GraniteRG.com Publications - New Media Policy Research and Polling

Publications

GENERAL DOMESTIC POLICY

Rethinking Fiscal Policy On August 02, 2011, the US Government will face a fiscal crisis with tax revenues to cover only 56% of its bills, reaching a debt limit of $14.29 trillion. The unenviable choices before legislators lack bi-partisan appeal. If history serves as our guide, America will emerge from this crisis, but with fundamental policy questions still unresolved. This commentary offers a context for our long-standing persistent fiscal problems, demonstrates the necessity of a revenue-centric resolution, and provides directions that will restore our nation to fiscal sanity. By this, GraniteRG.com seeks to increase our public discourse in a way that is less partisan and more committed to serious consideration of difficult policy choices. Author: Kenneth D. Price Date: July 01, 2011. GraniteRG Posted Date: July 04, 2011, General Domestic Policy [GDP]. Length: 38 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20110701RFP-DP. Click here to download.

Breakdown of $38 Billion in Federal Spending Cuts The first round of budget cuts are now completed. GraniteRG,com encourages you to stay abreast of key decisions being made in Washington. See the summary of $38 billion in recently adopted cuts in a range programs. Author: Kenneth D. Price Date: April 13, 2011. GraniteRG Posted Date: April 13, 2011, General Domestic Policy [GDP]. Length: 4 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20110413BCUTS-DPC. Click here to download.

Colbert Conservatives and Military Waste As tensions over the United States' fiscal conditions increases in the face of growing deficits and debt, both government leaders and citizens are asking questions targeted at every federal department and agency. That is, but one - defense. This sacred cow of fiscal budgets rarely receives scrutiny, despite its weight on our nation's financial position. This featured article provides interesting lenses through which to consider the nation's military expenditures. Author: David Sirota. Date: November 25, 2009. GraniteRG Posted Date: February 12, 2010: General Domestic Policy [GDP]. Length: 2 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20100212-GDP. Click here to download.

Economic Stimulus Package of 2009 The cornerstone of the Obama Administration economic recovery program bolsters widespread benefits for the private sector and US citizens. This massive public infusion however, is one of our nation's most risky ventures within the past several decades.
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SUMMARY: AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT. Dave Obey (D-WI), Chairman, Committee on Appropriations Jan 15, 2009.
REMARKS PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA.
As Prepared for Delivery American Recovery and Reinvestment Jan 08, 2009.

D110: Domestic Policy and the 110th Congressional Agenda This whitepaper provide a multi-faceted set of policy recommendations for the 110th Congress. Topics covered include tax policy, criminal justice, communications and media, lobby reform, education, and electoral reform. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Date: March 17, 2007. Category: General Domestic Policy [GDP]. Length: 78 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20070317GDP. Click here to download.

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

The Iowa Caucus: A Real Rotten Potato Every four years, our national presidential campaign season begins with a key contest in Iowa. Winning the coveted caucus in Iowa is a certain jumpstart to party nominations. Losing can cripple, if not fatally wound, a campaign. This commentary questions the appropriateness of The Iowa Caucus to have the level of importance in national campaigns givens a rarely, if ever, discussed detail about the state. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: December 30, 2011 Category: Poltics and Government. Length: 3 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20111230TIC-GPC. Click to Download.

Mitt Romney's "Corporations are People" Problems Is a steering wheel a car? Is a kidney a person? Is a training facility a professional football franchise? Is “A” the alphabet? Is a date a calendar or a blackboard a school? Is a pawn a chess game? Is a line a tennis court or flag a golf course? Romney's recent statements during a contentious campaign stop came in the aftermath of a controversial Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 08-205 (2010) that extends to corporations rights previously reserved for citizens to contribute directed to political campaigns without respect to longstanding legal limits. This commentary takes a satirical look at Romney's assertion and one of the most profound rulings in recent Supreme Court history. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: August 13, 2011 Category: Poltics and Government. Length: 3 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20110813MITT-GP. Click to download.

Reflections on the Clinton Presidency, the DLC, and Today's Political Climate A former classmate and long-time friend asked about my reflections on the Clinton Administration. This commentary answers my friend’s inquiry. It further serves another role of providing prism through which to understand the current occupant in The White House. Nearly 20 years after William Jefferson Clinton won his first term, the time has come for Democratic Party members, African Africans, and middle class citizens to take a candid look at the trajectory of the Democratic Party and the legacy of one of the party’s most beloved politicians. I take this critical look, with a particular focus on issues of concern as these become areas where the most challenging thoughts and actions will likely surface. Author: Kenneth D. Price Date: July 18, 2011. GraniteRG Posted Date: July 19, 2011, Politics and Goverment [GP]. Length: 9 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20110718RCP-CGP. Click here to download.

