April 1, 2010
The state Senate shifted rightward Wednesday by pushing plans to give private companies more tax money to manage prison operations and healthcare for the poor. As debate over the state budget began in earnest, the one-two privatization punch drew opposition from Democrats. They managed to soften the blow to the public prison system — job […]
April 1, 2010
It’s been trumpeted as one of the key elements in the Democrats’ plan to expand access to health care for tens of millions of vulnerable Americans. Yet a provision of the newly passed health reform bill that raises doctors’ payments under Medicaid is both temporary and limited in the scope of medical services it covers. […]
April 1, 2010
The House and Senate have substantial differences to work out on legislation that would allow counties to cut back on school spending during tough economic times without losing state aid. Both chambers have passed bills that set guidelines for waivers to the state’s “maintenance of effort” rules for local school funding. The issue has been […]
April 1, 2010
In Norwich, as in other cash-strapped public school districts, spring is the mean season. Trying to balance its budget, the district has decided to cut out middle school sports, foreign language classes and an instrumental music program. It will end some after-school bus routes. Officials are considering closing an elementary school. And nearly a quarter […]
April 1, 2010
The school board is set tonight to formalize a proposed $35.3 million district budget for 2010-11 that reflects a loss of 28.5 staff positions and a cutback in its kindergarten program. A $1.9 million cut in state aid has forced the board to slash the budget and seek creative alternatives. One of the most controversial […]
April 1, 2010
It’s bad news for those involved in the Columbia Borough School District’s special education program: Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed 2010-2011 budget contains no increase for special education. "It would be fine if the cost of special education were staying the same. But the fact is that the cost of special education is rising," Tom Strickler, […]
March 31, 2010
Schools around the region could lose their favorable ratings this year because of a new federal guideline on special education. Even if the performance of Beach special education students improves this year, the school system could see half of its high schools miss federal testing benchmarks. States will no longer be able to add points […]
March 31, 2010
School districts across the state are holding public hearings this week on their dismal budgets, reluctantly asking voters to accept fewer services and higher property taxes as a result of deep cuts to state aid. Education officials said the sweeping cuts will frustrate schools across New Jersey — from wealthy suburbs to vast urban areas. […]
March 31, 2010
The epic year-long quest to improve access to health care for at least 31million more Americans ended Tuesday when President Obama signed the bill that won over the final votes needed to pass the legislation. "It represents a major step forward toward giving Americans with insurance and those without a sense of security when […]
March 31, 2010
A group represe nting Arizona hospitals is pursuing a ballot initiative that would tax the state’s high-income earners to help pay the health-care tab for the state’s neediest kids and adults. The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association expects to file paperwork for the initiative later this week, aiming for a place on the November ballot. […]