The News Journal recently published "Lawmakers want even more solar farms in Delaware, it could lower utility bills." The puff piece was - at best - painful to read. Disgraceful. According to the reporter, Dover is not entirely focused on the plague, nor the First State's challenging finances. Instead, our legislators are clambering for more "green" initiatives! In response to that cry, altruistic State Senator Harris McDowell is proposing yet another alternative energy bill! CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson has a different perspective. He suggests facts and sunlight might be helpful when reviewing the proposal!!! To read "Why don't we trust you Senator" CLICK BELOW...
Why we don't trust you SenatorBob Byrd remains a super powerful political figure in Delaware. For instance, Byrdie is a past Chair and current member of DEFAC. The Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council met last Monday. Because of financial incentives, have the virus numbers become falsely inflated? Is the entire State's reopening delayed because of the impoverished pockets in Delaware? What does Delaware's revenues look like? The $750 million shortfall? Surprise, nearly a billion dollars from "last year's cash surplus?" How about that 1.2 billion from the Feds??? For Bob Byrd's second-to-none insights CLICK BELOW...
Dave Stevenson is the Caesar Rodney Institute Policy Director. After reviewing the documents from Monday's DEFAC meeting, CRI made budgetary recommendations. To read "First steps in dealing with Delaware's budget deficit" CLICK BELOW.
First steps in dealing with Delaware's budget deficit (pdf)Sadly a chunk of America is suddenly unemployed. Very much to his credit, NCC County Executive Matt Meyers is trying to find work for as many as he can. In the following interview Matt speaks about New Castle County summer jobs and then the County's Capital Programs. To give a listen - CLICK BELOW
The Covid Aid Relief & Economic Security Act, "CARES," designated $1.2 billion to Delaware. Where is that money? Where is the transparency? Of the three the Governor designated to ?oversee the funds, one isn't even a State employee!!! Statistically, Delaware has very few virus deaths. (Just a fraction of our annual vehicle fatalities.) By comparison, New York and New Jersey collectively represent roughly half of all the plague deaths in the U.S! Soooo why would Gov. Carney attach our state to their consortium??? Btw, the Mayor of NYC says their reopening will be August!!! To hear former legislator Greg Lavelle address these hot issues - and the Budget too - CLICK BELOW. The referenced Tax Foundation link CLICK BELOW.
"Biden's To-Do List: Unite Democrats, Counter Trump, Raise Money." The Wall Street Journal just ran a brutal assessment of Joe Biden's pathway to the White House. "It took Joe Biden more than three decades to lock up the Democratic presidential nomination, and his task is about to get even more difficult." With his Delaware basement broadcasts, Joe Biden has to bully airtime from the virus, while at the same time raise mega dollars to campaign. The story says -- collectively - Trump has $225 million available, while Joe Biden has roughly $20 million. Most importantly, will the former VP position himself as an Obama disciple or Bernie socialist? To read - and its worthy - "Biden's To-Do List: Unite Democrats, Counter Trump, Raise Money?" CLICK BELOW...
With the nation at an economic stand-still, what might Delaware's economy look like on the other side of the plague? In the attached, Dr. John Stapleford looks at the historical data and attempts to predict the industry winners and losers in our First State. To read "Delaware recession by industry" CLICK BELOW...
DE over recession (pdf)Tax Freedom Day is the "day" most Americans have earned enough money just to pay all our annual tax bills. For most Americans mid-April is the first opportunity for us to go forward and make a living for ourselves and loved ones. Charlie Copeland, President of ISI, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, tells that story. Also in the attached interview, Charlie - who is a past Chair of the Republican Party in the State of Delaware -- explains how the virus exposes the phoniness of several of the political left policies. For Charlie Copeland's insights click below...
Today we conclude our three-part series with CRI Chair John Stapleford. Delaware ain't what it used to be, say the economic numbers! Entrepreneurship in Delaware is down. Slower growth in both jobs and technology has followed. According to Dr. Stapleford, "each year more new jobs in Delaware's economy are provided by the expansion of existing firms than start-ups."? And, "the annual rate of jobs from expansions and startups has slowly declined from 1994-2019." To read "Voting with their feet" CLICK BELOW...
Voting with their feet (pdf)Our three-part series on the Delaware economy continues today with a look at output. The Chair of CRI John Stapleford writes, "the performance of the Delaware Gross State Product (output) has been abysmal since the 2007-08 recession." Dr. Stapleford then adds, "Considering a recession to be two consecutive quarters of negative change in GSP (Gross State Product), Delaware has experienced 5 recessions since 2009 while the U.S. has experienced none. Of the last 15 quarters Delaware GSP has recorded drops in nine." To read "Why the dismal Delaware output?" CLICK BELOW...
GSP Sources (pdf)In a three part series this week we look at the Delaware economy with CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford. Today the focus is on wages. "Since the end of the recession in 2009, half of the jobs added in Delaware pay less than $20 per hour. As shown in the chart below (which is in the write-up), the average annual wage in Delaware has gone from above the nation to slightly below. How has this happened and what are the consequences for the Delaware economy?" To read "The lagging Delaware wage" CLICK BELOW...
DE Wages (pdf)DEFAC, the independent financial advisory group Dover depends on, met last week. Despite an ongoing economic meltdown caused by the virus, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council only lowered revenue estimates by $100 million - on a $4.6 billion dollar Budget. CRI's Chair Dr. John Stapleford is a past Director of the University of Delaware's Bureau of Economic and Research and all/virtually all of the Delaware courts recognize him as an economics expert. His thoughts on the repercussions of the Covid-19 virus are much more pointed. Looking back John reminds us, "It took six years for total Delaware employment to recover to its 2008 peak level. And the state's economy is still struggling." And then he suggests there will be two key human take-aways, "(the virus) will have its greatest impact on workers with less formal education" and "as Delaware state social services spending increases, state General Fund revenues will struggle." For the full write-up CLICK BELOW...
A DE Recession?The common cold/flu kills between 15,000 to 45,000 Americans every year. Although tragic, that's the proverbial baseline. Delaware just announced its 16th virus case and first hospitalization. Unfortunately, that may be VERY news-worthy. It may be hard to understand - given the relatively tiny virus numbers -- all the current panic. But a more scary story - says the data - possibly looms. And that is the very real fear the healthcare system, especially the hospitals, could be overwhelmed in the blink of an eye. According to Dr. Chris Casscells, CRI's Health Policy Director, "Being in a small state (Delaware) ?with a chronic shortage of beds and a history of long wait times in the emergency rooms, Delaware is at a higher risk of social disruption." Plus, the older and sickly -- challenged with a respiratory issue -- stress the system even more. Now retired from practice, Chris shares his insights on the virus in a personal email he's allowing us to publish. For Dr. Chris Casscell's thoughts CLICK BELOW...
Corona Virus Scare in DelawareDelaware's incorporation franchise represents - collectively - probably more than half of the State's annual revenue. It's a BIG deal for all Delawareans! University of Delaware Professor Charles Elson is generally regarded as the guru of corporate governance. Charles had a major mid-March event canceled because of the virus. Still we did the interview - which would have promoted the symposium -- last week. In the segments below Charles walks us through the current 'shareholder primacy' vs. 'stakeholder' debate. Reworded, Progressives continue to aggressively push their openly political ESG agenda!!! Elson is, instead, a shareholder primacy advocate believing, "politics do not belong in the Boardroom." For second to none insights on the raging battle listen below...
ALEC has finally released its much anticipated "State Bonded Obligations 2019." Every Delawarean owes over $4,700 just in State of Delaware debt. Just debt. And on a per capita amount that ranks the First State 39th worse, says the American Legislative Council Exchange study. Taxpayers -- especially taxpayers -- might also remember debt is just one of a handful of State of Delaware challenging liabilities, which also include unfunded pension liabilities and retiree healthcare costs. For the world-class report CLICK BELOW...
"Now's our chance to get rid of unnecessary, costly certificate of need law": The State of Delaware's Number #1 (collective) expense is healthcare. Research from the Kaiser Foundation (the gold standard for healthcare data), along with work from the prestigious Mercatus Center, suggest eliminating Delaware's Certificate of Need law (CON) would dramatically reduce the cost of healthcare in our First State. By coincidence, a group of legislators will meet later this week and decide to keep - or do away with - DE's CON law. That meeting is open to the public. For details CLICK HERE. Yesterday, CRI's Stacie Beck and Dr. Chris Casscells co-authored a piece that was featured in the Sunday News Journal. To read "Now's our chance to get rid of unnecessary, costly certificate of need law" CLICK BELOW...
JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND SUNSET COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 11, 2020 06:00 PMThe ongoing loud message from Progressives is to demonize capitalism and - at the very least -- bash business. Unfortunately, these Democrats (a chunk of them in Dover) continue to ignore common sense: Money always goes to where it is treated the best! By coincidence, the prestigious Tax Foundation just released, "How Much Does Your State Collect in Corporate Income Taxes per Capita?" The report says Delaware ranks 5th in "corporate income tax collections per capita." The piece also notes, "In addition to corporate income taxes, corporations are subject to sales, property, unemployment insurance, excise, payroll, and business license taxes, among others." (And how about Delaware's gross receipts tax!) Remember Governor Carney's claim that his Number #1 priority is the economy! Does discouraging businesses bring jobs to Delaware??? For the full study CLICK BELOW...
Amazon's new facility in Wilmington was last week's headline. But let's tap-down on the State's hoopla and instead, take a data-driven look at the numbers. Question: So why would the State of Delaware give Amazon, a trillion dollar empire, millions and millions of taxpayer money for a bunch of minimum-wage-like jobs? Answer: Sadly, buying low-end jobs is Delaware's only choice! There's not a whole lot of interest from the business community in our statistically poor schools, non-competitive electric rates, and no Right To Work laws. Delaware's ongoing decline is on full display. "Delaware per capita income has gone from 10% above the nation to 5% below." And the knock-out punch, "perhaps the best Delaware can now do is to trade $80,000 a year jobs for $30,000 a year jobs." For the rest of CRI Chairman Dr. John Stapleford's "How Times Have Changed" report - and its BRUTAL - CLICK BELOW...
How Times Have Changed (pdf)We take note when the First State gets global press. Last week the Wall Street Journal OPINION pages ran a Commentary, "Plastic Bags Help the Environment". Per the piece, "eight states - California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon and Vermont - have all outlawed or restricted single-use plastic bags." For a non-Progressive, data-driven look at the plastic/plastic bag debate CLICK BELOW...
The national Democratic Party has another debate tonight. Last week's spectacle, now with Candidate Bloomberg, brought big ratings! Delaware's Charlie Copeland has a solid pedigree in the political world. After all, he held office and ran a statewide party. (Btw, successfully ran a statewide party.) In the attached interview we did over the weekend, Charlie shared his insights! Of note, what is the pathway to winning the Donkey Party nomination? AND Michael Bloomberg is the "best thing" for the Republicans -- the First State's Joe Biden is done, or all but done -- but Sen. Amy Klobuchar is the one to watch. For a worthy couple minutes of politics CLICK BELOW...
CRI's energy expert Dave Stevenson's "Eight year DNREC cover up ended by PSC" is a HEADLINE! A MUST READ for every Delawarean!!! Dover is again EXPOSED! The attached starts with, "It took nearly eight years for the Delaware Public Service Commission to end the DNREC cover-up of how much more people are paying on their electric bills because of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)." Then the number, the finally exposed number, was revealed. And remember it was never supposed to go higher than 3 percent. Are ya ready? "19-percent" Looking forward, Dave ends with, "The egregious overrun of the cost cap, and resulting PSC freeze should give legislators pause in killing the cost cap." For the story, and details CLICK BELOW...
