Topic: Chris Christie

Budget baloney: Social Security isn't to blame for deficit

Social Security won't be a problem for another 26 years, and even then, the problem can be solved.

In Wisconsin standoff, a test: Has governor gone overboard to trim deficit?

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wants state workers to pay more for their pensions and health care, while taking away their unions' collective bargaining power. The governor says he has no choice in order to trim a $3.6 billion deficit. But state workers are livid.

Derailed? Third GOP governor rejects Obama high-speed rail plan.

Gov. Rick Scott of Florida declines $2 billion of federal money in deciding not to build a Orlando-to-Tampa high-speed rail line. Two other governors have made similar moves. It suggests a rocky road ahead for Obama's $53 billion rail plan in the Republican House.

Ron Paul wins CPAC poll. Does it matter?

Ron Paul won the CPAC presidential poll, and Mitt Romney came in second – the same as last year. But many at CPAC said they “wished the GOP had a better field of potential candidates.”

Education reform: eight school chiefs to watch in 2011

Education reform will be on many state education agendas across the nation in 2011. The past year saw Republicans elected or appointed to top state education posts in many states. But a bipartisan group of veteran education leaders has also stepped up to call for more dramatic change in how schools operate. Here’s a sampling of state education leaders to watch:

Mayor Bloomberg on the ropes: Seven ways the blizzard still lingers

The harshest effects of this week's Northeast blizzard are starting to fade as snowplows reclaim New York City roadways and airport travelers rebook their way home. But the massive post-Christmas snowfall had some impacts that may linger for a while to come.

The Monitor's View: How to fix state pensions without a federal bailout

The November election sent a message of no more bailouts. Yet many states could default on debts in 2012, forcing a crisis. What can be done now?

Who got pardons or clemency in 2010? A surprise list of people and animals.

In America, second chances are, if not quite a constitutional right, a cherished value. And the power of presidents and governors to pardon lawbreakers and commute sentences can take on special significance. Such enormous executive powers are often misused, critics say, but they can also provide snapshots of Americans' political and cultural priorities. Many pardons occur around Christmas, in a nod to the spirit of the season. Also, around that time, many American's aren't paying much attention to the news – and some outgoing leaders are making their final decisions. Here are the Top 6 cases of pardon or clemency in 2010.

New Jersey's Chris Christie for president? Home-state voters say no.

Poll shows 65 percent of New Jersey voters would not back Gov. Chris Christie for president. Still, his job-approval rating is 'not bad' for a GOP governor of a blue state.

ARC Tunnel project cancellation a matter of dollars and cents: NJ governor

ARC Tunnel: Christie on Wednesday permanently scrapped a $9 billion-plus rail tunnel connecting his state and New York City, a decision that cements his reputation as a cost-cutter and comes at the expense of commuters who endure frequent delays.

The Monitor's View: Budget goblins needlessly scare off infrastructure spending

Tight state budgets prompt some politicians, such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, to cancel or put off infrastructure investments in tunnels, roads, and rail. That's shortsighted.

Unemployment rate steady at 9.6 percent: Is Obama's plan working?

President Obama says government aid to states kept the unemployment rate from rising. Republicans say government spending is undercutting an economic recovery.

Opinion: A day of reckoning for public pensions: The bills are due, the coffers are empty

Public pensions are driving state and local governments into debt at an unsustainable rate. America must face this fiscal time bomb or these dream benefits will become a nightmare.

Zuckerberg's $100 million for Newark, N.J., schools stirs controversy

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg intends his $100 million gift to boost student achievement in Newark schools. It's a vote of confidence, too, in Mayor Cory Booker. Do charter schools and merit pay lie ahead?

Mark Zuckerberg makes massive donation to Newark schools

Mark Zuckerberg is worth $4.9 billion, according to Fortune magazine. His massive donation establishes him as a major player in philanthropy, placing him alongside others made wealthy by technology innovations, including Microsoft Corp. co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

'Tea party' on a roll: Can Christine O'Donnell win in Delaware?

After toppling moderate Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Alaska, the 'tea party' it setting its sights on Delaware. Tea party favorite Christine O'Donnell is challenging moderate US Rep. Mike Castle in this month's GOP US Senate primary.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: the wrecking ball

New Jersey's governor is giving his state the economic tough love it needs.

A state takeover of Atlantic City's gambling mess is not the answer

The Monitor's View: Look to can-do governors for ideas on jobs and economy

In November, 37 states will elect governors, and there's really only one issue that will sway voters' choices: how to boost jobs with economic growth.

As state governors meet, a scorecard on states' challenges

State governors are entering a weekend of talks in Boston about policy matters. Here are four indicators of the 'state of the states.'

Queen Elizabeth II to address UN General Assembly, visit ground zero

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be in New York on Tuesday. The British monarch is set to address the UN for the second time in her 57-year reign.

School budget cuts across the US projected for next academic year

As state and local governments slash spending and federal stimulus dries up, school budget cuts for the next academic year could be the worst in a generation.

From punchline to powerhouse: the 'tea party' at one year

The 'tea party' movement still has much to prove. Populist movements often fizzle. But it has reinvigorated the Republican Party and constitutional ideals in an era of fading federalism.