Job growth is job #1. Not just any job, the economy needs private sector jobs in mining, logging, manufacturing, energy and agriculture in order to provide the economic fuel necessary to maintain our standard of living and fund state government. Part of this process necessitates the legislature to keep government expenditures and taxes low so that businesses can have resources necessary to survive and expand in these difficult times.
A Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for retired state employees is not prudent at this time. The PERSI system is underfunded by $2.6 billion and a COLA increase may trigger a future increase in current state contributions that are ultimately funded by the taxpayers. We cannot risk burdening taxpayers.
Friday, February 26, 2010
MAPP update
One of the legislators stopped me in the hall today in the capitol. He thanked me for my work on MAPP. That it was innovative and would help education. I thanked him. The strange part is that he voted against the bill on the floor of the House. So, even some legislators that voted against it still liked it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
MAPP in the Senate
Senator Goedde, the Senate Education Committee chairman informed me that a hearing will be held on Monday March 1 at 3:00 in the afternoon on the MAPP bill. I am visiting with Senators on the committee to try to understand their concerns so that they can be addresses during the committee hearing. So far they include:
1. Do we have assessments in place so that students can challenge classes?
2. If students graduate early, will they be mature enough?
These are the main two questions at this time.
For your info, there are 9 senators on the committee so 5 votes are needed to get the bill out of Committee to the floor of the Senate. It looks like it will be close.
1. Do we have assessments in place so that students can challenge classes?
2. If students graduate early, will they be mature enough?
These are the main two questions at this time.
For your info, there are 9 senators on the committee so 5 votes are needed to get the bill out of Committee to the floor of the Senate. It looks like it will be close.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Medical Care, Expenses, and Goals
Why is medical care in the United States so expensive? Why is reforming medical care so difficult?
Americans want something they can't have. They want both unlimited access to medical care and low cost. This is not realistic. Unlimited access guaranteed by government means the government will have unlimited access to your wealth through taxes.
Currently, medical costs are 17 percent of the GDP. This is much more than any other nation in the world. We have to decide if we are going to have unlimited access to care which means that costs will continue to rise; or, we have to decide if we want affordable medical care. We can't have them both.
If the American people decide they want affordable medical care, then they have two options. The first is socialized medicine where the government limits access to care through long lines, delays, and rationing. The second is a free market system where people pay for their own medical expenses and limit their own personal access to care for financial reasons.
This is the choice we have. Which would you choose? Which is most humane?
Americans want something they can't have. They want both unlimited access to medical care and low cost. This is not realistic. Unlimited access guaranteed by government means the government will have unlimited access to your wealth through taxes.
Currently, medical costs are 17 percent of the GDP. This is much more than any other nation in the world. We have to decide if we are going to have unlimited access to care which means that costs will continue to rise; or, we have to decide if we want affordable medical care. We can't have them both.
If the American people decide they want affordable medical care, then they have two options. The first is socialized medicine where the government limits access to care through long lines, delays, and rationing. The second is a free market system where people pay for their own medical expenses and limit their own personal access to care for financial reasons.
This is the choice we have. Which would you choose? Which is most humane?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Difference Between Limited Government and many Democrats
Rep. Phillis King (D) Boise said of a bill, "Just look at the number of people we can take care of if we pass this bill." (HCR 42)
Let there be no mistake, I am not going to take care of you using taxpayer money. Is government suppose to "take care" of people? It seems that in order for government to "take care" of you; government must have the power to reach into your pocket book, use the wealth that you created, and then pick winners and losers.
My approach is much different. I see government as providing an organized predictable framework within which you can work and produce and take care of yourself. To me this is the genius of the American system.
Rep. King's statement really summarizes the difference between limited and unlimited government.
Let there be no mistake, I am not going to take care of you using taxpayer money. Is government suppose to "take care" of people? It seems that in order for government to "take care" of you; government must have the power to reach into your pocket book, use the wealth that you created, and then pick winners and losers.
My approach is much different. I see government as providing an organized predictable framework within which you can work and produce and take care of yourself. To me this is the genius of the American system.
Rep. King's statement really summarizes the difference between limited and unlimited government.
Public School Funding and Natural Resources
Many times this last week employees of public education have asked me to find more money for public schools. This is a polite way of saying, please raise taxes.