Spokes in the Wheel of Obama's Troubling Decisions As President-Elect Barack Obama prepares to take office, key choices unfold that indicate the new administration's policy direction. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: November 26, 2008. Category: Politics and Government [GP]. Length: 8 pages. Reference No.: GRG20081126-C150GP. Click here to download.

Recapturing Relevance: Where Did Black America Go After The 2008 Election* This GraniteRG.com report will examine the importance of black voters to the Democratic Party and the Party's track record to deliver legislative victories for this voter bloc over the past 30 years. It further poses serious questions about the level of African American activism in key initiatives such as health care reform. Scheduled for release in January 2010, the report will provide a set of strategies African Americans might implement to get the most out of the Elections 08'.

EDUCATION

A Strategic Response to Cincinnati City School District Facility Assistance Program So your regional leadership has announced a major school construction plan that will cost tens, if not hundreds, of millions in taxpayer dollars. Is the program really needed? Who are the winners nd losers? What alternatives are available to ensure greater grassroots benefits? GraniteRG.com is republishing a 2003 white paper on a then proposed Cincinnati school facilities program. It provides a template for other cities to consider similar proposals. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Date: July 10, 2007. Category: Education [EDU]. Length: 38 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20070710EDU. Click here to download.

Breathing Life Back Into Our Public Schools* A GraniteRG.com examination of successful strategies for turning around student performance in troubled public school districts. This invites educators, community workers, and students to submit mini-reports for inclusion in the GraniteRG.com publication. The process begins with a introductory letter of 1500-2000 words that summarize: 1) baseline conditions (e.g., truancy, poor test scores, high dropout rates, violence, program cuts due to funding shortages, etc; 2) measurable improvements; 3) strategies, that is, programs, initiatives, and other approaches that results in the changes; 4) partnerships involved in the change process. Please include the following in your letter: name of school district; city, county, and state; your name and organization (if applicable); and contact information (address, phone, fax, email, website). Send your letter by February 1, 2010. Selections will be posted on this website, and for those chosen, mini-reports will be due no later than April 30, 2010. The final report will be released in Fall 2010.

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FOULS GOLD Looking for Tweaks in Health Care Reform During the run up to the passage of Health Care Reform, the Administration promoted a new rationale for a scaled-down bill that excluded a government-sponsored insurance plan. The commentary looks at the unlikely future passage of this most essential provision. Original Date: March 22, 2010. Category: Domestic Policy. Length: 3pages. Reference No.: GRG-20100322HCR-CGDP. Click here to download.

Is PRESIDENT Obama Just A Bad Poker Player Analysis of President Obama's health care reform strategy will most likely be the subject of civics lessons, political science curricula, think tank reports, and water cooler discussions for years to come. Save the complexities. This commentary posits a more fundamental problem behind The President's mishandling of health care reform's crown jewel - Public Option. Read how Obama's core problem is tantamount to being a bad Poker player. Original Date: March 16, 2010. Category: Domestic Policy. Length: 4 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20100316HCR-CGDP. Click here to download.

A Bad Senate Bill (I)

Opposition From a Health Care Reform Advocate It has been a century since the last Senate held a vote on Christmas Eve. The $871 billion Bill is historic in more way than one. Why then does an advocate for comprehensive reform oppose this piece of legislation. This whitepaper is the first in a series to answer that question. Original Date: December 24, 2009. revised Date: December 25, 2009. Category: Domestic Policy. Length: 4 pages. Reference No.: GRG-HCR20091224-R2. Click here to download.

Why I Support End of Life Counseling Analyst Kenneth D, Price takes an intimate look at the final days of his father's life that ended on October 03, 2005. This open letter illustrates the important role of end of life counseling in the aftermath of anti-reformists claims that such services amount to a "death panels". Click here to download.

Letter/Meeting Request for Rep. John Boehner Analyst Kenneth D, Price has requested a meeting with Congressman John Boehner [R- OH 8th District] in the aftermath of Boehner's revelations that he cannot find Americans who support the public option, This request is posted for two reasons. First, Mr. Price is inviting others to attend the meeting by sending him a notice through the TALKBACK page. Second, the letter provides a template/contact information for others who are also interested in contacting Mr. Boehner. Click here to download.

