Victory for Transparency: Feeding at DOE’s public trough a little less appetizing
For the last two and half years, the Independence Institute along with other free market energy policy advocates have pounded the drum of transparency and exposed the federal government’s infamous Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee program that rewarded the politically well-connected while costing taxpayers billions of dollars with high profile bankruptcies such as Solyndra […]
Guess No “Vouchers” in SB 213, Really Not Much Backpack Funding, Choice at All
As it rushes through the state legislature, many questions remain about SB 213, the major school finance reform legislation tied to a billion dollar tax hike. A document from Senator Michael Johnston’s office suggested the proposal might include “vouchers” for high school students, but alas it isn’t so. Not only is it not “vouchers,” but the designated funds remain in district control, not student backpacks. I wish the bill had more reform.
Big SB 213 School Finance Bill Hearing Keeps Me Watching, Brings Out Questions
When it comes to the world of K-12 education in Colorado — you know, what keeps my little eyes busy watching — today (this week!) is all consumed in the political debates over Senate Bill 213, the big school finance overhaul tied to a billion dollar tax increase. So I invite you to follow the […]
Transparency in DougCo School District: Toward a Happy Ending to the Story
Update, 3/25: Happy endings don’t usually come so quickly. But just one week later, Dougco has made and received confirmation on a number of online transparency improvements to now receive an A-minus grade. If you’ve followed little old Eddie for any length of time, you know I’m a fan of the following two things: open […]
Court Upholds Teacher Removal: Adams 12 Board Vindicated, Taxpayers Pay
When Colorado and other states pass education reform laws, it’s important to pay attention to what problems are solved and what problems are not. As an example, Colorado’s SB 191, which passed three whole years ago, made some important changes. Effective teacher evaluations soon will be required before earning extra “due process” job protections. How […]
A high tab: NREL’s $135 million toast
I didn’t make up this. The Denver Post lede paragraph in a story about the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is almost laughable: Hooking a toaster oven to a solar panel is not an easy thing, but the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s new $135 million integrated energy facility will able do just that. While it […]
A high tab: NREL's $135 million toast
I didn’t make up this. The Denver Post lede paragraph in a story about the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is almost laughable: Hooking a toaster oven to a solar panel is not an easy thing, but the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s new $135 million integrated energy facility will able do just that. While it […]
Court Upholds School Choice: Alabama Kids Win, Now Why Not Colorado, Too?
A little over a week ago I told you about the brilliant blindside hit for Alabama kids in failing schools and other school choice supporters. Not only did they sack the quarterback for a loss, but the reform team defense forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown! Well, the coaches for the education […]
Eco-left prepares to double down on renewable mandate
By Peter Blake This column appeared originally on Complete Colorado Page 2. When the runners are closing in on the finish line, move the tape farther back. That’s the usual strategy employed by greens when it comes to establishing renewable energy standards for electricity production. It’s a marathon that never ends, and the added cost […]
How CEI and II Toppled EPA Region 8 Administrator James Martin
By William Yeatman In mid-February, EPA Region 8 Administrator James Martin—who previously had served in the Ritter administration as the key facilitator of the Clean Air Clean Jobs Act—announced his resignation. The announcement came as a surprise, as Martin’s tenure at EPA was unusually brief. In fact, only one other (of 9) EPA Regional Administrators […]
Freedom, Not Government, Made America Great
When a columnist in the Lakewood Hub edition of the Denver Post advanced the ridiculous thesis that 19th century American progress was largely due to government programs, I just had to respond. The truth, of course, is that 19th century America was generally a time of minimal government and almost unimaginable (to us) economic freedom. […]
A Colorado Digital BOCES? Leave the Creative Ideas to Innovative Falcon 49
Intriguing. The Colorado Springs Gazette today reports that some of the region’s leading education innovators have proposed a new idea to provide specialized oversight and support to online learning programs: The Falcon School District 49 school board is expected to vote Thursday on a proposal that would create a collaborative education organization that could charter […]
