IRS: Cheapest Obamacare Plan Will Be $20,000 Per Family | CNS News
"In a final regulation issued Wednesday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assumed that under Obamacare the cheapest health insurance plan available in 2016 for a family will cost $20,000 for the year.
Under Obamacare, Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS"
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Dominican prostitute: Senator Bob Menendez 'likes the youngest and newest girls'
Dominican prostitute: Senator Bob Menendez 'likes the youngest and newest girls' | The Daily Caller
"In a little-noticed email published online Wednesday by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a young Dominican woman wrote nine months ago that she slept with 59-year-old New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez at a series of sex parties organized by Dr. Salomon Melgen, a longtime Menendez campaign donor."
"In a little-noticed email published online Wednesday by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a young Dominican woman wrote nine months ago that she slept with 59-year-old New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez at a series of sex parties organized by Dr. Salomon Melgen, a longtime Menendez campaign donor."
School District Reaches Five-Year Contract Preventing Teacher From Leaving the Union
School District Reaches Five-Year Contract Preventing Teacher From Leaving the Union [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The Taylor School District reached a five-year tentative agreement with the Taylor Federation of Teachers that would prevent its union employees from having the option of leaving the teacher’s union, the superintendent confirmed."
"The Taylor School District reached a five-year tentative agreement with the Taylor Federation of Teachers that would prevent its union employees from having the option of leaving the teacher’s union, the superintendent confirmed."
Rezoning proponents asking Muskegon County judge for permission to enter Sappi lawsuit to defend Nov. 6 vote
Rezoning proponents asking Muskegon County judge for permission to enter Sappi lawsuit to defend Nov. 6 vote | MLive.com
"Page, Douglas and other citizens want the property redeveloped with non-industrial uses, such as restaurants, hotels or marinas allowed under the waterfront marine zoning. Page has argued that the city’s master plan called for a non-industrial use of the Sappi property if the paper mill ended operations."
"Page, Douglas and other citizens want the property redeveloped with non-industrial uses, such as restaurants, hotels or marinas allowed under the waterfront marine zoning. Page has argued that the city’s master plan called for a non-industrial use of the Sappi property if the paper mill ended operations."
Plan B: Muskegon County to look at alternative to locating new juvenile center in empty schools
Plan B: Muskegon County to look at alternative to locating new juvenile center in empty schools | MLive.com: "The possible change in approach for finding a location for a new juvenile center will discussed at a public meeting, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, according to Sheriff Dean Roesler and County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.
"The consultants will be presenting to the committee alternative options to the previous options," Hammersley said. "
"The consultants will be presenting to the committee alternative options to the previous options," Hammersley said. "
Study: New E15 gas can ruin auto engines
Study: New E15 gas can ruin auto engines | WashingtonExaminer.com
"Failure of these components could result in breakdowns that leave consumers stranded on busy roads and highways," said the industry report.
Worse: API said the fuel problems--not found in E5 or E10 blends--aren't always covered by auto warranties."
"Failure of these components could result in breakdowns that leave consumers stranded on busy roads and highways," said the industry report.
Worse: API said the fuel problems--not found in E5 or E10 blends--aren't always covered by auto warranties."
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Union bosses clinging to power, revenue in wake of Right to Work
Guest column: Union bosses clinging to power, revenue in wake of Right to Work | MLive.com
Unfortunately, some union bosses are seeking to wage war on their own members, as another leaked memo from Michigan Education Association’s (MEA), Steven Cook, proves.
Cook’s memo outlines a series of tactics to challenge the new law and remove his members’ newfound choice by locking as many school employees as possible into long-term, dues- mandatory contracts before the freedom to work law takes effect on March 23.
He also details how the MEA plans to threaten teachers and other members if they try to opt out of their previously mandatory memberships at any time other than August, which is the only month applications permit resigning from the union.
Way to “represent” and “advocate” for your members, right?