Eight year DNREC cover up ended by PSC (pdf)The data and insights from Monday's Data Delaware - courtesy CRI Chair John Stapleford - strongly suggested the First State's economy needs laser-like attention. In today's attached white-paper Dr. Stapleford's research suggests encouraging organic growth - assisting existing businesses - may be the proverbial "best" way to generate growth. To read "Development By the Numbers" CLICK BELOW.
Development By the Numbers (pdf)"Yum yum, eat 'em up!" is the forever famous Little Rascals line. In the attached interview, CRI Chair John Stapleford all but "eats up" Governor Carney's claims of economic success! Last year, Delaware's Governor said his - and the legislators too - Number #1 priority was the First State's economy. Fast forward to last month's State of the State Address and Gov. John Carney spoke of 20,000 new jobs (since his election) - he also said Delaware is (economically) "strong, and getting stronger" - and Delaware has a "strong economy." Unfortunately, the data very much challenges the Governor's bravado says Dr. Stapleford. For a numbers-driven review of the Governor's remarks (and OUCH! Is an appropriate response after listening) CLICK BELOW...
In the attached, CRI Chair John Stapleford exposes Delaware's Gross Receipts Tax. According to Dr. Stapleford, "Delaware is one of just five states that levies a gross receipts tax (GRT). The Delaware GRT is a hodge-podge of rates and exclusions. Alice in Wonderland....Delaware has one of the highest state Corporate Income Taxes in the nation and the GRT adds insult to injury." For the painful details CLICK BELOW...
DE GRT (pdf)Former long-time legislator Greg Lavelle is back and raisin' heck again! In this edition he exposed some of the major policy shifts coming out of Dover!!! Taxpayers better listen up... For instance, by what percentage will the Budget (collectively) increase? How can reoccurring expenses keep happening in the -- supposedly one-time -- Supplemental Budget? Has the Governor created a disaster by attempting to help the Wilmington schools??? For the inside story on these issues and more CLICK BELOW...
SCHOOL CHOICE was a key focus in Trump's State of the Union Address last night! Love him or hate him, he sees the obvious. The numbers from the last election strongly suggest being in favor of School Choice is super smart politics. After all, a wave of African American moms - on the promise of INCREASING School Choice - made sure a Republican Governor stayed in power in Florida. So, given the President's speech, what does Delaware's School Choice data look like??? (Hopefully the attached white paper becomes REQUIRED READING for all in Dover - especially the Governor.) CRI's "Freedom to Learn" series continues, for Dr. John Stapleford's "Delaware School Choice" CLICK BELOW...
Delaware School Choice (pdf)"The tax law is written in pencil" is suddenly a painfully spot-on quote courtesy the Wall Street Journal's, "The New Retirement Tax Breaks on the Chopping Block." Year end's SECURE Act made sweeping changes to retirement planning. In particular, the rules on "Stretch IRAs" were redone! Reworded, a promise broken. Sooo if the political class can renege - and they just did - then what other tax breaks are the more likely to also get whacked????? To hear Newark, Delaware based CPA Bill Kane handicap the more probable future retirement plan changes CLICK BELOW...
Most times the winning formula for those running for President is to speak about a shared vision of America. However, the current Democrat Party field seems oblivious to history. Climate change - which the marketplace gives (virtually) no credibility to - and aggressive social programs, that bring skyrocketing taxes, are their current pitch. By coincidence, last week the Wall Street Journal featured an OPINION piece detailing - with data - a look-see into the Democratic Party's tax proposals. Delaware's Joe Biden was prominent. To read "The Tax Increases to Come: Even Joe Biden would raise the top marginal rate on work to over 50%" CLICK BELOW...
CRI's "Freedom to Learn" series continues, but this edition kinda backdoors that education focus. Dr. John Stapleford's attached piece gives NCC County Executive Matt Meyers recognition and credit for his efforts to bring jobs to New Castle County. Unfortunately, the data suggest his initiatives are doomed. "For 2018 the net out-migration of wages was $3.2 billion." A fascinating story and stats come with that jaw-dropping number! But the problem won't heal because folks that work in the northern most county of the First State - and attend public school - do their best to live in an area, such as Pennsylvania, that avoids Delaware's statistically poor public school system. For some second-to-none data-driven insights, "The Sinkhole in the NCC Economy," CLICK BELOW...
The Sinkhole in the NCC EconomyHot off the presses! ALEC is making headlines with its just released OPEB report. The American Legislative Exchange Council says each Delawarean now owes $10,300 in retiree (primarily health) benefits. The attached work shows Delaware ranking 47 th (out of the 50 states) in "the average OPEB liability per resident in each state, an indicator of (the) potential future tax burden on residents." AND the First State ranks 47th in a "metric that considers a state's ability to pay off its liabilities." Pucker up taxpayers! To read their world-class study "OPEB Other Post Employment Benefit Liabilities: The Continuing Need for OPEB Reform" CLICK BELOW.
Delawarean Dennis O'Brien has unique China insights and connections. For instance, China's lead trade negotiator Vice Premier Liu He is a personal friend. Even more fascinating -- and perhaps even bigger than just the trade issues -- China suddenly has a handful of critical challenges. To hear Dr. Dennis O'Brien's thoughts on China in 2020 CLICK BELOW...
Still popular today, "Danger Will Robinson!", was the forever famous line - regularly delivered by the robot - from the campy 1960s TV show "Lost in Space." The data from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia suggest Delaware's political class might want to also listen to a warning of danger!!! According to CRI Chair John Stapleford, "Each month the Phila Fed estimates leading indexes for all the states and the nation. Delaware has had a negative leading index for 5 straight months now. The last time this occurred was in the summer of 2007, kicking off 21 straight months of contraction - the 2008 recession." For Dr. Stapleford's full report, "Is Delaware losing its Spring" CLICK BELOW...
Is Delaware losing its Spring? (pdf)Every Delaware taxpayer should read "Getting work done for all Delawareans during the new session," Delawareonline. To recap, the three key Democratic Party House leaders recently wrote this Sunday News Journal OPINION piece listing their accomplishments. For reference, Governor Carney has publicly stated the Number #1 priority for him - and the legislators - is "strengthening our economy." Unfortunately, that's not apparently true anymore, as the inmates seem to be running the asylum. Now, give-aways and social issues are the current focus in Dover! In fact, "creating jobs" is a lowly number 6 in importance, trumped by "voting opportunities," and restoring "fairness and equity" to the criminal justice system. CRI Board member Charlie Copeland delivers a myriad of Delaware stats suggesting Dover is clueless about the First State's economy!!! For former legislator Copeland's response to this new vision of Delaware listen below...
The SECURE Act, signed into law in the waning hours of 2019, contains the most significant changes to retirement account planning in more than a decade. Employee-sponsored retirement plans - and individual retirement savers - both will be affected in the tax year 2020. Sooo be aware! Newark, Delaware-based CPA Bill Kane highlights many of the changes in the attached interview. To hear, "Your upcoming CPA visit will now include a discussion about SECURE" CLICK BELOW...
Legislative session is about to begin! That means MINIMUM WAGE is about to be a headline again. Beyond the shameless political pandering, what does the research and data say about the proposed 16% increase - especially given Delaware's challenging economic conditions? CRI Chair John Stapleford, along with CRI Researcher Justin Chan, writes, "In summary, the research literature demonstrates that the rapid increase in the Delaware minimum wage proposed by Senator Brown will reduce the demand for minimum wage workers, lead businesses to substitute more skilled workers for current minimum wage employees, and force consumers to pay higher prices for goods and services." For their full report CLICK BELOW...
PDF DocCRI Chair John Stapleford, writes, "Productivity is typically measured as the amount of output (the market value) of the goods or services each worker in an industry produces over a year. By identifying progressive and stagnant industries in Delaware one can anticipate which industries will drive the Delaware economy and which industries will be driving up prices." Dr. Stapleford took data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and reviews the (apparent) First State business winners and losers. For his full report CLICK BELOW...
Delaware Productivity (pdf)Delaware's Joe Biden predicted chaos and doom following President Trump's take-out of a key terrorist. In a campaign speech, "The Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President wrapped himself tightly in Barack Obama's Iran policy", according to a Wall Street OPINION piece. Obviously, Trump is rolling with a risky strategy. Obviously, escalation is a possibility. However, logic suggests a proverbial olive branch might now be introduced. And then perhaps a more friendly-to-the-US (and allies) treaty follows. Bottom line, "Mr. Biden is still making a major gamble when ?he predicts Mr. Trump's failure in the Middle East." To read "Biden Places His Iran Bets" CLICK BELOW...
Robert Fry Jr. is a former DuPont economist. These days he sells his world-class insights and newsletter from his business, Robert Fry Economics, LLC. In the just taped interview that follows, the Delaware-based economist shares his views and 2020 predictions... Toss out the tarot cards. To be (hopefully) clairvoyant CLICK BELOW...
Although the Trump Economy has lifted all the states, on a relative basis Delaware is dying. The numbers are unforgiving! The Tax Foundation, the Mercatus Center, the Pew Research Center have all slammed Delaware. Charlie Copeland is as bright as they come ?and a regular to my radio program and Data Delaware too. For the former legislator's 2019 review CLICK BELOW...
CRI Chair John Stapleford's latest white-paper is another jaw-dropper... "In its recent report on "Growth Centers" the Brooking Institute declares that ?"the future of America's economy lies in its high-tech innovation sector." "The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area ranked 97th in growth with a net loss of 9,178 innovation jobs." For Dr. Stapleford's write-up CLICK BELOW...
Delaware and High-Tech Innovation (pdf)Last week the OPINION pages of the Wall Street Journal examined the tax proposals of Delaware's Presidential candidate Joe Biden. The subtitle says it all: "Only $3.4 trillion more from your incomes, profits and cap gains." Reworded, with the current Democratic leaders in the race embracing socialism and wild spending, by default, the hometown boy seems - despite confiscating many trillions from taxpayers - the "least drastic!" Still, "there's nothing pro-growth in the mix." To read the Wall Street Journal's "Joe Biden's "Modest" Tax Proposal" CLICK BELOW...
Lobbyist Bob Byrd remains one of Delaware's most powerful political figures. In the interview below, he tackles THE hot subjects! In Segment 1, Byrdie talks about over-regulated Delaware. The First State is simply NOT competitive. Byrdie then handicaps the (probable) upcoming Certificate of Need brawl. In Segment 2, Bob Byrd - who is a former Chair of the Delaware Economic Advisory Council - recap's last week's DEFAC meeting. New found money translates to a "contentious" upcoming Budget session. For second to none political insights listen below...
He's back! As Data Delaware subscribers know, Greg Lavelle has been on the warpath lately... In the interview below, the former legislator responds to State Senator Bryan Townsend's News Journal OPINION piece, "Delaware residents need the full story about Paradee." In particular, Greg examines the current Senate majority whip's claim the Delaware Turf deal was pure in intent and execution - along with the idea Levy Court "requested" the legislation. ?Also of note, ethics-in-Dover gives Greg Lavelle a chuckle. ?For even more sunlight on the Delaware Turf story CLICK BELOW...
CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson says, "Fundamental problems with a federal offshore wind leasing program have led to heated debates. The Delaware beach community is now caught up in an argument pitching progressives focused on climate change against a wide coalition concerned about a potential $5 billion hit to the beach economy, and misuse of state park property. A better designed leasing program could create a win-win solution." For his latest write-up CLICK BELOW.