Health Insurance Co-Ops: More Form Than Reform Increasing health insurance competition is a key thrust for comprehensive health care reform. Opponents to the public option promote the idea of health insurance co-ops as an alternative. This paper explains why co-ops offer little to accomplish underlying health care reform objectives. It examines the history of co-ops and their limitations in the context of health insurance. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: August 27, 2009. Category: Domestic Policy. Length: 9 pages. Reference No.: GRG20090827-C90GPHCR. Click here to download.

America's Affordable Health Choices Act (House Version) The US House of Representatives released this 1018-page Bill on healthcare policy reform on July 14, 2009. This continue to work its way through Capital Hill along side of the Senate version. Click here to download.

America's Affordable Health Choices Act (House Version) Section-by-Section Analysis On July 14, 2009, the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor released this section-by-section summary of the US House of Representative's emerging Bill on comprehensive healthcare reform. Click here to download.

America's Affordable Health Choices Act (Senate Version) The US Senate released its version of healthcare form in this 615-page document. Click here to download.

Senate Health Care Bill - List of Amendments This table lists the 180 amendments to the Baucus health care bill before the Senate Finance Committee. Click here to download.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Reports The CBO is providing ongoing analysis of healthcare reform policy proposals. These reports look at various related issues (e.g., labor market, fiscal/budgetary). Click here to download.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE Increased Spending Relative to Medicare Fee-for Service May Not Always Reduce Beneficiary Out-of-Pocket Costs This US Government Accountability Office [GAO] report provides an in-depth analysis of the value and impact of Medicare Advantage, an alternative approach for beneficiaries to receive insurances - Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), Part C (Comprehensive Dental) - through government subsidized private insurance companies. Click here to download.

Big Six Health Insurance Company Profits 2006-2008 Are health insurance companies in financial jeopardy or cashing in on America's escalating health care crisis. Between 2006 and 2008, six major insurance companies generated a cumulative $649.64 billion in revenues and a median operating profit margin of 9.29%. This chart summarizes the financial results at Unitedhealth Group, Humana, AETNA, Coventry Health Care, Wellpoint, and CIGNA. Compiled By: Kenneth D. Price.
Original Date: August 19, 2009. Category: Politics and Government. Length: 2 pages. Reference No.: HCR-BGHIP06-08. Click here to download.

SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Bobby Brown: Grace of an Unusual Suspect The sudden death of music diva Whitney Houston is a sorrow felt around the world. The events following Houston's death, found America once again confronting its demons of stereotypes towards African American men. This commentary explains that an unusual suspect in the person of singer Bobby Brown would teach a lasting lesson in grace and dignity. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: February 22, 2012 Category: Society and Culture. Length: 3 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20120220BBG-CSC. Click to download.

To Grant Hill - Are You Serious? The ESPN-aired documentary entitled Fab Five' has touched-off another round of public dialog on race and identity. Jalen Rose's revelations of sentiments held by then University of Michigan freshmen basketball players about Duke and its black player were followed by a lengthy response by Grant Hill in The New York Times. This commentary provides a more nuanced look at Rose's statements and poses several inherent questions for us to consider collectively. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: March 17, 2011 Category: Society and Culture. Length: 5 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20110317-C0132SC. Click here to download.

Social Vice Grips This commentary takes a candid look at what happens when social activism in the area of family values collides with mainstream culture and business. The author discusses the backlash experienced after making efforts to have Cincinnati-based Midwest Cheer Elite terminate its use of Crank That Soulja Boy in its cheerleading routines. The brief report raises serious questions about who defines, promotes, and protect values and when it is appropriate to intervene when those values effect children, families, and communities. Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: November 16, 2007. Category: Society and Culture. Length: 13 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20071116-C100SC. Click here to download.

TECHNOLOGY

OpenSource: And How It Will Bridge Economic, Social, and Digital Divides* Beneath the radar, a movement is taking shape that will contribute to tomorrow's global society. Governments in China, Switzerland, and Lybia have formally given this movement legitimacy. It is called OpenSource. With the right interventions, it might be changing an urban community near you. This commentary offers a practical look at this technological innovation and what it means for America's inner cities and under-resourced communities.
Author: Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: February 24, 2009. Category: Technology. Length: 8 pages. Reference No.: GRG20090224-C948T. Click here to download.

FAITH AND RELIGION

An Evaluation of Project GILEAD The importance of faith-based organizations in building strong communities was a hallmark of President George W. Bush's tenure. One organization, Ekklesia Development Corporation, took on an aggressive initiative to coordinate and improve accessibility to faith-based and community services. Having secured a competitive grant from the US Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Ekklesia launched Project GILEAD that featured a online hub to connect service providers, consumers, volunteers, donors, employers, and other community stakeholders. This report offers a look at the project and insights into the dynamics that take place in bringing faith-based innovations to the marketplace.
Author: Nina Lewis and Kenneth D. Price. Original Date: December 30, 2006. Category: Faith and Religion. Length: 81 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20071230-3960I02024FR. Click here to download.

