Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Poll shows Haley closing the gap on perceived GOP Presidential frontrunners
A new National Journal Poll shows Romney support growing slowly, but Governor Haley Barbour is closing the gap. The comparison of Romney's Massachusetts health care bill to Obamacare are getting louder and louder, and Pawlenty has a Cap and Trade problem.
Presidential hopefuls Cap and Trade stance offers "Pawlenty" of problems
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| Governor Tim Pawlenty |
In the article his then spokesman Alex Carey said, ""He would prefer that come from the federal government, it was something he really wanted to do."
Pawlenty joins global-warming radio ad
The governors of Minnesota and Arizona take to the airwaves to urge Congress to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Deepening his involvement in the global warming debate and in national affairs, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is lending his voice to a nationwide radio ad sponsored by the activist Environmental Defense Action Fund. In the ad, Pawlenty teams up with Arizona's Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano to scold Congress for not doing more to combat climate change.
Against a background of inspirational, New Age-style music, the two tout state-level achievements and urge Congress to pass national curbs on greenhouse gas emissions. Quick action could spur thousands of "enviro-friendly" jobs, Pawlenty and Napolitano say in the ad. Foot-dragging, they warn, could push job-yielding innovations overseas.
Those claims are disputed by some critics who say that the jury is still out on climate change and that promises of a golden age of affordable, homegrown fuel and controllable climate are overstated. Many of those are in Pawlenty's Republican Party, and the pressure on him to back off the issue has been substantial at times.
But Alex Carey, spokesman for Pawlenty, said the governor is convinced of the need for action. Pawlenty plans another clean energy package in the coming legislative session and has adopted renewable energy as his signature issue during his tenure leading the National Governors Association. Napolitano was the previous chair.
Mississippi leads nation in childhood immunizations
We’re No. 1 in childhood immunizations
GULFPORT -- The state Health Department announced today that Mississippi is the national leader -- ranked No. 1 -- in immunizing 2- and 3-year-olds, according to data released by the National Immunization Survey.
The NIS also designated Mississippi “most improved,” because in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Mississippi ranked 18th.
Mississippi has an average immunization rate of 81.1 percent for the major childhood vaccinations for children 19 to 35 months of age (including DTaP, Polio, MMR, and other recommended vaccinations).
That exceeds the national average rate of 71.5 percent.
It is the Mississippi Department of Health that gives about 40 percent of all childhood vaccinations. Private providers give about 60 percent.
“Our immunization nurses in health department clinics and health care providers -- especially pediatricians and family practitioners -- across the state have been essential in achieving this goal,” said Dr. Mary Currier, state health officer. “We focus on making sure each child has the best possible protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
GULFPORT -- The state Health Department announced today that Mississippi is the national leader -- ranked No. 1 -- in immunizing 2- and 3-year-olds, according to data released by the National Immunization Survey.
The NIS also designated Mississippi “most improved,” because in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Mississippi ranked 18th.
Mississippi has an average immunization rate of 81.1 percent for the major childhood vaccinations for children 19 to 35 months of age (including DTaP, Polio, MMR, and other recommended vaccinations).
That exceeds the national average rate of 71.5 percent.
It is the Mississippi Department of Health that gives about 40 percent of all childhood vaccinations. Private providers give about 60 percent.
“Our immunization nurses in health department clinics and health care providers -- especially pediatricians and family practitioners -- across the state have been essential in achieving this goal,” said Dr. Mary Currier, state health officer. “We focus on making sure each child has the best possible protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Gallup poll shows American's want to tread lightly in Libya
Americans Back U.S. Involvement in Libya, But Oppose a ‘Leading’ Role
While most Americans support some level of involvement in the military operation in Libya, there is strong sentiment against the U.S. playing a leading role with very few in support of a leading role, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted March 25-27. The survey was taken before President Obama’s Monday night speech explaining his reasons for taking action. (Transcript).
The largest group among those surveyed — 36 percent — want the U.S. role to be minor. Twenty-nine percent support a “major role,” but only 10 percent back a “leading” role. Twenty-two percent want to see the U.S. withdraw.
Republicans tend to favor a stronger hand for the U.S. with 52 percent backing a leading or major role compared to 29 percent who favor a minor role. Democrats and independents lead more strongly to the minor role position, with 41 percent of Democrats and 38 percent of independents in that camp.
The largest group among those surveyed — 36 percent — want the U.S. role to be minor. Twenty-nine percent support a “major role,” but only 10 percent back a “leading” role. Twenty-two percent want to see the U.S. withdraw.
Republicans tend to favor a stronger hand for the U.S. with 52 percent backing a leading or major role compared to 29 percent who favor a minor role. Democrats and independents lead more strongly to the minor role position, with 41 percent of Democrats and 38 percent of independents in that camp.
Congressman Thompson pays outstanding parking tickets in DC after report
Members Collect Many Unpaid Tickets
Rep. Bennie Thompson and his chief of staff paid off $860 worth of parking tickets last week after Roll Call brought the outstanding fines to their attention.
Members of Congress have immunity from many routine parking tickets in the District of Columbia, but that doesn’t mean they can’t try to rack up fines.
According to a Roll Call survey of vehicles parked on Capitol Hill and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as of mid-March, lawmakers were carrying at least $15,000 in outstanding tickets — ranging from expired meters to speeding camera violations — and potentially thousands of dollars more.
Three-quarters of those tickets, worth about $11,500, were in default at the time of the survey, having gone more than 60 days, and in some cases years, without payment.
Roll Call canvassed Congressional parking facilities, as well as a special Members-only parking lot at the airport, and reviewed about 300 vehicles displaying a House- or Senate-issued Member parking tag.
Information on parking violations was obtained from the District of Columbia’s public ticket database, which is searchable by license plate and includes information on minor violations.
While many vehicles registered a single ticket, valued at as little as $20, a handful of automobiles reported several hundred to thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets.
Roll Call’s inquiry appears to have led some offenders to pay up.
Aides to Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the lawmakers repaid their respective tickets after being contacted by Roll Call.
The District’s database showed Weiner received nearly $2,180 in tickets from 2007 to early March, including some instances in which he appears to have incurred multiple violations at the same time, such as failing to display current tags while parked in a taxi stand zone.
“All of the Congressman’s parking tickets have been paid. He is pleased to have helped decrease the D.C. budget deficit,” Weiner spokesman Dave Arnold said.
Thompson spokesman Lanier Avant likewise said the Mississippi lawmaker repaid $610 in outstanding tickets that his vehicle received from 2004 to 2010. During Roll Call’s survey, a second vehicle displaying Thompson’s Member parking permit also returned $250 in parking tickets, which Avant said were his own and were also repaid.
According to the House Administration Committee, Members must pay their own parking tickets and are not permitted to use official funds.
Rep. Bennie Thompson and his chief of staff paid off $860 worth of parking tickets last week after Roll Call brought the outstanding fines to their attention.
Members of Congress have immunity from many routine parking tickets in the District of Columbia, but that doesn’t mean they can’t try to rack up fines.
According to a Roll Call survey of vehicles parked on Capitol Hill and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as of mid-March, lawmakers were carrying at least $15,000 in outstanding tickets — ranging from expired meters to speeding camera violations — and potentially thousands of dollars more.
Three-quarters of those tickets, worth about $11,500, were in default at the time of the survey, having gone more than 60 days, and in some cases years, without payment.
Roll Call canvassed Congressional parking facilities, as well as a special Members-only parking lot at the airport, and reviewed about 300 vehicles displaying a House- or Senate-issued Member parking tag.
Information on parking violations was obtained from the District of Columbia’s public ticket database, which is searchable by license plate and includes information on minor violations.
While many vehicles registered a single ticket, valued at as little as $20, a handful of automobiles reported several hundred to thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets.
Roll Call’s inquiry appears to have led some offenders to pay up.
Aides to Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the lawmakers repaid their respective tickets after being contacted by Roll Call.
The District’s database showed Weiner received nearly $2,180 in tickets from 2007 to early March, including some instances in which he appears to have incurred multiple violations at the same time, such as failing to display current tags while parked in a taxi stand zone.
“All of the Congressman’s parking tickets have been paid. He is pleased to have helped decrease the D.C. budget deficit,” Weiner spokesman Dave Arnold said.
Thompson spokesman Lanier Avant likewise said the Mississippi lawmaker repaid $610 in outstanding tickets that his vehicle received from 2004 to 2010. During Roll Call’s survey, a second vehicle displaying Thompson’s Member parking permit also returned $250 in parking tickets, which Avant said were his own and were also repaid.
According to the House Administration Committee, Members must pay their own parking tickets and are not permitted to use official funds.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Poll: Should we stay on "summer time"?
NPR asks the question:
Should the U.S. stop changing its clocks?
Or, to put it another way, should Americans stop going "off" Daylight Saving Time every winter?
There are parts of the U.S., including Arizona and Hawaii, that don't change their clocks. Here's a question: Should the rest of the nation just stay on "summer time" permanently so that our evenings always (sort of) last longer?
Should the U.S. stop changing its clocks?
Or, to put it another way, should Americans stop going "off" Daylight Saving Time every winter?
There are parts of the U.S., including Arizona and Hawaii, that don't change their clocks. Here's a question: Should the rest of the nation just stay on "summer time" permanently so that our evenings always (sort of) last longer?