In fact, his memo goes to great lengths to discuss MEA’s strategy for clinging to power, spending member dollars on continuing the ‘right to work’ legal battle while continuing to drain our educators’ paychecks, whether they want to be in the union or not.
It’s no surprise that Cook never discusses how to improve union representation, add value for its members or, heaven forbid, trim the fat. It’s all about the revenue.
Climate-Change Misdirection
Bjorn Lomborg: Climate-Change Misdirection - WSJ.com
"This does not mean that climate change isn't an issue.
It means that exaggerating the threat concentrates resources in the wrong areas.
Consider hurricanes (though similar points hold for wildfire and drought).
If the aim is to reduce storm damage, then first focus on resilience—better building codes and better enforcement of those codes.
Ending subsidies for hurricane insurance to discourage building in vulnerable zones would also help, as would investing in better infrastructure (from stronger levees to higher-capacity sewers).
These solutions are quick and comparatively cheap.
Most important, they would diminish future hurricane damage, whether climate-induced or not.
Had New York and New Jersey focused resources on building sea walls and adding storm doors to the subway system and making simple fixes like porous pavements, Hurricane Sandy would have caused much less damage."
"This does not mean that climate change isn't an issue.
It means that exaggerating the threat concentrates resources in the wrong areas.
Consider hurricanes (though similar points hold for wildfire and drought).
If the aim is to reduce storm damage, then first focus on resilience—better building codes and better enforcement of those codes.
Ending subsidies for hurricane insurance to discourage building in vulnerable zones would also help, as would investing in better infrastructure (from stronger levees to higher-capacity sewers).
These solutions are quick and comparatively cheap.
Most important, they would diminish future hurricane damage, whether climate-induced or not.
Had New York and New Jersey focused resources on building sea walls and adding storm doors to the subway system and making simple fixes like porous pavements, Hurricane Sandy would have caused much less damage."
The 25 Best Quotes From Thomas Sowell
The 25 Best Quotes From Thomas Sowell - John Hawkins
[page]:
"3) "Weighing benefits against costs is the way most people make decisions — and the way most businesses make decisions, if they want to stay in business.
Only in government is any benefit, however small, considered to be worth any cost, however large."
2) "In short, killing the goose that lays the golden egg is a viable political strategy, so long as the goose does not die before the next election and no one traces the politicians’ fingerprints on the murder weapon."
3) "There are no solutions; there are only trade-offs.""
[page]:
"3) "Weighing benefits against costs is the way most people make decisions — and the way most businesses make decisions, if they want to stay in business.
Only in government is any benefit, however small, considered to be worth any cost, however large."
2) "In short, killing the goose that lays the golden egg is a viable political strategy, so long as the goose does not die before the next election and no one traces the politicians’ fingerprints on the murder weapon."
3) "There are no solutions; there are only trade-offs.""
Davos divided on tackling the scourge of obesity
Davos divided on tackling the scourge of obesity | Reuters
"business leaders meeting in Davos can't agree on what they can or should do to address it."
"business leaders meeting in Davos can't agree on what they can or should do to address it."
Big Government 101: Federal Subsidies Create Glut Of College Grads
Big Government 101: Federal Subsidies Create Glut Of College Grads - Investors.com
"A new study finds almost half of Americans with college degrees are working at jobs that don't require one.
It's the latest example of how federal subsidies are creating a massive higher-education bubble.
The study, by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, found that an incredible 48% of college graduates — about 13 million of them — hold jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.
About 5 million have jobs that don't even require a high school diploma."
"A new study finds almost half of Americans with college degrees are working at jobs that don't require one.
It's the latest example of how federal subsidies are creating a massive higher-education bubble.
The study, by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, found that an incredible 48% of college graduates — about 13 million of them — hold jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.
About 5 million have jobs that don't even require a high school diploma."
