“Arizona empowerment accounts”: the new vouchers
by David Safier First it was vouchers, but no one liked the word. Then it was "school choice," but that's awfully vague and covers too many bases. Now, the term of art for vouchers is "educational savings accounts" or, in a new Arizona bill, "Arizona empowerment accounts." HB2706 creates these vouchers-by-a-different-name for students who are … Read more
The corporatocracy’s coup d’etat in Michigan
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Sarah Jones writes at Politicususa.com blog, "Last night on MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow show, Maddow explained that Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder is pushing a bill through that will give ultimate governmental power literally to corporations, thereby using shock doctrine tactics to create a dystopian government." Rachel Maddow Exposes Michigan Republicans Secret War … Read more
A 50% hike in tuition tax credits
by David Safier The hike in private school tuition tax credits is moving right along. It passed the Senate committee and is waiting for a roll call vote. Then it's on to the House. It's a big hike, from $500 to $750 a year per individual, and from $1000 to $1500 for a couple. Since … Read more
Another reason for Baja Arizona: The Arizona Daily Star would have no excuse not to cover news at the Capitol
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The Arizona Daily Star has not assigned a reporter to cover goings on at the Capitol since Daniel Scarpinato left for a brief stint at the Arizona Capitol Times while waiting for his dream job of being communications director for Congressman Jonathan "Payday" Paton. (He was pretty much writing press releases for … Read more
Successful schools and money
by David Safier No, more money isn't the solution to improving education. Good teachers — enough of them to give students individual attention — good adminstrators, clear goals and adequate supplies are what it takes to improve students' learning. But the thing is, most of that stuff costs money. Two cases in point: 1. Obama … Read more
The Farley Report – March 8, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Time once again for the Farley Report from Rep. Steve Farley (D-LD 28): None of us will forget the events of January 8–two months ago today. I know many of us initially felt a sense of helplessness in the face of an unmitigated tragedy. What can we do in the face of senseless … Read more
Pictorial evidence of what Russell Pearce thinks of the United States
By Craig McDermott, cross-posted from Random Musings So, I wonder – How long will it be before Russell Pearce orders the Senate to rise and pledge allegiance to the flag of Arizona? The Arizona Senate during a vote. Note the one lower level light, just to the right of the screen in the middle of the … Read more