Gay Agenda Exposed Ms. Williams, former wife of Gospel singer Tonex, published this letter in the aftermath of the couple’s marital demise. It is a powerful piece that offers at candid look at marriage as the foundational institution established by God for mankind, and myriad contemporary challenges that society is posing for this institution. Ms. Williams’ perspective are worthy of our consideration for the advancement of both the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and society at-large. Author: Yvette Williams. Original Date: October 31, 2007. GraniteRG.com Publication Date: July 09, 2010. Category: Faith and Religion. Length: 6 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20100709FRC-YWSA. Click here to download.

Imus Re-Loaded: Confronting the Musty Implications of America's Imus Syndrome Still reeling from initial events surrounding Don Imus ' comments made in reference to Rutgers University Women's Basketball players, what are the broader lessons and preparations our nation might consider so as to avoid the resurrection of a racially inflammatory climate in the wake of Imus' return and a high profile legal contest. It is the central theme of GraniteRG.com's discussion of the scandal, with special emphasis on the role of faith and religion. Author: Kenneth D. Price.Original Date: August 23, 2007. Revised Date: September 23, 2007. Category: Faith and Religion. Length: 25 pages. Reference No.: GRG-20070823FR-20070923. Click here to download.

FINANCE

Capitalizing The Urban Core GraniteRG.com researchers are writing a seminal book on innovative ways to deliver financial capital to under-resourced inner cities. It will be a must read for organizations and individuals involved with community development (e.g., social entrepreneurs) as well as others interested in revitalizing urban economies.

ECONOMY

Gas Prices Have You Down?* More and more Americans are facing a budget crunch resulting from the rising prices of gasoline and home heating. In an effort to regain some sense of control, grassroots groups organize "stay away from the pump" days as a sign of protest. Laudable actions perhaps. But with prices continuing to rise, what might we do as a nation to address this looming economic problem and its social implications. GraniteRG.com is scheduled to address this issue in a white paper scheduled for release in January 2010.

It Will Trump Hamilton County, Ohio's Stadium Deal. Want to Bet?

Kenneth D. Price
August 13, 2011

As if the Hamilton County debacle of raising sales taxes to pay for $700 million in stadiums was not enough, now comes the encore. A casino that will not only fill a hole in an under-utilized stretch of land, but one that will also put a hole in the pockets and hearts of many unsuspecting citizens. If history is our guide, that hole will manifest in crime, substance abuse, marriage collapses, bankruptcies, etc.

Once again, black folks trumpeted the casino in the same way that some did the Hamilton County Stadium Sales Tax. Quite frankly, it's the culture of a city where citizens will support virtually anything to "get along". In that respect, there is little difference between the corner drug- slinger and organizational talking heads who leverages position to promote things harmful to the financial stability of vulnerable people in exchange for a piece of the economic pie.

As the stadiums were sold on a pipe-dream so was the casino. Namely, proponents of the Ohio referendum that legalized casino gambling projected these venues would will generate huge tax revenues, bring home to Ohio gambling dollars lost to other states e.g., MI,IN,KY. All upside economic benefits similar to the claims.

Ohioans have been down this road before. The Ohio Lottery was to do so much for our state's economy. And the schools would just be rolling in greenbacks because of this legalized gambling windfall. And yet, Cincinnati is in financial desperate straits, constantly seeking new schemes to establish fee-based services. Hamilton County County is broke. And the State is broke. Taxpayers have been forking out more and more dollars for school levies - both capital and operating. Property taxes have gone up. Services have been cut. But black, poor whites, and other vulnerable groups flood lottery ticket retailers across the region in hopes for cashing out large.

Citizens soon forget that gambling is predicated on the winners and losers - and typically the big losers are the most vulnerable. Casinos become an indirect tax. The economic impact jargon neglects the fact that casino activity trades one spending decision for another - which does not translate into new economic activity. The social costs are enormous. There are myriad direct reasons why casinos are terrible. And just like the availability of studies that demonstrate taxpayer-funded stadiums are bad deals when groups like a local black ministers conference supported sales tax ballot initiative, studies were available that articulate the dark side of legalized gambling when groups like the Cincinnati NAACP supported it.

Interested readers can search the Internet for a Broorkings Institute report on this topic entitled "The Economic Winners and Losers of Legalized Gambling".