Sun Herald providing more ammo for Barbour naysayers.
Gov. Haley Barbour had hand in release of convicted killer Joseph Goff
The Sun Herald has learned that Gov. Haley Barbour helped in the early release of convicted killer Joseph Goff, whose release today after serving eight years of a 20-year sentence has drawn outrage from law enforcement and the community.
A spokeswoman for Barbour on Thursday had said, “The inmate’s release is set by state sentencing laws. The governor has no role.”
But 130 days of the time off Goff received was granted by Barbour in Executive Order 956 for work Goff did cleaning up after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Simpson, Quitman, Marion and Walthall counties, according to South Mississippi lawmakers, the Mississippi Department of Corrections and the Attorney General’s Office.
Barbour’s office has not yet responded to a follow-up call from the Sun Herald today seeking further comment and information.
“This is just unbelievable, to give a murderer 130 days off because he cleaned up after a storm, which is what an inmate should be doing anyway,” said state Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula. “It’s beyond me, to be honest with you. I’m almost at a loss for words.”
Goff shot and killed Kyle Todd, 19, while Todd was standing by a Christmas tree inside his family’s Gautier home on Dec. 8, 2001. Todd died in his mother’s arms. He was a former valedictorian at Gautier High School and the son of Carla Todd, president of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
The Sun Herald has learned that Gov. Haley Barbour helped in the early release of convicted killer Joseph Goff, whose release today after serving eight years of a 20-year sentence has drawn outrage from law enforcement and the community.
A spokeswoman for Barbour on Thursday had said, “The inmate’s release is set by state sentencing laws. The governor has no role.”
But 130 days of the time off Goff received was granted by Barbour in Executive Order 956 for work Goff did cleaning up after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Simpson, Quitman, Marion and Walthall counties, according to South Mississippi lawmakers, the Mississippi Department of Corrections and the Attorney General’s Office.
Barbour’s office has not yet responded to a follow-up call from the Sun Herald today seeking further comment and information.
“This is just unbelievable, to give a murderer 130 days off because he cleaned up after a storm, which is what an inmate should be doing anyway,” said state Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula. “It’s beyond me, to be honest with you. I’m almost at a loss for words.”
Goff shot and killed Kyle Todd, 19, while Todd was standing by a Christmas tree inside his family’s Gautier home on Dec. 8, 2001. Todd died in his mother’s arms. He was a former valedictorian at Gautier High School and the son of Carla Todd, president of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Listen to Governor Barbour speak live at 9 am at Rediscover God Breakfast in Iowa
Governor Barbour has just taken the stage at the Rediscover God Breakfast in Iowa. Other guests include Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and Michelle Bachmann.
You can listen live by going HERE
You can listen live by going HERE
14 caught with hands in the cookie jar
14 charged in fraud scheme
A tip from one person who refused to participate in a health insurance fraud scheme has led to the arrests of 14 people accused of stealing more than $500,000 from the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan.
State Attorney General Jim Hood said Thursday 10 state employees conspired with three Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi workers to submit fraudulent insurance claims. The 14th person was not employed by the state or the insurance company.
In return for approving the false claims, the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield workers got kickbacks from the state employees.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield administers the state and public school employees' self-funded insured plan.
A Blue Cross/Blue Shield spokesman couldn't be reached late Thursday.
But Hood said Blue Cross/Blue Shield alerted authorities to the scheme and has reimbursed the state-funded plan.
The 14 face charges of insurance fraud, mail fraud and false representation.
Insurance fraud carries a maximum three years in prison. Mail fraud carries a maximum five years in prison.
"They need to go to jail," Hood said. "They are taking from all of us."
Hood called the case the largest theft from the employee health plan since he was elected in 2003.
"We have a hard enough time now trying to get claims paid. We don't need people stealing from taxpayers," Hood said.
A tip from one person who refused to participate in a health insurance fraud scheme has led to the arrests of 14 people accused of stealing more than $500,000 from the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan.
State Attorney General Jim Hood said Thursday 10 state employees conspired with three Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi workers to submit fraudulent insurance claims. The 14th person was not employed by the state or the insurance company.
In return for approving the false claims, the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield workers got kickbacks from the state employees.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield administers the state and public school employees' self-funded insured plan.
A Blue Cross/Blue Shield spokesman couldn't be reached late Thursday.
But Hood said Blue Cross/Blue Shield alerted authorities to the scheme and has reimbursed the state-funded plan.
The 14 face charges of insurance fraud, mail fraud and false representation.
Insurance fraud carries a maximum three years in prison. Mail fraud carries a maximum five years in prison.
"They need to go to jail," Hood said. "They are taking from all of us."
Hood called the case the largest theft from the employee health plan since he was elected in 2003.
"We have a hard enough time now trying to get claims paid. We don't need people stealing from taxpayers," Hood said.
Friday, March 18, 2011
CBO: Obama budget worse than projected on 10-year deficit
The Congressional Budget Office on Friday released its analysis of President Obama’s 2012 budget proposal and found it does less to rein in deficits and the debt than the administration had estimated.
CBO estimates Obama's plan would produce 10 years of deficits totaling $9.5 trillion. By 2021, it would increase the debt held by the public to 87 percent of gross domestic product.
The administration, using different methods, estimated budget deficits would total $7.2 trillion over the next 10 years under the 2012 budget. It forecast that total debt in 2021 would be 77 percent of GDP.
CBO estimates Obama's plan would produce 10 years of deficits totaling $9.5 trillion. By 2021, it would increase the debt held by the public to 87 percent of gross domestic product.
The administration, using different methods, estimated budget deficits would total $7.2 trillion over the next 10 years under the 2012 budget. It forecast that total debt in 2021 would be 77 percent of GDP.
Oil prices tumble as Libya declares cease-fire
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices plunged Friday after Libya’s foreign minister declared a cease-fire and said the government would stop military operations against rebels.
Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa announced the cease-fire Friday, shortly after the U.N. voted to authorize a no-fly zone and “all necessary measures,” including airstrikes, to protect Libyan citizens from forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi.
Koussa said the cease-fire “will take the country back to safety” and ensure security for all Libyans.
Benchmark crude swiftly dropped afterward on the New York Mercantile Exchange, with the price plunging about $3 in 15 minutes, or nearly 3 percent. West Texas Intermediate oil for April delivery fell 57 cents to $101.85 in morning trading on the Nymex.
Oil prices surged as much as 27 percent in the past month as pro-reform uprisings swept through North Africa and the Middle East, ousting leaders in Tunisia and Egypt. The region is home to OPEC leaders Saudi Arabia and Iran, and it produces 27 percent of the world’s oil. Prices rose on concerns unrest could disrupt global oil supplies.
The rise in oil prices was felt at gasoline stations across the U.S., where pump prices jumped and remain at the highest levels ever for this time of year at $3.54 per gallon.
Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa announced the cease-fire Friday, shortly after the U.N. voted to authorize a no-fly zone and “all necessary measures,” including airstrikes, to protect Libyan citizens from forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi.
Koussa said the cease-fire “will take the country back to safety” and ensure security for all Libyans.
Benchmark crude swiftly dropped afterward on the New York Mercantile Exchange, with the price plunging about $3 in 15 minutes, or nearly 3 percent. West Texas Intermediate oil for April delivery fell 57 cents to $101.85 in morning trading on the Nymex.
Oil prices surged as much as 27 percent in the past month as pro-reform uprisings swept through North Africa and the Middle East, ousting leaders in Tunisia and Egypt. The region is home to OPEC leaders Saudi Arabia and Iran, and it produces 27 percent of the world’s oil. Prices rose on concerns unrest could disrupt global oil supplies.
The rise in oil prices was felt at gasoline stations across the U.S., where pump prices jumped and remain at the highest levels ever for this time of year at $3.54 per gallon.
Time to tackle regulatory reform
On the classic TV show “Star Trek,” space was the “final frontier.” In the political world, it’s the byzantine world of the federal regulatory agencies that is the final frontier. While we struggle with health care reform, energy reform and entitlement reform, no reform may be more critical to the health of our country than regulatory reform.
The truth is that we will never be able to successfully reform our health care system — or our energy and environmental policy, or entitlements, or education or, quite frankly, to tackle any other challenge facing this country — until we begin the difficult process of regulatory reform.
When it comes to health care reform, patients, providers, insurance companies and employers all face a tangled web of new and ever-changing regulations as a result of the passage of Obamacare. Some business owners, confused and frustrated, are openly talking about just paying the fines for noncompliance. They are making the business decision that noncompliance might be easier than trying to comply with the new regulations.
While the health care regulations have left the relevant players confused, regulations in the energy and environmental arena have not just created confusion; they have become a bureaucratic dead end. Thousands of jobs have been lost, and energy prices have increased dramatically, as a result of inaction by regulatory agencies charged with overseeing energy exploration.
The truth is that, intertwined in almost every major challenge we face is a complex bureaucracy — a bureaucracy that often undermines well-intended efforts to reform whatever sector that agency oversees.
This is an important first step. Few know more about the unintended, and too often job-killing, consequences of the regulatory bureaucracy than the folks who deal with these agencies every day.
Read More
The truth is that we will never be able to successfully reform our health care system — or our energy and environmental policy, or entitlements, or education or, quite frankly, to tackle any other challenge facing this country — until we begin the difficult process of regulatory reform.
