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Politics Friday
Feb. 18th, 2011 09:27 amTwo political thoughts:
1) The US House of Representatives is considering H. R. 1, the continuing resolution to fund the government. As part of that resolution, they are looking to cut the HUD-VASH program. HUD-VASH is a program to find homeless veterans and get them off the streets. It's not just housing vouchers, but includes medical and psychological counseling to address the causes of homelessness. Please contact your Congressman and remind them that "supporting the troops" is more than buying a yellow bumper sticker.
2) Up in Wisconsin, the Governor is trying to bust public employee unions. Now, since my dad served on a local school board and dealt with teachers unions, I'm a bit ambivalent on the merit of a teachers' union. I also note that the bill makes a useful distinction from public safety employees, who risk their lives, and those that don't.
Having said that, this is a manufactured crisis, brought on by the Republican Governor increasing spending and cutting taxes to force a deficit. Prior to Walker's proposals, Wisconsin was expecting a small budget surplus. I'm really opposed to manufactured and dishonest problems, and I can't fault the unions for trying to avoid getting busted.
1) The US House of Representatives is considering H. R. 1, the continuing resolution to fund the government. As part of that resolution, they are looking to cut the HUD-VASH program. HUD-VASH is a program to find homeless veterans and get them off the streets. It's not just housing vouchers, but includes medical and psychological counseling to address the causes of homelessness. Please contact your Congressman and remind them that "supporting the troops" is more than buying a yellow bumper sticker.
2) Up in Wisconsin, the Governor is trying to bust public employee unions. Now, since my dad served on a local school board and dealt with teachers unions, I'm a bit ambivalent on the merit of a teachers' union. I also note that the bill makes a useful distinction from public safety employees, who risk their lives, and those that don't.
Having said that, this is a manufactured crisis, brought on by the Republican Governor increasing spending and cutting taxes to force a deficit. Prior to Walker's proposals, Wisconsin was expecting a small budget surplus. I'm really opposed to manufactured and dishonest problems, and I can't fault the unions for trying to avoid getting busted.
