Public Policy Archives

3 - Investigations / Child Welfare / Dark Money / Family Court / Foster Care / Money & Influence / Money and Finance / Politics / The Schaefer Files

Follow the money: how $1 billion in federal bonuses built an incentive to separate families

April 5, 2026April 5, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Since 1997, the federal government has paid states over $1 billion in adoption incentives, encouraging adoptions instead of family reunification. While foster care numbers declined, adoption assistance payments surged by nearly 43% in recent years, highlighting a troubling financial structure favoring permanent separations over reunifications.

Ada Accommodations / Arizona / Disability / Disability Rights / Laws

Arizona Delivers on Disability Access — A Rare Government Success Story

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Arizona has successfully completed significant disability access reforms under the Americans with Disabilities Act, resolving longstanding compliance issues and ending federal oversight. This achievement highlights effective governance and demonstrates that states can fulfill ADA responsibilities efficiently, without excessive bureaucracy or litigation. Arizona sets a positive example for other states.

Accountability / Government / Government / Government Waste

Federal Workforce Shrinks to 2014 Levels: Efficiency Win or Risky Gamble?

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. federal civilian workforce has decreased to 2.74 million, its lowest in over a decade, following significant job cuts in 2025, driven by various strategies including hiring freezes and buyouts. While proponents claim increases in efficiency and reduced waste, critics warn of negative impacts on specialized knowledge and service backlogs.

Economy / Housing / Jobs / Local News / Maryland / Montgomery County / Public Safety

Marc Elrich’s Spin: Blaming Trump While Montgomery County Struggles at Home

September 6, 2025September 5, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s blog presents an optimistic view of local achievements but overlooks pressing issues like economic stagnation, rising housing costs, and increased crime. Critics argue his focus has shifted toward political rhetoric rather than addressing practical concerns, leaving residents frustrated with high taxes and inadequate services.

Accountability / Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Criminal / Delmarva Peninsula / Government / Government / Law Enforcement / Laws / Local News / Maryland / Public Safety

Fireworks, Fear, and Lawlessness: Ocean City’s July 4th Chaos Reveals a Growing Crisis of Public Disorder

July 17, 2025July 16, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

What began as a patriotic celebration turned into a scene of terror on Ocean City’s iconic Boardwalk. As illegal fireworks exploded into the crowd, families fled in panic, mistaking the chaos for gunfire. In the age of viral videos and lawless flash mobs, Maryland’s beach jewel faced a sobering truth: public safety is no longer a guarantee when bad actors exploit the system and leaders fail to restore order.

Business / Economy / Taxes / Technology

If AI Takes the Job, It Should Pay the Tax

June 8, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

As AI increasingly replaces human workers, concerns about fairness arise since AI does not contribute to Social Security despite benefiting from the system. A proposed “AI-Payroll Parity” policy suggests taxing AI the same as human workers to preserve social safety nets and prevent a widening economic divide.

Taxed to Death: Maryland’s War on the Working Class Disguised as Progress

May 17, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In Maryland, a single mother faces overwhelming hidden taxes that hinder her financial stability despite a median income of $73,000. Governor Wes Moore’s administration prioritizes lofty rhetoric over addressing a regressive taxation system, which demands total transparency. Empowering citizens with clear tax information is crucial for accountability and effective governance.