Lawmakers question budget-cutting tactics
by Mary Jo Pitzl - Feb. 22, 2009 12:00 AMThe Arizona Republic
Hundreds of state workers have lost their jobs and hundreds more have been sent home without pay to cope with the state budget deficit.
Child Protective Services workers are bracing for larger caseloads, while parents with disabled children have been cut off from services. Meal deliveries for shut-ins and the elderly are dwindling.
Budget cuts being carried out this month have forced the immediate closure of state parks and sparked talk of shutting down university campuses. And that's just the beginning.
Lawmakers three weeks ago closed the $1.6 billion deficit, largely by making lump-sum cuts to state agencies. They said they trusted agency directors, with their intimate knowledge of state programs, to make the specific cuts.
In other words, you figure out where to cut spending…but do it.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Auto Companies
G.M. is about to fail. The Saab unit is being cut loose for the Swedish government to save if they want to. Saab is not important to G.M. On the other hand, the German government has been moving to take over Opel for a while now. G.M. has owned Opel since 1928-1930, and Opel is a key component of GM. Opel does V6 engine development, and the Opel platform is used throughout GM. The Cadillac CTS uses an Opel platform and engine. Vauxhall in England is also part of that mix. Look for the Germans to take Opel.
Chrysler is done too. Maybe the U.S. Government will make a new company out of GM and Chrysler. That would be bad for GM, and be doing a favor for Cerberus and Daimler AG.
Chrysler is done too. Maybe the U.S. Government will make a new company out of GM and Chrysler. That would be bad for GM, and be doing a favor for Cerberus and Daimler AG.
The Economy and GOP Politics
Looks like Obama will be a one-term President. Difficult times. What a mess. No President in history has done so much in the first few days and weeks. Tried to be bipartisan, but the Republicans are doing everything they can to make him fail. Rush Limbaugh was criticized for announcing that he wanted Obama to fail, but that has become the strategy. Obama brings top economic and corporate minds to Washington to plan the stimulus program, and the Republican politicians won’t help. A F******* Senator from Alabama knows more than Paul Voelker, Larry Summers, Warren Buffett, and Jeff Immelt. A lot of individual Congressmen probably would like to vote in favor, but if they did, the GOP will run and fund another Republican against them in the next primary. That's how it works.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
News From Arizona - No Tax Increases
3 more state parks on chopping block
Panel to debate closing 11 recreation areas on Friday
by Matthew Benson - Feb. 19, 2009 12:00 AM, The Arizona Republic
Three additional state parks have joined a list of eight that may close due to state budget cuts: Tonto Natural Bridge, Red Rock and Jerome State Historic Park.
With the three parks, which drew nearly 230,000 combined visitors last year, there are 11 that could close - some as early as next week - after a Friday decision by the Arizona State Parks Board. Park closures and reduced park hours are among a variety of options being considered as the state Parks Department grapples with nearly $35 million that was cut or swept from the agency's budget in fiscal 2009, including $27 million in cuts and fund sweeps approved by legislators and Gov. Jan Brewer late last month.
39 Republicans give their pledge not to raise taxes
by Mary Jo Pitzl - Feb. 19, 2009 12:00 AM, The Arizona Republic
At least 39 of Arizona's 90 lawmakers have signed the State Taxpayer Protection Pledge promoted by Americans for Tax Reform.
That means they have promised to "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes," according to the pledge.
The number is significant in light of Gov. Jan Brewer's trial balloon for a temporary tax hike to carry the state through tough budget times. These members, arguably, would be bound by their pledge not to vote for a tax increase, or to refer it to the voters for a decision.
Republicans pledge not to refer a tax increase to the voters for a decision? Government for the people…
Panel to debate closing 11 recreation areas on Friday
by Matthew Benson - Feb. 19, 2009 12:00 AM, The Arizona Republic
Three additional state parks have joined a list of eight that may close due to state budget cuts: Tonto Natural Bridge, Red Rock and Jerome State Historic Park.
With the three parks, which drew nearly 230,000 combined visitors last year, there are 11 that could close - some as early as next week - after a Friday decision by the Arizona State Parks Board. Park closures and reduced park hours are among a variety of options being considered as the state Parks Department grapples with nearly $35 million that was cut or swept from the agency's budget in fiscal 2009, including $27 million in cuts and fund sweeps approved by legislators and Gov. Jan Brewer late last month.
39 Republicans give their pledge not to raise taxes
by Mary Jo Pitzl - Feb. 19, 2009 12:00 AM, The Arizona Republic
At least 39 of Arizona's 90 lawmakers have signed the State Taxpayer Protection Pledge promoted by Americans for Tax Reform.
That means they have promised to "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes," according to the pledge.
The number is significant in light of Gov. Jan Brewer's trial balloon for a temporary tax hike to carry the state through tough budget times. These members, arguably, would be bound by their pledge not to vote for a tax increase, or to refer it to the voters for a decision.
Republicans pledge not to refer a tax increase to the voters for a decision? Government for the people…
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