How has Massachusetts differed from other states in dealing with Essay

How has Massachusetts differed from other states in dealing with fiscal problems in the last couple of years - Essay Example Since the recession started, most states have closed more than $425 billion in shortfalls. All states have to balance operating budgets at least biennially unlike the federal government, which can go on providing services even with a financial downturn. Since federal economic assistance is to expire before the recovery of most state budgets, the states must address these shortfalls by a combination of tax increases and spending cuts. This paper aims to discuss how the state of Massachusetts has differed from other states in dealing with their fiscal problems. An annual update released by the US Census Bureau for local and state government finances provided national data for the year 2010. The amount of local and state taxes in Massachusetts as total personal income share was 10.2% in the fiscal year 2010. Using this measure, the state of Massachusetts, recorded lower taxation when compared to twenty-four other states (Ellwood 23). Measuring of taxes as a personal income share allows financial experts a meaningful comparison tool to compare states. Taxes act as the primary funding source for people living in various states that are provided to government for the provision of such functions as public education, safety nets, libraries, playgrounds and parks. The new data from the census shows that Massachusetts has a level of taxation ranging at 10.42%, below the average nationally that came at 10.59% in 2010 (Ellwood 23). If the state of Massachusetts had a taxation level at the average nationally, then local and state government would have had an extra $1.1 billion to spend during the fiscal year. Most states across the United States started implementing budget cuts in spring 2008 with the recession bringing weakened revenues sharply into focus. These cuts have increased given the persistently high unemployment. Most states cut funding by 4.2% in 2009 and a further 6.8% in 2010 despite the continued need for services that are funded by the state (Ellwood 25). Ho wever, in Massachusetts, a few diversions were noted, especially with budget cuts. Massachusetts has four major categories in their budget where they spent much more than other states despite/ instead of effecting cuts. These were public welfare, transit, veteran services and unemployment compensation. Public welfare, behind education, is the second largest category in the census encompassing temporary assistance for needy families, food stamp program and Medicaid. Unlike other states, Massachusetts has seen overspending in this category, indicated by the low ratings for welfare reform. TANF afforded flexibility to most states for the administration of benefits provided the goals set out by TANF were satisfied. A comprehensive study gave Massachusetts a low grade for the satisfaction of these goals, with a score of 34.9% and a ranking of forty-sixth out of fifty states (Ellwood 28). Unemployment compensation includes benefits that are funded by the federal government such as basic u nemployment benefits and cash benefits for military and civilian employees. This includes shared expenditure, for example, extended employment for those states with high rates of unemployment. One significant indicator that Massachusetts overspends in this category compared to other states in this category is the fact that, in 2008s second quarter, Massachusetts recorded the second highest rate of weekly payment at $391.91 in comparison to the national average at $285.28 (Gold 250). Massachusetts’

Possible Selves Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Possible Selves - Assignment Example Kail and Cavanaugh (2013) elaborate that possible selves constitute powerful motivator for people to struggle towards achieving their dreams and live satisfying life. Reflective judgment theory explores and details ways in which people base their reasoning through real life dilemmas that concern and revolve around religion, personal relationships and science among others (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2013). According to reflective judgment theory, there are seven stages of judgment. The seven stages are in three groups, namely prereflective thought that covers stages 1 to 3, quasi-reflective reasoning that covers stages 4-5 and reflective reasoning that covers stages 6 and 7. According to Kail and Cavanaugh (2013), prereflective thought of the reflective judgment theory that covers stages 1 to 3 makes people regard knowledge as something gained through the word(s) of a higher authority or firsthand observation rather than through evaluative and analytical reasoning of evidences. People exhibiting this element believe that their knowledge about life issues is absolutely correct and certain. Students in high school or colleges tend to apply prereflective thought in the process of learning. Since they do not want to challenge the knowledge of perceived intelligent and correct lecturers and teachers, they simply believe and trust instructions and lectures with little intent to seek further evidence. Teacher or lecturer is usually a person of higher authority and knowledge and cannot give false instructions or concepts to the students (Zytowski & D’Achiardi-Ressler, 2011). Believing instructions as given is usually a show of obedience, respect and disc ipline, which constitute elements of the so-called â€Å"good students†. In addition, prereflective thought of reflective judgment enable students to read, believe and grasp research findings documented in books

