As Rhode Island and Rhode Islanders struggle through the economic depression, State and local budget and debt crises, and high unemployment, local elected official are reaching out for all possible sources of new revenue and cost cutting. The crisis can be treated as a threat or an opportunity. How the public and the politicians respond to the crises will have a profound impact on small business in the post crisis period.
For example, one step that the RI General Assembly and Governor have taken is the "Amazon Law", is also known as an "Ad tax." This is potentially one of the most costly short term solutions to the long term future welfare of small business, entrepreneurship and competitiveness in this state.
An excellent argument pointing out the potential impact of the law can be found at affiliates-make-money-online.
Key points:
(1) This "Ad Tax" is going to impose excessive bookkeeping requirements on small businesses selling out of state through affiliates as the small business becomes responsible to knowing, recording and collecting the appropriate tax on each individual sale into each jurisdiction which has imposed an "Ad Tax"
(2) Affiliate programs are fairly inexpensive to set up and run, making them attractive for the entrepreneurial unemployed and underemployed to start their own business. If successful they become tax payers instead of tax beneficiaries. If Rhode Island wants to claim the title, "The Small Business State," it should be breaking down the barriers of entry, not erecting new ones.
(3) Tax avoidance is a major problem in Rhode Island and its legacy of under the table transactions, its long list of special interest sales tax exemptions and Florida auto license plates. The state should be considering closing some of these loopholes.
One way to bring about change is to change the culture of tax avoidance. It could begin by using publicity to educate consumers about their legal responsibilities for use tax payments, and the cost of tax avoidance on the community and the state. Maybe even trying collections as a voluntary contribution to the state at tax return time rather than trying to collect it from thousands of residents by legal means.
The Rhode Island General Assembly should revisit the "Amazon Tax" and commission a professional third party study and analysis of the true cost and benefits of the Amazon tax to the state and to small business. Such a study could be commissioned by the RIEDC or RIPEC.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
In defense of Rhode Island Teachers
In light of the Central Falls teachers crisis and the real vile comments that have been appearing in the comments to stories about the crisis on Projo.com, it is only fair to point out that the problem is not the truly professional teacher, it is in an educational system out of touch with the times and the institutions that support it.
Education is critical to individual and community success. Education is how society recruits and trains its young to become full citizens, adults and contributors to the common welfare. And education is done by teachers.
In these tough times, when taxes are perceived to be too high and the quality of the product these taxes buy seems poor and getting worse and when educational establishment itself is found wanting, let us not confuse the individuals who are responsible for what goes on in the classroom, with those institutions which claim to represent or command them.
Teachers, and teaching are a noble professional. Teachers are the link between our past and the future. They are the bearers of the community's wisdom and experience. They are charge with instilling in the next generation the knowledge, skills and values that make civil society possible. They are expected to take the raw talents and potentials of each child and shape and mold them into the best that they can be, even as the child rebels against it.
Rhode Islanders are today engaged in a serious dialogue over the merits and direction of its educational system. Interests groups are aligning themselves for and against the changes that must be made to bring our educational system into the 21st century and prepare our children to compete in the global economy and rapidly changing technological environment. While contracts, standards, policies, and philosophies are being debated, we most not lose sight of the individual teachers and what they do. These individuals are often maligned, disrespected, and treated as the cause of the problem rather than as the victims of the system that they are.
Education is critical to individual and community success. Education is how society recruits and trains its young to become full citizens, adults and contributors to the common welfare. And education is done by teachers.
In these tough times, when taxes are perceived to be too high and the quality of the product these taxes buy seems poor and getting worse and when educational establishment itself is found wanting, let us not confuse the individuals who are responsible for what goes on in the classroom, with those institutions which claim to represent or command them.
Teachers, and teaching are a noble professional. Teachers are the link between our past and the future. They are the bearers of the community's wisdom and experience. They are charge with instilling in the next generation the knowledge, skills and values that make civil society possible. They are expected to take the raw talents and potentials of each child and shape and mold them into the best that they can be, even as the child rebels against it.
Rhode Islanders are today engaged in a serious dialogue over the merits and direction of its educational system. Interests groups are aligning themselves for and against the changes that must be made to bring our educational system into the 21st century and prepare our children to compete in the global economy and rapidly changing technological environment. While contracts, standards, policies, and philosophies are being debated, we most not lose sight of the individual teachers and what they do. These individuals are often maligned, disrespected, and treated as the cause of the problem rather than as the victims of the system that they are.
