Cost of Living by State.org

The Cost of Electricity on the rise in Florida

Bill — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:10:14 +0000

Electric Bills raise the Cost of living in Florida

After two years of bill reductions Progress Energy will raise electric bills in 2012. The Florida Public Service Commission received approval November 22 to increase rates by 3 percent. To give you an idea of how much this will cost Floridians, considering the usage of 1,000 kilowatt hours, Florida electric cost will increase to $123.19 per month. This is compared to the $119.34 per month, the cost in Florida currently. For commercial and industrial customers, bills will increase 4% and 5% respectively.

Why the sudden Increase in Cost?

The justification for the increased cost of electricity in Florida is due to the Crystal River Nuclear Power being out of service. This has resulted in more natural gas consumption, which is more expensive then Nuclear power. The Crystal River Nuclear Plant is Progress Energy’s lowest-cost generation unit and provides service to more than 1.6 million people living in Florida.

Are Florida Law Makers Picking Favorites?

Instead of allowing market forces to prevail is appears that members of the Florida state legislature are stacking the deck. Back in 2006 the Florida Legislature passed a bill to allow Power companies to raise the cost of electricity in Florida to fund the construction of nuclear reactors.

The key point is that your electric bill will go up before construction even begins. Now this is in stark contrast of how the rules apply to other energy sources. In every case except for Nuclear your power company is not allow to raise your bill due to construction cost until the work is actually completed.

I find this very unconstitutional because it is not Florida’s job to pick winners and looser via legislation. But what I’m going to say next is even more appalling.

The early cost recovery statute in this piece of legislation states that even if the project is abandoned the Power company can still recover the cost of construction via your power bill!

Read more on the Cost of living in Florida

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Will California Tax Tweaks Raise Cost of living?

Bill — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:30:56 +0000

The cost of living in every state is on the rise. California is no exception. There are many proposed taxes hikes that state leaders are trying to sneak on the 2012 ballots.

Taxing Crude Oil and the Cost to Californians

The proposal is to levy a 9.9% extraction fee on each barrel of oil. City leaders are saying the oil taxes could bring in up to $3.5 billion for schools, while somehow preventing oil companies from raising the price of gasoline.

The opposition states that this would result in reduced in-state production, leading to an estimated loss of 10,000 jobs. And that the price of oil could increase by $1.3 billion a year which would ultimately lead to higher gas prices for people of California.

Governor Brown’s 7 Billion Dollar Tax Measure

California Governor Jerry Brown wants to raise taxes on the rich and raise sales tax. He is trying to push the measure on to next November’s ballot along with other tax measures.

Brown’s plan is to impose an extra 1% income tax on people making $250k a year, and 1.5% on those making $300k a year and 2% on individuals earning $500k a year. He also is pushing for a .5% sales tax hike much like Governor Chris Gregoire is attempting in Washington state. The California governor states the extra cost in taxes would last through 2016.

A projected $13 billion budget deficit has prompted this decision to raise cost of living in California The Brown Tax plan promises to reduce that deficit. Although a state budget watchdog agency reported much of the revenue promised wouldn’t materialize.

The measure would require a two-thirds super-majority vote and the Democrats control the legislature. Even so they are short votes , so without support from a few Republicans the initiative will be blocked. Earlier this year Republicans blocked a similar attempt to raise taxes.

Orange County Schools Could lose Property Tax Earmarks

Bill — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:09:11 +0000

Orange County officials stated that because of budget shortfalls they may divert property tax revenues away from public schools in January and May of next year. As a result hundreds maybe joining the unemployment line. The extra funds would be used to maintain correctional facilities and pay down the counties debts.

Are Politicians Breaking the Law?

It is interesting to note that the state is investigating the legality of Orange Counties desire to divert over 73 million dollars from public schools. A spokesperson for the state finance department stated that if Orange County follows through on its vow to redirect the funds, the state might take legal action against the county.

County Auditor David Sundstrom said he would not redirect the funds if he thought it was illegal and is trying to work with the state to find a resolution.

Citizens Willing to Pay more Tax for better education

According to a recent poll Californian’s are willing to raise their cost of living in order to fund better education. The 64% of Californian’s are advocating for a public school system that has endured three years of deep budget cuts. The general consensus, California’s public schools are in horrible shape. They are absolutely right for 66% of students in California have a GPA of 2.0 or below. Out of those polled many cited budget cuts ,wasteful spending and bureaucratic as the cause. And they’d be right!!

Does Education Need the Private Sector?

This is a future article because I feel very strongly about this subject. Should it be the government’s job to provide education to its citizens or simply regulate it? Wouldn’t education be better off in the private sector?

I know most companies have to answer to investors, make a profit and provide a quality product to be competitive. The Government has to do none of those things.