When it comes to health care reform, patients, providers, insurance companies and employers all face a tangled web of new and ever-changing regulations as a result of the passage of Obamacare. Some business owners, confused and frustrated, are openly talking about just paying the fines for noncompliance. They are making the business decision that noncompliance might be easier than trying to comply with the new regulations.
While the health care regulations have left the relevant players confused, regulations in the energy and environmental arena have not just created confusion; they have become a bureaucratic dead end. Thousands of jobs have been lost, and energy prices have increased dramatically, as a result of inaction by regulatory agencies charged with overseeing energy exploration.
The truth is that, intertwined in almost every major challenge we face is a complex bureaucracy — a bureaucracy that often undermines well-intended efforts to reform whatever sector that agency oversees.
This is an important first step. Few know more about the unintended, and too often job-killing, consequences of the regulatory bureaucracy than the folks who deal with these agencies every day.
Read More
Behind Administration Spin: Bailout Still $123 Billion in the Red
The administration has been on a PR offensive in recent months to tell the good news about the TARP. As the Treasury Department official in charge of the TARP said at a congressional hearing yesterday, the bailout won't cost anywhere near the full $700 billion Congress authorized. In fact, many of its investments have turned a profit, and some of its most infamous bailouts -- such as the rescue of AIG -- won't end up being the tax dollar black holes [3] they once seemed sure to be.
But the true picture isn't so rosy.
ProPublica has provided a comprehensive bailout database since TARP's launch. It shows not only how much money has gone to each recipient, but how much each has paid in interest and dividend payments. With all this data, they are able to clearly show how deep in the hole the program remains. And the answer as of today is $123 billion.
Add that to the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- which the site also tracks and is separate from the TARP -- and taxpayers are $257 billion in the hole.
But the true picture isn't so rosy.
ProPublica has provided a comprehensive bailout database since TARP's launch. It shows not only how much money has gone to each recipient, but how much each has paid in interest and dividend payments. With all this data, they are able to clearly show how deep in the hole the program remains. And the answer as of today is $123 billion.
Add that to the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- which the site also tracks and is separate from the TARP -- and taxpayers are $257 billion in the hole.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Two Democrats Charged in Tea Party Election Fraud
PONTIAC, Mich. (WJBK) - Two former leaders of the Oakland County Democratic Party are facing a total of nine felonies for allegedly forging election paperwork to get fake Tea Party candidates on November's ballot.
"It is not a partisan statement, and we need to make that very clear," said Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper.
Former Oakland County Democratic Chair Mike McGuinness and former Democratic Operations Director Jason Bauer face up to 14 years in prison if convicted.
"Some of the people didn't even know they were on the ballot till they began receiving delinquency notices of filings that were required as a candidate," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
The sheriff says 23 statewide races had questionable Tea Party candidates on the ballot and the investigation may go beyond Oakland County.
"It is not a partisan statement, and we need to make that very clear," said Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper.
Former Oakland County Democratic Chair Mike McGuinness and former Democratic Operations Director Jason Bauer face up to 14 years in prison if convicted.
"Some of the people didn't even know they were on the ballot till they began receiving delinquency notices of filings that were required as a candidate," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
The sheriff says 23 statewide races had questionable Tea Party candidates on the ballot and the investigation may go beyond Oakland County.
House to debate defunding NPR
House Moves Toward Defunding NPR
The House on Thursday moved to proceed to debate on a bill that would block federal funding for National Public Radio.
The passage of the rule for the bill to cut NPR funding comes one week after the resignation of NPR fundraiser Ron Schiller, who came under fire for making controversial remarks about the tea party. The rule passed by a vote of 236-181.
NPR Executive Director Vivian Schiller, who is not related to Ron Schiller, was also fired in the wake of the incident, which drew sharp criticism from Republicans and conservative activists.
The House on Thursday moved to proceed to debate on a bill that would block federal funding for National Public Radio.
The passage of the rule for the bill to cut NPR funding comes one week after the resignation of NPR fundraiser Ron Schiller, who came under fire for making controversial remarks about the tea party. The rule passed by a vote of 236-181.
NPR Executive Director Vivian Schiller, who is not related to Ron Schiller, was also fired in the wake of the incident, which drew sharp criticism from Republicans and conservative activists.
Madison County redistricting hearing set for March 21st at 9:00 am
Supes to pick 1 of 3 plans at meeting
Three maps, each offering different splits on the five Madison County supervisors' districts, are up for public review before a vote on Monday.
The proposals on how to divide the county to reflect 2010 Census figures for elections later this year can be seen online or in person. Residents can look at the proposals via the county's website, http://www.madison-co.com/ or inspect the mounted display maps located outside the board room at the Madison County Chancery Courthouse, 146 W. Center St. in Canton during business hours.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to decide on one of the three plans following a public hearing that begins at 9 a.m. Monday.
"Are any of these perfect plans? No, but the plan chosen will be a fair plan that people can look at and know who their supervisor is as we move forward with the election process," Board of Supervisors President Tim Johnson said Tuesday.
District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith recommends that residents look over the plans that redistribute the county's population as evenly as possible throughout the five districts before the hearing. Then, he said, he expects the public to respond.
"People need to come to the hearing," he said. "This potentially could be one of the biggest numbers of citizens to get involved since the tax increase in 2008" when angry taxpayers packed the board room.
"I think people will be concerned when they see the massive changes proposed. This was not just tweaking district lines," Smith said.
Three maps, each offering different splits on the five Madison County supervisors' districts, are up for public review before a vote on Monday.
The proposals on how to divide the county to reflect 2010 Census figures for elections later this year can be seen online or in person. Residents can look at the proposals via the county's website, http://www.madison-co.com/ or inspect the mounted display maps located outside the board room at the Madison County Chancery Courthouse, 146 W. Center St. in Canton during business hours.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to decide on one of the three plans following a public hearing that begins at 9 a.m. Monday.
"Are any of these perfect plans? No, but the plan chosen will be a fair plan that people can look at and know who their supervisor is as we move forward with the election process," Board of Supervisors President Tim Johnson said Tuesday.
District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith recommends that residents look over the plans that redistribute the county's population as evenly as possible throughout the five districts before the hearing. Then, he said, he expects the public to respond.
"People need to come to the hearing," he said. "This potentially could be one of the biggest numbers of citizens to get involved since the tax increase in 2008" when angry taxpayers packed the board room.
"I think people will be concerned when they see the massive changes proposed. This was not just tweaking district lines," Smith said.
CL: Lawmakers push for more drilling permits
WASHINGTON — The administration's "slow-walking'' of drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico is costing thousands of jobs and crippling the Gulf region's economy, Gulf Coast officials told Congress Wednesday.
"We continue to feel the burden of regulatory uncertainty, which has led to the freezing of investment and expenditures and consequently a drag on our economy,'' Scott Angelle, secretary of Louisiana's Department of Natural Resources, told members of the House Natural Resources Committee.
Wednesday's hearing focused on the impact of last year's moratorium on deepwater drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Coast lawmakers and officials from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama say, even though the temporary ban was lifted late last year, federal officials have been slow to issue permits. They say that's created a "de facto'' ban on drilling in deep and shallow waters.
Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., chairman of the committee, vowed Wednesday to introduce legislation later this month that would speed the permit process and reverse the administration's plan to ban offshore drilling outside the Gulf of Mexico.
"The Obama administration seems unmoved by thousands of lost jobs, rapidly rising gasoline prices and the threat these high prices pose to our economy,'' Hastings said.
Later Wednesday, Gulf Coast lawmakers, including Republican members from Mississippi, warned again that the administration's inaction in issuing new drilling permits will decimate the region's economy.
Fourth District Rep. Steve Palazzo said last year's moratorium has cost the region as many as 12,000 jobs and has made residents in the Gulf feel "powerless.''
"We just keep getting hit on every front,'' Palazzo said. '"Please, we need these jobs.''
Third District Rep. Gregg Harper also urged the administration to issue more permits and expand energy production in the Gulf.
"Instead of slowing the approval process for new offshore drilling permits, the president should be promoting increased domestic energy production from oil, renewables, natural gas, clean coal technology and nuclear power - ultimately leading to an energy-independent America,'' Harper said in a statement.
Read More
"We continue to feel the burden of regulatory uncertainty, which has led to the freezing of investment and expenditures and consequently a drag on our economy,'' Scott Angelle, secretary of Louisiana's Department of Natural Resources, told members of the House Natural Resources Committee.
Wednesday's hearing focused on the impact of last year's moratorium on deepwater drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Coast lawmakers and officials from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama say, even though the temporary ban was lifted late last year, federal officials have been slow to issue permits. They say that's created a "de facto'' ban on drilling in deep and shallow waters.
Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., chairman of the committee, vowed Wednesday to introduce legislation later this month that would speed the permit process and reverse the administration's plan to ban offshore drilling outside the Gulf of Mexico.
"The Obama administration seems unmoved by thousands of lost jobs, rapidly rising gasoline prices and the threat these high prices pose to our economy,'' Hastings said.
Later Wednesday, Gulf Coast lawmakers, including Republican members from Mississippi, warned again that the administration's inaction in issuing new drilling permits will decimate the region's economy.
