Why We Need Widespread Rapid COVID Testing

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Why We Need Widespread Rapid COVID Testing

8/27/20 by NPR

Web player: https://podcastaddict.com/episode/111671776
Episode: https://play.podtrac.com/npr-381444908/edge1.pod.npr.org/anon.npr-podcasts/podcast/npr/fa/2020/08/20200827_fa_fapodthurs-e5a1d6f4-062d-4af6-b825-b443befc4b71.mp3

‘Atlantic’ journalist Alexis Madrigal says millions of at-home saliva tests for COVID could be the key to life returning to normal — even if the tests are less accurate than the traditional PCR tests. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of testing, and what it would take for the government to fund and manufacture millions of daily tests. “I think what’s happened in the U.S. has been so catastrophic on so many levels — economically, psychologically, educationally — that we have to be at least willing to entertain the idea of a fairly radical plan that could work,” Madrigal says.

Tax Exempt Properties In Albany Pine Bush Preserve

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One of the reasons that developers cite for developing the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, is to increase the local tax base for the municipalities. This map shows that many properties -- including developed ones -- throughout the Albany Pine Bush Study Area -- are tax exempt.

Data Source: 2019 Final Tax Rolls, as posted by the Town Assessors in Albany, Colonie, Guilderland. Limited by the Albany Pine Bush Study Area, the area the Albany Pine Bush Commission is limited by law.

Northeastern Bay

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Here is an Northeastern Bay at Mountain Pond. Not as pretty as farther south with the steep rock ledges against the lake, but still a classic Adirondack Lake.

Taken on Saturday August 14, 2010 at Mountain Pond.

Poll Tax

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Why did the poll tax stick around so long in Massachusetts? Mainly because in the early years it was a major source of revenue for the commonwealth (roughly 30%) and in later years was still not insignificant and its repeal would have cost the state a chunk of change the state didn’t want to have to replace. While it’s unlikely by the 1960s most people thought a poll tax was a good idea, few leaders wanted to make the tough decision to repeal it – even if the rate had been fixed at $2 for several years. Only in 1964 did they repeal it in advance of passage of the constitutional amendment.

The poll tax would be prohibited the following year nationally under a constitutional amendment. https://www.daileyint.com/mytimes/lkback3.htm