I tell them that I cannot; but, I do explain the link between economic activity and the five natural resources (mining, logging, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy). Our economy cannot improve until at least two or three of these industries start growing. Simply increasing the money supply cannot cause long-term stimulation of the economy; only primary production can.
The natural resource industries cannot grow until the EPA backs off and allows use of the land. The EPA has so many regulation that, in effect, they are stopping most new economic activity. In other words, radical environmentalism being taught in our public schools and in the media needs to be replaced with balanced environmentalism where natural resource industries can use the land. If this does not happen, funds to public schools and other social programs will continue to decline. I don’t see any other outcome.
Will public school teachers and the public at large demand the government to allow the use of the land by natural resource industries? When they do, we have hope the economy will improve and public funding can stabilize.
I tell them that I cannot; but, I do explain the link between economic activity and the five natural resources (mining, logging, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy). Our economy cannot improve until at least two or three of these industries start growing. Simply increasing the money supply cannot cause long-term stimulation of the economy; only primary production can.
The natural resource industries cannot grow until the EPA backs off and allows use of the land. The EPA has so many regulation that, in effect, they are stopping most new economic activity. In other words, radical environmentalism being taught in our public schools and in the media needs to be replaced with balanced environmentalism where natural resource industries can use the land. If this does not happen, funds to public schools and other social programs will continue to decline. I don’t see any other outcome.
Will public school teachers and the public at large demand the government to allow the use of the land by natural resource industries? When they do, we have hope the economy will improve and public funding can stabilize.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Senator Crapo in the House
Senator Crapo is in the House speaking to us about the danger of uncontrolled spending. He did not support the Obama stimulus package. "We cannot spend ourselves to prosperity."
This year's federal deficit is going to be $1.6 billion up from $200 billion under Bush.
He states that the federal government is taking control of companies and growing phenomenally. Freddy Mac, AIG, the Health Care Bill, etc.
Good news is that the reaction of the American public is wide and broad causing Congress to reconsider its ways. He sees hope in developing energy. Coal might even be making a come back.
This year's federal deficit is going to be $1.6 billion up from $200 billion under Bush.
He states that the federal government is taking control of companies and growing phenomenally. Freddy Mac, AIG, the Health Care Bill, etc.
Good news is that the reaction of the American public is wide and broad causing Congress to reconsider its ways. He sees hope in developing energy. Coal might even be making a come back.
AEYC does it help parents or not?
Members of AEYC or the Association for the Education of Young Children addressed the House Education Committee yesterday (Feb.16, 10). They are developing a rating system for day care centers. Probably a good idea. During the course of the presentation, Jane Zink said AEYC was helping strengthen families. When I asked her how they strengthened families, she said that they were providing parenting classes. Parenting classes can be good to help young parents understand how to be better parents.
Ms. Zink went on to say that they help these parents receive other government services like food stamps, rent assistance, etc. I concluded that these organizations that receive government funding like AEYC are very adept at helping to grow dependency on other government programs; but, I have not seen them help families become independent. Is it any wonder that more and more people think the government should take care of them? Is there something wrong with this picture? AEYC is funded with federal money.
Ms. Zink went on to say that they help these parents receive other government services like food stamps, rent assistance, etc. I concluded that these organizations that receive government funding like AEYC are very adept at helping to grow dependency on other government programs; but, I have not seen them help families become independent. Is it any wonder that more and more people think the government should take care of them? Is there something wrong with this picture? AEYC is funded with federal money.
Will Thayn have a primary opponent?
As many of you know, I have had an opponent in everyone of my primary and general elections. Will this year be different? I don't know for sure until the 19th of March when the filing period ends; however, I have gone to the Gem County and Canyon County Lincoln Days events where candidates usually announce and no one has yet announced. In fact, there is only one race that is contested out of 15 at this point. Rep. Steven Kren has an opponent, a very impressive and active woman. This will be an interesting race.
Why are so few races contested? Is it the economy? Is it because we are cutting budgets and no one wants to enter in this environment? What is going on?
Why are so few races contested? Is it the economy? Is it because we are cutting budgets and no one wants to enter in this environment? What is going on?
Senator Risch in the Idaho House
Senator Risch addressed the Idaho House and spoke of the differences between the legislative process in Washington and in Idaho and how superior the process is in Idaho.