Fourth District Rep. Steve Palazzo said last year's moratorium has cost the region as many as 12,000 jobs and has made residents in the Gulf feel "powerless.''
"We just keep getting hit on every front,'' Palazzo said. '"Please, we need these jobs.''
Third District Rep. Gregg Harper also urged the administration to issue more permits and expand energy production in the Gulf.
"Instead of slowing the approval process for new offshore drilling permits, the president should be promoting increased domestic energy production from oil, renewables, natural gas, clean coal technology and nuclear power - ultimately leading to an energy-independent America,'' Harper said in a statement.
Read More
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Letter to the Editor: TEA Party movement falling prey to lack of organization, power hungry leadership and political prostitution
BY: Roy Hollingsworth
With the taste of victory experienced by the TEA Party in the last elections came a false sense of power for some. As a loose confederation of like-minded individuals mad about government spending and overreach, the group found it easy to affect the political conversation. I was one of that number. But the details of policy are proving to be a little messier. The same group that railed at the audacity of then Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s flaunting of House rules to push her big government agenda have no problem demanding that Republican’s now do the same.
The current argument between House leadership and TEA Party activist’s swirls around that stalwart of publicity, Michelle Bachmann; the geographically challenged representative from Minnesota. Mrs. Bachmann has packaged herself as the TEA Party leader in the House by doing little more than grandstanding for political points. She, along with Representative Steve King, wants to add language to the current Continuing Resolution (CR) that will strip funding for Obama care from the federal budget.
Here’s the rub: The CR temporary spending bill is an appropriation bill, not an authorization bill. And you cannot take away "authorized" money on an appropriations bill without playing Pelosi style loose and goosey with the rules. If the TEA Party is about principle, then we should stick to that principle. If it’s now about winning at all costs, then some of our self-described patriots have shown themselves to be dupes at Bachmann’s self-constructed alter. I want no part of that.
Furthermore, many of the King/Bachmann supporters say they are willing to force a government shutdown over the whole affair. The shutdown would effectively slow government spending, but it wouldn’t cut government spending. And the House leadership is on track to do that across a large swath of federal agencies by passing CR’s, allowing for comprehensive reductions back to 2008 funding levels. This tactic not only follows the House rules, it puts our federal government back on a path to sustainable spending. We need not cut off our nose to spite our face. These problems didn’t happen overnight, and they won’t be solved in a week.
This lack of forward thinking by the TEA party “leadership” illustrates how the movement is coming apart at the seams. One of the latest state-wide leadership meetings attracted only a handful of people. Many Mississippians still identify with the basic TEA Party message of less spending and less government. But, I have spoken with a number of TEA Party members who believe that overzealous behavior and a lack of education with respect to process is exacting a price. The “cry wolf syndrome” without first studying all aspects and angles of an issue is pushing away many previously active members of the group. The members I have spoken with say current leadership seems to have allowed the new found power to go their head, as they begin to make decisions without consulting rank and file members.
TEA Party leaders continue to tout the organizations numbers for obvious reasons. But, the latest episodes show the gloss is wearing thin. The “mad as hell” antics are getting tired. It is time for the TEA Party to get serious about educating itself if it hopes to remain a force in politics. Launching an arm of the group that focuses on development of policy, procedure, and how to disseminate that information to members would be a good start. Until the TEA Party rank and file can have calm, considerate and informed discussions with public officials, we are ripe for the picking for state and national opportunists and personalities, and we will continue to fall prey to political prostitution.
With the taste of victory experienced by the TEA Party in the last elections came a false sense of power for some. As a loose confederation of like-minded individuals mad about government spending and overreach, the group found it easy to affect the political conversation. I was one of that number. But the details of policy are proving to be a little messier. The same group that railed at the audacity of then Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s flaunting of House rules to push her big government agenda have no problem demanding that Republican’s now do the same.
The current argument between House leadership and TEA Party activist’s swirls around that stalwart of publicity, Michelle Bachmann; the geographically challenged representative from Minnesota. Mrs. Bachmann has packaged herself as the TEA Party leader in the House by doing little more than grandstanding for political points. She, along with Representative Steve King, wants to add language to the current Continuing Resolution (CR) that will strip funding for Obama care from the federal budget.
Here’s the rub: The CR temporary spending bill is an appropriation bill, not an authorization bill. And you cannot take away "authorized" money on an appropriations bill without playing Pelosi style loose and goosey with the rules. If the TEA Party is about principle, then we should stick to that principle. If it’s now about winning at all costs, then some of our self-described patriots have shown themselves to be dupes at Bachmann’s self-constructed alter. I want no part of that.
Furthermore, many of the King/Bachmann supporters say they are willing to force a government shutdown over the whole affair. The shutdown would effectively slow government spending, but it wouldn’t cut government spending. And the House leadership is on track to do that across a large swath of federal agencies by passing CR’s, allowing for comprehensive reductions back to 2008 funding levels. This tactic not only follows the House rules, it puts our federal government back on a path to sustainable spending. We need not cut off our nose to spite our face. These problems didn’t happen overnight, and they won’t be solved in a week.
This lack of forward thinking by the TEA party “leadership” illustrates how the movement is coming apart at the seams. One of the latest state-wide leadership meetings attracted only a handful of people. Many Mississippians still identify with the basic TEA Party message of less spending and less government. But, I have spoken with a number of TEA Party members who believe that overzealous behavior and a lack of education with respect to process is exacting a price. The “cry wolf syndrome” without first studying all aspects and angles of an issue is pushing away many previously active members of the group. The members I have spoken with say current leadership seems to have allowed the new found power to go their head, as they begin to make decisions without consulting rank and file members.
TEA Party leaders continue to tout the organizations numbers for obvious reasons. But, the latest episodes show the gloss is wearing thin. The “mad as hell” antics are getting tired. It is time for the TEA Party to get serious about educating itself if it hopes to remain a force in politics. Launching an arm of the group that focuses on development of policy, procedure, and how to disseminate that information to members would be a good start. Until the TEA Party rank and file can have calm, considerate and informed discussions with public officials, we are ripe for the picking for state and national opportunists and personalities, and we will continue to fall prey to political prostitution.
You better pull up you paintses!
Jackson Man Cries Foul In Saggy Pants Arrest
Man Says Store Owes Him Apology
JACKSON, Miss. -- A man said he's humiliated after being handcuffed and led out of a Jackson grocery store.
Clint Jackson said a security guard cuffed him at the Kroger on Terry Road when he went to buy a few items from the store. He said he heard a loud voice behind him when he got to the self-checkout.
"He yelled at me, 'Sir, pull your pants up. Sir, pull your pants up,'" Jackson said.
Jackson said he didn't think the voice was directed at him, so he continued to check out. He said that's when the officer grabbed him and put him in handcuffs.
"It was crazy because I've never been in a situation like that," Jackson said. "Nobody (has) handcuffed me and (is) about to take me to jail for my pants being too low."
He said his pants were not sagging on Saturday, and he feels like the store owes him an apology.
"He harassed me," Jackson said. "I feel like he embarrassed me, and I want something to be done about it."
Kroger in Jackson referred WAPT's questions to their national office for comment, but the national office did not return calls.
Man Says Store Owes Him Apology
JACKSON, Miss. -- A man said he's humiliated after being handcuffed and led out of a Jackson grocery store.
Clint Jackson said a security guard cuffed him at the Kroger on Terry Road when he went to buy a few items from the store. He said he heard a loud voice behind him when he got to the self-checkout.
"He yelled at me, 'Sir, pull your pants up. Sir, pull your pants up,'" Jackson said.
Jackson said he didn't think the voice was directed at him, so he continued to check out. He said that's when the officer grabbed him and put him in handcuffs.
"It was crazy because I've never been in a situation like that," Jackson said. "Nobody (has) handcuffed me and (is) about to take me to jail for my pants being too low."
He said his pants were not sagging on Saturday, and he feels like the store owes him an apology.
"He harassed me," Jackson said. "I feel like he embarrassed me, and I want something to be done about it."
Kroger in Jackson referred WAPT's questions to their national office for comment, but the national office did not return calls.
TEA Party wants it all and they want it now despite not being sure how to get it.
Bring on the Big Stuff, Republicans
Not even the craftiest incrementalism is going to cut it with tea party types. They're still mad as hell and now griping as much about GOP leaders as they did last year about Obama.
Where's the big stuff -- such as switching Medicare to a voucher system for private insurance and raising the retirement age for Social Security? Oh there it is, lurking backstage in the planning for next year's budget.
What about blasting entire agencies, like EPA, out of the water? Or defunding NPR? This is the sort of stuff that warms the cups of your tea parties.
High Noon in April
Republican chiefs on Capitol Hill get to crunch time in about a month, when the Treasury Department loses its borrowing authority if the debt ceiling is not raised. So far, GOP leaders have claimed they would not back more borrowing unless "meaningful" cuts are made.
An undefined standard like that allows plenty of running room to trim fat and call it meaningful -- except with tea party folks, who will accept nothing less than cutting bone.
Time is running out for Republicans who privately call themselves the party's "adults." They are facing a very public split with the kids.
Not even the craftiest incrementalism is going to cut it with tea party types. They're still mad as hell and now griping as much about GOP leaders as they did last year about Obama.
Where's the big stuff -- such as switching Medicare to a voucher system for private insurance and raising the retirement age for Social Security? Oh there it is, lurking backstage in the planning for next year's budget.
