Facts trump a tax

2| Think tank saves Nevadans’ money

The details: To counter a proposed new motel tax based on a supposed budget shortfall, the Nevada Policy Research Institute released an analysis proving that the “shortfall” was based on sneaky accounting practices. The NPRI also released a bold series of reform proposals for efficiency, accountability and ethics.

Americans stay cool

3| “Warming” is not hot issue

The details: In a new poll where the Pew Research Center provided voters a list of 20 subjects, “global warming” came in dead last as an item of concern. Looks like the word is getting out that the Earth actually is cooler than it was a decade ago…..

Arizonans don’t lose their cool

4| No panic over state budget

The details: Arizona State Senate President Bob Burns insisted that overspending, not too few taxes, is causing current budget problems, and ruled out tax increases as a solution.

Obama restricts lobbying

5| New rules to stop revolving door

The details: President Obama ordered a ban on anybody who works in his administration and then leaves from lobbying administration officials, as long as he remains in office – among other strict new limits.

Flush away

6| No increase in ‘flush tax’ this year

The Details: Maryland Environmental Matters Committee chairwoman Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore City, shot down a proposal by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund to increase the “flush tax” this year, saying that “shovel-ready” sewerage plant upgrades are already on Maryland’s wish list for federal stimulus money.

Hospital regains accreditation

7| Facility serves poor in D.C.

The Details: The hospital formerly known as Greater Southeast, purchased by Specialty Hospitals of America a little more than a year ago with $79 million in help from the District, has regained its accreditation. This is good news for patients who depend on the only acute-care facility east of the Anacostia River, once known as the “four-story funeral home.”

WASA bond rating upgraded

8| Water bills will still go up, but not as much

The Details: The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority received an upgraded bond rating allowing it to borrow at a lower interest rate as it embarks on a $3.2 billion decade-long capital improvement program. Recent water main breaks in neighboring Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties show what happens when ancient pipes are not replaced.

Volunteers clean local neighborhoods

9| MLK honored with service

The Details: Thousands of people in town for the inauguration of Barack Obama pitched in to clean up local neighborhoods, send care packages to the troops, help out at local soup kitchens and tidy up the shoreline of the Anancostia River. In 1994, Congress declared the new federal holiday honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. a national day of service – not a shopping holiday.

NoVA Realtors give to shelters

10| Still generous despite hard year

The Details: Even with the local housing market in the doldrums, the Dulles Area Association of Realtors did what they’ve done for the past 16 years – help out local shelter-based charities that are struggling to keep up with demand. All of the $32,000 DAAR raised at its recent auction went to help Northern Virginians down on their luck.