Progressive politicians dream of solving social problems with new government programs. The bill for these programs must be paid regardless of whether or not the program actually solves the problem and even when it makes the situation worse. How does this happen? When the economy is rolling and tax receipts rise, progressives add new programs and increase spending for all …
In seven months, students of the Class of 2024 will be celebrating their high school graduation. There will be caps and gowns, smiling pictures taken, valedictorian speeches, grad night parties and many sighs of relief as students graduate and enter the real world. Students will be handed a high school diploma as a success indicator representing 13 years of academic …
I began my college days studying engineering at the United States Naval Academy. “Plebe Summer” was brutal and full of surprises. One of them happened on the academy firing range. I grew up in a home without firearms. Yet in Boy Scouts we had fun shooting rifles, and I earned the Rifle Merit Badge at summer camp. I never used …
By David J. Carey It is past time to call out the real racketeering and the conspirators guilty of it. Hundreds of Trump supporters remain in jail charged with “crimes,” initially including “insurrection” relating to the Jan. 6, 2021, demonstration at the Capitol building in Washington D.C. None of them has been convicted of insurrection, yet Trump has been charged …
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, “Caesar is Lord” was a political reality. Caesar Augustus ruled the known world. Would this ever end? The birth of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name …
By William Kronert Measure 17-116, a ballot measure to change the Josephine County charter, is a perfect example of liberal ideas. Here are five reasons to vote “No on 17-116” next May. First, Measure 17-116 removes a provision that is in our current charter. It removes a prohibition of income tax. Advocates argue that it will require voter approval and …
By Brian Bouteller Each year we consistently see the blessings of God poured out on dozens upon dozens of individuals who make the difficult decision to leave homelessness in trade for true community. We have been able to share the stories of many of them with you, and yet what we share is only a fraction of those who rediscover …
Student academic assessment results are better than last school year yet remain well below pre-pandemic levels for English Language Arts and Mathematics. This is true locally and statewide. [For statewide assessment results see “Oregon School Testing” article on page 10.] While students struggle, spending continues to increase, with the Oregon Legislature approving a record $10.2 billion dollars for the Oregon …
From a tax perspective, non-profit organizations are “tax exempt” because they don’t pay federal or state corporate income taxes. They must make a “profit” through revenues from fees, donations and grants must exceed expenses, or else eventually the organization goes out of business. As tax-exempt organizations, they do not pay local property taxes, which support public safety, schools and the …
By Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle Editor’s note: This article comprises excerpts from an in-depth 3-part series published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle on the causes of the low reading proficiency of Oregon public school students. The 11,000-word series was researched over four months and included interviews with more than 80 teachers, parents, elected officials and college professors. Part 1: …