In Addition to Being Cost-Ineffective, Xcel’s Solar*Rewards Subsidy Is Regressive
In addition to being cost-effective—even by solar power’s expensive standards—Xcel’s controversial Solar*Rewards subsidy program is also regressive. That is, it’s a subsidy for the rich, borne disproportionately by the poor. Elsewhere, I discuss how Solar*Rewards program, a far-too-generous subsidy for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, became a political hot potato in Colorado (for a […]
ObamaCare forces insurers to withdraw from markets
“The impact of new rules on health insurance is causing people throughout the country to ‘lose the coverage they have now’ and to have many fewer options. …This leaves customers with fewer options of affordable coverage in an increasingly non-competitive market.” reports Grace-Marie Turner. Read the short paper summarizing the instances so far.
Selling off Assets
Back in 1993, the Antiplanner wrote a report titled Pork Barrel and the Environment warning environmentalists that the federal government could not sustain its current expenditures through 2020. Those who cared about public lands such as national forests and national parks, the Antiplanner advised, should work to fund those land entirely out of user fees, […]
A Constitutional Guide to Fighting Federal Overreach
The Independence Institute presents A Constitutional Guide to Fighting Federal Overreach: A Program for the Grassroots Sunday, May 15, 2011 1:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Community Room Red Rocks Community College 13300 W. Sixth Avenue (West end of Red Rocks Community College, lower level) Lakewood, CO 80228 Park in South lot Campus Map This program […]
Devil's Advocate: Colorado Considers Parent Trigger
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is joined by State Representative Don Beezley and the Independence Institute’s Ben DeGrow to discuss Representative Beezley’s “parent trigger” legislation, which would empower parents to transform a low-performing school into a charter or innovation school. The Wisconsin public employee union showdown also emerges as a topic of conversation.
Public Unions Organize Against Their Fellow Citizens
Some have compared Wisconsin union protesters to the recent Egyptian street demonstrators. Superficial similarities aside, the comparison misses the point. Egyptians protested against a dictator. Union leaders protest against taxpaying citizens.
Colorado Considers “Parent Trigger,” California Parents Struggle to Keep It
A couple weeks ago I told you that the “parent trigger” idea was coming up soon for consideration in the Colorado legislature, and dispelled any idea that it might have something to do with guns or horses. Remember? We’re talking about empowering parents to change low-performing schools so they can improve them. Ok, so now […]
Where is Xcel Hiding the Cost of Wind Power?
Under Colorado’s Renewable Electricity Standard, investor-owned utilities in Colorado must generate 12 percent of their electricity from renewable energy this year. The requirement was 5 percent last year. By 2020, it is 30 percent. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar cost more than conventional energy sources like coal and gas, but Colorado lawmakers sought […]
Preview of PUC Deliberations on Solar*Rewards Program
At 11:00 AM this morning, the PUC will take up Docket No. 11A-135E, “In the Matter of the Application of Public Service Company of Colorado for Approval of a Reduction in the Standard Rebate Offer.” In less lawyerly terms, the hearing is on Xcel’s request to lower solar subsidies. The issue is a political hot-potato […]
The Medicaid Wrecking Ball: it busts state budgets
Peter Suderman at Reason explains Medicaid is busting state budgets: Federal matching funds to states encourage eligibility expansion. More people qualify because of recession, but tax revenues are also down. Even Democrat governors are looking to limit eligibility.
LaHood: Amtrak Makes Money
Speaking in Indiana last week, Secretary of Immobility Ray LaHood said Amtrak’s success shows that American should build high-speed rail. “Amtrak is doing very well,” claimed LaHood. “They’re making money, that wasn’t true a few years ago.” This led BoydGroup, an aviation consulting firm, to say, “This guy is lost in space.” BoydGroup points out […]
Colo. Springs Teachers Union Doesn’t Want to Open Negotiations: I Wonder Why?
The Colorado Springs District 11 school board voted to open union contract negotiations up for public observation, but the Colorado Springs Gazette reports that the CSEA (the local teachers union) has blackballed the idea. Maybe a list of examples of union officer perks built into the current bargaining agreement give a hint why they are hesitant to shine some public light on the process.