What about blasting entire agencies, like EPA, out of the water? Or defunding NPR? This is the sort of stuff that warms the cups of your tea parties.
High Noon in April
Republican chiefs on Capitol Hill get to crunch time in about a month, when the Treasury Department loses its borrowing authority if the debt ceiling is not raised. So far, GOP leaders have claimed they would not back more borrowing unless "meaningful" cuts are made.
An undefined standard like that allows plenty of running room to trim fat and call it meaningful -- except with tea party folks, who will accept nothing less than cutting bone.
Time is running out for Republicans who privately call themselves the party's "adults." They are facing a very public split with the kids.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Republicans mount first Dodd-Frank challenge
(Reuters) - Congressional Republicans on Wednesday will stage their first outright challenge to 2010's Dodd-Frank financial regulation reforms with a fistful of bills favoring private equity firms, derivatives end-users and corporate CEOs.
After months of trying to defund and defang Dodd-Frank at the administrative level, Republicans are finally unveiling draft legislation that would repeal or amend parts of the laws approved after the severe 2007-2009 financial crisis.
The bills face a long road ahead. Republicans may be able to obtain House passage, perhaps with Democratic support on some issues. But Senate action could be hard to come by and the Obama administration could veto any measure it opposes.
"It's the first direct assault," said a congressional aide. "Up until now it's been about trying to deprive the agencies of what they need to implement Dodd-Frank."
Read More
After months of trying to defund and defang Dodd-Frank at the administrative level, Republicans are finally unveiling draft legislation that would repeal or amend parts of the laws approved after the severe 2007-2009 financial crisis.
The bills face a long road ahead. Republicans may be able to obtain House passage, perhaps with Democratic support on some issues. But Senate action could be hard to come by and the Obama administration could veto any measure it opposes.
"It's the first direct assault," said a congressional aide. "Up until now it's been about trying to deprive the agencies of what they need to implement Dodd-Frank."
Read More
Madison County Considering forming Regional Solid Waste Managment Authority
The Madison County Board of Supervisors continue the process of setting up a Regional Solid Waste Management Authority by voting 4-1 during Wednesday's meeting to hire a consultant to prepare related documents. The estimated cost for this is $30,000 which is not currently budgeted.
This new bureaucratic organization is supposed to provide "efficiencies."
On Oct 1, 2009, Madison County took over garbage collection requiring the purchase of 6 new garbage trucks at nearly a $1 million. Previously, a contractor, Red River, had the contract and picked up the garbage with 12 employees. The County needs 23 to do the job and the County doesn't have all the areas that are now annexed by the City of Madison and Ridgeland. Red River did all that area plus what the County is now responsible for!
In Sept 2008, Supervisor Tim Johnson defended/argued for the tax increase saying we were wasting $1 million a year on the privatized garbage collection.
Well, in Sept 2009, when the 2010 budget was prepared, instead of saving a $1M as promised, $500,000 (1/2 mil) had to be added to Solid Waste. This money was taken from the Road and Bridge account, which reduced funds going to County roads and the municipalities, and created 1/2mil tax reduction for property owners in the municipalities! A loss of precious revenues that were greatly needed.
So, the point is that we had great "efficiencies" when the garbage collection was privatized. Now, there is a proposal to form a Regional Solid Waste Management Authority who will be responsible to no one -- and they are supposed to provide "efficiencies".... Give us a break!
Wonder why one of these is needed in Madison County since we have no shortage of landfills? There are other "authorities" in the State... but, each was established where there was a need for such an organization due to shortage of landfills.
So, what would be the motivation to have an "authority" in Madison County? What are the benefits? What existing problems would be corrected with such an organization.
Assault on the EPA
No agency is in GOP crosshairs quite like it. Under siege on many fronts, the Environmental Protection Agency is in for a long haul and destined to be a hot button in the presidential campaign.
On Monday the House Energy and Commerce committee began work on blocking EPA regulation of greenhouse gas, a proposal that could also gain traction in the Senate because many Democrats, such as Nebraska's Ben Nelson, are expected to back it. The current 3-week extension of stop-gap funding to avoid a federal shutdown includes EPA funding cuts.
Read More
On Monday the House Energy and Commerce committee began work on blocking EPA regulation of greenhouse gas, a proposal that could also gain traction in the Senate because many Democrats, such as Nebraska's Ben Nelson, are expected to back it. The current 3-week extension of stop-gap funding to avoid a federal shutdown includes EPA funding cuts.
Read More
Barbour’s press secretary resigns amid e-mail flap
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has accepted the resignation of his press secretary, just hours after it was reported that the spokesman sent e-mails with off-color jokes about issues ranging from the earthquake in Japan to former attorney general Janet Reno.
“Gov. Haley Barbour has accepted Dan Turner’s resignation as press secretary,” read a brief statement from Barbour’s office. “Laura Hipp will now serve in that capacity.”
Post reporter Karen Tumulty, who happens to be traveling with the potential GOP presidential candidate today, said the governor disavowed any prior knowledge of the e-mails and said he didn’t know of the controversy until he was asked.
“First I’ve heard of it,” he said at the time, before Turner’s resignation was announced.
Read More
“Gov. Haley Barbour has accepted Dan Turner’s resignation as press secretary,” read a brief statement from Barbour’s office. “Laura Hipp will now serve in that capacity.”
Post reporter Karen Tumulty, who happens to be traveling with the potential GOP presidential candidate today, said the governor disavowed any prior knowledge of the e-mails and said he didn’t know of the controversy until he was asked.
“First I’ve heard of it,” he said at the time, before Turner’s resignation was announced.
Read More
Suzi Parker: Will Sarah Palin run as an Independent candidate?
Sarah Palin talks a lot about the Tea Party.
Palin, unlike any failed vice presidential candidate before her, has taken an opportunity and spun it into a gold mine. But to remain relevant in a crowded 2012 field of attention-seeking veteran politicians, Palin may have to make an unconventional move.
Although third-party candidates seldom win in America's two-party system, they can certainly rain on political parades. At the same time, they can help down-ballot candidates by getting voters to the polls who might otherwise stay at home.
Palin certainly has many of the qualities of a third-party candidate – charismatic and passionate, with a status as an outsider intent on storming the barricades of the establishment.
Read More
Palin, unlike any failed vice presidential candidate before her, has taken an opportunity and spun it into a gold mine. But to remain relevant in a crowded 2012 field of attention-seeking veteran politicians, Palin may have to make an unconventional move.
Although third-party candidates seldom win in America's two-party system, they can certainly rain on political parades. At the same time, they can help down-ballot candidates by getting voters to the polls who might otherwise stay at home.
Palin certainly has many of the qualities of a third-party candidate – charismatic and passionate, with a status as an outsider intent on storming the barricades of the establishment.
Read More
Monday, March 14, 2011
JJ asks if Lt. Guv's leadership is now in question following redistricting fiasco
Redistricting: Phil Bryant's albatross or just a small bump?
Negligence? What exactly do you mean, Kingfish? Simple. Mr. Bryant appoints the committee chairman. That is one of the perks of being a Lieutenant Governor. He could have made it real clear to Mr. Burton what was expected of him. He probably could have solved the lame duck problem by obtaining support from Billy Hewes and Tate Reeves to tell him regardless of who succeeded Mr. Bryant, the winner will hold him accountable. If Mr. Bryant was a leader in the mold of say, Buddy Newman, the plan would have already been drawn up and handed to Burton with the orders "Here it is, hold your hearings, make your findings, then produce this map." Mr. Bryant and his represen-tatives could have been involved with the drawing up of the plan from the beginning, thus ensuring a more favorable outcome. A committee chairman ignoring a leader of his chamber in such a manner would have never happened under Newman, Tim Ford, Brad Dye, or even Amy Tuck....... or Sillers.
However, Mr. Bryant did none of these things. He handed the ball off to a bi-partisan committee, ignored its work, then discovered too late the committee drew a map that not only did he not like but one that would also cause problems for him in his own party. Mr. Burton and his committee completely blew off the Lieutenant Governor and did an end run around him as the Burton-Bryan plan passed the Senate. Mr. Bryant is undoubtedly hoping to save face in a conference committee scrum where the whole redistricting mess will eventually land. The defining moment took place during the debate: Democrats praised the plan from the floor of the Senate while only a few Republicans meekly opposed it.
More than a few Republican insiders are questioning Mr. Bryant's ability to lead or even count votes. The most common statement made last week about the redistricting mess was "How can Mr. Bryant deal with the legislature as Governor when he can't even control it as Lieutenant Governor" or "Does he even know what is going on in his own chamber?" Serious questions. The Lieutenant Governor enjoys much more power over the legislature than does the Governor. Barbour's legislative success is due to three things: His ability to use the special session rules in his favor, the use of the Senate to counteract the House, and is ability to count votes (which in turn depends on knowing everything that goes on in the legislature). Governor Musgrove found out how weak the office really is despite being a former Senator, former Lieutenant Governor, and Democrat as the legislature repeatedly ran roughshod over him. Mr. Bryant looked more like Mr. Musgrove last week than he did Mr. Musgrove's successor.
