For release Aug. 31 and thereafter (765 words) Keynesian economists, especially Alan Blinder and Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman, have been stridently outspoken recently about the notion that federal stimulus could destroy jobs. They are most concerned that this view is a threat to sound policy-making and that public opinion is swinging rapidly and heavily toward this conclusion. Some cite the dubious Congressional Budget Office estimates of at least 1.3 million net new jobs created in…

For release Aug. 24 and thereafter (737 words) “Cursive handwriting has been omitted from the Common Core State Standards, the new curriculum standard that more than 40 states adopted last summer.” ~ the Associated Press Beginning this fall, Indiana’s State Department of Education will no longer require public schools to teach cursive writing. Instead, students will be expected to become proficient in keyboarding, a skill, some educators say, that is more useful in today’s world.…

(Richmond, Ind.) – When their city got the nickname “dropout factory” a few years back, retired businessmen Vic Jose and Rick Ahaus decided to do something about it. Four years later, the Third Grade Academy — an intensive summer program for struggling readers — is nudging ISTEP scores higher. It’s also inspired the National Civic League to use its All-America City Awards to spotlight community reading programs nationwide. The academy, funded half by private donations…

For release Aug. 10 and thereafter (682 words) Low wages, earned part-time, are often ridiculed by those who do not have to justify their employment week by week. Most part-timers, though, maintain their skills, work legitimately, report taxable income and contribute payroll taxes. Their meager earnings buy groceries and pay for utilities. For many, part-time work is an entry or bridge to full employment. For others, it is a choice or the next best option.…

For release Aug. 3 and thereafter (680 words) It doesn’t take an economist to spot the common thread in these recent economic development headlines: Chattanooga, Tenn.: “Volkswagen hires 2,000th employee.” July 29 Shreveport, La.: “NJ-based bag manufacturer to build Louisiana plant.” July 28 Decatur, Ala.: “Polyplex to build $185 million plant.” July 21 West Point, Ga.” Kia builds vehicle No. 300,000.” July 7 All four stories have southern datelines. All come from states with right-to-work…

Time sensitive; for immediate release (838 words) The Congress is playing a dangerous political game with the lives of all Americans. Many in Congress will protest that that this is no game and that our children’s future is at stake. But the costs will ramp up well before the burden falls upon our children.  Indeed, the damage has already begun and at this point the issue is damage control, not damage avoidance. Moreover, the costs…

Time sensitive copy; for immediate release (660 words) In 1995 Congress came within one vote of passing a balanced budget amendment. Dan Coats and Dick Lugar voted in favor of the amendment and to this day lament the missed opportunity. “If this amendment had passed and been ratified by three-fourths of our states, we would not be faced with the dire financial situation that exists today,” Coats says. “Since that time, nearly $10 trillion has…