History According to Neo-Conservative Historians Essay

History According to Neo-Conservative Historians - Essay Example Strauss believed liberal government policies were providing the masses with rights, power, and leisure that their simple minds neither deserved, nor were capable of responsibly wielding. Invariably, according to Strauss and Neo-Cons, the devolved masses give rise to Hitler-like evil. Strauss firmly and fully believed that the inherent weakness and ignorance of the masses, social-liberal policies, and the "excess" freedom of leisure coupled with the right to choose their own leaders provided the ingredients for humanitys demise. For Strauss, these devolved masses required strong authoritarian leadership comprised of those intellectually and socially superior (Ray, 1993). In nearly every aspect of todays American political life and foreign policy we see Strauss theory of constant struggle and conflict being employed and carried out. The media has often decried the obvious combative, angry, and mean-spirited nature of Americas contemporary political discourse. FOX News, which is the propaganda and disinformation outlet for the Neo-Conservative movement, has, by design, ensured Strauss theory of conflict plays out in the American political life. It certainly isnt by accident that prominent Neo-Conservatives like Bill Kristol are often featured on FOXs programs (Ray, 1993). Furthermore, the only purpose for the network to employ the bellicose and outrageous OReilly, and venomous and angry Sean Hannity is to divide American against American and instill a degree of political nastiness never before witnessed. A quick trip around the AM Radio dial will make apparent an entire legion of Republican and Neo-Conservative propagandists doing their part to foment all-out political warfare in the United States. Finally, few propagandists are loved and cherished more deeply by the Neo-Cons than the hate-spewing and liberal demonizing Ann Coulter (Halper & Clarke, 2005). The

J.R.R. Tolkien Biography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

J.R.R. Tolkien Biography - Essay Example Tolkien completed his education at the height of the World War I. It was then the society’s expectations for the youths to volunteer into the military (White 75). However, Tolkien chose not to become a volunteer in the British army but instead enrolled in a degree program. After completing his degree course Tolkien chose to join the military as a lieutenant instead of taking a civilian job (Zimrack web). He retained his service to the military despite encountering the first-hand witness of execution his closest friend and college colleagues who served in the military. His ill health, however, prevented him from being deployed in the front line.After the end of World War I, Tolkien got his first job with the Oxford English dictionary where he worked on the etymology of words (Chance 105). His work with the Oxford English dictionary earned him a teaching position at Leeds University. He later became the youngest professor of Leeds in his time. Although Tolkien was a dedicated ac ademician and a writer, he had a keen interest in wars and matters of national interest. Although he once served in the military, he had a negative attitude concerning wars. He also objected other European ideologies such as Stalinism and imperialism. In addition, to the surprise of many Tolkien was totally against racism.In conclusion, Tolkien lived a successful life with a legacy. His thinking and actions that surpassed the expectations and norms of the society are the main sources of his success. His success.

Political Economy of the European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Political Economy of the European Union - Essay Example It has build up a role inforeign policy, and represents its members in theWorld Trade Organization, atG8summits and at theUnited Nations. Twenty-one EU nations are part ofNATO. It has also taken up a responsibility in justice and home affairs, which includes the elimination of passport control between many member nations under theSchengen Agreement. (Alan, 2007) The EU functions through a hybrid mechanism ofintergovernmentalismandsupranationalism. In particular areas it relies on agreement among the member states. However, it also possesses supranational bodies, thus is competent to make judgments without agreement between each and every national governments. Among the prominent institutions and bodies of the EU are theEuropean Commission, theEuropean Parliament, theCouncil of the European Union, theEuropean Council, theEuropean Court of Justice,and theEuropean Central Bank. In every five years, the Parliament is elected by the EU citizens. Origins of the EU go back to the formation of theEuropean Coal and Steel Community,formed among six countries in 1951 and theTreaty of Romein 1957. Thereafter the EU has expanded in size via accession of new associate states, and in authority by adding new policy areas to its remit. (Richard, 2006) Subsequent to theSecond World War, efforts made towards European integration were viewed as a get away approach from the intense forms of nationalism, which had ravaged the continent.Theformation of the European Coal and Steel Community was among one such attempt to bring together Europeans. While having the unassuming aim of federal control of the formerly national coal and steel industries of its member nations, it was stated to be "a first step in the federation of Europe".The founding members of the Community wereBelgium,France,Italy,Luxembourg, theNetherlandsandWest Germany. Thereafter the history of Europe saw the establishment of European Economic Community(EEC) ascertaining acustoms unionand theEuropean Atomic Energy Community(Euratom) for cooperation in developingnuclear energy. In 1967, the Merger Treaty provided for the amalgamation of these communities collectively referred to as European Communities, which popularly were termed as European Community. (Ben, 2000) In 1973 incorporation of Denmark,Irelandand theUnited Kingdom enlarged the communities. In 1979, thefirst autonomous electionsto the European Parliament were held. The 80s saw the incorporation of Greece,SpainandPortugal. In 1990, the previousEast Germanyembodied the Community under newly united Germany. The European Union was officially instituted when theMaastricht Treatywas enacted upon on 1 November 1993. Presently, the European Union comprises 27independentsovereignnationsknown as member states: Austria,Belgium,Bulgaria,Cyprus, theCzech Republic,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Greece, Hungary,Ireland,Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Malta, theNetherlands,Poland,Portugal,Romania, Slovakia,Slovenia,Spain,Sweden, and theUnited Kingdom. (Alan, 2007) The EU is habitually portrayed as being separated into three divisions of responsibility, calledpillars. The original European Community principles form the first pillar, while the second beingCommon

