Dust in the Light

05/17/12 - Committee on Finance

Justin writes live from the RI Senate Committee on Finance, including Central Falls retirees and a path to MERS.

Senator's Wife Caught Up in RI Licensing

Sen. John Tassoni's wife lacked a license for her day care center, but he won't comment about whether RI's licensing regulations are too burdensome.

Common Sense and the Google Windfall

Using a police windfall award to (possibly) eliminate pension problems may seem like common sense, but when the dynamics of government are considered, Justin suggests rationality goes in the other direction.

State in Decline, Employment in RI Cities and Towns: Richmond

Richmond has the second lowest unemployment in Rhode Island, but its longer term trends are arguably the healthiest.

The High Cost of Mandates, Wind, and Energy

Rhode Island has the seventh highest energy costs, and renewable energy standards are a likely contributor.

State in Decline, Employment in RI Cities and Towns: North Kingstown

North Kingstown's low-for-RI unemployment rate disguises a town that hasn't grown much and now has an historically low number of employed residents.

A Little Perspective on the 38 Studios "Hook"

It is definitely a matter of concern that 38 Studios may cost RI some large portion of the debt that it guaranteed, but Justin suggests a little perspective might be in order to learn from the experience.

One Group Leaving RI: Young, Single, and College Educated

During no period, from 1965 to 2000, did young, single college graduates increase in number in Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Census.

"Did You Know" All Presidential History Points to Obama?

President Obama's staff has been promoting his agenda on the biographical pages of previous presidents.

Backstopping and Insulating Local Pensions via Legislation

Legislation bringing Central Falls and other municipalities into MERS limits pension cuts to 25% and may set precedent for repeated state bailouts.

State in Decline, Employment in RI Cities and Towns: New Shoreham

New Shoreham's March unemployment of 29.5% (not seasonally adjusted) is high by any measure, but it may be more concerning that both summer peaks and winter troughs have been lower than any time since 1994.

Marriage and the Rule of Law

In the name of encouraging more accurate thinking on marriage policy and encouraging concern that methods of imposing it could erode our rule of law, I've offered a quick analysis of Gov. Chafee's executive decree.

State in Decline, Employment in RI Cities and Towns: Narragansett

At 8.5% (not seasonally adjusted) Narragansett's unemployment rate is low, for RI, but the reason is that its labor force adjusts more than usual to gained and lost employment.

Government Second Only to Finance for Fraud

Government and public administration has moved up to 2nd on a list of fraud-prone industries, with health care and education climbing quickly.

Science and Religion Winding Through a Summer's Day

A Portsmouth Institute conference on science and religion, this June, will allow a welcome diversion into weightier matters.