Considering that most of the wheeling and dealing involved in government goes on behind closed doors, more likely than not most of what we Americans hear and see playing out in the media is maneuvering. These P.R. battles seem to provide politicians the ability to “throw some red meat” to their respective bases of support. [...]
Editor’s Note: This article is particularly timely considering statements by President Obama at a news conference yesterday (Thursday, June 29, 2011). For a transcript click here, for video, click here. This post is a conglomeration of thoughts around a common theme: Current Congressional talks re raising the debt ceiling. The title includes a quote attributed [...]
Since the February 7 Business and Labor Committee hearing, those interested in the issue of collective bargaining and CIR (Commission on Industrial Relations) have been waiting for the contents of the shell bill introduced by Committee Chair Steve Lathrop at the beginning of the legislative session. At the end of March, details began, finally, [...]
I’m starting the weekend a little early here – looking for some humor in a situation that isn’t really all that funny… The GiN Joint’s Bartender thinks we may need to get a special dartboard for Nebraska’s First District Representative Jeff Fortenberry; he’s making so many appearances in our “Deserving of Darts” feature. One visitor [...]
I read the news online each morning and sometimes become inspired to post comments concerning certain of the articles I encounter. I recently got drawn into a discussion on the Lincoln Journal Star website about public employee unions and collective bargaining in Nebraska. A fellow who identifies himself as “World’s End” accused me of being [...]
If you believe collective bargaining reform in Nebraska is important, it’s important to understand that it’s going to be up to the people within the state to keep up the pressure on all of the elected officials. This is particularly true if you recognize how collective bargaining is negatively impacting spending and influencing the outcome [...]
Image from horseclipart.com As with any other very important issue of public policy, it is necessary to consider the potential biases and interests of the parties who make assertions or advocate for particular outcomes when you begin to inform yourself about each of the various proposals to solve the problems presented by collective bargaining by [...]
The Lancaster County Board is holding a hearing on what to do with the proceeds of Lancaster Manor. Tuesday, February 15 5:00pm City Council / County Board Chambers 555 S. 10th St. Lincoln, NE 68508 Board Member Brent Smoyer sent the following information about the meeting: Now, the endowment folks are rallying to push for [...]
Monday the Nebraska Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee convened hearings on the nine measures that propose various changes to the State’s statutes pertaining to how public employee salaries, wages, and some benefits are determined. The whole issue is being commonly referenced as “the CIR”, which is the entity that has the authority to settle disputes [...]
Listen TONIGHT – LIVE Friday, February 4, 2011 6:00pm – 8:00pm Shelli has been asked to sit in once again for Kaye Beach on the Axxiom for Liberty radio show. Perfect timing! There’s a lot to talk about… High costs for public employee salaries and benefits is a problem everywhere, but it’s an even bigger [...]