Federal Offshore Wind Program Needs Overhaul (pdf)The Pew Center Trust has recently updated its information on the fiscal health of the states. CRI Board Chair, Dr. John Stapleford shares Delaware's highlights. "Delaware state government was 10th worse among the states in total revenue as a share of total expenses from FY 2003 -17." Along with, "Delaware ranks 8th (that's 8th worse) among the states in total debt and unfunded retirement as a share of personal income." Also of note, "Delaware's unfunded health obligations, nearly $6 billion, are 13.9% of Delaware personal income compared to an average of 4.2% among all the states." For the rest of Dr Stapleford's stats CLICK BELOW.
Pew Report (pdf)Multiple reports have Wesley College - without any form of a repayment plan - back, yet again, looking for even more millions of taxpayer money. But former legislator Greg Lavelle suggest before the ongoing subsidy (to a private institution) continues, Dover might at least look at the numbers. As the former Minority Whip points out - in step by step detail - a student to employee ratio of (essentially) one to one is simply unsustainable. Then Greg explains what appears to be a slight of hand policy change by lawmakers: Ongoing spending does not belong in the Bond Bill, instead, ongoing spending goes in the General Fund. Furthermore, how can the Higher Education Economic Investment Fund - with millions being allocated to it - be void of transparency??? In Greg Lavelle's last visit he suggested, "Legislators should be ashamed of themselves!" For another chapter in the sad, sad saga CLICK BELOW.
Former legislator Greg Lavelle made yet another public appearance bemoaning the lack of action by Dover! The former Minority Whip came with two messages... A postmortem on the Delaware Turf facility story. That fiasco includes - Dover's apparent ignorance of Best Practices - self-dealing, or the appearance of self-dealing - despite the hoopla, Kent County's lack of interest in the "Turf" legislation - a key figure who sits in the Governor's Office apparently forgot she was a sister - and ultimately changes to the bill and effort. Although painfully ugly, all that is the past. Still, Greg Lavelle delivers a stinging recap... But arguably the bigger issue - the ongoing bigger issue - is Dover's refusal to simply stop allowing last minute shenanigans in the waning minutes of the Budget session. STOP DOING IT, screams Greg. For the rest of Greg's comments, which include, "Legislators should be ashamed of themselves" CLICK BELOW...
Citizens of New Castle County might want to take an interest in the Delaware Board of Trade's ongoing mess.... There's three million dollars of taxpayer money involved! Plus the DBOT circus has an ever increasing dark entertainment value. Legally-challenged Tommy Gordon launched the charade, the Sunday News Journal headline references a "wrestler-founded tech company," a Chinese billionaire is center-stage, Joe Biden's name is loud, and this (NCC) government funded venture capital investment has morphed (or is about to morph) into a penny stock deal. Get your cotton candy! Philadelphia Inquirer staff reporter -- and Biden exposer -- Joe DiStefano wrote last week, "Low-priced stock replaces 'worthless' software in gov't loan that hasn't brought jobs". For that recap CLICK LINK TO INQUIRER ARTICLE BELOW... Squeaky wheel Karen Hartley-Nagle, President of New Castle County Council, shipped me her email over the weekend. Per the attached, with this latest development, "We go from being paid first - to last - or not at all." For her comments CLICK KAREN HARTLEY-NAGLE COMMENTS PDF LINK BELOW...
Earlier this year, Governor John Carney told PBS WHYY-TV Channel 12, "The primary objective for the Governor, and the legislators, is to create conditions where we can have a strong and growing economy." Apparently he likes the taste of foot... "In its recent 2020 Business Tax Climate report, the Tax Foundation ranked Delaware 50th among all the states in corporate income taxes," says CRI Chair John Stapleford. In the "Wizard of Oz" it's all about "lions and tigers and bears." In government, it's all about schools and jobs and taxes. Soooo, John Carney, what top tier business - with big time jobs and a big time tax bill -- is willing and wanting to relocate to the 50th ranked state for corporate taxes? For Dr. Stapleford's most recent report, "Recent economic news for Delaware" CLICK BELOW
Recent economic news for Delaware (pdf)For reference, roughly 2/3rds of the Fortune 500 have their legal headquarters in the First State. Companies pay a fee for being here and/or pay a fee to have access to the Delaware courts. That "incorporation franchise" is paramount to the State, as it (collectively) represents more than half of Delaware's annual revenue. Without question, University of Delaware Professor Charles Elson is the guru of corporate governance. (He also oversees the stewardship of the passive investing community and that represents over $4 trillion.) Back in August, The Business Roundtable - a group of 181 companies, of which many are global icons - suddenly abandoned "shareholder primacy" and, instead, embraced a new philosophical vision for corporations that focused on "stakeholders". With this new landscape, communities and unions trumped investors. (Who were now simply degraded to "providers of capital."). Elson went ballistic!!! After all, politics do not belong in the Boardroom! Furthermore, he warned there would be ramifications for the political pandering. It turns out he was clairvoyant - and it didn't take long. Uh-oh! With mega fanfare, Presidential candidate Warren is now calling on the "BRT" to bow and pledge their allegiance to her federalization of America, her brand of socialism. Every Delawarean - especially Governor Carney -- should be aware of the risk that is on the horizon. For the rest of Professor Elson's thoughts CLICK BELOW.
The News Journal just published, "It can be hard for Delaware lawmakers to keep their day jobs." Reporter Sarah Gamard interviewed Laura Sturgeon, the Democratic State Senator from Brandywine West. The story says Ms. Sturgeon makes nearly $57,000 annually as a part-time legislator. PLUS she makes another $93,000 as a public education school teacher. (For most State of Delaware employees, pension and healthcare represent another 30-plus percent in total compensation.) Sooo State Senator Sturgeon has an all-in package of roughly $200,000 annually. This story is her platform to complain about being busy. Former legislator Greg Lavelle takes extreme offense to the News Journal portraying State Senator Sturgeon as a victim. After all, says Greg, the average State of Delaware employee makes $46,000 a year. And, oh by the way, he did her schedule for nearly twenty years without whining. Then the article gets even more pathetic. Ms. Sturgeon now "hopes to become an adjunct professor at one of Delaware's local private colleges." Reworded, State Senator Sturgeon now sees herself following a regular line of legislators - who once elected - are suddenly qualified and/or entitled to additional, lucrative State of Delaware (taxpayer-paid) employment. For the rest of the former Minority Whip's insights - including a list of some of the double-dippin' names CLICK BELOW
Delawarean Joe DiStefano is a long-time reporter, having worked at the News Journal in the distant past and these days with the Philadelphia Inquirer. This piece just released, "Joe Biden's Friends & Backers Come Out on Top at the Expense of the Middle Class" is a brutal, raw, scathing review of the Presidential candidate's track record and it appears in The Nation. The piece is a MUST READ!
Biden handler, Ted Kaufman, recently published a piece in the News Journal singing the virtues of government regulations and organized labor as a pathway to strengthen the economy. He mostly forgot to mention even with non-stop government stimulus, growth limped along in the Obama/Biden period. In turn, America voted against more of the same. As the saying goes - You are very much allowed your own opinion, but you are not allowed your very own make believe stats. In his attached piece, using data, CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford examines the difference - in the U.S.'s economic health -- between 2013 and 2018. For the rest of "A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships" CLICK BELOW.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships (pdf)With the election one year away, we put sunlight to the two key components to the Democratic platform. We exposed climate change on Monday - and today we look at their tax plans. So we asked long-time Delaware CPA Bill Kane to simply highlight the proposed tax policies of the leading Democratic presidential candidates.... Tragically the Party of Envy continues its ever growing embrace of socialism. It doesn't matter European countries tried - and largely abandoned - wealth taxes. It doesn't matter former Treasury Secretary, and Democratic economic guru, Larry Summers all but bad-mouths wealth taxes. The common theme to the current herd is the desire for dramatically higher taxes AND wealth must be taxed and penalized...... Soo shout out "Viva Fidel" three times and then read (or listen to) the rest of CPA Bill Kane's insights. (WARNING: If you have a job - or if you were ever productive in your lifetime -- the following may cause nausea)...CLICK BELOW.
Climate change is the Number #1 issue for Democrats. It is their battle cry! The data suggest that's unfortunate, even embarrassing. Last week Peter Schweizer, President of the Government Accountability Institute, published a piece in the OPINION pages of the Wall Street Journal. "The Government Accountability Institute undertook a year long study of 40 major cities to find out if mayors' apocalyptic projections about climate risks are factored into the interest rates on the municipal bonds in their cities issue." Reworded, despite all the end-of-the-world-is-near bravado, what does the political left actually reduce to writing in their legally binding disclosure statements when it comes to climate change? ?VIRTUALLY NOTHING! So, we asked CRI Chair John Stapleford to ferret through the State of Delaware documents. What has tree-huggin', climate change supporter Governor John Carney ?told investors - especially given the huge exposure Delaware has to water -- about the First State and the (alleged) impending evils of climate disaster???? For all of Dr. Stapleford's thoughts CLICK BELOW for podcast or read transcript. (Ref: "Lukewarm Bond Yield Belie Mayors' Climate Alarm", Peter Schweizer, Wall Street Journal)
Two News Journal front page stories about the Frederica, DE "Turf Bill" asks the obvious, ongoing question: Do Dover lawmakers have any concept of disclosing conflicts of interest and/or any common sense knowledge of Best Practices? That part of the saga is horrific, but former legislator Greg Lavelle also says the (apparent) self-dealing nonsense in Dover is a reflection of an even bigger issue. Why does every session end with a wave of last minute bills - many of which have odor? The former Minority Whip lays out the Kent County political aspect to the situation too. And the locals ain't happy. Then the potential bombshell. Per Greg's email (to me) which I quote in our interview, "it has come to my attention that Jacqueline Mette, Deputy Legal Counsel for Governor Carney, is Trey and John Paradee's sister! The office of legal counsel reviews bills prior to recommending that the Governor sign or veto them." For the rest of Greg Lavelle's powerful comments and insights CLICK BELOW.
CRI's Freedom to Learn series continues.... "The Delaware Department of Public Education is to be congratulated and commended for the detailed measure of performance it now provides on every school district and every school, including charter schools... Due to such obvious factors are variation in the residential distribution of families by income and race, there is substantial variation of English and math proficiency by school district... CRI proposes that a middle school in each County from the lowest performing school districts be selected to be turned over to teachers and school administrators." For all of CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford's "Delaware Public Education: A Proposal" thoughts, CLICK BELOW...
Delaware Public Education: A Proposal (pdf)Dr. Chris Casscells - and family - are iconic names in Delaware healthcare. Dr. Chris Cassells also oversees CRI's healthcare effort. As planned, "Chris" is now all but retired. And without employment restrictions, he's now singing like a bird. Of note, of the 11 million who have ObamaCare, they "effectively don't have healthcare". HSAs are wonderful - and hopefully the future. And he ends our interview with damning comments about Delaware's Certificate of Need (CON) laws and Christiana Care. Pucker up and CLICK BELOW.
