Archive
Find out what's going on with issues like school transparency and spending in the Land of Lincoln (and home of the Sam Adams Alliance) in our latest resource guide.
California Citizens Take the Lead for Private Property Rights
Since the Supreme Court's infamous Kelo decision in 2005, states across the country have enacted stronger, more secure measures of protection for private property rights. Thus far, however, such reforms have skipped over the largest state in the country, prompting California citizens to take charge of the effort and leave a reluctant legislature in the dust.
Oklahoma is the most bipartisan it has even been today, but much of the state’s necessary reforms may not come from the parties, but from the people.
Farewell Speech by Leon Drolet
When I ran for state House I told voters, friends and family that it was my goal to reduce the size, scope and cost of government.
I knew that I would fail to achieve those goals.
You may remember Adam Smith as one of the greatest economists of the 18th century. In present-day Missouri, however, Smith’s name is being used by a new group that seeks to advance the causes of government accountability, educational reform, and tax and spending reform in the state. And the Adam Smith Foundation’s main focus in 2007? Countering judicial activism.
Two Heads Are Better Than One: JC McElroy and Citizens for Government Accountability
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one--and when it comes to demanding politicians act accountably to voters and taxpayers, it couldn't be truer.
JC McElroy discovered this a year ago when he founded Citizens for Government Accountability in Union County, Kentucky.
New Feature: MySAM Member Directory
We're announcing a new tool for MySAM users today: the Member Directory. You can now find citizen leaders in your area, and communicate with them easily.
Missouri is what is known as a bellwether state—since 1904, it has cast its votes for the winner in every presidential election, except for 1956. This fact has earned the state a lot of attention on the national scale. To learn more about Missouri - and the groups making change there - read on.
After long last, Sam Adams has finally joined Facebook, but he needs friends. Logon to Facebook today to meet other Sam Fans, and reconnect with old friends.
Action Toolkit Bonus: Getting the Most Out of Blogging
So you've got a blog. Now what? How can you use your new hobby to get people thinking about the issues that are important to you? First of all, you need to make friends in "the blogosphere"...
Learn more about getting involved in Colorado politics with this week's state resource guide release! There's a lot going on in the Rocky Mountain state - find out what groups across the state are up to and catch up on political news sources and blogs.
In this week's Townhall.com column, Paul Jacob reflects on the state of our actual independence, and how we can effectively use our right to free speech to promote real government reform.
Creating a Movement for Reform in New Jersey
There are 1,600 different government entities in New Jersey, including 616 school districts and 600 towns--all this for the fourth smallest state in the country. Is it any wonder, then, that there is such little government accountability and transparency in this inevitable mess of paperwork?
Enter the New Jersey Taxpayers Association, a statewide group that plans to clear the way for pro-taxpayer reform in the third-highest taxed state in the country.
This week's Resource Guide installment focuses on Wisconsin, which hosts a unique environment for lively political debate. Check out the Wisconsin Resource Guide for information on the issues, groups and people who are making a splash.
Happy Independence Day from the Sam Adams Alliance!
In a poll recently conducted by Captivate Networks, many people picked Sam Adams to attend their Independence Day festivities and bring beer, of course.
However, Sam Adams was about much more than beer.
Action Toolkit Bonus: General Writing Tips
We could all sometimes use some tips on how to improve our writing, and writing well is one of the best ways to communicate serious and sometimes complicated ideas quickly, clearly and effectively.
Update: Court rules against District 211 taxpayers
A few months ago, we featured Illinois attorney Todd Rowden for his efforts to defend taxpayers after the District 211 school system signed an estimated $9.5 million energy contract with the Illinois Energy Consortium (IEC) without getting other bids from competitors, which would have ensured that taxpayers were getting the best deal.
Last Friday, however, Circuit Judge Philip L. Bronstein ruled that the Illinois School Code exempts electricity and natural gas contracts from public bidding.
A First Amendment Victory for Teachers
Should unions be able to spend the dues of nonmembers on political activities without their prior approval? On June 14, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled-in a unanimous decision-that they cannot, cementing working professionals' First Amendment rights and winning one for union accountability.