Read More: JJ
Negligence? What exactly do you mean, Kingfish? Simple. Mr. Bryant appoints the committee chairman. That is one of the perks of being a Lieutenant Governor. He could have made it real clear to Mr. Burton what was expected of him. He probably could have solved the lame duck problem by obtaining support from Billy Hewes and Tate Reeves to tell him regardless of who succeeded Mr. Bryant, the winner will hold him accountable. If Mr. Bryant was a leader in the mold of say, Buddy Newman, the plan would have already been drawn up and handed to Burton with the orders "Here it is, hold your hearings, make your findings, then produce this map." Mr. Bryant and his represen-tatives could have been involved with the drawing up of the plan from the beginning, thus ensuring a more favorable outcome. A committee chairman ignoring a leader of his chamber in such a manner would have never happened under Newman, Tim Ford, Brad Dye, or even Amy Tuck....... or Sillers.
However, Mr. Bryant did none of these things. He handed the ball off to a bi-partisan committee, ignored its work, then discovered too late the committee drew a map that not only did he not like but one that would also cause problems for him in his own party. Mr. Burton and his committee completely blew off the Lieutenant Governor and did an end run around him as the Burton-Bryan plan passed the Senate. Mr. Bryant is undoubtedly hoping to save face in a conference committee scrum where the whole redistricting mess will eventually land. The defining moment took place during the debate: Democrats praised the plan from the floor of the Senate while only a few Republicans meekly opposed it.
More than a few Republican insiders are questioning Mr. Bryant's ability to lead or even count votes. The most common statement made last week about the redistricting mess was "How can Mr. Bryant deal with the legislature as Governor when he can't even control it as Lieutenant Governor" or "Does he even know what is going on in his own chamber?" Serious questions. The Lieutenant Governor enjoys much more power over the legislature than does the Governor. Barbour's legislative success is due to three things: His ability to use the special session rules in his favor, the use of the Senate to counteract the House, and is ability to count votes (which in turn depends on knowing everything that goes on in the legislature). Governor Musgrove found out how weak the office really is despite being a former Senator, former Lieutenant Governor, and Democrat as the legislature repeatedly ran roughshod over him. Mr. Bryant looked more like Mr. Musgrove last week than he did Mr. Musgrove's successor.
Read More: JJ
Candidate for Madison County Superintendent hasn't lived in the county
Madison County eyes residency of schools candidate
Independent says he's looking for home so he'll meet qualifications
Madison County election officials want the independent candidate for superintendent of education to prove he lives in the county.
"His residency is the question at hand," District 5 Election Commissioner Leroy Lacy said.
The commission, meeting last week, asked its attorney, Spence Flatgard, to write Patrick Henderson and ask him to show proof of Madison County residency no later than June. The commission is charged with determining whether independent candidates meet the qualifications to appear on the ballot.
One of the legal requirements for the post is being a "qualified elector," which means the candidate has to be a registered voter. That requires residing in Madison County for at least 30 days.
The question is whether Henderson is a resident of Madison County and whether he should be registered to vote there, Flatgard said.
Henderson, an assistant principal at Kosciusko High School, filed qualifying papers for the education post Feb. 14 but did not register to vote in Madison County until March 1, the qualifying deadline for candidates.
In his voter registration, he listed his address as Stumpbridge Road in Canton, the same as on his qualifying papers. That address is his father's.
Independent says he's looking for home so he'll meet qualifications
Madison County election officials want the independent candidate for superintendent of education to prove he lives in the county.
"His residency is the question at hand," District 5 Election Commissioner Leroy Lacy said.
The commission, meeting last week, asked its attorney, Spence Flatgard, to write Patrick Henderson and ask him to show proof of Madison County residency no later than June. The commission is charged with determining whether independent candidates meet the qualifications to appear on the ballot.
One of the legal requirements for the post is being a "qualified elector," which means the candidate has to be a registered voter. That requires residing in Madison County for at least 30 days.
The question is whether Henderson is a resident of Madison County and whether he should be registered to vote there, Flatgard said.
Henderson, an assistant principal at Kosciusko High School, filed qualifying papers for the education post Feb. 14 but did not register to vote in Madison County until March 1, the qualifying deadline for candidates.
In his voter registration, he listed his address as Stumpbridge Road in Canton, the same as on his qualifying papers. That address is his father's.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
East Flora still on the chopping block? What should happen to cover the shortfall?
Board trying to cut upcoming budget
Madison County educators are beginning to consider their options for dealing with state funding that continues to fall short of what is needed.
Dipping into cash reserves, cutting jobs, cutting paychecks or closing a school were among the possible scenarios floated before the Madison County School Board Monday in its first look at the upcoming budget process.
The idea of a tax increase was not among the alternatives suggested on how to cope with state funding that currently lags a cumulated $6.6 million below expectations for the past two years. The Legislature is still considering the funding amount for school districts for the 2011-2012 year.
"I'm not going to raise taxes on my way out the door," said Superintendent Mike Kent, who is not running for a fourth term in this year's election.
Possible options presented to the five-member school board by finance director Debbie Jones include:
•Take $2.7 million from the district's fund balance.
•Cut all teachers' and administrators' local pay supplement, an average of $2,000, which would be a savings of $1 million, and then supplement that with $1.7 million from fund balance.
*Cut 40 teachers' positions or cut 20 positions and take $1.7 million from reserves.
•Close East Flora Middle and take $1.7 million from reserves.
Which option would you pick? Vote in the poll to the left of the page.
Madison County educators are beginning to consider their options for dealing with state funding that continues to fall short of what is needed.
Dipping into cash reserves, cutting jobs, cutting paychecks or closing a school were among the possible scenarios floated before the Madison County School Board Monday in its first look at the upcoming budget process.
The idea of a tax increase was not among the alternatives suggested on how to cope with state funding that currently lags a cumulated $6.6 million below expectations for the past two years. The Legislature is still considering the funding amount for school districts for the 2011-2012 year.
"I'm not going to raise taxes on my way out the door," said Superintendent Mike Kent, who is not running for a fourth term in this year's election.
Possible options presented to the five-member school board by finance director Debbie Jones include:
•Take $2.7 million from the district's fund balance.
•Cut all teachers' and administrators' local pay supplement, an average of $2,000, which would be a savings of $1 million, and then supplement that with $1.7 million from fund balance.
*Cut 40 teachers' positions or cut 20 positions and take $1.7 million from reserves.
•Close East Flora Middle and take $1.7 million from reserves.
Which option would you pick? Vote in the poll to the left of the page.
Study Finds 5,000 Non-Citizens Likely Voted in Colorado
Chairman of House Subcommittee on Elections Pledges Review of Voter Registration Processes After a Recent Study by Colorado Secretary of State Revealed 12,000 Non-Citizens Registered to Vote in 2010 Elections and 5,000 Likely Voted
WASHINGTON – Today, Subcommittee on Elections Chairman Gregg Harper, R-Miss., issued the following statement announcing a review of state voter registration processes after a recent Colorado study revealed that as many as 5,000 non-citizens voted in Colorado during the 2010 elections:
“This report is extremely troubling and cause for a thorough review of the current registration processes implemented across the country, which I guarantee will be a priority for this Subcommittee. It also calls into question each state’s ability to enforce current voting laws and whether or not we need to pursue additional measures to better protect the integrity of our electoral process.”
According to the study conducted by the Colorado Secretary of State in conjunction with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, 11,805 non-citizens registered to vote in the 2010 elections and 4,947 voted. The report also finds that without access to federal citizenship data, the state is unable to identify and remove non-citizens from its voter rolls.
WASHINGTON – Today, Subcommittee on Elections Chairman Gregg Harper, R-Miss., issued the following statement announcing a review of state voter registration processes after a recent Colorado study revealed that as many as 5,000 non-citizens voted in Colorado during the 2010 elections:
“This report is extremely troubling and cause for a thorough review of the current registration processes implemented across the country, which I guarantee will be a priority for this Subcommittee. It also calls into question each state’s ability to enforce current voting laws and whether or not we need to pursue additional measures to better protect the integrity of our electoral process.”
According to the study conducted by the Colorado Secretary of State in conjunction with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, 11,805 non-citizens registered to vote in the 2010 elections and 4,947 voted. The report also finds that without access to federal citizenship data, the state is unable to identify and remove non-citizens from its voter rolls.
Barbour hires a blogger for online outreach
Barbour adds online communications aide
Haley Barbour's political operation, steadily ramping up toward a full presidential campaign, has hired a communications adviser to handle its online outreach, a Barbour aide confirmed this evening.
James Richardson, who was online communications manager for the RNC in the 2008 cycle, joins a team that already includes former 2004 RNC communications director Jim Dyke.
Richardson has more recently been a consultant to Senator Dan Coats and to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He's also a blogger who's written quite a bit at RedState and elsewhere.
"Haley is very pleased that James Richardson has joined his team to help manage the national interest of bloggers and other online journalists in the Governor's political activity," Barbour's nephew and chief aide Henry Barbour said in an emailed statement. "Haley understands the significant role bloggers play in today’s political world and wants to maximize that dynamic medium."
Haley Barbour's political operation, steadily ramping up toward a full presidential campaign, has hired a communications adviser to handle its online outreach, a Barbour aide confirmed this evening.
James Richardson, who was online communications manager for the RNC in the 2008 cycle, joins a team that already includes former 2004 RNC communications director Jim Dyke.