How would public schools do in a fair non-monopolized market? Think of the product our government is providing our children and then think how much money they are wasting to do so. Private and Charter schools are more regulated by the government, waste less, and could be funded with a lot less if the right strategy was employed.

Will Congress Extend Payroll tax cuts & Federal Unemployment Benefits?

Bill — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:54:11 +0000

Our indecisive congress will have to come to an agreement on whether or not to continue the payroll tax cut and federal unemployment benefits. Both are set to expire at the end of 2011.

Obama Supports Renewing Payroll Tax Cuts

President Obama last week called for extending the cut in payroll taxes. The President has been campaigning in support for bigger temporary payroll tax cuts. Obama is pressuring Congress to renew and increase next year’s payroll tax cut. Obama claims it will raise consumer demand and boost the economy. If Congress fails to make a decision by the end of the year than the payroll tax would return to 6.2%. This would increase taxes on 160 million working Americans.

Obama claims that not renewing the the pay roll tax cut would mean a tax increase of $1,000 for the average American family.
Obama said to Congress “Don’t be a Grinch, Don’t vote to raise taxes on working Americans during the holidays.”

Bipartisan Political Support for Extending Tax Cuts

Considering the fact that elections are just around the corner it would be easy to fathom bipartisan support for a proposal involving tax cuts. Just ask Bush senior what raising taxes close to an election campaign did for him. We believe that the payroll tax cut will resume based on this line of thinking.

Extending Federal Unemployment Benefits

Congress is also debating whether or not to continue federal unemployment benefits. Federal unemployment benefits kick in after the 26 weeks of state benefits run out. Federal Unemployment benefits add 73 weeks in high-unemployment states.

Let’s Compare the Cost to our Government

Comparing the cost to our Government, extending federal unemployment benefits for another year would be the more cost effective of the two. According to the Congressional Budget Office it would cost $44 billion. Renewing the 2% cut in payroll taxes for one year would cost up to $116 billion.

The President supports keeping Federal unemployment benefits and is campaigning for increased cuts in payroll taxes in 2012. It is difficult to predict whether or not Congress will agree with Obama. Lots of room for comments here!!

How will the cost of living in the U.S.A be effected in 2012?

The Latest on Health Care cost in Hawaii

Bill — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:11:28 +0000

Cost of living in Hawaii could be on the rise again in lieu of proposed Health care increases. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Medical Service Association are lobbying the state division to raise premiums upwards. Unfortunately this is a nation wide trend but Hawaiian’s can not afford yet another raise in their cost of living. With a weak economy and job market along with high energy and food costs the citizens of Hawaii are already finding it difficult to make ends meet.

The Proposed Raise in Insurance Premiums

The Hawaii Medical Service Association after raising premiums 11.7% two years ago and 14.8% this year are trying to increase rates for 84,000 members by 3.6% starting next year. HMSA is celebrating a $5.8 million profit this quarter and hopes to host an even bigger party at the end of the 1st quarter next year. They did post a $4.1 million loss a year earlier.

The state division has received a proposal from Kaiser Permanente to raise their premiums 8.8%. This would affect 160,000 members. This increase would also start at the beginning of the year. Kaiser enjoyed a $2.8 million profit in the second quarter following increases of 12.6% this year and 10.7% last year. They lost $5.1 million last year.

The federal health reform act if passed will require insurers to submit a request for approval to state or federal reviewers for increases of 10% or more. Note the 2 above provider’s rate increases are reduced from double digital percentages last year to single digit percentage next year. Just an after thought!

The Average Cost of Medical insurance in Hawaii

Medical insurance premiums across the board increased from 12.3% to 17.8% according to a recent report. The annual yearly premium cost is projected to reach 20k by 2020 for families and $7,000 for individuals. Hawaii at this time is at the low end when compared to the rest of the nation. Hawaii currently ranks 3rd lowest in family premiums. Health care premiums averaged $12,00 last year. The U.S. average was $13,871. For individual coverage Hawaii’s cost is the 2nd lowest with an average price of 4,000 a year. We could obtain the national average for individuals.

How Energy Comsumption affects the Cost of Living for every Hawaiian

Bill — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:13:27 +0000

Hawaii is in dire straits when it comes to energy. Although Hawaii has taken enormous strides to develop alternative energy projects it still is a long way from getting its fossil fuel dependency under control. The cost to Hawaiian is nothing less then shocking. Hawaii ranks 2nd now to Connecticut in energy consumption.

The Facts Regarding the Cost of Energy in Hawaii

How does energy consumption affect the cost of living in Hawaii and what steps are being taken to reduce Hawaii’s fossil fuel reliance? Also – Rebates for Hawaiians looking to buy Green.

Last year Hawaii utilities used 11.3 million barrels of petro to produce energy at a cost of almost $900 million. This is a huge number when compared to per capita numbers in other states.