Stuck in Reverse, Detroit Edges Closer to Bankruptcy
Stuck in Reverse, Detroit Edges Closer to Bankruptcy
"Signs of decline are everywhere - in a rising crime rate, streets without lights and block after block of abandoned buildings.
The murder rate of one per 1,719 people last year was more than 11 times the rate in New York City.
The jobless rate is above 18 percent, more than twice rate for the country as a whole."
"Signs of decline are everywhere - in a rising crime rate, streets without lights and block after block of abandoned buildings.
The murder rate of one per 1,719 people last year was more than 11 times the rate in New York City.
The jobless rate is above 18 percent, more than twice rate for the country as a whole."
The politics of Fitch’s credit downgrade threat
The politics of Fitch’s credit downgrade threat | NetRight Daily
"Except it has nothing to do with any sort of fiscal brinksmanship by congressional Republicans, but because the deficit is not being significantly reduced.
In its statement, Fitch wrote, “In the absence of an agreed and credible medium-term deficit reduction plan that would be consistent with sustaining the economic recovery and restoring confidence in the long-run sustainability of U.S. public finances, the current negative outlook on the ‘AAA’ rating is likely to be resolved with a downgrade later this year even if another debt ceiling crisis is averted.”"
"Except it has nothing to do with any sort of fiscal brinksmanship by congressional Republicans, but because the deficit is not being significantly reduced.
In its statement, Fitch wrote, “In the absence of an agreed and credible medium-term deficit reduction plan that would be consistent with sustaining the economic recovery and restoring confidence in the long-run sustainability of U.S. public finances, the current negative outlook on the ‘AAA’ rating is likely to be resolved with a downgrade later this year even if another debt ceiling crisis is averted.”"
10 serious downtown Muskegon plans..........
Heard on the Street: 10 serious downtown Muskegon plans, Cutler family legacy and, what's this, possible Sappi sale | MLive.com
• Downtown convention center. In the next two years, I predict that serious conversation and planning will again be under way on a modest-sized convention center space for larger gatherings and exhibitions. The owners of the Shoreline Inn are extremely interested in such a development.
• Relocation of the Farmer’s Market. Yes, that controversial idea of moving the city’s beloved market from Yuba Street to a new facility in the heart of the downtown is gaining momentum behind the scenes as fundraising for what I think is an eye-popping design is under way."
• Downtown convention center. In the next two years, I predict that serious conversation and planning will again be under way on a modest-sized convention center space for larger gatherings and exhibitions. The owners of the Shoreline Inn are extremely interested in such a development.
• Relocation of the Farmer’s Market. Yes, that controversial idea of moving the city’s beloved market from Yuba Street to a new facility in the heart of the downtown is gaining momentum behind the scenes as fundraising for what I think is an eye-popping design is under way."
Monday, January 28, 2013
University Union Wants Contract Through 2023 To Avoid Right-to-Work Law
University Union Wants Contract Through 2023 To Avoid Right-to-Work Law [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"With a year left on its contract, the Western Michigan University's professors' union is trying to get a 9-year extension done by the March deadline that would give union members the right to not pay dues or fees as a condition of employment at the school.
That would lock everyone represented by that union into paying dues or fees until 2023."
"With a year left on its contract, the Western Michigan University's professors' union is trying to get a 9-year extension done by the March deadline that would give union members the right to not pay dues or fees as a condition of employment at the school.
That would lock everyone represented by that union into paying dues or fees until 2023."
Pontiac residents to pay $141 sanitation fee
Pontiac residents to pay $141 sanitation fee | Crain's Detroit Business
" A city official says Pontiac is issuing a $141.59-per-household sanitation fee on winter tax bills.
Finance Director John Naglick told The Oakland Press that the fee is necessary because of a shortfall in the sanitation fund and the city's shrinking tax base.
He said it's "really indicative of the fact that our taxable value has fallen so greatly in Pontiac, so we're not bringing in enough from the sanitation millage to cover the $4.4 million in expenses.""
