Change the System not the Standards! By Ron Russo, CRI Executive Director 3/28/2019   In a recent guest column, Atnre Alleyne (Executive Director of DelawareCAN) identified the obstacles faced by many students trying to gain admission to some of the state’s best schools.  Nonpublic schools had high tuitions, high performing charter schools had admission preferences, and successful traditional public schools were located in areas with expensive housing.  Even if the obstacles

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi spoke plainly and honestly when she said "You have to pass the bill to find out what's in it ". As we find out " what's in it" the level of frustration, disappointment, and anger has grown, especially since her statement openly acknowledges that ObamaCare was formulated and passed in the most opaque fashion ever done for a piece of major legislation. The element most obviously left out of the back-room deals was the physicians. So, my question is "W

3/11/2019 DATA DELAWARE:   Delaware's statewide property tax update 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

( Originally published on March 1, 2019 by Delaware Business Now.  See link below to be directed to the originally article or to contact the publisher, Doug Rainey. ) Good afternoon, Constituents spoke out and a plan to provide a reliable source of funds for maintenance and related expenses at Delaware Technical and Community wasdropped like a hot rock. In the past few years, opposition to property and gas tax proposals have ended efforts to deal with polluted waterways and i

Delaware’s Misguided Lawsuits against the EPA By David T. Stevenson, CRI Policyb Director 2/28/2019   Delaware has joined another multi-state lawsuit against a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation.   The Obama era EPA wrote the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to limit power plants in upwind states, such as Pennsylvania, from polluting downwind states, such as Delaware.  The DC Appeals Court overturned the regulation as it required states to reduce emissions by m

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION:  SB 50 By David T. Stevenson, CRI Policy Director  2/13/2019   SB50 adds the ability of Delaware Technical & Community College to assess a property tax in each county to repay tax free bonds for capital improvement projects at the college in each county.  Property taxes raised in each county can only be spent in each county to avoid a Constitutional conflict.     The problems are: it opens a Pandora’s Box to the state collecting property taxes

Bloom Energy in Korea DATE : 2/7/2019 David T. Stevenson, Policy Director   Bloom Energy has announced a partnership with SK Engineering & Construction to distribute their Bloom Boxes manufactured in Delaware in South Korea.  The distributor is part of the third largest conglomerate in South Korea.  South Korea has made one of the largest commitments in the world to installing fuel cell systems powered by natural gas in its electric grid to replace coal to lower air pollution

“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 FOR PODCASTS... Read More Data Delaware: January 24, 2019

DNREC continues to simply ignore Bloom Energy’s hazardous waste!!!   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 D epartment 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

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,