Hawaiians spend roughly $175 per month on electric bills and consumed an average of 615 kWh monthly.

46.3 million barrels of petroleum were imported last year. Divide this by the population and you get 36.776 barrels of petroleum per person. Import costs total over 4 thousand per person every year. These numbers are almost unbelievable. How much do you think this impacts the cost of living in Hawaii?

If Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative goals are met, it is estimated that 60% of all electricity provided by utility companies will be as a result of fossil fuel.

Hawaii’s Green Potential

A significant portion of energy needs could be met by renewable resources and energy optimization.

Hawaii has a huge advantage in promoting energy efficiency in current buildings as well as constructing “net-zero energy” buildings that have the potential to generate as much energy as they consume.

Hawaii is blessed with many natural resources such as wind, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, bio fuels produced by agriculture, and the ocean.

Energy Rebates Available for Hawaiians

Whole House Energy Monitor – 50% of the purchase price up to $100
$750 Solar Water Heating
$1,000 Solar Water Heating Interest loan Credit
$200 Heat Pump Water Heater

Solar Attic Fan – $50 | Whole House Fans – $75

Central AC Maintenance – $50

ENERGY STAR® Refrigerators with the purchase price of $600 or less – $50
ENERGY STAR® Refrigerators with Trade-in – $125
$50 ENERGY STAR® Top Tier Clothes Washers
$40 ENERGY STAR® Ceiling Fans
$110 ENERGY STAR® Ductless Split Air Conditioners
ENERGY STAR® Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioners- $200

Instant $1 rebates on Compact Fluorescent Lamps

What is driving the cost of living in Hawaii

Bill — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:50:06 +0000

Lack of Competition in Shipping raises cost of living in Hawaii

Maritime laws in Hawaii prevent foreign ships from competing in the marketplace by limiting restrictions. These restrictions in-turn monopolize shipping hence raise prices to import and well as export. Since Hawaii imports most everything the effect on cost of living is far reaching. In particular the Jones Act and the Commerce Clause hindered the above stated. 95% of the available worldwide Merchant shipping fleets can not serve Hawaii.

Agriculture in Hawaii is suffering due to the expense of agricultural production. Specifically inbound shipping cost of fertilizers, herbicides and outbound shipping costs of fruits and livestock.

The amount of preservative chemicals it takes to keep food fresh while in route inflate prices. One of the reasons why food is more expensive in Hawaii is by virtue of the time it takes to get to the store. Supply issues are also affecting prices. This is all do to lack of competition in the shipping department.

Food prices in Hawaii are adversely affected by the Jones Act and the cost for local businesses to ship goods are so expensive it is ruining local economies. Hawaii is completely Mad Cow disease free and has a huge competitive advantage world wide. But shipping costs prevent Hawaii from being able to compete price wise.

What is the Jones act

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 Section 27,states all goods transported between U.S. ports will be carried in American ships, made in America, owned and crewed by U.S. citizens. The law was invented to support the U.S. maritime industry.

What is The Commerce Clause

The Commerce Clause states that the United States Congress shall have power “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes. Dispute exists within the courts as to the range of powers granted to Congress by the Commerce Clause

Advocating the Jones Act

Advocators of the Jones Act state that it is necessary to enforce the United State’s environmental and labor laws as well as protect national security.

Opponents of the Jones Act

Opponents argue that the Jones Act is costing Hawaiian households an estimated $3000 per year. And that abolishing the law will open up competition, lower shipping costs and unsure that consumers are getting the best products at the best prices while giving the local economy a much needed boost.

Cost of living in washington state – A .5 cent raise in Sales Tax

Bill — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:01:07 +0000

Watch the News Story

With a 1.5 Billion dollar deficit, Washington state is forced to make budget cuts. Of the most concerning are to education and social services. To combat this Governor Chris Gregoire is proposing a .5 cent raise in Washington’s sales tax. It would last three years (huh?) ,raise $494 million and be used to fund public education predominately. If passed Washington state would have a sales tax second to only California. This would increase Washington’s sales tax from 7% to 7.5%.

Interesting to note just last year a Tim Eyman initiative was passed that requires a two-thirds super-majority in the Legislature to raise taxes.

An estimated 1 thousand protestors rallied at Washington’s Capital

In the interest of not raising an already high cost of living in Washington, citizens rallied in protest. The occasion? The Legislature’s emergency budget session. Teachers, students, state employees, and the always vigilant Occupy protesters gathered this morning in Sylvester Park to let their voices be heard. The predominate message was “Tax the 1%, not the 99%”. There were also protests against cutting social services which were being discussed as well, in this morning’s session.

How do the majority of Voters feel about Proposal?