Richardson has more recently been a consultant to Senator Dan Coats and to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He's also a blogger who's written quite a bit at RedState and elsewhere.
"Haley is very pleased that James Richardson has joined his team to help manage the national interest of bloggers and other online journalists in the Governor's political activity," Barbour's nephew and chief aide Henry Barbour said in an emailed statement. "Haley understands the significant role bloggers play in today’s political world and wants to maximize that dynamic medium."
Wisconsin conservatives on the verge of defeating union activists
Morning Bell: Bravery and Common Sense Prevail in Wisconsin
In what Reuters is calling “a confrontation with unions that could be the biggest since then President Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers nearly 30 years ago,” the Wisconsin Senate approved a scaled-down version of Governor Scott Walker’s (R) budget-repair bill last night that would rein in government union collective bargaining powers. After securing approval from three widely respected nonpartisan agencies—the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the Legislative Council, and the Legislative Reference Bureau—Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald removed the appropriations measures from Walker’s budget, thus eliminating the need for any of the 14 truant Democratic Senators to be present for the vote. The State Assembly will take up the new version of the bill at 11 a.m. today, and if it passes, Walker will have achieved a significant victory for taxpayers everywhere.
The courage of the Wisconsin Senate conservatives cannot be understated. Before the vote, lawmakers were threatened with death and physical violence. After the vote, thousands of protesters stormed into the capitol building, ignoring announcements from police that the building was closed. Once inside, and at great risk to the public welfare, activists handcuffed some doors to the capitol shut. When security escorted the Senators to another building, a Democrat tipped off the mob, which then surrounded their cars and tried to break their windows as Senators returned home.
Senate Democrats, who are still hiding in Illinois, are now claiming that the majority’s committee meeting that broke up the budget-repair bill violated Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law. But the Open Meeting Compliance Guide clearly states that when there is “good cause,” only two hours’ notice is required. The Senate majority did provide the two hours’ notice. If the Senate Democrats’ 19-day refusal to show up for work wasn’t “good cause” enough, certainly minimizing the opportunity for union mob violence is.
In what Reuters is calling “a confrontation with unions that could be the biggest since then President Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers nearly 30 years ago,” the Wisconsin Senate approved a scaled-down version of Governor Scott Walker’s (R) budget-repair bill last night that would rein in government union collective bargaining powers. After securing approval from three widely respected nonpartisan agencies—the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the Legislative Council, and the Legislative Reference Bureau—Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald removed the appropriations measures from Walker’s budget, thus eliminating the need for any of the 14 truant Democratic Senators to be present for the vote. The State Assembly will take up the new version of the bill at 11 a.m. today, and if it passes, Walker will have achieved a significant victory for taxpayers everywhere.
The courage of the Wisconsin Senate conservatives cannot be understated. Before the vote, lawmakers were threatened with death and physical violence. After the vote, thousands of protesters stormed into the capitol building, ignoring announcements from police that the building was closed. Once inside, and at great risk to the public welfare, activists handcuffed some doors to the capitol shut. When security escorted the Senators to another building, a Democrat tipped off the mob, which then surrounded their cars and tried to break their windows as Senators returned home.
Senate Democrats, who are still hiding in Illinois, are now claiming that the majority’s committee meeting that broke up the budget-repair bill violated Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law. But the Open Meeting Compliance Guide clearly states that when there is “good cause,” only two hours’ notice is required. The Senate majority did provide the two hours’ notice. If the Senate Democrats’ 19-day refusal to show up for work wasn’t “good cause” enough, certainly minimizing the opportunity for union mob violence is.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
House Hearings over federal pay could get testy.
Federal pay and benefits back in the spotlight
The Republican-led House is scheduled to hold its first hearing today on the compensation of federal employees, pitting the Obama administration and federal worker union leaders against conservative fiscal experts armed with detailed reports suggesting federal employees are paid too generously when compared to private sector workers.
The hearing comes as state governments are working to overhaul public pension plans and scrap collective bargaining rights for state workers and as Republican continue introducing proposals to curtail federal pay and the workforce. Among the bills, some GOP lawmakers hope to cut the federal workforce by 10 percent, implement a two-week furlough of most workers, freeze some pay raises, fire tax-delinquent feds, prohibit federal retirees from earning workers compensation payments and cut the pay for overseas diplomats.
Wednesday's hearing is the first of several House Oversight and Government Reform Committee meetings on these issues that are also likely to serve as tutorials for freshmen members less familiar with the complexities of the federal personnel system.
Disagreements are likely to begin today with Rep. Dennis Ross's opening statement. The Florida Republican, chairman of the subcommittee on the federal workforce, suggests that federal employees earned an average $101,628 in total compensation in 2010 -- nearly four times the average private sector salary.
According to his opening statement, Ross combines the Office of Personnel Management average 2010 federal salary ($74,311) with statistics suggesting the government pays 36 percent of employees' base pay health insurance and pension benefits, plus the financial value of the government's "generous" paid leave system.
Those figures are sure to irk OPM Director John Berry and National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen M. Kelley, two of the scheduled witnesses who have spoken in defense of federal salary levels before. The others witnesses are Partnership for Public Service CEO Max Stier -- a relatively neutral, nonpartisan, well-quoted expert on the issue -- and American Enterprise Institute scholar Andrew G. Biggs and Heritage Foundation labor policy expert James Sherk -- who've penned detailed studies on the size and scope of the federal pay and benefits system.
The Republican-led House is scheduled to hold its first hearing today on the compensation of federal employees, pitting the Obama administration and federal worker union leaders against conservative fiscal experts armed with detailed reports suggesting federal employees are paid too generously when compared to private sector workers.
The hearing comes as state governments are working to overhaul public pension plans and scrap collective bargaining rights for state workers and as Republican continue introducing proposals to curtail federal pay and the workforce. Among the bills, some GOP lawmakers hope to cut the federal workforce by 10 percent, implement a two-week furlough of most workers, freeze some pay raises, fire tax-delinquent feds, prohibit federal retirees from earning workers compensation payments and cut the pay for overseas diplomats.
Wednesday's hearing is the first of several House Oversight and Government Reform Committee meetings on these issues that are also likely to serve as tutorials for freshmen members less familiar with the complexities of the federal personnel system.
Disagreements are likely to begin today with Rep. Dennis Ross's opening statement. The Florida Republican, chairman of the subcommittee on the federal workforce, suggests that federal employees earned an average $101,628 in total compensation in 2010 -- nearly four times the average private sector salary.
According to his opening statement, Ross combines the Office of Personnel Management average 2010 federal salary ($74,311) with statistics suggesting the government pays 36 percent of employees' base pay health insurance and pension benefits, plus the financial value of the government's "generous" paid leave system.
Those figures are sure to irk OPM Director John Berry and National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen M. Kelley, two of the scheduled witnesses who have spoken in defense of federal salary levels before. The others witnesses are Partnership for Public Service CEO Max Stier -- a relatively neutral, nonpartisan, well-quoted expert on the issue -- and American Enterprise Institute scholar Andrew G. Biggs and Heritage Foundation labor policy expert James Sherk -- who've penned detailed studies on the size and scope of the federal pay and benefits system.
McCain proposes to end safeguards on catfish imports
MBJ: Catfish industry ’stunned’ by McCain proposal
WASHNGTON — A proposal by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to repeal a law making all catfish safer for American consumers ignores numerous findings of banned substances in imported catfish products and favors inadequate food safety requirements, according to Catfish Farmers of America.
“It is stunning that Sen. McCain has chosen to protect importers and Vietnamese farmers over the health and safety of American citizens,” said Butch Wilson, newly elected president of the Catfish Farmers of America.
The U.S. Congress voted to move catfish inspections and regulation from the FDA to USDA as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.
A bill proposed by McCain and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) would repeal the 2008 regulation.
In a statement announcing the bill, McCain alleged the “Food and Drug Administration hasn’t reported any safety or health problems with the Vietnamese imports.”
That is wrong, according to the CFA. The FDA has found in imported catfish from Vietnam and other nations potentially dangerous chemicals or drugs that are banned by the United States in farm-raised catfish, according to the FDA.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported last month a major criminal case of mislabeling and hazardous contaminants found in Vietnamese frozen catfish fillets imported by a seafood import company in McCain’s home state of Arizona, the CFA says.
WASHNGTON — A proposal by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to repeal a law making all catfish safer for American consumers ignores numerous findings of banned substances in imported catfish products and favors inadequate food safety requirements, according to Catfish Farmers of America.
“It is stunning that Sen. McCain has chosen to protect importers and Vietnamese farmers over the health and safety of American citizens,” said Butch Wilson, newly elected president of the Catfish Farmers of America.
The U.S. Congress voted to move catfish inspections and regulation from the FDA to USDA as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.
A bill proposed by McCain and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) would repeal the 2008 regulation.
In a statement announcing the bill, McCain alleged the “Food and Drug Administration hasn’t reported any safety or health problems with the Vietnamese imports.”
That is wrong, according to the CFA. The FDA has found in imported catfish from Vietnam and other nations potentially dangerous chemicals or drugs that are banned by the United States in farm-raised catfish, according to the FDA.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported last month a major criminal case of mislabeling and hazardous contaminants found in Vietnamese frozen catfish fillets imported by a seafood import company in McCain’s home state of Arizona, the CFA says.