He also warned of the economic collapse that is possible if Washington politicians don't make some changes. The good news is that they are starting to become very concerned about deficit spending. America is approaching the level of debt which has destroyed the economic system of nations in history. The level he spoke of was 90% of GDP. (I think we are already there and headed toward 100% or $14 trillion.)
He also warned of the economic collapse that is possible if Washington politicians don't make some changes. The good news is that they are starting to become very concerned about deficit spending. America is approaching the level of debt which has destroyed the economic system of nations in history. The level he spoke of was 90% of GDP. (I think we are already there and headed toward 100% or $14 trillion.)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Congressman Minnik in the Idaho House
Congressman Minnick addressed the Idaho House. He made a good point that human service spending must be reduced; however, he suggested that the government should provide pre-kindergarten and provide more college scholarships. This demonstrates the disconnect that I see. How can we reduce human service spending when we increase it?
The real option is to move human service responsibilities back to the states, from the states to the local communities, and then to the family. More on this later.
The real option is to move human service responsibilities back to the states, from the states to the local communities, and then to the family. More on this later.
Monday, February 15, 2010
MAPP passed to the floor of the House
I am happy to announce that the Mastery Advancement Pilot Project (MAPP) that allows students to challenge classes starting in elementary school and move through the system faster passed out of Committee 16 to 1.
There were some concerns expressed by members of the committee. In the end, most of the concerns were addressed.
In the hall afterward, Luci Willits, who works for Superintendent Tom Luna, expressed concern that MAPP required the State Department of Education to "create" end of course assessments. This would cost millions of dollars. The bill uses the words "identify and adopt end-of-course assessments". This is a different approach that is more cost effective and costs very little.
A special thanks to Lori Shoemaker who testified in favor of the bill. She did a masterful job explaining how the bill would help her child succeed in school. Sandi Powell, a chemistry teacher, testified in favor of the bill explaining how MAPP gives students more choices. John Knickerbocker and a Mr. Turner also testified. Without these citizens helping out, MAPP may have died in committee.
Next on to the House floor sometimes this or next week.
There were some concerns expressed by members of the committee. In the end, most of the concerns were addressed.
In the hall afterward, Luci Willits, who works for Superintendent Tom Luna, expressed concern that MAPP required the State Department of Education to "create" end of course assessments. This would cost millions of dollars. The bill uses the words "identify and adopt end-of-course assessments". This is a different approach that is more cost effective and costs very little.
A special thanks to Lori Shoemaker who testified in favor of the bill. She did a masterful job explaining how the bill would help her child succeed in school. Sandi Powell, a chemistry teacher, testified in favor of the bill explaining how MAPP gives students more choices. John Knickerbocker and a Mr. Turner also testified. Without these citizens helping out, MAPP may have died in committee.
Next on to the House floor sometimes this or next week.
Friday, February 12, 2010
MAPP and the IEA
Some of you may be interested what the position of the Idaho Education Association is in relation to the Master Advancement Pilot Project (MAPP)to be discussed on Monday morning. I spoke with Burt Marley who represents the IEA in the legislature. He said that this is the type of thing I was talking to him about 5 years ago while he was still a state Senator and he thought MAPP was "worth trying."
Yes, the lobbyist of the IEA thinks "it is worth trying." Why? Because MAPP might work and will benefit teachers. I don't know if the IEA has taken an official position.
Yes, the lobbyist of the IEA thinks "it is worth trying." Why? Because MAPP might work and will benefit teachers. I don't know if the IEA has taken an official position.
Risk-Reward of MAPP
The Mastery Advancement Pilot Project (MAPP) is going to be introduced Monday morning at 8:00 AM in the House Education Committee. Allowing students to challenge classes and earn a scholarship is a new concept. People ask, “Will it work? In preparing for the presentation, I have asked myself what is the risk-reward trade off of MAPP?