According to a new Elway Poll release Monday 45% of voters think raising taxes is a good idea. Most voters in Washington according the survey support or will most likely support the .5 cent sales tax increase. According to the Elway poll Washington voters are very divided on the issue of raising taxes versus cutting spending. 41% of voters support cutting spending over raising taxes and 39% are for raising taxes to avoid cuts in programs.

In reality doesn’t it all depend on what the proposed cuts are? If they were proposing to cut campaign finance the percentages would be completely different versus proposing to cut say.. Medicaid. Case in point, voters who participated in the poll supported raising taxes to save the programs Gregoire is wanting to cut. So it is clear that voters in Washington would rather raise their cost of living then have funding cut in education and other social service type programs. Either way, once again it is the poor and middle class that will have to suffer. Why is our government allowed to pick and choose the programs that are placed on the chopping block. Doesn’t the game seem a little rigged. What programs do you think should be cut out of our budget?

Participate in the discussion. Let your voice be heard!

Cost of living for Graduates- America’s Student Loan Crisis

Bill — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:55:49 +0000

Student debt in America has hit an all time high

It is estimated that over 66% of students have an average debt of $25,000 as compared to $24,000 in the class of 2009. Experts are saying that the failure of federal grants, and the weak job market are to blame. Federal and state governments have been reducing their support for post-secondary education. We don’t foresee the average student debt coming down in the next decade unless the job market and government programs improve.

The Institute for College Access & Success released their Project on Student Debt report. They found that the average debt for the class of 2010 was between $950 and $55k. In 2010 students living in the Northeast and Midwest had the highest debt, while students in the West were at the lowest.

Federal Aid is Failing

Recently President Obama reveled a plan to help students consolidate their loans. The idea is to reduce their monthly payments. He’s also is proposing changes to the current program.

They key changes are reducing loan forgiveness from 25 to 20 years and allowing students to pay 10 percent of their discretionary income instead of 15 percent towards their loans. Obama’s plan will affect loans beginning in 2012 and does little to help the students whom are already drowning in debt.
Another weakness of the plan is that it doesn’t address private student debt. JOBS JOBS JOBS!!

Occupy Wall Street’s Stance

Student debt has become a fact of life, and the Occupy Wall Street movement has placed this topic at the top of their agenda. Many students believe that they wont be able to pay off their loans in their lifetime. Activists camped out in Mellon Park are displaying cardboard signs listing the total amount of their student debt.

At the heart of Occupies proposal is total forgiveness of all student debt via debtors and borrowers. This ambitious plan requires a pledge from debtors, students and parents alike. Students of the Occupy Movement are organizing a boycott on the repayment of student loans to kick this into gear.

A Universal Cost of living Solution

Everyone is having trouble making ends meet. We need to tackle the real issue which is unemployment in America. High income and low debt equal low cost of living in every state. Every single financial problem in America would be solved if unemployment was low. People would have money to pay their debts, buy retail items, and pay taxes to fund our government. We have to invest money in job creation first and relieve American’s who need help now 2nd. Providing relief at a future date is admitting defeat, wasting money, and doing absolutely nothing to solve today’s problems.

What do you think? Feel free to way in.

Cost of living by state – American’s Poverty Line

Bill — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:48:29 +0000

The Census Bureau’s new Supplemental poverty measure reveals that 1 out of 3 citizens are near or below the poverty zone. The new measure takes into consideration income after taxes,child care, gas and health care expenses among other factors. The Census Bureau is taking into consideration public assistance programs such as food stamps,tax credits, and mortgage adjustments. All of these are factored in to the cost of living equation for each state.

State Assistance Programs Lower Cost of Living

It is a shock to know that 100 million people are with in the poverty zone or just above it. The Supplemental poverty measure also revealed that 20% of the 51 million who were close to poor had to receive benefits to merit the classification. So with out Government assistance in America 10.2 million more of our citizens would be poor.

Are Government Policies Helping the Economy?

This is really in the eye of the beholder. We are shelling out benefits to help the poor which is putting strain on our economy. But these government policies are keeping people off the streets while they find work. Overall I advocate these program because the people need a bail out just as much as the corporations did a few years ago.

But with that said I don’t believe that this is positive overall for our economy. We need to get people back to work. When wages are down cost of living in every state increases and tax revenue goes down. We need to create a relocation program so people can move to where the work is. So for example if you own a house in Washington state and you find a good job in Texas you should be able to sell your house, be forgiven for what you owe or take that dept and transfer it to the new house. The government should in turn provide some assistance in relocation expenses and or down payment. You could also provide a similar service to renters. This concept could be applied much more intelligently then I have presented it. The point being is we could stop paying out benefits every month and spend it all in one shot while getting a return in tax revenue in the process. There are cities with good job markets out there. Texas is a great example of a state with a strong job market combined with affordable housing.