State the Issues

Does the trade deficit pose a threat to the U.S. economy? No, the Real Culprit is the U.S. Central Bank By: Frank Shostak, Ph.D. The massive current account deficit that most economists are worried about is not the major issue of the US economy. The main problem is the Fed’s reckless monetary policies, which undermine individuals’ well-being. For instance, between August … [Read more...] about June 2006: State the Issues

There are two initiatives on the ballot this fall: "Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act" and "Responsibly Protect Nevadans from Second-Hand Smoke Act." Which of these measures would be best for Nevada? The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act By:  Michael Hackett Current state laws on smoking in public places simply don’t protect non-smokers. Nevadans want change. The Nevada Clean Indoor Air … [Read more...] about May 2006: State the Issues

Question: Should U.S. schools teach "intelligent design"? YES – Intelligent Design: What We’re Really Banning By: Nathan Tabor The verdict is in: it is now "unconstitutional" to teach Intelligent Design as an alternative to Darwin’s theory of evolution in a Pennsylvania public school classroom. It cannot even be discussed by students or faculty. In Darwin’s theory, … [Read more...] about February 2006: State the Issues

Question: Should the federal government require a national identification card based on smart-card technology? We Need to Beef Up Our State IDs by Dr. Robert Atkinson Since the primary form of identification in the United States is issued by the states’ departments of motor vehicles, there is no need for a national ID. There is, however, a need for states to modernize … [Read more...] about January 2006: State the Issues

"Should all health science schools in Nevada’s university system break away from their universities and be governed by an executive reporting directly to the chancellor?" Yes, It Would Lead to Progress in Healthcare by Ronald Kline, M.D. It is clear to most thoughtful people that Nevada has serious unmet healthcare needs. Partly due to our rapid growth, we are 46th and … [Read more...] about December 2005: State the Issues

Question: "In a speech in June, President Bush said the United States needs new nuclear plants to meet the nation's demand for electricity. Are nuclear plants the answer to energy needs?" Just Say No to the Nuclear Power Relapse  by Kevin Kamps The U.S. needs to just say no to the nuclear power relapse. Reactors are potentially catastrophic terrorist targets in terms … [Read more...] about November 2005: State the Issues

Question: Should Sempra Energy be allowed to build the Granite Fox coal-fired power plant in Northern Nevada? No, Sempra’s Coal Plant is Bad Business by Jon Wellinghoff Sempra is proposing to build a 1450-megawatt, pulverized-coal plant in northern Washoe County near Gerlach. Business leaders should instead support wind and geothermal development in Nevada as a better … [Read more...] about October 2005: State the Issues

Question: Should a light rail line (Regional Fixed Guideway) be built from Henderson to North Las Vegas? Yes, Our Economic Future Depends on It by Jacob Snow The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has a vision for everyone, not just those who drive automobiles. While the RTC oversees the funding of roadway construction, we know that people need … [Read more...] about September 2005: State the Issues

Question: Should interchange fees charged by credit card companies be regulated by the government? MasterCard is a Great Deal for Merchants and Their Customers by Noah J. Hanft MasterCard cards provide cardholders and merchants with a valuable proposition. Cardholders can purchase almost anything just about anywhere in the world with a single piece of plastic. Merchants … [Read more...] about August 2005: State the Issues

Question: "Should the Clark County School District be deconsolidated?" There is No Valid Reason to Keep A Super-Sized District by Sen. Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson It is truly sad and extremely disappointing that so much misinformation and so many disingenuous statements are made in our press and to my fellow legislators on the issue of school district size. There is simply … [Read more...] about May 2005: State the Issues

Question: "Should the state of Nevada legalize a lottery?" Yes: We Can Provide Funding for Education By: Richard Perkins  Speaker, Nevada State Assembly Every two years the state Legislature gathers in Carson City. Based on the estimates of budget experts, we work together for months to build a budget for the entire state. Sometimes those experts get it right… but … [Read more...] about April 2005: State the Issues

Question: Should Congress adopt the changes President Bush proposes for the Social Security system? Yes: Strengthening Social Security is Vital By: Senator John Ensign (R-NV) Any discussion about Social Security reform should begin with a reminder: Social Security is your program, not the government’s. The issues being discussed center on your retirement security, your … [Read more...] about March 2005: State the Issues

Question: Are Personality Tests a Valuable Tool to Screen Potential Employees? Personality Measurement: A Proven Tool by Robert T. Hogan, Ph.D. Personality psychology is about people – literally the nature of human nature. The topic is important to employers because well-constructed measures of personality can forecast significant practical outcomes such as competence, … [Read more...] about December 2004: State the Issues

Question: Should the Southern Nevada Water Authority send water from other counties to Clark County? No: Good Science Is Good Business by Ellen Pillard and Jeff Van Ee Southern Nevada faces unprecedented challenges from drought and rapid growth. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has asked the Congressional delegation to fast-track the tapping and delivery of water … [Read more...] about August 2004: State the Issues

Question: Should employers give thorough, honest references for previous employees? Yes: Employers Need Truthful, Relevant Information by Mary Beth Hartleb, J.D., SPHR It is imperative that employers receive truthful, relevant information from former employers. The Human Resources Director just received a call from a former employee who states that she is planning to … [Read more...] about July 2004: State the Issues