Huge Crowd Expected at the Blue Front Cafe for the 2011 Bentonia Blues Festival in June
Bentonia, MS, March 09, 2011--On Saturday, June 18, 2011, downtown Bentonia, Mississippi, a community with a population of about 500, will swell to an estimated 10,000, all coming to participate in an annual celebration of the unique country style of blues referred to as the Bentonia School. With Free admission, live gospel music starting at 9 a.m., activities and games for families and children, arts & crafts, food and more, this is sure to be an event everyone can enjoy.
The blues stage will kick off at 1 pm, including live performances from Big Joe Shelton, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Mark "Muleman" Massey, Bentonia's own Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, Kenny Brown Band, Fearless Four, Dexter Allen ft. Tonya Youngblood, the Jarekus Singleton Band, Johnny Rawls, and national recording artist T.K. Soul.
The festival, founded in 1972 by Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, is one of the oldest blues festivals in the state of Mississippi. With Bentonia Blues fans coming from as far away as Japan, England, Norway, Canada, and all corners of the United States, the festival has become a favorite for visitors nationally and internationally.
Jimmy “Duck” Holmes is the last living practitioner of the famed Bentonia blues style made famous by Skip James and Jack Owens. Holmes, who studied directly under Jack Owens, is also the owner of the legendary Blue Front Cafe, Mississippi's oldest juke joint and the location of the annual Bentonia Blues Festival. He will delight audiences once again on the blues stage this June.
“I've never seen anything like it,” says Holmes. “In 2007 we had about 2000 here for the festival, but in the last couple years it has really grown. That's just amazing to me. I'm thrilled to know that my music and this festival is helping to keep the Bentonia style of blues alive.”
Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking help from the community in being able to continue to provide this incredible event. “This event showcases our southern hospitality as well as our unique Yazoo County culture that brings travelers from across the globe to our little corner of the Mississippi Delta,” says Executive Director of the CVB, Tonja Ray-Smith. “But, it wouldn't be possible without our sponsors and volunteers.”
For those interested in volunteering and/or sponsoring, call the Yazoo County CVB at (662) 746-1815 or visit www.yazoo.org. And, a festival just isn’t a festival without food or arts & crafts vendors. To be considered, contact the Town Hall of Bentonia, MS at (662) 755-2281.
To keep up with the latest developments of the festival, become a fan of the Bentonia Blues Festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BentoniaBluesFestival
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Morning carjacking in Madison results in manhunt and arrests
Two in custody in Madison carjacking
Two men are in custody following a carjacking in the Madison Burger King parking lot. The carjacking occurred at the fast-food restaurant at the intersection of Highway 463 and Galleria Parkway around 9:00 Tuesday morning.
The driver of the carjacked vehicle was put out at the intersection by two black men. They were making a turn against the light at Highway 463, and were hit by another car.
Master Sergeant Kevin Newman of the Madison Police Department says, "The Burger King Manager was leaving with a bank deposit when she was carjacked in the parking lot. One of the men was armed."
After the wreck, both men fled into a wooded area, but they were caught as they tried to elude police.
The names of the two in custody have not been identified. Madison Police say one is a juvenile. Both are black males. No weapon was recovered.
Officers from the city of Madison, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol assisted in the search.
Two men are in custody following a carjacking in the Madison Burger King parking lot. The carjacking occurred at the fast-food restaurant at the intersection of Highway 463 and Galleria Parkway around 9:00 Tuesday morning.
The driver of the carjacked vehicle was put out at the intersection by two black men. They were making a turn against the light at Highway 463, and were hit by another car.
Master Sergeant Kevin Newman of the Madison Police Department says, "The Burger King Manager was leaving with a bank deposit when she was carjacked in the parking lot. One of the men was armed."
After the wreck, both men fled into a wooded area, but they were caught as they tried to elude police.
The names of the two in custody have not been identified. Madison Police say one is a juvenile. Both are black males. No weapon was recovered.
Officers from the city of Madison, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol assisted in the search.
Update: Senator Lugar of Indiana changes his tune on House spending cuts bill in the Senate
Update: GOP Sen. Lugar says he'll support House Republican spending cuts
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), who faces a Tea Party-backed challenge in his 2012 primary, has withdrawn his stated opposition to House-passed spending cuts.
Lugar said Tuesday afternoon that he made a mistake when he told reporters earlier in the day that he would oppose H.R. 1, the House GOP plan to cut an additional $57 billion from the 2011 budget.
“I’m going to vote with the Republicans on the issue when H.R. 1 comes up,” Lugar said. “If it’s strictly an affirmative vote, I will be for H.R. 1 because all the Republicans will be voting for H.R. 1.”
Lugar said he does not like the “formulation” of the spending cuts passed by the House and would like Congress to go even further to cut the deficit.
Republican Sen. Lugar to oppose House GOP's $61B spending cuts
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), the most senior member of the Senate Republican conference, said Tuesday he will oppose the House-passed proposal to make drastic cuts to the federal budget.
He is the first Senate Republican to publicly state his opposition to a plan that Democrats have blasted as “reckless.”
Lugar, who is facing a Tea Party-backed challenge in the 2012 Indiana Republican primary, is taking a political risk. But he and other centrist Republicans have concerns about steep spending cuts that will eliminate funding for some federal programs in mid-year.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has pledged to schedule an up-or-down vote on the House-passed plan to put centrists on the record about whether they support it or not.
“The plan the Tea Party pushed through the House is an irresponsible plan,” Reid said Tuesday. “It’s a reckless plan. It’s dangerous for the health of our economy and certainly the citizens of our great country.”
Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) has criticized cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that benefits many constituents in his home state, where the temperature plummets in the wintertime.
The House bill would eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Planned Parenthood. It would also cut substantially from the federal nutrition program for women, children and infants.
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), who faces a Tea Party-backed challenge in his 2012 primary, has withdrawn his stated opposition to House-passed spending cuts.
Lugar said Tuesday afternoon that he made a mistake when he told reporters earlier in the day that he would oppose H.R. 1, the House GOP plan to cut an additional $57 billion from the 2011 budget.
“I’m going to vote with the Republicans on the issue when H.R. 1 comes up,” Lugar said. “If it’s strictly an affirmative vote, I will be for H.R. 1 because all the Republicans will be voting for H.R. 1.”
Lugar said he does not like the “formulation” of the spending cuts passed by the House and would like Congress to go even further to cut the deficit.
Republican Sen. Lugar to oppose House GOP's $61B spending cuts
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), the most senior member of the Senate Republican conference, said Tuesday he will oppose the House-passed proposal to make drastic cuts to the federal budget.
He is the first Senate Republican to publicly state his opposition to a plan that Democrats have blasted as “reckless.”
Lugar, who is facing a Tea Party-backed challenge in the 2012 Indiana Republican primary, is taking a political risk. But he and other centrist Republicans have concerns about steep spending cuts that will eliminate funding for some federal programs in mid-year.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has pledged to schedule an up-or-down vote on the House-passed plan to put centrists on the record about whether they support it or not.
“The plan the Tea Party pushed through the House is an irresponsible plan,” Reid said Tuesday. “It’s a reckless plan. It’s dangerous for the health of our economy and certainly the citizens of our great country.”
Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) has criticized cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that benefits many constituents in his home state, where the temperature plummets in the wintertime.
The House bill would eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Planned Parenthood. It would also cut substantially from the federal nutrition program for women, children and infants.
Monday, March 7, 2011
HUH? Obama Administration to promote financial capabilities among high-schoolers.
Challenge Prepares Students for Secure Financial Futures; Runs March 7 – April 8
WASHINGTON – Today, high school-aged students across the country will begin taking an voluntary online exam as part of the 2011 National Financial Capability Challenge. The Challenge is designed to enhance the financial capability of high school-aged youth across the United States by strengthening their knowledge of the basics of saving, budgeting, and investing.
"All of us - parents, educators, policymakers and students - share the responsibility to ensure that young people in our country learn a set of practical skills that will help them navigate important personal financial decisions,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “This Challenge will help students understand basic finance. It will help them understand what it means to save for retirement. And it will help them understand the risks and benefits associated with debt from things like car loans and credit cards. Empowering students with this knowledge is important for the long-term strength of our economy.”
“Our goal is for every student in the nation to get a world class, well-rounded education,” said Education Secretary Arne Duncan, “and that includes preparing them to make critical financial decisions. I hope the Challenge not only helps high school students get smart about money, but encourages more states and schools to make financial education a priority in classrooms as early as kindergarten.”
Congressman Harper denounces administrations move to tap fuel reserves.
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| Congressman Gregg Harper (center) |
“The White House would be ill-advised to reach into our nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves. While the escalating price of oil creates hardship and threatens economic recovery, there can be no denial that the President’s energy policies are short-sighted and restrict the advancement of domestic oil production. The same President who is proposing to release government owned petroleum stocks, which are held for national emergencies, has essentially halted offshore drilling by investor owned companies in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of slowing the approval process for new offshore drilling permits, the President should be promoting increased domestic energy production from oil, renewables, natural gas, clean coal technology and nuclear power – ultimately leading to an energy independent America. Expanding our supply of domestic energy would lower costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil from nations like Libya and create American jobs. This misstep by the White House is yet another example of the Obama Administration’s failure to enact an effective energy policy.”
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