" A city official says Pontiac is issuing a $141.59-per-household sanitation fee on winter tax bills.
Finance Director John Naglick told The Oakland Press that the fee is necessary because of a shortfall in the sanitation fund and the city's shrinking tax base.
He said it's "really indicative of the fact that our taxable value has fallen so greatly in Pontiac, so we're not bringing in enough from the sanitation millage to cover the $4.4 million in expenses.""
World is right to worry about US debt
World is right to worry about US debt - FT.com
"For example, as its share of global gross domestic product shrinks from about 20 per cent today to as little as 10 per cent in five decades, should it try to continue to play the role of global policeman?
The US spends more than 4 per cent of GDP a year on defence, roughly twice the global average."
"For example, as its share of global gross domestic product shrinks from about 20 per cent today to as little as 10 per cent in five decades, should it try to continue to play the role of global policeman?
The US spends more than 4 per cent of GDP a year on defence, roughly twice the global average."
Big Labor is in big trouble
Big Labor is in big trouble | NetRight Daily
"The stunning drop in private sector labor union membership over the past ten years parallels organized labor’s decision to engage in massive political expenditures designed to elect supposed pro-labor candidates to office."
"The stunning drop in private sector labor union membership over the past ten years parallels organized labor’s decision to engage in massive political expenditures designed to elect supposed pro-labor candidates to office."
Fannie To Allow Walkaways by On-Time Borrowers: Mortgages
Fannie To Allow Walkaways by On-Time Borrowers: Mortgages - Bloomberg
Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac will let some borrowers who kept up payments as their homes lost value erase their debts by giving up the properties, helping Americans escape underwater loans while adding to losses at the mortgage giants bailed out with $190 billion of taxpayer money.
Non-delinquent borrowers with illness, job changes or other reasons they need to move will become eligible in March to apply for a so-called deed-in-lieu transaction that erases the shortfall between a property’s value and the size of its mortgage.
Beatles Tribute Band Invades Muskegon
Beatles Tribute Band Invades Muskegon
"The American Red Cross is pleased to welcome 1964: The Tribute to Muskegon on Friday, February 15, 2013.
The world’s best Beatles tribute band will take their audience on a fantastic trip back to the era of the rock legends who will live in our hearts forever.
This trip down memory lane (or is it Penny Lane?) will start at 8:00 p.m. at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon.
Tickets are available at the Frauenthal Box Office or by telephone at 1-800-585-3737 or any Star Tickets Outlet or online at www.startickets.com. Tickets are $29.50."
"The American Red Cross is pleased to welcome 1964: The Tribute to Muskegon on Friday, February 15, 2013.
The world’s best Beatles tribute band will take their audience on a fantastic trip back to the era of the rock legends who will live in our hearts forever.
This trip down memory lane (or is it Penny Lane?) will start at 8:00 p.m. at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon.
Tickets are available at the Frauenthal Box Office or by telephone at 1-800-585-3737 or any Star Tickets Outlet or online at www.startickets.com. Tickets are $29.50."
Right-To-Work Income Claims Proven Wrong
Right-To-Work Income Claims Proven Wrong [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Scores of right-to-work critics ranging from politicians to economists have cited lower per-capita incomes in right-to-work states as why the new law is not good for Michigan.
However, not factoring in cost-of-living exposes a flaw in that analysis, said Mackinac Center for Public Policy Fiscal Analyst James Hohman.
Once that is considered, Hohman said the per-capita income is higher in right-to-work states than non-right-to-work states
Scores of right-to-work critics ranging from politicians to economists have cited lower per-capita incomes in right-to-work states as why the new law is not good for Michigan.
However, not factoring in cost-of-living exposes a flaw in that analysis, said Mackinac Center for Public Policy Fiscal Analyst James Hohman.
Once that is considered, Hohman said the per-capita income is higher in right-to-work states than non-right-to-work states
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