Patrick Laverty

Cicilline a Winner?

By Patrick Laverty | June 1, 2012 |

In this week’s Hot or Not by Dan McGowan, one stuck out at me as a little bit surprising. It’s the logic of it that surprises me. I don’t blame McGowan for the logic, I think he’s just writing what the voters might think. The Congressman also benefits from the fact that the “B” word…

Providence Failing in ESL

By Patrick Laverty | May 31, 2012 |

In an article posted yesterday by Linda Borg in the Providence Journal, the Providence school system is failing those students who are learning English as a second language. For the time being, let’s put aside the “they shouldn’t be here in the first place!” comments, as that’s a separate issue. The article talks about a…

The Blame Game and Sowing Seeds in Woonsocket

By Patrick Laverty | May 23, 2012 |

There’s lots going on up there in Woonsocket, lots of worrying and lots of shortages on paying the bills. But why? Clearly if a town is in financial trouble, it means the Mayor hasn’t been doing his job, right? He’s the chief executive in the city, so that’s where the buck should stop. When you…

“A Fast Infusion Of Jobs”

By Patrick Laverty | May 21, 2012 |

One thing has stuck out to me recently in a couple articles I’ve read. One article is a couple years old and the other appeared just this past weekend and I think they both make logical mistakes. They both talk about getting Rhode Islanders back to work, yet both are also in fields that I…

What Is The Point Of Tax Credits?

By Patrick Laverty | May 19, 2012 |

A state will offer tax credits in order to incentivize a certain behavior that they wish. The holder of those credits then then use them to offset their own tax liability to the state. I have a friend who earns tax credits in various states by building affordable housing. Sometimes, his tax credits exceed his…

How Are The Presidential Polls Looking?

By Patrick Laverty | May 17, 2012 |

Speaking of polls, how are the polls looking for President? After a tough primary season, what are Romney’s chances against Obama? I think the go-to site for national polling is http://realclearpolitics.com. They’re a site that aggregates a few of the major polling organizations and comes up with an average of them all. Currently, they’re showing…

Spending More Money Gets Us Better Education, Right?

By Patrick Laverty | May 16, 2012 |

On Monday, GoLocalProv.com released their annual high school rankings for Rhode Island. 51 public high schools ranked on a variety of factors. I was speaking with a friend of mine from Cumberland and we were lamenting our home town’s disappointing ranking at 34th. “That’s what you get when you have the lowest per-pupil spending” he…

You Can’t Have It Both Ways

By Patrick Laverty | May 15, 2012 |

For those who are seemingly dancing on the grave of 38 Studios already, keep in mind the reasons for things like the EDC’s $75M loan guaranty. I’m hearing and seeing various people crowing with their “I told you so” and explaining that the state should not be in the business of picking winners and losers.…

Of Slippery Slopes

By Patrick Laverty | May 14, 2012 |

I figured I’d take some backlash for my post supporting the bill that would ban smoking in cars with young children. Even Justin offered his own criticisms. After having a few days to think about it all, I’m going to stick to my guns and try to respond. It seems that one of the common…

The Nanny State, Part 3, But…

By Patrick Laverty | May 10, 2012 |

So here we go with the libertarianism again. The way I understand it, being a libertarian means that my rights end where yours begin and vice versa. Nothing I do should harm you and the same in return. So this is one place where the nanny state seems to be a good idea, especially when…