The Caesar Rodney Institute's Freedom to Learn series continues... If you missed CRI's annual event last week, you missed a powerful presentation - with second to none data. In the following interview, CRI Board member Charlie Copeland shares the highlights to Stanford University "Rick" Hanushek's jaw-dropping remarks. Of note, the growth rates of communities, states and even countries correlate to its schools! The difference - in future earnings -- in a class of thirty kids between a "bad" teacher and a "good" teacher? More than a million dollars a year - EVERY year! Since TEACHERS are THE key ingredient in the learning process, how do we find (and collect) "better" ones? Adjust the pay for the woefully underpaid profession - and weed out the bad ones! "Better teachers will make you richer. And Delaware's education system is designed, and run, NOT to get better teachers." For more of Charlie Copeland's painful recap CLICK BELOW...
A data-driven look at income distribution in our First State suggest the political class should be ashamed of themselves. The numbers suggest public policy all but sentences a third of Delaware to live a life most of us would find unacceptable. CRI Chair John Stapleford also says in his white-paper, "American society has split into two distinct worlds, with those on the top of the income distribution living a completely different life than those at the bottom. The top and bottom have vastly different experiences in vocation (work), marriage, religion, and community." The Delaware Business Times was so moved by Dr. Stapleford's piece, they just featured it. To read "Delaware: Coming Apart?" CLICK BELOW...
CRI's 11th Annual Banquet is Tues-a-week, Oct. 15th from 6-9 PM at the Wilmington Country Club. Guest speaker, Professor "Rick" Hanushek is a Stanford University economist who continues to write and lecture on the economics of education and public policy. Of particular note, a community's - even a country's - economic growth rate correlates to its education test scores - and TEACHERS are the most important ingredient in the education process. To attend the event, register by visiting the Caesar Rodney Institute website. To hear (or read) one of the more prolific champions of bringing data, accountability and change to the current education system CLICK BELOW...
According to CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson, "The Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates sales of electricity, but is appropriately considering not regulating the existing competitive market for selling electricity at electric vehicle charging stations. In the discussions the National Resource Defense Council proposed the PSC force Delmarva Power to invest in public chargers paid for by non-EV owning electric customers, and public comment is needed to stop this proposal." For the full writeup CLICK BELOW
Please give to the rich to fuel their expensive cars (pdf)Our ongoing Freedom to Learn series, which is a look at public education in Delaware, continues! Teachers in Delaware - who belong to the union - are represented by the DSEA (Delaware State Education Association). And the DSEA is part of the mother organization, the National Education Association (NEA). The NEA had its annual get together recently. According to CRI Board Member Charlie Copeland, motions ?to better train teachers and improve student education were DEFEATED. Instead, a lengthy social platform was adopted. The highlights include; "white fragility", name tags for the individual's pronoun, LGBTQ inclusivity, a push for slavery reparation, impact of voter suppression, and human rights violations the government is responsible for. We labeled our interview, "Craziness from the teachers union." For the entire conversation -- CLICK BELOW...
"A Better Delaware" is a non-partisan public policy and political advocacy organization that supports pro-growth, pro-jobs policies, and greater transparency and accountability in state government. To hear Founder and Co-Chair Chris Kenny tell their story CLICK BELOW...
"The Maryland Public Service Commission agreed... for two offshore industrial wind projects.... one of the projects will be built directly off the coast of Rehoboth Beach." CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson also notes, "The wind mills will dwarf the Statue of Liberty, and GE compares them to the height of the Chrysler Building in New York." To read "Coming soon, giants at the beach!", shield your eyes from the annoying, constantly blinking red lights CLICK BELOW...
PDF Doc"According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Delaware per capita income has gone from 10% above the U.S. to currently 5% below." CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford's attached white paper also notes, "Slow growth in earnings combined with a high reliance on transfer payments guarantees future slower growth in Delaware personal income." If you want to get even more upset, please remember John Carney's opening remarks in his May WHYY TV 12 interview, "the primary objective for the Governor and legislators is to create conditions where we can have a strong and growing economy...and we do." The data continues to suggest he's clueless. For the report, "Delaware Personal Income - Storm Clouds" CLICK BELOW
Delaware Personal Income (pdf)Certificate of Need (CON) laws are anti-competitive barriers designed to protect the status quo. The prestigious Mercatus Center research also says CON regulations inflate prices to consumers......In the last couple of days, Dover's powerful Sunset Committee has placed Delaware's CON rules on its agenda for review. By default, that pits billion dollar Christiana Care against the State of Delaware. (Healthcare is the First State's Number #1 cost - and that cost continues out of control!) Sooo an election year heavyweight rumble appears to be brewing. For the political-class, it sure seems like a tug between constituents vs campaign donations..... Staci Beck is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Delaware and a Board Member at the Caesar Rodney Institute. For her world-class CON write-up, which appeared over the weekend in the News Journal CLICK BELOW...
For reference, New Castle County County Executive Matt Meyers recently announced "the most extensive environmental agenda in our country's 346 year history." Then last week added, "I signed an agreement with Energize Delaware that will create jobs and help combat climate change." However, CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson screams, "Beware!" And then concludes, "No one should participate in this." For the full report "Beware, New Castle County's energy efficiency loan program" CLICK BELOW...
Beware, New Castle County's energy efficiency loan program (pdf)Rumors have increasingly swirled regarding problems at Wesley College. In particular, declining enrollment and ongoing money challenges. Common sense suggest the political-class, especially Governor Carney, will go to extreme lengths -- given its an election year -- to avoid a debacle. Sooooo lawmakers reportedly sent $1.375 million -- of taxpayer money - to aid the private school. Still, it's a business model that (apparently) can not be sustained. Peter Osborne, Editor of the Delaware Business Times, busted the story wide open in his recent interview. For a blunt discussion about Wesley College CLICK BELOW...
"According to the Bureau of Census, inflation-adjusted median household income in Delaware went from $70,220 in 2000 to $58,046 in 2016. This was the largest decline among the states and translates to a 17% drop in purchasing power for the median household." For the rest of CRI Chairman Dr. John Stapleford's "Huh, Say again" paper CLICK BELOW...
"Huh" paperCalling State of Delaware employees, especially teachers!!! Please forward this to all teachers. Bill Messenger is an attorney with the National Right to Work Foundation - and he is the attorney that "won" the landmark Janus case. For step by step instructions on what you need to do to escape paying union dues CLICK BELOW...
We received mega compliments from the piece below, which ran last month. But everybody's reaction was exactly the same. If you're a teacher in the State of Delaware and still paying union dues, "You gotta be nuts!" By coincidence, we're launching a new, hopefully once a month series on public education in Delaware. We're calling it Freedom to Learn. We start this week with a two-part edition. We lead with an Encore Presentation of "Stickin' to the Teachers". And tomorrow, the attorney for the National Right to Work Foundation shares step by step instructions on HOW TO ESCAPE THE UNION. PLEASE MAKE SURE EVERY TEACHER IN OUR FIRST STATE GETS A COPY OF BOTH!
Progressives celebrated last week! The Business Roundtable (BRT) - the group of 181 companies that includes Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, Apple and especially JP Morgan - expanded their vision of a company's duties to include a more vibrant place for stakeholders. For reference, Delaware is the "Incorporation Capital", with roughly 2/3rds of the Fortune 500 having their legal headquarters here. And that "incorporation franchise" collective represents probably more than half the State of Delaware's annual revenues. The guru of corporate governance is University of Delaware Professor Charles Elson. The surprise BRT news sent him ballistic. By Delaware law, companies are run for shareholders, who risk capital - NOT stakeholders!!! The story gets worse. Apparently, NONE of the 181 CEOs had Board approval for their action!!!!!!! For what could turn out to be one of the darkest moments in Corporate America history listen below...
Delawarean Robert Fry is a very accomplished economist. Therefore, given the heightened level of global uncertainty, we share Robert Fry Economics LLC's insights and thoughts. For an educated look at the world, toss the tarot cards and instead...
"In its latest Annual Highway Report (August, 2019) the Reason Foundation ranks Delaware 42nd among all the states in the condition of its highways." Taxpayers should note, "Delaware's Department of Transportation will spend $301 million on the state's road system this year (FY 2020)." And those of us who live in the First State might also want to know, "Delaware ranks 49th among the states in maintenance and administrative disbursements per state controlled land-mile." For the rest of CRI Chair John Stapleford's (government not delivering for its citizens, says the data) report CLICK BELOW...
DE Highways ReportDespite the ongoing heart-wrenching tragedies and the loud political posturing that follows, guns are here to stay. How they're regulated - if at all - is the debate. Mob rule, with talking media heads, hysteria and staged political spectacles is one pathway to a self-serving solution. However, common sense suggests a data drive review might help produce an outcome that most can accept. CRI Board member Matt Lenzini has written on the subject of gun control before. For his latest fair and balanced piece CLICK BELOW.
Gun Control (pdf)New Castle County has a whole lot of problems. After all, folks vote with their feet and NCC's population is projected to be flat for the next decade. NCC's Unified Development Code is a major contributor to No Growth New Castle County, says CRI's Chair John Stapleford. But with campaign season about to begin, NCC County Executive Matt Meyer just "announced the most extensive environmental agenda in our country's 346 year history". Needless to say, doubling down on more of the same seems a tad perplexing. By coincidence, CRI's energy expert Dave Stevenson just completed a report that is being used as a foundation study by the SPN Energy & Environment Working Group for use as part of a training tool kit for other state think tanks, and will be the basis of a main stage presentation at the State Policy Network Annual Conference. Needless to say, KUDOS TO DAVE! For those that might embrace facts with their beliefs, Dave offers a two page summary and for the full detailed report CLICK BELOW! 6/26/19 Data Delaware, "a grim picture for New Castle County"
Per the attached National Right To Work Committee letter: "On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the National Right To Work Committee, and almost 80% of the American people who oppose forced unionism, I strongly urge you to oppose H.R. 2474." To read the entire two pages CLICK BELOW... To call and email Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester CLICK BELOW...
Last week was a busy time for the Green Dream crowd. Socialist Bernie Sanders released his Green New Deal and the Wall Street Journal says the price tag is $16.3 trillion. (For reference, America's economy is only about $21 trillion.) Also of note, President Trump reportedly received an earful from the President of France at the G-7 meeting. But Macron apparently ignored Europe's (socialism induced) financial crisis and instead, wanted to share his views on climate change. By coincidence, CRI's energy expert Dave Stevenson just wrote a piece on wind power. For those that like to have some facts to back-up their beliefs CLICK BELOW...
Industrial size wind power is running into oppositionCaesar Rodney Institute's Chair John Stapleford was featured in the OPINION pages of the local paper. It's below. We also include Dr Stapleford's best-ever radio interview, where we broke the story. To recap, the numbers suggest the Delaware legislators have turned the First State's public education system into a union jobs shop. That may be great for political donations! But if the goal and objective is to actually educate Delaware's youth, the teachers - THE most important ingredient - are the (relative) losers. Big times losers. As John points out, "the inflation-adjusted average annual salary at Delaware's elementary and secondary public school teachers has been going down...dropping from $65, 223 in 1989-90 to $60,484 in 2017-18." Taxpayers should be aware, "Delaware ranks 14th highest among all the states in expenditures on public education." So where's the money going? "The number of non-teachers or 'all other staff' increased more than seven times." And how about the outcomes given this toxic brew? "Almost two-thirds of the eight graders have tested functionally illiterate in reading and math." There's even more to share....Listen and read below.
CRI has championed the movement to do away with Delaware's Certificate of Need (CON) laws. The Delaware Health Resources Board oversees that CON effort in our First State. Suddenly Bayhealth - chaperoned by lobbyist Bob Byrd -- is now a headline because its proposed expansion is tangled in that CON web. As Byrdie shares, maybe the state's Sunset Provisions will quietly kill this over-reach by government. There's hope, for the story - LISTEN BELOW... By coincidence, CRI Research Intern Justin Chan, put together a world-class report on Delaware's CON laws. In a recent interview he called the CON structure "corrupt". For his very worthy write-up READ BELOW...
