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Transparency, accountability and cuts are easier to talk than walk

UncategorizedBy Jim Waters June 13, 2011

The White House has announced a new initiative to cut government waste and reduce deficit spending starting with the removal of nearly 500 websites managed by the federal government. It is certainly a nice gesture.

Toward the end of the video Vice President Biden discusses transparency and accountability and how taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent. He’s speaking The Bluegrass Institute’s language BUT as always, it is easier to make claims of transparency and accountability than it is to follow through on them. It reminds me of another video…

Unfortunately, Kentucky never saw that efficiency study. Wouldn’t it be great if Kentucky could set the standard for reducing costs associated with government? Do you think this is possible?

Watching other states take steps toward reform

UncategorizedBy Jim Waters June 13, 2011

This week starts off on a sour note (cue trombone) with Kentuckians having to sit back and watch other states’ leadership take steps towards education system change while we continue to talk in circles.

In Tennessee, lawmakers have empowered local school boards to guide the decisions of teachers rather than unions. This is an important step in improving an education system for the kids. In New Jersey, Governor Christie is implementing a policy that would allow private companies to manage chronically under-perfoming school districts. We have chroniclly under-performing districts in our own state!

While neither of these new initiatives are magic bullet solutions for school systems, they are a step in the right direction. When will leadership in Kentucky start to take similar steps? Ask your legislator when he/she plans to take a stand and put kids first in education.

Media Alert: BIPPS talking education reform on Louisville’s WHAS 11 tonight

UncategorizedBy Jim Waters June 13, 2011

Jim Waters, Bluegrass Institute vice president of policy and communications, addresses the challenges facing the Jefferson County Public Schools in a story that will air on Louisville’s WHAS 11 at 6 p.m. EDT tonight.

In an interview with reporter Renee Murphy earlier today, Waters stressed the need for the Jefferson County Public Schools to emphasize accountability and improved student academic performance in the search for a new superintendent.

Bluegrass Institute supporters who live in the greater Louisville area can see the story during the 6 p.m. newscast. Those outside the viewing area can view it following the newscast on WHAS11.com.

Read recent blog articles on Jefferson County Public Schools here.

Hey, we could really use that $11 million!

UncategorizedBy Jim Waters June 10, 2011

Today the governor announced that he is directing the Kentucky Department of Transportation to spend $13.6 million of contingency funds to make emergency repairs to highways damaged in winter storms. $13.6 million from contingency funds.

A better idea to help fund these emergency repairs would be to not allocate $11 million for highway enhancements and tax incentives for theme parks.

That $11 million would be a good chunk of the 13.6 needed.

A reminder of the situation in Jefferson County

UncategorizedBy Jim Waters June 10, 2011

With the search for a new superintendent in full swing in Jefferson County Public Schools, here is a reminder of what the situation looks like in one of Kentucky’s most troubled school districts…

A Tea Party plan to put “Big Government’ on a diet

UncategorizedBy Jim Waters June 10, 2011

Homeowners and employers are downsizing. Why shouldn’t government, too?

Click here to read the latest Bluegrass Beacon.

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