Feb
6
2010
The Fear Mongers are back. This time they are spouting opinions and misleading the public to believe they are facts about federal budget deficits. Paul Krugman of the New York Times writes on his blog: “The point is that running big deficits in the face of the worst economic slump since the 1930s is actually the right thing to do. If anything, deficits should be bigger than they are because the government should be doing more than it is to create jobs.” (you can access his NY Times Blog by clicking here)
California did not have a rainy day fund when the recession hit. Spending is being cut dramatically including the furloughing of State workers. State law requires a balanced budget and accounting gimmicks provide the illusion of a balanced budget until unrealistic revenue projections do not materialize. With all the spending cuts including salaries of state employees, it is no surprise that only five states have higher unemployment rates than California.
If California does not want to repeat this cycle of huge deficits and high unemployment, the state constitution should be changed so the budget is passed by majority rule and a rainy day fund should be set up and increased as the economy improves. Until these two things happen the state will be cutting spending during recessions instead of shortening recessions by pumping money into the economy. Yes, spending is a great thing to do in a recession, especially if you are improving your infrastructure and putting people back to work.
That is just one blogger opinion and should not be confused with facts or fear mongering.
Feb
5
2010
What a beautiful Foolish (Furlough) Friday! We are between storms in Northern California. Roxy and I were out and about and pretending to save the State $ by not working.
Bone to State Workers (right side of photo)
www.flickr.com
|
Jan
23
2010
This is one of my favorite Cross Country pictures taken in Belmont, California in the Bay Area at the end of October 2009. The San Francisco Dons women won the West Coast Conference league championship.
Jan
23
2010
We like to label political decisions as either leaning to the left or leaning to the right. Most people (not just Americans) reside somewhere in the middle. That is why many of us get so frustrated with the stupid decisions made by Democratic and Republican leaders. Here are two simple suggestions to both parties in regards to this weeks news:
- Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s confirmation should happen immediately! This man prevented the economy from falling into the ocean and there are some Senators questioning his confirmation? Stop running for reelection and do the right thing!!!
- Health Care Reform Bill should be passed in the House immediately! Everyone will pay dearly for inaction. Stop the fear campaign and pass this bill so we can start reducing the costs of health care. Stop running for reelection and do the right thing!!!
Doing the right thing is often doing the most difficult thing. It is past the time for our elected officials to practice this basic principal. This is true for both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Jan
16
2010
Northern California weather is going to be wet for at least a week, according to forecasters. Here are a few pictures from Sacramento before the storm. I will take pictures and report any flooding in the area.
| www.flickr.com
|
Jan
11
2010
The latest news from the Capitol of California related to the state budget is the proposal by the governor to give a ten thousand dollar tax credit to those purchasing a new home. The tax cut in theory would jump start housing construction. This would make perfect sense if the governors other actions were consistent with his tax proposal. Unfortunately, they are not and the credit would only reward those who plan on buying a home without the tax break.
As I was ending a workout at the gym Thursday afternoon I started chatting with another employee. We talked very briefly about the furloughs and how some employees did not mind them and how much a hardship they are for others. He told me on this furlough Friday he was listing his home for sale simply because he can not afford it any longer with the 14% pay cut. He was in obvious emotional pain while explaining his furlough Friday plans.
This ex-Peace Corps volunteer and current State employee calls on the governor to stop playing politics with public servants lives. Balancing the budget is a high priority, but not on the backs of those serving California citizens. Is this governor really a member of the greatest public servant families in American history, the Shriver’s and Kennedy’s? His words and actions say “NO” emphatically.
Jan
1
2010
We will make 2010 a great year! The U.S. economy is improving. Many economists expect job loses to be replaced with job gains soon. It will take awhile to get everyone who wants to work fully employed again. We will get there!
California took a step in the right direction when Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch determined State furloughs are illegal. Millions of dollars have been taken out of consumers hands as Governor Schwarzenegger played politics with State employees lives. Our economy is based on spending and so is the revenue of the State. Mean spirited politics does not turn a budget or economy around. The millions that will be spent by consumers after appeals are exhausted will help small business in Sacramento survive and then thrive.
2010 will give us the opportunity to elect a new governor. California let us remember history and in November, please, please, please vote for a candidate that has at least mastered economics 101.
Happy New Year!!!
Dec
19
2009
Tyreke Evans took over offensively in the final 5 seconds of the game and drove right to the basket to win this one for the Kings in Milwaukee. Way to go Kings!!!
Video from The Sacramento Kings web site. Keep it up Kings!!!
Dec
11
2009
It is a damp furlough Friday in the State Capitol. Most state workers are eager to hear from the Judge in Alameda, California reviewing and about to make a ruling on one of the furlough suits.
Judge what is taking so long? I know the case is complicated, very political, and the courts are very busy. But seriously, what is taking so long? Most of us State workers also understand you want to be thorough and provide a ruling that is not easily challenged, no matter what you decide. We also know that an appeal of any ruling is inevitable. Darn it, what is taking so long!!!?
This blogger is not into conspiracies, but it sure seems like anything and almost everything that may be in favor of employees takes a very, very long time to be considered and decided upon. This phenomenon is not confined to the courts. On the other hand, Furlough Fridays and disappearing Holidays sure did happen fast and suddenly!
Your honour, did I ask what is taking so long? How about a ruling so we can move forward? Thanks!