Delawarean Dennis O'Brien is the ultimate China insider. And with the world teetering in large part because of the US/China trade war, Dr. O'Brien shares his second-to-none insights on the crisis. Of particular note, despite the friction, the Chinese prefer Trump over the other Presidential candidates - especially former VP Biden. (Biden deeply offended them by saying China was not a competitor to America.) To become an expert on the current global predicament - and perhaps feel better about the red-hot issues -- LISTEN BELOW
In the attached white-paper, CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson writes, "Ignoring the Constitution, the governors of twenty-four states, including Delaware, have signed onto the Climate Alliance to abide by the terms of the Paris Accord, as if they had treaty authority. To meet the goal (carbon dioxide emissions) DNREC has extended an emission allowance trading program that acts as a tax on electricity that may add up to $60 a year on residential electric bills by 2030. DNREC is looking to add a similar tax on gasoline and diesel fuel next year that could raise gasoline prices 25 cents per gallon." Of particular note, Governor Carney supports this effort, says Stevenson! For the full report click below...
Don't Open the Champagne.Governor Carney was recently featured in the OPINION pages of the News Journal. "We're making progress on issues Del. Cares about" is a public relations gem. Of particular note, it starts with, "Strengthening our economy. Improving schools for all Delaware children. Responsibly managing taxpayer dollars." Unfortunately for most Delawareans the issues, trends and numbers tell a more realistic story of challenges....... By coincidence, CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford recently agreed to participate in a Delaware Business Times (DBT) Round Table discussing the First State. He then produced a data-driven review of Delaware, which DBT published. The unedited version is below...... We offer both John write-ups for your consideration.
With the major global economies experiencing some degree of severe turbulence, Data Delaware turns truly altruistic with this edition. Formerly at DuPont for decades, now retired and self-employed, Delawarean Robert Fry is a highly respected economist. China is flirting with multiple crisis, while Europe is in (financial) crisis and here in the U.S. the Fed lowered interest rates while our domestic economy is posting full employment! With that back-drop, we ask one of the world's best to sort the proverbial tea leaves and share his insights. To mostly understand what's going on in the world listen below...
In the last couple of days CRI Board member Charlie Copeland said there was a rumor out there suggesting the State of Delaware may be facing a possible downgrade around year-end. As Charlie explained, he had been included in an email exchange with an impeccable source and therefore relayed the info. Charlie's radio interview was last weekend and Data Delaware told that story on Monday. However, within days -- by sheer coincidence, just days - of Mr. Copeland's remarks, Moody's assigned a Aaa to the State of Delaware's GO (General Obligation) bonds. Furthermore, the Moody's headline also reads, "outlook stable". According to the RATINGS RATIONALE, "Delaware's Aaa rating is supported by its strong management and governance. And its healthy and stable finances." For a screen shot - courtesy Bloomberg - of the highlights, its below...
The local media has latched onto a story that has much of our community buzzing. Personal finance website WalletHub - in its "2019 Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family" report - ranks the City of Wilmington a lowly 177th (out of 180). Using 47 key metrics, even deadly Baltimore is rated higher. For the full write-up CLICK LINK BELOW or read pdf below... And since Wilmington is a headline, this edition of Data Delaware also includes a piece I wrote for the News Journal a little over five years ago. I shared why - after 12 years - I abruptly quit WEFAC (the City of Wilmington's independent financial advisory group). Unfortunately, the City's problems keep on keepin' on. To read my "Why city of Wilmington is experiencing financial hardships" CLICK LINK BELOW or read pdf below...
Whamo! CRI Board member Charlie Copeland responds to Governor Carney's featured article, which appeared in the OPINION pages of last Sunday's News Journal. "We're making progress on issues Delaware Cares about" starts with, "Strengthening our economy. Improving schools for all Delaware students. Responsibly managing taxpayer dollars." The highlights to our (below) interview include the suggestion Gov. Carney - much like former Gov. Sherman Tribbitt - is only "ok smart" AND there's a loud rumor out there suggesting Delaware may be facing a possible credit rating agency downgrade. For those insights, along with a whole lot of data that very much challenges the Governor's puff-piece listen below...
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is about to release its most recent retiree healthcare (OPEB) study. Because of friendship, we break the story with ALEC's Chief Economist. With 50th being the worst, Delaware ranks 48th! Reworded, Delaware ranks 48th in (retiree healthcare) unfunded liabilities per capita. And that translates to every Delawarean owing nearly $5,000, says ALEC. For an explanation - and the details - listen below...
Per the attached white-paper from State Rep. Rich Collins, "Delaware officials announced the state was joining the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) - a coalition of nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to design a new regional low carbon transportation policy." This green dream effort could add $0.25/gallon for Delaware motorist, says CRI energy expert Dave Stevenson. For the full "Under-the-Radar Initiative Could Result in Higher Gasoline Prices" report CLICK BELOW...
Higher Gasoline Prices reportWith second-to-none insights, former legislator Greg Lavelle shines bright sunlight on each of the sensitive Budget issues. Hang 'Em High Greg takes no prisoners! Want to know the real reason why $15 minimum wage didn't pass? Did the Budget have the Governor-promised 3.8% increase, ?or did it swell (collectively) by almost six percent? And why all the cloak and dagger secrecy over the "epilogue" items? For a recap that resembles a scalping...
Delaware-based attorney Katherine Witherspoon Fry, in the Wilmington office of Offit Kurman, practices discrimination/employment/education law. In the attached interview, local businesses better understand the relatively ?new Delaware sexual harassment legislation. On the national stage, the discrimination vs. diversity slugfest continues. And on the global stage, the US Women's Soccer team's discrimination lawsuit against their employer continues to escalate. For fascinating insights into these red hot issues...
CRI Board member Charlie Copeland is on fire in the attached interview... State Senator Darius Brown, who (allegedly) owed something like $60,000 in back taxes, (apparently) failed to disclose that tidbit. That's a felony, says former legislator Copeland. And he adds, "the (Delaware) Public integrity Commission shrugged their shoulders." That was a jaw-dropper, but Charlie goes beast mode on State Senator Harris McDowell! ?Of note, how does State Senator McDowell - who is a self-employed energy consultant - regularly introduce, and lobby for, energy legislation? Unfortunately, these painful topics and questions have a logical answer, says Copeland: The Center for Public Integrity/State Integrity Investigation report ranks Delaware 48th and gives the First State a Total Grade of "F". For all of Charlie Copeland's scathing comments...
DATA DELAWARE (6/28/2019): With only hours left in the current political session, State Senator Harris McDowell has introduced a bill that will dramatically INCREASE electric rates for many Delawareans, says Dave Stevenson CRI's energy expert. Newark Council member James Horning writes, "For the sake of good government, I'm asking for your opposition to (the renewable portfolio standards bill) that Sen. McDowell intends to release today." Bottom line: The bill will raise the Renewable Portfolio Standard mandate. To make Senator McDowell aware of your opinion regarding Senate Bill Resolution No.10: Harris.McDowell@delaware.gov 302-744-4147 302-577-8744 To also make the Co-Sponsors aware email: Sen Hansen, Sokola, Townsend, and Rep Heffernan... Stephanie.Hansen@delaware.gov, David.Sokola@delaware.gove, Bryan.Townsend@delaware.gov, and Debra.Heffernan@delaware.gov In the wisdom of CRI Chair Dr John Stapleford, "Another bad government power grab." For Dave Stevenson's talking-points recap CLICK BELOW... For Dave Stevenson's May write-up CLICK BELOW...
Document 1: RPS Bill Talking Points (pdf)Dave Stevenson is CRI's energy guru, and he was the lead contributor on the attached coalition letter of the SPN (State Policy Network) Energy & Environmental Working Group. According to Dave Stevenson, "The EPA has finalized repeal of the illegal Obama era Clean Power Plan that was designed to force states to adopt RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) like carbon dioxide emission taxes, and to force closure of coal-fired power plants, with the Affordable Clean Energy Rule (ACE)." For even more of the recap CLICK BELOW...
ACE Statement"The New Castle County Doldrums" - which is attached and written by CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford - "paints a grim picture for New Castle County". Applying work from The Delaware Population Consortium, "total employment in NCC will be flat for the next ten years." And the bad actually gets worse! For a data-based primer on the "demographic cliff", along with the implications for our local economy - especially housing CLICK BELOW...
ncc FLAT (pdf)The economic numbers out of Delaware have been more than unkind. And all that bad news may finally be coming home to roost, as last Wednesday DEFAC projected flat-ish revenues going forward. So says Bob Byrd, who is a former Chair and current member of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council. Byrdie, the ultimate Delaware Democratic insider, also thinks the current Budget process, which climaxes next week, may have some upcoming disagreements and sparks over the topic of money. (In the attached interview it sounds like Dover is about to have a food fight over spending.) Big time lobbyist Bobby then adds - for now - the most recent controversies, of guns, marijuana, and $15 minimum wage have been pushed to the sidelines. "They (Dover) just don't want to deal with them." We end with some brutally ugly First State's stats ?that the elected continue to ignore and ignore. For a bare knuckle preview of politics in Delaware listen below...
State of Delaware employees and retirees - and taxpayers too -- might want to ask for an explanation.... Per an April DATA DELAWARE, Delaware has a healthcare liability that is only 5% funded. Sooo, what does the pension look like? According to CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford, "Since 2009, the unfunded liability for the State employees' pension fund has increased 1400% (from $83 million to $1.5 billion). The fund has gone from 103% funded to 86% funded. Over the same time period, the market value of the pension fund assets has risen just 68% (from $6.9 billion to $7.4 billion)." ?Not good, say the numbers. For John's full recap of the troubling data and story CLICK BELOW... (source: "Boomershine Consulting, BCG Retirement News Roundup. April 2019 Volume 8, Issue 4")
DE PensionTo the political left, climate change is a key issue. To receive your proverbial Progressive Card, you gotta be extreme and loud. For the most part, Delaware's Joe Biden used to be neither. Then he ran for President and the party dictated his platform. In the wisdom of the Wizard of Oz, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" Despite its track record of failure, Candidate Biden now wants a redo, an even more aggressive push, of the Obama effort. Noise aside, it's all about a carbon tax. It's ALL about a carbon tax. Unfortunately, for the Al Gore Kool-Aid drinkers, a carbon tax is political unemployment. Soooo how do you try and sell the green dream - and make sure to avoid, at all cost, the term carbon tax? For that answer read Biden's "Clean Energy Revolution." For the CRI Director of Energy Competitiveness Dave Stevenson's response CLICK HERE BELOW...
Biden Recycles Failed Energy Policy (pdf doc.)Progressives have been accused of a belief in Santa Claus, that math and/or facts don't matter. With magic (apparently) embraced, the Delaware Senate Finance Committee is reviewing Senate Bill 105, which would move the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Like virtually everything in life, there's action and most times a reaction. To appreciate the price tag of a $15 minimum wage, CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford examines the data and tells the story. To understand the $15 minimum wage discussion - without the political pandering - CLICK BELOW...
