Author Archives: Josh Smith
‘No Pain, No Gain’ Meets the Hippocratic Oath
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] It is no surprise that the American health care system has severe problems. Add this one to the list: third- (or fourth-?) party agencies hired by insurance providers in an effort to economize costs of pharmaceuticals, even to the point of contravening doctor’s recommendations. … Continue reading
The More You Learn …
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Remember when I mentioned that everyone could probably benefit from learning more about retirement saving? Well, in a Wall Street Journal article with something of a Missouri focus, I learned that Edward Jones still employs financial Fuller Brush Men who discuss investment options with … Continue reading
The Rich Get Richer Share of the Tax Burden
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Thanks to our former intern Calvin Harris for pointing out this great Freakonomics blog post. Excluding federal taxes, the income tax base here in Missouri is a great deal flatter, unless you happen to live in St. Louis or Kansas City. Thankfully, there are … Continue reading
Advance Your Career While Advancing Liberty
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] There’s a fantastic offer on the table for anyone interested in promoting the cause of free markets and individual liberty — the Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program. Included in the offer: $1,500 stipend Housing allowance, up to $2,000 An eight-week internship at the Show-Me … Continue reading
New Anti-Lead Law Designed to Help the Poor Will Definitely Hurt the Poor
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] There’s a Post-Dispatch article that’s really worth a read. It briefly describes, then goes on the illustrate the impact of, a new federal law aimed at protecting children from dangerous lead levels in clothing and other products sold to children 12 and under. And, … Continue reading
Would You Like a Comfortable Retirement With That?
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] MSNBC has a nice article — with a real focus on St. Louis, no less — about the very generous retirement program offered to McDonald’s employees. It’s not exactly efficiency wages, but it certainly turns the spotlight on benefits packages and the issue of … Continue reading
Minimum Waaaaaage! Hyah!
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Missouri’s minimum wage cranked up last week, as reported in the Columbia Tribune, a welcome relief for struggling workers in our present economic turmoil. Well, it’s a relief for some of the people who were making less than $7.05 per hour; everyone else has … Continue reading
Another Productive Legislative Session
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Piling waste upon waste, soon that December 25 holiday already recognized by the state will have a name. According to a post on the KY3 blog, of Missouri’s 12 recognized holidays, only four are officially named by the state, and there is a proposal … Continue reading
No Taxation Without Ambulation
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Missouri’s budget crisis is certainly in the news, so some legislators are trying to innovate their way out. According to an article in the St. Louis Business Journal (snippet from the online version), a tax on Internet-based sales will be proposed in the Missouri … Continue reading
Get Your Law On
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] According to an article from the Post-Dispatch, it’s bill-writin’ season! And you know what that means: Missouri legislators are proposing legislation based on every constituent’s letter that begins, “There oughta be a law …” Here are the highlights: A ban of beer bongs, Jell-O … Continue reading