Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Real Stimulous
New Food Stamp Rules Help California’s Low-Income Families « California Budget Bites
“the food-stamp boost [to the economy] is almost immediate,” with families redeeming nearly all benefits within a month of receipt. “The quick influx of cash into the economy reflects the often desperate situation faced by millions of households struggling to put enough food on the table.”
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Like they said: Not too big? Not big ENOUGH
If only people were still taught history, or how to read it:
... because...
The worse news: as some economists predicted, the stimulus package was too small to affect the "real" economy - you know, the one you and I live in? - in any significant way. Sounds like those who urged Obama to think large and visionary (a la FDR's Public Works Administration) really did have the right idea.
... because...
Hiring might not rebound in an economic recovery
(LA Times) Reporting from Washington -- Even as the nation's economy begins clawing its way out of the worst recession in 60 years, there are growing signs that this recovery could come with an unsettling twist: The wheels of commerce may begin to turn again without any substantial boost in jobs.
Not only is the national unemployment rate, now 9.4%, likely to climb into double digits later this year, but it is also expected to remain there well into 2010, economists say.
.....
Damn gutless Knownothings ... another window of opportuity lost?
Labels: Barack Obama, FDR, New Deal, recession, stimulus
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
R's and D's might have voted together ...
NOW, Schwartzenegger stands up for something?
From Capitol Weekly
"there were rumors that a framework had been agreed to on an overall budget deal. Other stories had the Republicans willing to put up votes for the bills if Democrats committed in writing to making changes in fraud investigations of in-home healthcare workers and Medi-Cal abuses. Republicans also pushed Democrats to accept the governor's 11th-hour proposals to change the public employee pension system to roll back benefits for future state workers."
From Capitol Weekly
"there were rumors that a framework had been agreed to on an overall budget deal. Other stories had the Republicans willing to put up votes for the bills if Democrats committed in writing to making changes in fraud investigations of in-home healthcare workers and Medi-Cal abuses. Republicans also pushed Democrats to accept the governor's 11th-hour proposals to change the public employee pension system to roll back benefits for future state workers."
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wel, Duh!
Villaraigosa says he won't run for governor
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took himself out of the race for governor of California today, telling a national television audience that he wants to concentrate, instead, on solving his city's problems.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Twitter makes Twits of Republicans
From TPM
A fun pattern has emerged among the Republican efforts to reach out to voters through the new social-networking online media: They're failing massively, with episodes that just make them look stupid and ham-fisted, and even sometimes force them to apologize for offending people.Hee Hee.
.....
Rep. Joe Barton boasted on Twitter that he'd "stumped" Energy Sec. Steven Chu by asking where oil comes from. Chu was indeed stumped -- that someone who is apparently this dumb is an elected official:
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Budget Priorities
At Saturday's Club Picnic, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian laid out the the #1 budget priority for Democrats - to kill as few people as possible. 
It was a stark announcement, but it really brings into focus how dire the situation in Sacremento has become. With little hope of getting Republican votes for any new taxes (or even to reverse recent tax breaks) an all cuts budget means slashed funding for the State safety net. Children are hurt the most from cuts in education, healthcare and welfare.
It was a stark announcement, but it really brings into focus how dire the situation in Sacremento has become. With little hope of getting Republican votes for any new taxes (or even to reverse recent tax breaks) an all cuts budget means slashed funding for the State safety net. Children are hurt the most from cuts in education, healthcare and welfare.Friday, May 22, 2009
Budget Myths Exposed
Budget Committee Chair Exposes Budget Myths from California Assembly Access on Vimeo.
It's a good start ...