DE minimum wageYesterday's Data Delaware generated a response from the Chairman of Delaware's House Education Committee, Earl Jaques. His email ended with, "Maybe it's time you check the facts!"......So we accepted the suggestion from the member of the Delaware House of Representatives, District 27.....According to the Delaware General Assembly Bill Details, Original Synopsis, "This bill creates a mechanism by which school boards may increase funds for a school district with or without a referendum. This bill also provides how certain school boards may levy real estate taxes." Maybe some in Delaware object to having their right to vote - especially for a tax increase - taken away from them......State of Delaware education icon Ron Russo - who oversees the Caesar Rodney Institute's education efforts -- had a write-up in both the mid-May Data Delaware ("DD") and again in Tuesday's June 11th DD. In part it reads, "Well, NAEP reports that from 1999 to 2017 our 8th graders progress has been flat with 2/3 functionally illiterate in math and reading." Maybe some in Delaware see that data as unacceptable, even tragic. Hopefully three's the charm and we'll get everyone in Dover to read the full (and blistering) Earl Jaques Response report! To do it, CLICK BELOW...
Earl Jacques Response (pdf)In the wisdom of Gomer Pyle, "Surprise, surprise, surprise!" Beat-down House Bill 129 (HB 129) - bringing taxpayers a property tax without a vote -- has been (stealthily) resurrected. HB 129 is now on the House Education Committee Agenda for tomorrow, (Wednesday.) Data Delaware - featuring former legislator Greg Lavelle -- warned in mid-May. For that refresher CLICK BELOW. Dover is apparently undaunted, as here it comes again . SOOOO call your legislator - and call the bill sponsors.
Delaware's unique "incorporation franchise" is vital, collectively representing roughly 60% of the State's annual Budget. Corporate governance icon Charles Elson also says he sees a way to suddenly grow that revenue! Because of time zones, the UK was generally regarded as the center of the financial world. However, political turmoil is in the process of destroying that empire. ?According to University of Delaware Professor Elson - who just spent the last six weeks lecturing there - with Merrie Olde England (aggressively) preoccupied with climate change, many of the energy companies, which had moved their global headquarters there, would now be well served to escape. Delaware could be the natural landing spot. Additionally, The 40 Trillion Dollar Man shares the highlights to a September event that will once again make his Weinberg Center the global focus. For wonderful insights - along with a call to action -- listen below...
CRI Board member Charlie Copeland has an elite resume - and a very different perspective on the (probable) upcoming Delaware court decision focusing on public education reform and a statewide property tax, that may follow. The (alleged) unequal funding for public school students may force a Delaware court to order a redo of our education structure. BUT what if, says Charlie, the court says $1.5 billion (all-in) annually is already enough Delaware taxpayer money AND with (roughly) 80% of the minority kids struggling, maybe we shouldn't double-down on more failure. Reworded, INSTEAD of accepting and rewarding an existing broken system with even more money, let's embrace a model that has a track record of success. ?For instance, CRI's the BOLD Plan! For Charlie Copeland's call to action listen below...
RE: Delaware's healthcare crisis, at least one (apparent) answer. Per the attached report, "Delaware ranks 3rd per capita in health care spending among the states." And, "runaway healthcare spending (in Delaware) is breaking the state government's budget." State spending on Medicaid is $770M, the largest single item in the state's budget, it's now crowding out other State functions (like education). Most times in history crisis brings change. The elimination of Delaware's Certificate of Need ("CON") laws seems logical, even overdue. By coincidence, the Mercatus Center for George Mason University compared states with CON laws to non-CON law states. Their research says an increase in supply-side competition (dropping CON barriers to entry) in the Delaware healthcare industry would reduce prices, increase access, and have no negative effect on the quality of care. Big money power-politics aside, the data suggests at least one healthcare solution is waiting for action from Dover CLICK HERE.
Healthcare CON (pdf doc.)Mega compliments to Data Delaware (DD), clearly, we're moving the proverbial needle! By coincidence, after a failed takeover attempt of The News Journal's parent company, Gannett is reorganizing. A community publication is the future business-model. Despite being wildly progressive, they need to expand and broaden their readership. Necessity can make for odd bedfellows. So, The News Journal reached-out and the Caesar Rodney Institute (CRI) has agreed to periodically work with the First State's only statewide newspaper. They get second to none content, while we get an additional-mostly new to us-audience. Its good business - by them and us... BTW, Data Delaware will continue uninterrupted, forever growing, increasingly more and more recognized! Keep forwarding DD... Yesterday, The News Journal OPINION pages featured a piece from CRI Chair John Stapleford. The numbers continue to suggest Delaware is dying - and Dover is killing it. For the painful story and irrefutable data CLICK BELOW...
Letter to the Editor (pdf doc.)Arguably the hottest (and most fascinating) domestic issue: Diversity vs. Discrimination! Diversity is a stated goal written into the law. ?For instance, affirmative action. At the same time, anti-discrimination measures are also written into the law, protecting age, gender, race, and religion. So how do college admissions balance these - at times -- competing interests? Recent legal action, has seemingly moved higher education away from race-focused quotas to a newly revealed "adversity index". Unfortunately, a carve-out is still a preference. And despite an environment where many see themselves as entitled and/or a victim, whatever happened to plain ole MERIT? Delaware-based attorney Katherine Witherspoon Fry primarily practices employment/education/discrimination law at the Wilmington office of Offit and Kurman. ? For her very worthy insights LISTEN below...
"The most influential lobbyist in the First State", says U.S. Senator Chris Coons, has written a book. Bob Byrd, the ultimate Delaware Democratic insider, delivers an extra large 250 pages of political story after political story. Politics is as simple as counting your votes, according to "Byrd of Legislative Hall!" It's a fun read. In the interview, new author Byrdie shares "why now", along with some of ?his favorite highlights to five decades of "wheeling and dealing!" To purchase the book, visit: The Byrd Group LLC or copy link: http://byrdgroupllc.com/
ALEC just released its "State Tax Cut Roundup: 2018 Legislative Session." Since the states compete against each other, this work reveals the recipe for success to a prosperous economy. Per yesterday's Data Delaware, the numbers say no-growth Delaware is a sad, stagnant economic mess. The American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) report tells the story of 16 states doing the right thing and not drowning. Of note, Socialist Bernie Sander's home state,Vermont, cut taxes. Michigan went from dump to darling. Maryland cut taxes. As the song suggests, "Fairy tales can come true, they can happen to you." For the very worthy read AND to hear ALEC's Economist explain the data and share his insights CLICK BELOW LINKS...
In last week's WHYY-TV interview linked below, Governor Carney starts immediately by saying, "the primary objective for the Governor and legislators is to create conditions where we can have a strong and growing economy...and we do." Unfortunately, his shtick doesn't seem to jive with the numbers! As CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford points out, Delaware's Department of Labor - per the State of Delaware website - projects two year employment growth of 0.2% and 0.6% growth on a ten year basis. For reference, the national economy is currently growing at a crisp three-ish percent. And the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released its Gross State Product (GSP) figures by state for the fourth quarter of 2018. Per the map below, for that time period the U.S. growth rate exceeded two percent, while Delaware was statistically flat - and battling for the bottom ranking. Governor Carney vs. the data, you decide...
Delaware's healthcare costs are ugly. For instance, "Delaware has the third highest per capita healthcare expenditures among all the states and ranks 30th in healthcare outcomes." writes CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford. In the attached white-paper the data suggests Delaware follow the current trend among states and eliminate our Certificate of Need laws, which protect existing healthcare practices from competition. For those worthy "CON" insights and ugly numbers CLICK below...
Healthcare CON (pdf doc.)The Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity publishes a Jobs and Opportunity Index (JOI) for all the states monthly. As of March, of this year, Delaware ranks 50th among the states. Delaware has ranked 50th on the JOI for the past six months. For, CRI Chair, Dr. John Stapleford's full report CLICK PDF below...
Job Opportunity Index ReportFrustrated by taxpayers' refusal to pass Christina School District's referendum, Dover lawmakers have proposed HB 129. Voters be damned, this legislation would, "increase funds for a school district...without a referendum." Chairman of Delaware's House Education Committee Earl Jaques' bill "also provides how certain school boards may levy real estate taxes." In a sound-bite: spend and spend - and install a new system (that IGNORES and CIRCUMVENTS taxpayers) and guarantees the funds to spend, spend and spend! Damn the voters, SPEND! For former legislator Greg Lavelle's response and insights click below for interview. Once again, CRI Executive Director, Ron Russo points out the crisis in Delaware's public schools is NOT money. After all, Delaware is one of the top spending states, while 2/3rds of our 8th graders are "functionally illiterate". Instead, overhaul the broken business model! Shifting "power to the local professionals makes sense," suggests Delaware's most iconic educator. For Ron Russo's thoughts click below for pdf.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has released its Gross State Product (GSP) figures by state for the fourth quarter of 2018. With the national economy continuing to hum along - currently at about three percent - Delaware's growth is, instead, flat-ish. Governor John Carney has reduced to writing THE most important part of his job is the economy. Therefore, using his own criteria, his performance is a dreadful failure. Why? According to CRI Chair, Dr. John Stapleford, "Delaware's economy is currently in a holding pattern caused by a culmination of tax increases, mediocre public schools, and high electric prices driven by carbon taxes and the gift of a half billion dollars to Bloom Energy." For the full report about our reach for the last place ranking CLICK BELOW...
Output Flat (pdf doc.)"Between 2015-2016 net out-migration from New Castle County (NCC) reduced the County's total personal income by more than $177 million", says CRI Chair Dr John Stapleford. Sooo where did the statistically more affluent go? Sussex County was a big winner, but the numbers also suggest Chester County Pennsylvania (like many of the Pennsylvania counties that border Delaware) also benefited greatly. Why the ugly NCC decline? For the "Money Walks - A Tale of Two Counties" report CLICK pdf doc. below...
Money Walks (pdf doc.)State workers healthcare, the shocking numbers - and trends! With data from its recent audit, CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford takes a look at Delaware's post-retirement health plan. The results are "ugly". For instance, "a 2018 unfunded healthcare liability of $7.5 billion, projected to reach $18.0 billion by the end of 20 years." Reworded, "Delaware has a healthcare liability that is only 5% funded." Furthermore - generally speaking - pensions are guaranteed, while healthcare is not. Therefore, the math suggests a massive tax hike or significant cuts are inevitable. By coincidence, last week's Wall Street Journal story points out six states have already taken steps to trim - some aggressively. For a brutal and unforgiving recap of Delaware's looming crisis CLICK ON PDF DOC BELOW.
Retiree Healthcare (pdf doc.)The Fraser Institute does an Economic Freedom Index annually. Ultimately measuring economic development and growth, it's "considered one of the most influential reports published by any think tank", says CRI Chair Dr. John Stapleford. Delaware has moved from a ranking of 10th (in 2002) to 38th (2016 is the latest data). Taxes and government spending are cited as leading causes in the "plunge". For a recap of what the job-creating business-world is talking about CLICK on pdf doc. below. A more detailed explanation is offered in the following interview CLICK to listen below.
Economic Freedom Retreats in Delaware (pdf doc.)Governor Carney has said the economy is THE most important part of his job. Assuming that remains true, he needs to push the PANIC BUTTON. At best, Delaware is growing significantly below (as a percentage) the national average. Furthermore, "there seems to be a disconnect between the employment projections of the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) and Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC)," writes CRI Chairman Dr. John Stapleford. For a written recap of those conflicting signals click on pdf doc. below... For a more detailed explanation is offered in this interview click below (10 min. podcast)
Recap of conflicting signals (pdf doc.)Welcome to Delaware! We're the 10th highest spending state and the 12th highest taxing state, points-out CRI Board member Charlie Copeland. That look-back is the good news. In this current session Progressives on Steroids (Dover) have pushed a very anti-business agenda. History teaches us money always goes where it is treated the best - always has and always will. Therefore it's hard to envision an anti-job creation platform attracting capital. For a painful recap of last week's legislation -- and a very worthy statewide property tax discussion too...listen below.
