The Edward H. Arnold Institute for Policy Studies

Plugging Into Modern Medicine Requires Legislative Signoff

Trailing only education, health care resembles an endless philosophical and political war, with sharp, persistent disagreements over direction and policy.  The list of disputed matters includes but is not limited to: the merits of public versus private insurance coverage, the fairness of provider networks, the utility of health care subsidies, the considerable costs of technology […]

Closing State Facilities: Saving Money But Sacrificing Trust

Since Neil Sedaka released “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” in 1962, the song has been covered multiple times.  The tune might be experiencing resurgence as the unofficial anthem of the Wolf administration.   There are heated controversies in several Pennsylvania communities over suddenly announced plans to close state facilities.  Luzerne County is facing a double […]

Saying Farewell To A Mentor And A Friend

  Thanksgiving is a season when we count our greatest blessings, the family and friends who surround us and those who have gone ahead to their eternal reward. Many of us are fortunate to have a special person who sees hidden qualities in us, who goes above and beyond to guide and inspire us, who […]

Rescue For Rural Hospitals A Healthy Move Forward

  Given our entrenched political and regional differences, Pennsylvania teamwork tends to conjure thoughts of sports rather than governance. Frustrated citizens, commentators, and advocates believe that Pennsylvania rarely embraces substantial reform or change.  In their view, our state moves only in dire crisis, and even then only once the patches have blown and the cans […]

Anti-Semitism Stains Our Character And Principles

  Our virtuous civic observances serve to remind us of distinguished Americans who have faded into history.  This past Memorial Day, speakers recalled Rabbi Roland B. Gittlesohn.  The first Jewish chaplain in the Marine Corps, he was awarded three combat ribbons for his actions during the battle of Iwo Jima. This admirable circumstance was merely […]

State Policy And Funding Fertilizing Farming Future

Fall fair season and Farm Show week are prominent occasions when public attention is captivated by the bounty and prowess of Pennsylvania agriculture.  These spikes in enthusiasm are great for sustaining the reputation of farming, but do not mean the role and perils of farming are understood and appreciated by all. There are few states […]

Alarms Over Gun Violence Obscure Deadly Tool From Child Abuse

With the plague of mass shootings afflicting America, the casualty toll adds up quickly and alarmingly.  Child abuse claims victims one or two at a time, but is so pervasive that these sad numbers pile up too.  While each sparks calls for adding effective preventative measures, emotionally fraught debates, rallies, and marches over gun violence […]

What, Pray Tell, Are We Thinking?

  Following the Flint, Michigan scandal, there are rising demands for testing water in schools for the presence of lead, a serious health hazard for children particularly.  Unrelated news reports suggest we may want to test the water everywhere for whatever toxin is making our nation senselessly hard-hearted in setting spending priorities. A two-year federal […]

Recognizing A Standout Public Servant

  One of our family’s favorite children’s books across two generations is A Regular Flood Of Mishap,by Tom Birdseye.  It is an entertaining and clever tale of compounding catastrophes, which are not enough to undo the love and forgiveness of her family. That book title came to mind the other day when the headline appeared […]

Trying To Find The Ever More Elusive Middle Ground

  Sitting up in the Bob Uecker seats, looking at the political process from a distance, affords a reflective view of the daily games.  Unfortunately, there is not much to cheer for lately. The only thing that seems to be melting away faster than glaciers and polar icecaps is the middle ground of American politics.  […]