John LaPlante

John R. LaPlante is the managing editor of both the StateHouseCall blog and the State Policy Blog. Mr. LaPlante has written on a range of public policy issues since 1998, including health care and education. His writing credits include the Detroit News, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Saint Paul Legal Ledger, and the Wichita Eagle. He holds an M.A. in political science from The Ohio State University.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Slacker Mandate Advances in Illinois 

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

Just what the world doesn't need: A move to encourage young adults to remain children.

From the Chicago Tribune: "Young adults could stay on their parents' health insurance until they ... more »»

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Self-congratuation on Massachusetts Plan 

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has come out with a report claiming significant benefits to its health insurance program. The headline in the Boston Globe is breathless: "State shows big gains in ... more »»

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Intellectual Diversity at U of Georgia 

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Education (higher)

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) claims a victory at the University of Georgia, which is taking steps to improve intellectual diversity on its campus.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Department of Unintended Consequences 

College presidents: Let's lower the drinking age

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

From the Associated Press:

College presidents from about 100 of the nation's best-known universities, including Duke, Dartmouth and Ohio State, are calling on lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18, saying current laws more »»

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

TennCare Cuts 

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

If you depend on government for your health care needs, you may suffer when government cuts programs. (See also more »»

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Where can you get an angioplasty in West Virginia? 

Wherever the government allows you to

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

West Virginia's governor is considering a proposal that would let people choose a facility closer at home if they wish to have an angioplasty.

It's one step forward, one step back when it comes to consumer access to this health care ... more »»

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

When All Else Fails, Try Reform 

A think tank rises in Louisiana

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  General

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a profile of the Pelican Institute for Public Policy. The institute is a member of State Policy ... more »»

Monday, August 18, 2008

Surprise! Good news on insurance from mainstream media 

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

If you listen to enough media reports, you might conclude that government-run health care is the way to go. But the Hartford (Conn.) Current runs a short column with this amazing headline: More Health Insurers Competing ... more »»

Monday, August 18, 2008

South Dakota fills the high-risk pool 

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Health Care

South Dakota and 29 other states have received a federal grant to help pay for a high-risk pool, reports the Argus Leader.

High-risk pools are a more »»

Monday, August 18, 2008

Beware of "Dedicated" Tax Increases 

Nickle gas tax results in ... nothing new

By John LaPlante

Filed As:  Transportation

Five years ago, the Washington Legislature increased the gas tax by 5 cents a gallon. The stated purpose was to fund five new ships for the ferry system used in the Seattle region.

Under the plan, the ships were supposed to be in service this year. But the construction hasn't even ... more »»

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