Ever heard the phrase "Those who can't do, teach"? At the Bowery Poetry Club, slam poet Taylor Mali begs to differ, and delivers a powerful, 3-minute response on behalf of educators everywhere.
Central Falls School Crisis -- Taking the High Road
How quickly things change and change for the better when Leaders decide that leadership and not ego is where their duty lies. In this morning's Projo Superintendent Gallo is reported to have replied to Central Falls Teachers Union president Jane Sessums.
On Tuesday, Seesums displayed real leadership when she made the first move to bring sanity to what was becoming an extremely emotional and partisan battle between the advocates for union rights versus union responsibilities. In a news release which appeared yesterday, Seesums said that the teachers were willing to embrace a set of reforms that were very similar to changes Gallo initially proposed.
This shift in position is a welcome change from the bellicose bullying and insensitivity demonstrated back in February by American Federation of Teachers union rep James Parisi . By demonstrating a more reasonable position, Seesums opened the door for reconciliation.
According to today's story, Superintendent Gallo's response is
While there are issues still to be resolved, these adults have potentially given the students of Central Falls High a valuable lesson about responsibility and conflict management.
Transformation requires the cooperation of all parties and transformation is the only way to salvage the best of the past while adapting to the realities of a rapidly changing future. Now if only the public commentators will take a moment to reflect on what is happening, maybe they will support Central Falls' effort to correct the problems that are causing their high school to be classified as a "Failing School." Then Central Falls might become a positive model for educational reform, rather than the partisan poster child for those who would destroy unions or destroy public education.
Best of luck to all.
On Tuesday, Seesums displayed real leadership when she made the first move to bring sanity to what was becoming an extremely emotional and partisan battle between the advocates for union rights versus union responsibilities. In a news release which appeared yesterday, Seesums said that the teachers were willing to embrace a set of reforms that were very similar to changes Gallo initially proposed.
This shift in position is a welcome change from the bellicose bullying and insensitivity demonstrated back in February by American Federation of Teachers union rep James Parisi . By demonstrating a more reasonable position, Seesums opened the door for reconciliation.
According to today's story, Superintendent Gallo's response is
“My heart skipped a beat,” Gallo said after reading Sessums’ proposal. “I thought, ‘They are basically saying they want what we want for the first time, with the kind of assurances I need.’ … This brings the union back with us, in the conversation about meaningful reform. It’s where they should be.”
While there are issues still to be resolved, these adults have potentially given the students of Central Falls High a valuable lesson about responsibility and conflict management.
Transformation requires the cooperation of all parties and transformation is the only way to salvage the best of the past while adapting to the realities of a rapidly changing future. Now if only the public commentators will take a moment to reflect on what is happening, maybe they will support Central Falls' effort to correct the problems that are causing their high school to be classified as a "Failing School." Then Central Falls might become a positive model for educational reform, rather than the partisan poster child for those who would destroy unions or destroy public education.
Best of luck to all.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Central Falls High School Crisis --The Revolution and Counter-revolution continues
Earlier in February, we asked our viewers to comment on the pending confrontation between the Central Falls School Administration and the local AFT Union. Today's Providence Journal describes the latest in the battle for the hearts, minds, and soul of Central Falls and its parents, teachers, unions, school administration, and most of all, the students.
To read the comments to this article is to get peek into the soup that is public opinion. There are the emotional and, at times irrational, members of the public who place their ideological biases over their own best interests and the interests of the community. And then there are those who see the problem and want to help, to enlighten and to solve it by offering analysis and information.
The Central Falls case is not a simple labor management issue. It is far bigger than that. It impacts the rights of parents and students to expect and get a decent education and preparation for the future. After all isn't that what education is for?
It is about the self identity that the teachers have for themselves. These highly trained and well paid, professionals have not been behaving like the professionals they claim to be. Instead they are are behaving like union day laborers who approach their work as if it were an hourly wage job. If they wanted to be day labors, become substitutes, if they want to be treated as professional learn what the word means.
It is is about a bankrupt State that can no longer afford to feed off of federal handouts, excessive state and local taxes, and one shot stop gaps and windfalls. IT IS ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT for all.
