July 3, 2009
Setting the Record Straight on Gov. Perdue
Rob Schofield give the governor’s performance a six-month review and offers recommendations for improvement in “Let Perdue be Perdue“.
The Fitzsimon File will be on hiatus from July 2-12. During this time please look for other NC Policy Watch commentaries such as the Weekly Briefing, Progressive Voices or Setting the Record Straight. In addition, The Progressive Pulse blog will have the latest on what happening at the state legislature.
July 2, 2009
Fitzsimon on the budget
In his lastest series of commentaries on budget, Chris Fitzsimon simplifies the debate taking place between the House and Senate members into two fundamental approaches. “The Crux of the debate” looks at the differences between those who want to reform the tax system and those who want to build upon a system that is already broken.
He also looks at what other states in similar circumstances are doing to resolve their budget problems in “Missing more than a deadline“.
The Fitzsimon File will be on hiatus from July 2-12th and the NC Policy Watch offices will be closed on July 3rd. During this time, please visit the Progressive Pulse blog for the most up-to-date commentaries on the legislative …
Transit Bill Delayed
As suspected, the Congestion Relief bill was pulled from consideration by the Senate Finance Committee yesterday. It is unlikely that the bill will be considered before the budget is finalized.
The major sticking point apparently continues to be the House bill’s authorization of local option quarter cent sales referenda for 94 counties - all save the Triangle and Triad counties. Several counties, municipalities and rural transit services have voiced concerns over the expected amendment that would eliminate the quarter cent option for the 94 counties that is anticipated to come from Finance co-chair, Senator Dan Clodfelter. Other Democrat Senators are understood to have similar concerns.
No doubt the bill is also becoming entangled with or, …
Budgets may need a second look
Yesterday marked the first day of the fiscal year for most states. While North Carolina is among the states that have not yet passed a budget, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that 12 states with adopted budgets are already out of balance. The total deficit for those 12 states already totals 23 billion dollars, and in the coming weeks more states will be forced to make unusual budget adjustments with the fiscal year barely underway. While there may not be many states without a budget, many will be forced back to the drawing board.
Legislators in North Carolina would do well to consider what other states have done to close budget gaps. A majority have …
Kind of Like if Blue Cross Sponsored Health Coverage on NPR…
Shocking news on Politico this morning, the Washington Post is offering lobbyists the chance to sponsor discussions at publisher Katharine Weymouth’s house. Attendees would allegedly include top Obama administration playas and the top of the WaPo food chain. Doesn’t that beat all? Not quite. The news was broken by a lobbyist who was disturbed by the ethics of the Post’s offer. When you’ve sickened a lobbyist, you’ve really beat all.
Politico obtained the one-page “Underwriting Opportunity” offer from an unnamed Washington health care lobbyist.
‘Underwrite and participate in this intimate and exclusive Washington Post Salon, an off-the-record dinner and discussion at the home of CEO and Publisher Katharine Weymouth … Bring your organization’s CEO or executive director literally to the table. …
Greensboro Health Care Small Business Roundtable - July 13
Small business owner or worker? Have an opinion on health care reform? The NC Health Access Coalition wants to hear your thoughts. We’ll even provide dinner. Just RSVP - see below:
Greensboro Small Business Roundtable Flyer
Pittsboro Health Care Small Business Roundtable - July 9th
Small business owner or worker? Have an opinion on health care reform? The NC Health Access Coalition wants to hear your thoughts. We’ll even provide dinner. Just RSVP - see below:
Pittsboro Small Business Roundtable Flyer
Top of the morning
Is this good news or bad news? Joe the Plumber has decided not to run for office. For now. Think Progress has the details from an interview Joe gave recently to World Net Daily.
The fact that he gave an interview to World Net Daily is reason enough to be worried about a possible Plumber candidacy. But apparently Joe’s says it is not in the cards.
I talked to God about that and he was like, “no.”
I believe he’s gotten me on this grassroots movement. If I can encourage leaders to step up, that’s what I would like to do.
Joe says he won’t close the door entirely …
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Previous Posts
- Setting the Record Straight on Gov. Perdue
- Fitzsimon on the budget
- Transit Bill Delayed
- Budgets may need a second look
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