The Colorado General Assembly - specifically the Senate Education Committee - will listen tomorrow to a proposal by Senator Nancy Spence (R - Centennial) to set up a state grant program so school districts can offer performance pay incentives to teachers. (Full disclosure: I am quoted in the linked article and will be testifying at tomorrow's hearing "for information only.") … [Read more...]
Utah Breaks Ground with Universal School Vouchers
Yesterday, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed into law the nation's most expansive school choice program: the Parent Choice in Education Act. It's a victory for the state's students and for the power of education consumers. The sad irony is that the great father of the universal school voucher idea - Milton Friedman - missed the chance to see this exciting development by only a few short months. But his legacy lives on. … [Read more...]
It’s Official: Romney is In
I haven't written much about the presidential campaign here. (I resisted the urge to comment on Obama's invocation of Abraham Lincoln in his formal announcement this past weekend.) You know, all these candidates are entering the race - Democrats & Republicans - seemingly faster than rabbits reproduce. (I'm waiting for the North Dakota agriculture commissioner to form an exploratory committee - ha, ha.) So much is speculation now. I'm not even entirely sure we've taken a good glimpse at the eventual nominees yet (who in the heck knew Bill Clinton in February 1991 - and who was Lincoln but a recently defeated candidate for the U.S. Senate in February 1859?). Okay, I'm pretty sure the Democrat nominee is going to be one of the current … [Read more...]
Statehouse Dems Divided on Education
Stories like this one reported in today's Rocky Mountain News have to frustrate the teachers union to no end. A coalition of urban Democrats join Republicans in the state legislature to stand up for the power of parental choice. The state's education establishment - personified by the 600-pound gorilla Colorado Education Association - isn't comfortable with empowering parents, for obvious reasons. And they aren't going to go down without a fight. The growing inevitable reality, however, is that choice and competition will break down the walls of the schoolhouse monopoly. Look at Utah, Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia where voucher proposals are moving through the state legislatures. And look at Colorado, where an unprecedented … [Read more...]
Remembering Lincoln’s Birthday
There is so much that can be said in honor of the birthday of America's 16th and greatest President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Nothing I could write would be fitting enough. I will, however, put in a plug for the book I'm reading now: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It's a vast tome, but my only regret is that I waited so long to pick it up and delve into it. Goodwin skillfully and eloquently reminds us that at his heart, Lincoln was an ambitious and savvy politician who translated his skills into success - not in the mere service of political avarice and power but in the service of a large and maturing vision about the Declaration of Independence, free labor, and America's role in … [Read more...]
Bob Schaffer Speaks Out
The thoroughly accomplished former Congressman Bob Schaffer - a man of great character, integrity, and insight - was the guest on the most recent edition of the Aaron Harber Show. It's too late to catch the televised broadcast, but I highly recommend that anyone interested in the political culture and direction of Colorado and our nation catch the episode online (note: current version of Windows Media Player needed). In my opinion, Schaffer accurately diagnoses the causes of the 2006 Republican defeat in Colorado. He also clearly explains how the primary reason for recent GOP shortcomings relates to the guiding factor weighing on his current decision whether to run for U.S. Senate in 2008. I sincerely hope that he finds the conditions … [Read more...]
HB 1072 Veto “Politically Smart”
You can say that again. Frankly, Governor Ritter was left with little choice - nix the labor bill or flush away much of the rest of his agenda. Give him credit: Ritter shrewdly has taken everyone by surprise with his fatherly veto of HB 1072 ("now, now, labor & business ... you two need to stop bickering and get along"). Meanwhile, as the Lefties at SquareState are wetting themselves in anger ("What's the matter with you, Ritter? We were trying to show all the little people out there that we're on their side. After all, we know what's best for them... mushy-minded, socialist groupthink, and nannyist State worship"), a good-natured squabble ensues on the Right to take credit for the defensive victory. As the author of this little … [Read more...]
The Gipper’s Birthday
In case you hadn't heard, today would have been the 96th birthday of President Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911 - 2004) - one of America's greatest presidents and one of the 20th century's greatest world leaders. His optimism, principled vision, and ability to communicate clearly are sorely missed. … [Read more...]
Post to Ritter: Hit the Brakes
In today's lead editorial, the Denver Post throws itself in front of the careening Colorado Democrat bus and yells out to the driver, "Stop!" The state's leading liberal newspaper implores Governor Bill Ritter not to be "a toady for special interest legislation," and instead to veto House Bill 1072. (On Sunday, Post columnist Fred Brown already highlighted what a political disaster this bill could potentially be for Ritter and the Democrats.) Making his inaugural official appearance on the Mike Rosen Show yesterday, Ritter said the legislation attacking individual workers' rights "is no big deal." That's right: the best defense for HB 1072 has become that it really won't hurt that much. All part of "The Colorado Promise," I suppose. (The … [Read more...]
GOP Legislators Unveil New Site
The Colorado Senate Republicans have launched an official online news service. Check out Colorado Senate News. Leading the news there, not surprisingly, is the breakdown on the Democrats' efforts to ram through the pro-union bill HB 1072. Speaking of HB 1072, my latest op-ed on the topic ran yesterday in the Pueblo Chieftain as a counterpoint opposite labor professor Raymond Hogler. My piece comprises the latter half of the Web page, so please scroll down if you would like to read it. … [Read more...]
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