Business very much follows Rich States, Poor States. The 12th edition was just released. Once again, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has Delaware ranked a not-good 36th. More importantly, the publication follows a calendar year. Sooo, as Dover embraces more spend-crazy and worker-unfriendly policies, it becomes conceivable the First State could be battling for last place next year. If true, another heavy nail for a mostly stagnant state. Instead, what SHOULD Delaware be doing? Listen below...
Last Monday, we featured former legislator Greg Lavelle asking about the impact of Senate Bill 62, which proposes an annual cost of living (COLA) increase to qualified State pensioners. Careful what you wish for! The General Fund cost is estimated at almost $25 million for fiscal year 2020, nearly $50 million in 2021, $74-plus million in 2022 and they keep climbing and climbing. Now the bad-news. CRI Chair says these numbers - in his opinion - are "likely understated". For a data-driven review of SB 62 click on pdf doc below...
Data-driven review of SB 62 (pdf doc.)Senate Bill 8 is being fast-tracked. SB 8 is scheduled to be voted on today! State employees need to have their voices heard! More than a month ago former legislator Greg Lavelle warned of Senate Bill 8. Still, it passed and is now assigned to the (Delaware) House Labor Committee. The National Right to Work Committee has taken an interest. The highlights to their attached letter include: "By making compensation a subject of collective bargaining, this legislation strips individual state employees of the fundamental right to negotiate for themselves.... (SB 8) coerces workers into paying union dues.... This bill is an assault, not just on state workers but on the taxpayers of Delaware as well." For the full read AND free legal advice CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Race is very much an issue in America. "Civil-rights officials at the U.S. Education Department are requiring the Texas Tech University Health Science Center medical school to cease factoring race into admission," says a Wall Street Journal front page story of last week. In the attached interview, prominent Delaware discrimination/employment/education attorney, Katherine Witherspoon Fry of Offit Kurman, returns to explain the Trump Administration's ongoing effort to question affirmative action CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
More than a month ago former legislator Greg Lavelle warned of Senate Bill 8. Still, it passed and is now assigned to the (Delaware) House Labor Committee. The National Right to Work Committee has taken an interest. The highlights to their attached letter include: "By making compensation a subject of collective bargaining, this legislation strips individual state employees of the fundamental right to negotiate for themselves.... (SB 8) coerces workers into paying union dues.... This bill is an assault, not just on state workers but on the taxpayers of Delaware as well." For the full read and for free legal advice CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Dover wants to amend Title 29. Dover is proposing a cost of living (COLA) adjustment to qualified state (Delaware) pensioners. The millions and millions in new spending brings common sense questions from former legislator Greg Lavelle. What is the all-in cost? Is the pension fund impacted in any way? How is it going to be funded? To state the obvious, our Blue State lawmakers seem to be saying costs do not matter and taxpayers will blindly pony-up. CRI Chairman John Stapleford and Greg Lavelle ?tell this week's spend and spend and spend story CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Gun control is suddenly a headline in Delaware. Rumor has Progressives championing upwards of a half dozen new pieces of legislation! Just last week, we featured State Senator Dave Lawson's highlight of HB 63: "the severity of the offense against the gun owner is ultimately determined by the actions of the person that took the firearm." Today, CRI Advisory Council member Matt Lenzini responds to the gun debate with a data-driven report. For the very worthy read CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
The Democratic Party's fiscal policy proposals now have a face. It turns out to be a Stony Brook University Professor who champions "modern monetary theory." According to "MMT," deficits don't matter - so spending can be endless - because the government can simply print more and more money! MOST importantly, "MMT" believes the political-class is smarter and more efficient than the marketplace. "MMT" fans include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. To hear Delawarean Robert Fry Jr, who is an award winning economist, explain this newly created fiscal socialism, CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO LISTEN...
Delaware's economy is very heavily dependent on our "incorporation franchise". Therefore, we have to remain the beacon of corporate governance for Corporate America! Dual-class stock - which is suddenly under attack - has Delaware centerstage. Both regulators and the exchanges are blocked. Therefore, investors are now calling on the Incorporation Capital, which is Delaware, to initiate legislation demanding one share, one vote. University of Delaware Professor Charles Elson, who is in the middle of the firestorm, explains. CLICK LINK BELOW TO LISTEN...
The local elections in Newark coming up next week have, in large part, focused on the University of Delaware. Newark resident and CRI Chair, Dr. John Stapleford, used this as a reason to take a data-driven look at the University of Delaware (UD). BTW, Dr. Stapleford received his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware and he ran the UD's Bureau of Economic Research. John's white-paper suggests our state college has overhauled its business model. For the prickly numbers and uncomfortable story CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
As with most things in life, follow the money. The Delaware Valley is electric with baseball. After an exciting off-season of collecting talent, Bryce Harper's signing with the Phillies was the proverbial cherry on top. But a recent Los Angeles Times story says the Giants, and especially the Dodgers -- with magnificent weather -- offered similar 300 million dollar-like deals to the mega star. So why did he choose the Philadelphia Phillies? According to sports writer George Skelton, the California-based teams couldn't overcome the burden of California's top state income tax rate of 13.3%, compared with Pennsylvania's low flat rate of 3.07%. Reworded, Mr. Harper's agent, Scot Boras said the tax savings from signing with the Phillies - rather than a California team - "could be almost a full year's compensation." For the full story, "Bryce Harper will save tens of millions in taxes by spurning the Dodgers and Giants" CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Democratic insider Bob Byrd appeared last week. Byrdie attempted to justify Delaware's (apparent) out of whack spending. Today, in response, CRI Board member Charlie Copeland says, "Bob's answer was just silly and an obfuscation." So, is it true booming Florida spends only $3,000 for every citizen, while mostly stagnant Delaware spends roughly $10,000 for every citizen? The former legislator also pummels the Governor's proposed smoothing and he tackles reassessment too. For the truth and nothing but the truth CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO LISTEN...
Welcome to PROGRESSIVE DELAWARE, increasingly "The Land of Make Believe". House Bill 63 passed last week. The State Senate is next. In the interview below, State Senator Dave Lawson explains if you legally owned a gun that is stolen - and then it's used in a crime - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE. (Or you could be held responsible.) Reworded, the severity of the offense against the gun owner is ultimately determined by the actions of the person that took the firearm! The former law enforcement officer also says, ?"Dover probably has six more anti-gun pieces of legislation to follow". Before you end up in jail AND if you OPPOSE HB 63, State Senator Lawson suggests you CALL and EMAIL the following legislators and let them know your opinion! PLEASE CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Delaware's new (demanding on business) HR laws explained - and a high profile discrimination case too! She's back! After last week's big response, discrimination attorney Katherine Witherspoon Fry of Offit/Kurman, P.A. returns and takes a more in depth look at Delaware's new sexual harassment law and the new drugs in the workplace legislation. ALSO, with global fanfare, the Women's World Cup is about to happen. The U.S. Women's wildly successful team is the defending champ. By comparison, the men's team is bad. Real bad. But the women players - allegedly - receive only a fraction of the compensation awarded to the men. To find out more about the women's lawsuit CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
A budget battle brews! Long-time Democratic insider Bob Byrd oversees a powerful lobbying firm, along with being a current member and a past Chair of DEFAC (Delaware's independent advisory council). Despite the Governor's attempt at some financial common sense, fifteen new Blue State legislators have now been added to Dover's spend and spend mentality - and then the pump got primed even more with new found projected money. Sooo what's about to happen in Dover? Byrdie sees a "very contentious next couple of months." For the gory prediction CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Delaware has a new sexual harassment law and a new drugs-and-the-workplace law too. But the national headline of the week was the college admission scandal featuring privilege and money. Noise aside, the even bigger "college" story is the Harvard/UNC proceeding challenging affirmative action. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, "the average SAT score for admitted Asian or Asian-American students was 1431, compared with 1360 for white applicants and 1229 for African Americans." "For insights from Delaware discrimination attorney, Katherine Witherspoon Fry of Offit Kurman, P.A., who explains the fascinating legal proceedings CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
The Blue State blues continue. "The results showed that union strength has a substantial and statistically negative relationship with student achievement." The attached white-page co-written by CRI senior executives Ron Russo and John Stapleford also says, "Delaware ranks 35th among the states using these demographically adjusted NAEP test scores." For the sad, sad Delaware education story CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
A statewide property tax certainly appears on Dover's Wish List. However , ALEC's Chief Economist points out, "Many local governments have shrewdly avoided taking votes on property tax rate increases, instead , relying on increased property assessments to drive property tax revenue higher." Reworded , have lawmakers position themselves as victims in a rigged game that generates tax increases automatically - and all without a voter referendum ! ALSO, Johnathan Williams of the American Legislative Exchange Council is in the process of releasing their pension rankings of the states. To learn the details, buckle your seatbelt and CLICK ON LINK BELOW to listen...
The Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) is meeting later today. In the interview below, CRI's Chair puts sunlight to a number of those key DEFAC assumptions. Furthermore, Dr. John Stapleford suggests limited growth and a high percentage of lower paying new jobs is a combo that will not allow Delaware to grow itself out of its financial pickle. For those second-to-none insights that taxpayers probably want to be aware of as the numbers are assembled for the upcoming Budget CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Dr. Christopher Casscells presents "The Effects of Obamacare in the REAL WORLD". Monday, March 25th from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at Kid Shelleen's, in Wilmington, DE. Dr. Casscells - who also oversees CRI's healthcare efforts - shares his many decades of insights (he's been clairvoyant) and promotes his upcoming appearance in this insightful interview CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
President Trump made headlines last week suggesting hospital rates should be transparent. By coincidence, CRI Board member Stacie Beck made that recommendation months ago in a January edition of Data Delaware! If you recall, the State of Delaware spends something around a billion dollars a year on healthcare. Plus those costs are growing at (an estimated) 7% annually. It's the biggest item in the Budget. Clearly the situation is unsustainable..... Stacie Beck is a University of Delaware Associate Professor of Economics. To read her response to the President's comments, and to review her original healthcare position paper, CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Senate Bill 50, the Del Tech carve-out, is dead. State Senator Colin Bonini provided the leadership in defeating it! Today, the State Senator from the 16th District, makes his first of a two part visit addressing the looming court case that might bring property reassessment and a statewide property tax to Delaware. In this interview, Colin begins to explain how he might be able to front-run that decision and avert the tax tsunami he sees coming. For his interview and for the "CRI's Property Tax Reassessment Policy" position CLICK ON LINKS BELOW...
The prestigious Tax Foundation just released its study on "How much Does Your State Collect in Corporate Income Taxes Per Capita?". The highlights - which are below -- include, Delaware ranking 5th in the HIGHEST corporate income tax collections per capita. Along with, "Delaware, among the states with also the highest corporate income tax collections per capita, has both a corporate income tax and a gross receipts tax." CLICK ON LINK BELOW to read more...