AND it is about survival. It is about the survival of students in a rapidly changing and unforgiving world. It is about the survival of a community high school and its traditions which once helped hundreds of immigrant families to work their way into the American middle class. It is about the survival of a public education system in this state which can prepare the next generation of working+consuming+ taxpaying citizens.
We are in the middle of a revolution and the world is watching. The Central Falls situation has made statewide news. It has made the regional news. It has made the national news and even drawn the attention of the US Secretary of Education and the President of the United States. It has even reached to the other side of the world in New Zeeland. Just about as far as you can go before you start back.
Be aware Rhode Island, this is another Gaspee burning. We are witnessing a revolutionary moment. Where do you stand?
To read the comments to this article is to get peek into the soup that is public opinion. There are the emotional and, at times irrational, members of the public who place their ideological biases over their own best interests and the interests of the community. And then there are those who see the problem and want to help, to enlighten and to solve it by offering analysis and information.
The Central Falls case is not a simple labor management issue. It is far bigger than that. It impacts the rights of parents and students to expect and get a decent education and preparation for the future. After all isn't that what education is for?
It is about the self identity that the teachers have for themselves. These highly trained and well paid, professionals have not been behaving like the professionals they claim to be. Instead they are are behaving like union day laborers who approach their work as if it were an hourly wage job. If they wanted to be day labors, become substitutes, if they want to be treated as professional learn what the word means.
It is is about a bankrupt State that can no longer afford to feed off of federal handouts, excessive state and local taxes, and one shot stop gaps and windfalls. IT IS ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT for all.
AND it is about survival. It is about the survival of students in a rapidly changing and unforgiving world. It is about the survival of a community high school and its traditions which once helped hundreds of immigrant families to work their way into the American middle class. It is about the survival of a public education system in this state which can prepare the next generation of working+consuming+ taxpaying citizens.
We are in the middle of a revolution and the world is watching. The Central Falls situation has made statewide news. It has made the regional news. It has made the national news and even drawn the attention of the US Secretary of Education and the President of the United States. It has even reached to the other side of the world in New Zeeland. Just about as far as you can go before you start back.
Be aware Rhode Island, this is another Gaspee burning. We are witnessing a revolutionary moment. Where do you stand?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Frances Gallo: Her side of the Story
We have been following the Central Falls School crisis with great interest.
On Saturday February 27 Superintendent Frances Gallo of the Central Falls School Department was a late addition to the Annual Winter Meeting of the Rhode Island State Coalition (RISC) held in Newport, RI. After weeks of controversy, Superintendent Gallo was given the opportunity to give her side of the story leading up to the firing of the whole teacher staff at Central Falls.
I came away from the meeting extremely impressed and moved by this very professional and articulate woman and the courage she is demonstrating to take on the Teachers' union and to call their bluff. I want to share that moment with you. Thanks to RISC the following two segment of their video record (posted on You Tube) of the Winter meeting captures the moment.
Yesterday, March 1st, her actions drew comments from President Obama supporting the need for radical change in those schools which are failing to educate their students. Here, in her own words, is her side of the story.
RISC Winter Meeting: Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo (part 1)
RISC Winter Meeting: Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo (part 2) [NOTE: If the video does not launch automatically, DOUBLE-CLICK ON IT, it should take you directly to YOU TUBE]
I think she has said it all. The issues are not local, they are national and impact the future of this nation.
On Saturday February 27 Superintendent Frances Gallo of the Central Falls School Department was a late addition to the Annual Winter Meeting of the Rhode Island State Coalition (RISC) held in Newport, RI. After weeks of controversy, Superintendent Gallo was given the opportunity to give her side of the story leading up to the firing of the whole teacher staff at Central Falls.
I came away from the meeting extremely impressed and moved by this very professional and articulate woman and the courage she is demonstrating to take on the Teachers' union and to call their bluff. I want to share that moment with you. Thanks to RISC the following two segment of their video record (posted on You Tube) of the Winter meeting captures the moment.
Yesterday, March 1st, her actions drew comments from President Obama supporting the need for radical change in those schools which are failing to educate their students. Here, in her own words, is her side of the story.
RISC Winter Meeting: Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo (part 1)
RISC Winter Meeting: Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo (part 2) [NOTE: If the video does not launch automatically, DOUBLE-CLICK ON IT, it should take you directly to YOU TUBE]
I think she has said it all. The issues are not local, they are national and impact the future of this nation.
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