1. What is the cost? The likelihood is very low that MAPP will require extra funds. I don’t see how having fewer students in school can cost more money. The likelihood that MAPP will reduce the tax burden is very high. The fiscal note indicates as much as $545,000. If MAPP works as anticipated and is implemented statewide savings could easily reach $100 million. LOGICAL DECISION – Give MAPP a try
2. Can students learn too fast? One concern that I hear is that students will learn so fast that they will graduate from high school at age 13 or that the students will not be mature enough. Is this really a problem? Are people admitting that our current system is slowing students down that much? If that is the case, we need to implement MAPP and then deal with the issue of maturity. LOGICAL DECISION – Give MAPP at try
3. What happens if a child passes a competency exam that is poorly constructed and the child is not ready for the next level of instruction? This is legitimate concern. The problem would be in the competency exam and would need to be fixed. What about the child? The bill reads that a student request to a challenge exam “be made pursuant to collaboration between the student, the student’s teachers, the school administration, and the student’s parents or guardians.” If a child fails a competency exam, they will need to do what is best for the child and give the appropriate instruction. This is what schools are already trying to do. Nothing is changing except we are providing more options. Finally, the current state funding formula has no requirement that the student learn anything. There is no requirement for learning to take place to get funding. The only thing the state requires is that the student is alive. At least MAPP has a testing requirement. LOGICAL DECISION – Give MAPP a try
4. What happens if the parents overrule the opinion of the teacher and administrator? What is the worst thing that could happen? The student would not pass the competency exam and the opinion of the teacher would be ratified. LOGICAL DECISION -- Give MAPP a try
After a risk-reward trade off analysis, it seems that there is very little real risk; however, tremendous upside potential such as: Improved education at less cost, more engaged students with better parental support, less teacher stress, more prepared students and, possibly, the Idaho system can become the best education system in the world.
1. What is the cost? The likelihood is very low that MAPP will require extra funds. I don’t see how having fewer students in school can cost more money. The likelihood that MAPP will reduce the tax burden is very high. The fiscal note indicates as much as $545,000. If MAPP works as anticipated and is implemented statewide savings could easily reach $100 million. LOGICAL DECISION – Give MAPP a try
2. Can students learn too fast? One concern that I hear is that students will learn so fast that they will graduate from high school at age 13 or that the students will not be mature enough. Is this really a problem? Are people admitting that our current system is slowing students down that much? If that is the case, we need to implement MAPP and then deal with the issue of maturity. LOGICAL DECISION – Give MAPP at try
3. What happens if a child passes a competency exam that is poorly constructed and the child is not ready for the next level of instruction? This is legitimate concern. The problem would be in the competency exam and would need to be fixed. What about the child? The bill reads that a student request to a challenge exam “be made pursuant to collaboration between the student, the student’s teachers, the school administration, and the student’s parents or guardians.” If a child fails a competency exam, they will need to do what is best for the child and give the appropriate instruction. This is what schools are already trying to do. Nothing is changing except we are providing more options. Finally, the current state funding formula has no requirement that the student learn anything. There is no requirement for learning to take place to get funding. The only thing the state requires is that the student is alive. At least MAPP has a testing requirement. LOGICAL DECISION – Give MAPP a try
4. What happens if the parents overrule the opinion of the teacher and administrator? What is the worst thing that could happen? The student would not pass the competency exam and the opinion of the teacher would be ratified. LOGICAL DECISION -- Give MAPP a try
After a risk-reward trade off analysis, it seems that there is very little real risk; however, tremendous upside potential such as: Improved education at less cost, more engaged students with better parental support, less teacher stress, more prepared students and, possibly, the Idaho system can become the best education system in the world.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mastery Advancement Pilot Program The bill number is HO 493
The bill number is HO 493 for those that want to read the Mastery Advancement Pilot Program bill.
The bill is getting widespread support. The assistant minority leader of the House, Rep. James Ruchti stopped me and said that it was an intriguing idea.
Democrats and Republicans alike find it interesting.
The bill is getting widespread support. The assistant minority leader of the House, Rep. James Ruchti stopped me and said that it was an intriguing idea.
Democrats and Republicans alike find it interesting.
Idaho Health Freedom Act IV
Rep. Barrett is arguing for the Constitutionality of opposing federal control.
Rep. Clark is now closing the debate and a vote will be soon.
The bill passed 52 -18 with all the Democrats voting no.
Rep. Clark is now closing the debate and a vote will be soon.
The bill passed 52 -18 with all the Democrats voting no.
Idaho Health Freedom Act III
Rep. Labrador is now refuting some of the cost arguments. He says, in support of the bill, that there will be little fiscal impact. Also, the need for proactive action. Finally, there is a need health care reform. This bill does nothing to limit the potential for future health care reform.
Rep. Sharon Block is now speaking favor of the bill. If the federal government does pass a single-payer system, there will be a huge increase in federal regulations and control.
Rep. Sharon Block is now speaking favor of the bill. If the federal government does pass a single-payer system, there will be a huge increase in federal regulations and control.