The media has been fixated on the self-proclaimed Justice Democrats, especially their aggressive tax policy proposals. Soooo, in Delaware, who actually pays the billions in taxes? Corporate America, Delaware's unique incorporation franchise, makes up nearly a third of the state's annual revenue. Also, of note, only 6% of the First State households earned $200,000 or more, but they paid nearly half of the personal income tax. CRI Board member - and former legislator - Charlie Copeland shares his insights, and the data, on taxes in Delaware in this interview CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Proposed Senate Bill 50 establishes both a Delaware property tax and also a platform for Dover to unleash an endless parade of expenditures identical in structure - all without a public referendum. Taxpayers beware, voters be damned. The major think-tanks that rate state governments have warned SB 50 is bad policy, bad government . So has the Caesar Rodney Institute. For CRI's Policy Director ?Dave Stevenson's scathing white-paper and for CRI Chair John Stapleford's "fleecing" analysis CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Proposed Senate Bill 8, "makes compensation a mandatory subject of bargaining". According to former legislator Greg Lavelle, Delaware's public sector UNIONS now want MANDATORY collective bargaining on WAGES! Reworded , Dover is considering yet another mandatory expense for the Budget and taxpayers. For Greg's painful one-pager of SB 8 & his analysis of SB 8, along with his thoughts on the Governor CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
ALEC's widely followed Rich States, Poor States publication was just released. According to the American Legislative Exchange Council's Chief Economist Jonathan Williams, not that long ago ?Delaware was ranked 25 th , we're now 36 th , and its highly conceivable - if the talked about policies in Dover are embraced - we'll tumble near the bottom . For the unpleasant story CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
State Senator Bonini continues to lead the charge against proposed Senate Bill 50! If you would like to share an opinion with the bill's eighteen sponsors, email them now! Sponsors' Contact Info. (pdf) For Colin Bonini's latest insights and to learn how Delaware property taxes are about to be raised without a public referendum, CRI Chair, John Stapleford, explains in this interview CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Race is center stage in Virginia and race was part of the State of the Union Address. Separately, if 80-ish percent of the minority kids in public school are functionally illiterate, then why do 90-ish percent of the black demographic continue to vote for an agenda that will produce more of the same? George Mason University Economics Professor Walter Williams has spent a distinguished career commenting on race and he shares his unique insights in this fascinating interview. ?CLICK HERE ON LINK BELOW...
Taxpayers beware, voters be damned! Delaware's "vo-tech" schools have a unique, sweetheart arrangement. They secure their funding with property tax proceeds that circumvent the General Fund Budget. Reworded, zero accountability. Proposed Senate Bill 50 will allow Delaware Technical and Community College the same skirt-the-process deal. If passed, common sense suggests EVERY state agency/worthy cause will immediately follow and demand identical preferential treatment too!!! To learn how Delaware property taxes are about to be raised without a public referendum, CRI Chair, John Stapleford, explains in this interview and for State Senator Colin Bonini's fiery recap of Senate Bill 50 CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Two-thirds of the 8 th graders in the Delaware public schools are functionally illiterate. CHANGE IS OVERDUE! CRI's Executive Director, Ron Russo, has a powerful resume. Ron is a past Principal of St. Mark's and a past President of the Charter School of Wilmington. He also carries a degree in Physics, an M.B.A., and J.D. degree. To read about his BOLD Plan, "Solving the Education Dilemma" CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
In 2017, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) rated John Carney as one of the five Worst Governors. In this interview we review the State's 40th ranking in indebtedness and the brand new Census data. ALEC's Chief Economist also shares his opinion on the prospects of a statewide property tax. "Delaware doesn't need more tax revenues!" For those stories and more click and listen to podcasts CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
"Where's the beef?" Most remember that famous fast food slogan. Well, after listening to John Carney's State of the State address, where's the substance? Those in the know called the speech "empty" and a "yawner". However, in the attached interview, CRI Board member Charlie Copeland delivers a response that should absolutely humble the Governor. For Charlie's pointed insights CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Despite serious concerns about poisonous waste, DNREC turned last Thursday's Bloom Energy hearing into a high school pep rally. CRI Policy Director Dave Stevenson also says Delaware's Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control continues to ignore - simply ignore - the Bloom Energy hazardous waste issues! For perspective, the old Bloom Boxes (collectively) weigh over 6 MILLION POUNDS!!! Be prepared to be scared, as in this interview Stevenson explains how the State of Delaware continues to ignore - simply ignore - Bloom Energy's toxic waste... CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Uneasy questions linger about Delaware's - taxpayer supported - stock exchange! The DBOT is an ugly and ongoing story. However, New Castle County Council President Karen Hartley-Nagle continues to press for answers. And last Tuesday executives from the Delaware Board of Trade visited the County Council. Unfortunately, the meeting ended the way it started. Still Council Pres Nagle wants to know... Why was she denied financial documents? Why was taxpayer money used, if there was a legal opinion suggesting taxpayer money shouldn't be lent? Since public funds are involved, why are the deal's details shrouded in secrecy? As the saga continues to escalate, here's an update... For the Philadelphia Inquirer/Philly.com Joe DiStefano's story AND for NCC Council President Karen Hartley-Nagle's interview CLICK ON LINK BELOW...
Monday's DATA DELAWARE was timely! The News Journal, along with Doug Rainey's Delaware Business Now, had related stories. In turn, CRI's Chair John Stapleford packaged the data into a follow-up one-pager. For that recap click on link below...
The State of Delaware spends something around a billion dollars on healthcare annually. Plus those costs are growing at an estimated 7% a year. It's the biggest item in the Budget. Clearly, the situation is unsustainable. In response, Governor Carney wants price caps. History suggest that's a failed strategy. Instead, University of Delaware Associate Professor of Economics - who is also a CRI Board member - Stacie Beck's attached white paper makes a series of recommendations to address the crisis. John Toedtman, CRI Advisory Council Member and John Stapleford, CRI Chair contributed to this work. For CRI's healthcare call to action click on link below...
CRI Chair John Stapleford reminds us of Dover's whacko extreme over-promises regarding both Fisker and Bloom Energy. Millions and millions of taxpayer money gambled and lost by the elected. With the public still waiting for the details, is the Port of Wilmington deal the next boondoggle? For a recap of the numbers click on link below...
DEFAC just met. The take-aways are less than obvious. Bob Byrd is a current member of DEFAC, and a past Chair of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council. He's also a powerful lobbyist and long-time Democratic insider. Byrdie gives us a solid primer on how the State of Delaware Budget happens. His healthcare explanation is painful. And is the Governor asking DEFAC to reach beyond its mission? For our full interview Click on link below...
DEFAC, the Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council, is getting ready to meet. CRI Chair John Stapleford's review of the numbers, suggests - despite flat revenues - spending will continue to climb. The upcoming Budget process could be ugly. For the State of Delaware's sad, sad financial story click on link below...
New Castle County Council is getting ready to meet and below is hopefully a discussion item. Post election, local government is now (arguably) even more anti-development. However, history suggests anti-growth ultimately means higher taxes - and still higher taxes. By coincidence, CRI's Chair, Dr. John Stapleford, generated these white papers earlier this year. For the unforgiving data, click on link below...
The consultant the State of Delaware hired to help with the sale of the Port of Wilmington is now SUING the State of Delaware! AND - as bizarre as it sounds - despite two formal signings, none of the legislators know the details, nor have seen the documents, to the Port "deal"! So says CRI Board member Charlie Copeland, who breaks the story. For the full, unbelievable interview click on link below..
CRI's Policy Director, Dave Stevenson, was recruited to write an opinion that is being delivered to Congress regarding the ongoing Electric Vehicle subsidy. His work starts with, "Numerous programs have been suggested to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide to ease global warming. Few are as expensive as switching to battery powered motor vehicles." ?For the full report click on link below...
The Mercatus Center released its 2018 State Fiscal Rankings. Delaware is 44th. For CRI Board Chair, Dr. John Stapleford's condensed recap, click on link below...
"In total, we are spending nearly 2 billion dollars per year on public education AND most of it is caught up in the upper levels of admin-osphere," writes Matt Lenzini, CRI Advisory Council member. For a review of the State's challenging public school data, pinch your nose and click on link below...
Like all of Delaware, CRI Policy Director Dave Stevenson wants to know about Bloom Energy's hazardous waste. (6 million pounds of Bloom boxes!) But DNREC, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, took exception, even (apparently) labeling him "intellectually dishonest". All the while, DNREC flip flops! (Boy is that twist embarrassing!) To hear Dave explain the front page story CLICK HERE (10 minutes) * * * Compliments to News Journal/delawareonline reporter Karl Baker, "Firm aiming to replace banks of fuel cells". * * * Public hearing for the Bloom Energy permit request is Thursday Dec 27, at 6PM, at DNREC's Likens Drive facility in New Castle.
Delaware's unique incorporation business (collectively) represents maybe HALF of the State's annual revenues. According to Bill Freeborn, a former Director of the Division of Corporations, "Delaware residents pay only 50 cents for each dollar of service we receive." BUT ITS AT RISK! To read about "the shrinking value of Delaware's preeminent corporate status" click on link below...
Runaway healthcare costs are the State's biggest Budget item! So can a career politician command market forces to halt? History suggests that's naive, even silly. And yet Governor Carney - by executive order - is embracing price caps on healthcare. The local paper does the reporting. CRI Board Chair John Stapleford reviews the data. For his beat-down commentary CLICK HERE (7:44 minutes) For Meredith Newman's News Journal/Delaware online story, "State plans to keep the growth of health care under 4 percent annually" click on link below...
Bob Byrd is a powerful lobbyist, a multi-decade Democrat insider, and a past Chairman of Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC). Despite no less than a handful of deal-killing roadblocks, "Bird" believes the time has come for a statewide property tax in Delaware. To hear our lively-and at times heated-discussion click link below...
At least 30,000 Delaware families might qualify for the low income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)", writes CRI Policy Director Dave Stevenson. DNREC - the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control - oversees this effort in the First State. Unfortunately, Stevenson estimates 80% of the almost $5 million budget goes to overhead! Furthermore, DNREC continues to stonewall any explanation - even to Senate Minority Leader and former House Energy Chair Hocker. To learn about the unsettling low income energy program details click on the link below... To support State Senator Gerald Hocker as he tries to clean up this mess, email him at Gerald.Hocker@state.de.us
Democrats now control all the statewide elected offices in Delaware. In our interview CRI Board member Charlie Copeland talks about the ramifications of a one-party, very Blue, state. And it ain't pretty! For instance, with Delaware fiscally challenged, ?the most conservative decision-maker in the Budget process may be tax-and-spend Governor John Carney. To get a sampling of the upcoming Progressive Playbook...click on the link below...
Blockchain dreams: Biden pals, GOP lawmaker, gov't loan and shares from China By any measure, the Delaware Board of Trade (DBOT) - subsidized by millions of dollars of taxpayer money - has been a dismal failure. Joseph DiStefano, reporter for The Inquirer/Philly.com, just wrote a scathing story revealing even more detail regarding this blatant cronyism. ?To learn more about Delaware's stock exchange and The Delaware Way click on link below... (you'll be directed to Philly.com to read this article)
With the gruelling election finally behind us, it seems like the opportune time for hopeful thoughts. CRI Senior Advisor John Toedtman's "Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Delaware" offers lawmakers ideas for positive action. To learn about the Angel Investor Tax Credit law and more -- click on link below...
We received big feedback from last week's Bloom Energy story. So then, what's the call to action? State Senator Dave Lawson is spearheading legislation to launch a review. However, it will go nowhere if the election does not bring change. You can help! A Republican, demanding a Bloom audit, needs to win in either the 9th, 10th or 17th District. For Senator Lawson's interview click on link below... To continue to support Senator Lawson's efforts Dave.Lawson@state.de.us