Category Archives: Top Story

Virginia Ranks Third in Recent 'Rich States, Poor States’ Study

Posted on April 12, 2012 by matt ohern

Virginia has been a leader in economic growth over the past five years while many other states have yet to experience significant growth. So why is it that Virginia does so well while other states continue to struggle? The latest … Continue reading →

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Virginia Toll Projects and “Loss Aversion”

Posted on March 29, 2012 by matt ohern

In his book, “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” psychologist and Nobel Prize winner in economics Daniel Kahneman describes the phenomena of “loss aversion” and “reference points.” These deeply embedded cognitive quirks, which had survival value for hunter-gatherers, pose dilemmas for politicians … Continue reading →

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Virtual School Funding: Keep Current Formula and Create a New One

Posted on March 15, 2012 by matt ohern

As President and CEO of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), I support expanding high-quality educational opportunities to all students in Virginia.  This support is regardless of geography, what zip code the students live in, or their parents … Continue reading →

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Prince William’s Discretionary Funds Should End Immediately

Posted on March 1, 2012 by matt ohern

“Open government” and “transparent government” are the current code words for “good government.” Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors, however, seem to lack a basic understanding that in today’s world taxpayers’ money should be budgeted and not available as a … Continue reading →

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State’s Retirement System Needs Repair

Posted on February 16, 2012 by matt ohern

(This column ran in the Richmond Times Dispatch on February 13, 2012.) Frantically, many Virginia Retirement System (VRS) stakeholders have asked me: “Are we really in a financial danger zone?” With the potential McDonnell infusion of $2.21 billion to VRS, … Continue reading →

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