Idaho Health Freedom Act II
Rep. Luker is now addressing the body. His argument is that the federal government does not have the power to mandate insurance coverage. This is not an enumerated power or power under the general welfare clause of the Constitution of the U.S.
I find it interesting that this issue, now on the floor of the House, was discussed by several of us in November where Rep. Luker said that he was working on this bill. He has done a good job. The Idaho Legislature has the opportunity to limit federal power. It is a small but important step.
Now, Rep. Higgins is arguing against the bill. She says it might cost money.
This is an interesting debate. Rep. Nielsen is making an argument that states and local units of government can counter federal power.
Rep. Rusche is making an argument against the bill. He is arguing that this is a matter of freedom. He is saying that we will be more free if we are forced to participate in a government program. Rep. Rusche is making a good point that cost of medical care is too expensive in the U.S. Is the medical cost problem because there is not enough government or because there is too much government?
I find it interesting that this issue, now on the floor of the House, was discussed by several of us in November where Rep. Luker said that he was working on this bill. He has done a good job. The Idaho Legislature has the opportunity to limit federal power. It is a small but important step.
Now, Rep. Higgins is arguing against the bill. She says it might cost money.
This is an interesting debate. Rep. Nielsen is making an argument that states and local units of government can counter federal power.
Rep. Rusche is making an argument against the bill. He is arguing that this is a matter of freedom. He is saying that we will be more free if we are forced to participate in a government program. Rep. Rusche is making a good point that cost of medical care is too expensive in the U.S. Is the medical cost problem because there is not enough government or because there is too much government?
Idaho Health Freedom Act
Rep. Clark is now debating in favor of the Idaho Health Freedom Act that was co-written by my good friend, Rep. Lynn Luker. The purpose of the bill is to allow the attorney general to sue the federal government if the federal government tries to impose a one-payer system on Idahoans. This bill attempts to protect Idahoans from the federal government.
There will be some opposition to this bill from some of the Democrats. Should be good.
There will be some opposition to this bill from some of the Democrats. Should be good.
F-35
A joint memorial HJM 10 is being debated on the floor of the House. Rep. Nielsen just debated in favor. It passed 70 - 0. This memorial shows the desire of the legislature to bring the F-35 to the Mt. Home and Boise areas. A potential boon of $1 billion per year.
Monday, February 8, 2010
MAPP was printed
The Mastery Advancement Pilot Program was printed this morning by the House Education committee. It was unanimous. Next, will be a full hearing. I missed the reading of the bill number but should be found at the state website later in the day. It might not have been read across the desk and will be posted tomorrow. I will let you know.
Master Advancement Pilot Program "TODAY"
This morning at 9:00 am Rep. Durst and myself will introduce "The Mastery Advancement Pilot Program" (MAPP) that allows students to graduate early from high school with a scholarship.
We have been working on this bill for about 8 months, so I am a little excited. This is a print hearing which means that no public testimony will be heard. A full hearing will be held later if it is printed. I expect it to be printed with only a few questions.
The full hearing will be different.
We have been working on this bill for about 8 months, so I am a little excited. This is a print hearing which means that no public testimony will be heard. A full hearing will be held later if it is printed. I expect it to be printed with only a few questions.
The full hearing will be different.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tom Lunas' Support of MAPP
I spoke with Superintendent Tom Luna yesterday and asked him if he would support the Master Advancement Pilot Program (MAPP) written by myself, Steven Thayn, and Rep. Durst of Boise. He said that he was very supportive.