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study Example Underlying pathology and admission to ED Mrs. S was admitted to the hospital post fall, from bed to floor, complaining of severe pain on her left leg. She got unable to stand or bend due to her left leg. From her past history, Mrs. S became placed on a five leads cardiac monitor and her blood samples got taken. Her chest, pelvis and left hip x-ray got organised. The results obtained indicated her chest x-ray as clear, but with complete dislocation of the femoral prosthesis from the acetabular cup. Multiple dislodge metallic wiring also got noted. She then got diagnosed as having a dislocated left prosthetic hip which was reduced by gentle traction in ED. Goals of treatment The goals of treating Mrs S dislocated left prosthetic hip got set as; relieving her from pain, help her hip joint work better, and improving her walking and other movements (Kneale & Davis, 2005). Like other patients who suffer from hip dislocation, Mrs S undergoes groin and hip pain. Her pain emanates from her co mplete dislocation of her femoral prostheses from the acetabular cup. The treatment intends to reduce and control the pain. It is vital that Mrs S got provided with pain medication. Once this goal becomes achieved, the patient can undergo the rest of the medication process in a relaxed state. Another aim of her treatment was to get Mrs S left prosthetic hip to work better. Through gentle traction, Mrs S left hip prostheses should get back to its anatomical position in the acetabular. Once this repositioning gets achieved, Mrs S hip would get back to perform its range of muscular movement operations. The treatment focuses on stretching and strengthening the muscles that surround the hip joint. This allows the hip to gain back its strength and motion. When repositioning of the dislocated left hip prosthesis gets achieved, Mrs S should get to improve her walking and other movements. The goal of the treatment is to allow Mrs S to participate in activities such as walking. Increasing the patient’s mobility will allow her to live a more fulfilling life. The aforementioned treatment goals for Mrs S got achieved through providence of pain medication and gentle traction (Kneale & Davis, 2005). After evaluation of her pain, Mrs S got administered with sufficient analgesia. While at the ED, the patient got administered with intravenous morphine to relieve her off her pain. To improve her mobility and relocate her dislocated prosthesis, gentle traction of the leg with mild sedation helped to achieve the goals (Valle, 2010). Role of technology The first technology employed in the treatment of Mrs S was the 5 lead cardiac monitor. The cardiac monitor got used as part of the patient’s physical examination tests (Marx et al, 2010). This monitor got used to test and check for problems with the electrical activity of the patient’s heart. This monitor translates the hearts electrical activity into waves on a paper. The 5 lead cardiac monitor got used in the treatment of the patient to check if her heart’s electrical activity was okay. The monitor helps to indicate whether the electrical impulse within the heart gets conducted normally. The use of X ray technology on Mrs S’s chest, pelvis and left hip assists to provide the internal structure of these parts of the

Forklift Accident Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Forklift Accident - Article Example An accident occurred at the construction site of a light industrial building. A worker was driving a 3 ton forklift down a circular vehicle ramp from the fourth level towards the third level. There was no load on the forklift. The vehicle suddenly swerved and overturned on the third level and the worker who was driving the forklift was crushed beneath the vehicle and died on the spot. The driver had not undergone the mandatory forklift driver’s training course. Findings revealed that the forklift involved in the accident belonged to the main contractor and was poorly maintained. The driver was an employee of the plastering and bricklaying works contractor. The numbers of trained forklift operators were inadequate with respect to the number of forklifts. Also there was no risk assessment conducted on forklift operations.Another such accident occurred at a warehouse in a distribution park. A worker tallying stock stored on metal racks squeezed himself into the gap between two ra cks. A forklift driver was pushing racks closer together to make space for more racks. He did not see the employee, and the employee was crushed to death between the metal racks. If risk assessment had been carried out, forklifts and other workers would not have been allowed to operate in the area concurrently. It also seemed that there was inadequate safety training awareness among the employees.The key to preventing such accidents is training and enforcement of safety measures at places where forklifts are used.