supreme Court’s pending ruling on its Constitutionality, but longer-term effects remain a concern.
Reviewing the latest budget in terms of RI’s rankings according to various criteria puts the state’s choice of decline or turnaround in clear terms.
Although enrollment is down in almost every Rhode Island city and town, expenditures have continued to grow at several times the rate of inflation.
Trends in GDP growth for Rhode Island and three other New England states suggest that its general policy approaches during the last decade might be worth reconsidering.
Projections of a sales-tax phase-out in Rhode Island show a stark decision for the people of the state, with a little government restraint yielding accelerated economic recovery.
Channel 10’s Bill Rappleye interviews Justin about hidden profits from tax credit programs.
Addressing city’s pension shortfall, Woonsocket budget commission faces another $7 million annual deficit, addressing $46 million gap over five years.
As public officials debate the appropriate next steps for Woonsocket, the city’s local pension plan provides an example for caution.
Video of Rep. Lisa Baldelli-Hunt moving to recommit S2872, an act authorizing a supplemental tax increase in Woonsocket.
Despite legally residing in Delaware, 38 Studios will be subject to Rhode Island’s $500 minimum corporate tax.
Justin writes live from the House Floor session and Committee on Judiciary. Woonsocket. Campaign finance.
The Current’s long-running review of population and employment data can lead to better understanding of who is being affected by public policy in Rhode Island and how. Part 1 reviews how the cities and towns compare right now.