MAPP will be introduced on Monday the 8th in the House Education Committee at 9:00 AM. This will be a print hearing with no public testimony. It is expected to have a committee meeting later in the week. I have been working on the fiscal statement. Part of it reads:
There will little or no negative impact to the State General fund in 2011. After 2011, impact to the general fund will be positive if the following assumptions are met:
1. ADA at $4,593.51
2. 1000 to 1500 seniors participate in the pilot project
50 to 75 (5%) early graduation = $65,000 to $97,000 in savings
100 to 150 (10%) early graduation = $130,000 to $195,000 in savings
200 to 300 (20%) early graduation = $260,000 to $390,000 in savings
300 to 500 (30%) early graduation = $390,000 to $585,000 in savings
MAPP will be introduced on Monday the 8th in the House Education Committee at 9:00 AM. This will be a print hearing with no public testimony. It is expected to have a committee meeting later in the week. I have been working on the fiscal statement. Part of it reads:
There will little or no negative impact to the State General fund in 2011. After 2011, impact to the general fund will be positive if the following assumptions are met:
1. ADA at $4,593.51
2. 1000 to 1500 seniors participate in the pilot project
50 to 75 (5%) early graduation = $65,000 to $97,000 in savings
100 to 150 (10%) early graduation = $130,000 to $195,000 in savings
200 to 300 (20%) early graduation = $260,000 to $390,000 in savings
300 to 500 (30%) early graduation = $390,000 to $585,000 in savings
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Exciting Education Ruling
The Idaho House Education Committee approved a rule this morning (Feb. 3, 2010) that allows students to challenge classes. It reads:
“Students may also achieve credits by demonstrating mastery of a subject’s content standards as defined and approved by the social school district or LEA.” (Local Education Authority) This rule is found in 08-0203-0905 of the rule book.
This means that a student can study a topic area and ask to take a final exam. If the student can pass the final exam, then the student can get credit without attending the class.
“Students may also achieve credits by demonstrating mastery of a subject’s content standards as defined and approved by the social school district or LEA.” (Local Education Authority) This rule is found in 08-0203-0905 of the rule book.
This means that a student can study a topic area and ask to take a final exam. If the student can pass the final exam, then the student can get credit without attending the class.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Sweet Bridge
The Gem Country Commissioners tell a sad story. A bridge needed to be built over a small river in the community of Sweet Idaho. The Commissioners figured they could build the bridge in about four months at a cost of $300,000. A federal grant was available so they decided to work with the federal government to save local tax dollars. The sad part is that with federal “help” the project took 14 months to complete and cost $1.3 million dollars. The bridge, with federal “help” ended up costing the local taxpayers more than if the local community had build and financed the bridge alone.
Think of what this $1 million of wasted resources could have been used for. It could have paid for as many as 20 teachers or heated hundreds of homes or vaccinated many of the children in the state. The Sweet Bridge is one example of thousands of examples that could be found. How many billions are being wasted by our federal government? In my opinion, the waste caused by the federal government is a national disgrace. It is time that this wastefulness ends.
Think of what this $1 million of wasted resources could have been used for. It could have paid for as many as 20 teachers or heated hundreds of homes or vaccinated many of the children in the state. The Sweet Bridge is one example of thousands of examples that could be found. How many billions are being wasted by our federal government? In my opinion, the waste caused by the federal government is a national disgrace. It is time that this wastefulness ends.
The Four Levels of Charity
Yesterday, I wrote about the four levels of charity.
1. Government charity funded through forced contributions (taxes).
2. Voluntarily assist the poor.
3. Mentor the poor and help them produce their own wealth.
4. Become self-sustaining and able to help others.
Government charity is the least effective and most damaging form of charity. It increases the number of needy while harming the healthy. The current government system of helping the needy is unsustainable. Did you know that the total of all federal taxes collected this year will not even pay for our obligations to entitlements?
We could improve our charity system in the United States and reduce costs by doing two things.
1. Move to the third level of charity which focuses on mentoring the poor and needy to help them produce their own wealth. This would, over time, reduce the number of poor, increase the number of taxpayers, and reduce overall costs.
2. Move the responsibility to fund and oversee these programs from the federal government to the state and local governments. Cost could be reduced by 30 percent or $500 million in Idaho and would improve social services while reducing costs and solve our current budget problems.
1. Government charity funded through forced contributions (taxes).
2. Voluntarily assist the poor.
3. Mentor the poor and help them produce their own wealth.
4. Become self-sustaining and able to help others.
Government charity is the least effective and most damaging form of charity. It increases the number of needy while harming the healthy. The current government system of helping the needy is unsustainable. Did you know that the total of all federal taxes collected this year will not even pay for our obligations to entitlements?
We could improve our charity system in the United States and reduce costs by doing two things.
1. Move to the third level of charity which focuses on mentoring the poor and needy to help them produce their own wealth. This would, over time, reduce the number of poor, increase the number of taxpayers, and reduce overall costs.
2. Move the responsibility to fund and oversee these programs from the federal government to the state and local governments. Cost could be reduced by 30 percent or $500 million in Idaho and would improve social services while reducing costs and solve our current budget problems.
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