Senators voice optimism on public option Nov 23, 2009
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the public option in the Senate bill would attract only 3 million to 4 million people, and its premiums would be higher than private plans rates. It would attract sicker people, the CBO predicted, because it would probably offer a less restrictive coverage policy than most private insurers. (Boston Globe)
Plans by U.S. to Dominate Space Raising Concerns Nov 23, 2009
Analyzing the proposed Pentagon fiscal 2006 budget just sent to Congress, Hitchens and her colleagues pointed to $60. 9 million for an experimental XXS spacecraft whose "microsatellite payloads" could attack enemy satellites. (Yahoo News -- Missile Defense System)
Senate Democrats at odds over health care bill Nov 23, 2009
The Congressional Budget Office estimates some 12 million eligible Americans would remain uninsured after the House bill is fully phased in, in 2019 ... But the budget office estimates that the money would be used up before the end of 2011 ... gov/As you can see, the Congressional Budget Office is a non-partisan group of individuals. (Montana Standard, MT)
Gordon confirmed as OFPP chief Nov 23, 2009
chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, reported to the Senate on Nov. 19 that the committee approved of President Barack Obamas pick for administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in the Office of Management and Budget. Two days later, the Senate approved the nomination. (FCW.com)
Elimination: Ethical nightmare Nov 23, 2009
If you're not sure how you're going to stretch the budget this Christmas, it's time to get some money-saving tips from savvy EB members. Increase your chances of getting pregnant by determining when you are most fertile with Essential Baby's Ovulation Calculator. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Roll Obama Back Nov 23, 2009
6 trillion budget for FY 2010 and more has created an enormous voter backlash ... 5 trillion budget-busting proposal that CBO, the scorekeeper in Congress, tells us, after it's all over, will not control costs. (Human Events Online)
Will the American People Rebel? Nov 23, 2009
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this bill would cost $849 billion over the next 10 years. The left is selling this bill as a means to cut federal spending, yet the numbers buried in the CBO report should strike fear into the heart of every taxpayer. (Human Events Online)
Geithner's Crisis Sleepwalk Is Reason He Must Go Nov 23, 2009
He has allowed Democrats to play budget tricks to understate the costs of their health-care proposals by trillions, even as deficits soar to levels not seen since World War II. He failed to remind, or at least to convince, the president that a deep recession is a bad time for the government to increase fiscal imbalances by staging a takeover of health care. During the presidential campaign, Obama correctly pointed out that a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should use an... (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
UGA sets new goals, and assesses old ones Nov 23, 2009
"UGA absorbed the recent budget cuts without layoffs, which is good, but we did it by surrendering a large number of vacant faculty positions. If those go unfilled for long, I'm sure our research position will erode again," he said. UGA reached another goal of having 4. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett Will Run For Governor (14) Nov 23, 2009
But the recession has hit Wisconsin harder than most state governments, especially when it comes to lost tax revenues and the size of the hole in its budget ... Wisconsin s history of budget shortfalls and pattern of borrowing frequently to cover operating expenses, among other measures, made it poorly positioned to weather the most recent economic downturn. (Agri-View, WI)
Patterson High School kids to the rescue Nov 23, 2009
In fact, this small army of volunteers helped rescue some city recreation programs facing the ax because of budget cuts. Modesto Bee - Nicole D'Onofrio, 17, left, and Jessica Carranza, 17, are Patterson High School students who have volunteered their time with the Patterson Acts With Service (PAWS) group, helping to save parks and rec programs from budget cuts ... Perhaps most appreciative are city parks and recreation officials, who had prepared to slice summer programs because of budget... (Modesto Bee, CA)
Hawaii lands coveted APEC meeting with concerted effort Nov 23, 2009
"Cities that bid on such events must take into account and budget for the extensive costs of the security and public safety, as that responsibility lies solely with the host city," the notice said ... It's too early in the planning process to estimate what the security costs might be, but the city already is facing an anticipated $147 million budget deficit in the current fiscal year ... Morrison's executive summary said that local meeting organizers also are prepared to seek state funding, but... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Citizens urge city to fund parks, services Nov 23, 2009
Nearly 50 speakers offered their opinions to a crowd of about 100 at the San Diego Speaks public forum held by the councils Budget and Finance Committee at Hoover High School in City Heights ... Residents interested in offering budget suggestions can call (619) 236-6934 or e-mail budgetandfinance@sandiego. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Whitney Hires Renzo Piano to Design Its Expansion Nov 23, 2009
While the budget for the project has not been set, Mr. Piano has a specific footprint in which to build. In the late 1960's, 70's and 80's the Whitney bought five brownstones on Madison Avenue and two town houses behind the museum on East 74th Street. (Yahoo News -- Architecture)
Law changes way teachers contract with districts Nov 23, 2009
State lawmakers passed the bill in the closing days of an emergency 51-day special session to create a budget, pushing the teacher-contract changes through without committee hearings or public comment ... School-finance officials said the layoffs were necessary to protect school districts from guaranteed teacher contracts in case the Legislature sacked education funding during budget negotiations ... Jeff Thomas, executive director of human capital at the Scottsdale Unified School District, who... (AZCentral -- News)
Click to read:Schumer on Health Bill: "Wind Is At Our Back" Nov 23, 2009
" Kyl quoted from a study released earlier this year by the Lewin Group, which predicted that 88 million people would drop their employer-based insurance (or be dropped by their employers) if the government introduced its own (supposedly cheaper) insurance plan. Schumer retorted that the Lewin Group study had been discredited since they were , the nation's largest health insurance provider. "Doesn't mean they're wrong," said Kyl. "In this case they're very wrong," Schumer said. He quoted... (CBS News)
Public weighs in on citys $179M deficit Nov 22, 2009
More than 40 speakers offered their opinions to a crowd of about 100 at the San Diego Speaks public forum held by the councils Budget and Finance Committee at Hoover High School in City Heights ... To leave your own suggestions on the budget, residents can call (619) 236-6934 or e-mail budgetandfinance@sandiego. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Senate Begins Debate Next Month on $848 Billion U.S. Health-Care Overhaul Nov 22, 2009
Republicans predicted the measure will explode the U.S. budget deficit, cause rationing of health care and fail to produce the cost savings that are a chief goal. Republican leaders say the plans true cost is about $2. (Bloomberg -- US)
Click to read:Health Care Bill Clears 1st Senate Hurdle Nov 22, 2009
Congressional budget analysts put the legislation's cost at $979 billion over a decade and said it would reduce deficits over the same period while extending coverage to 94 percent of the eligible population ... Hey einstein, the bush tax cuts, the 2 bush wars and the GOP gift to BIG PHARMA, Medicare Part D, were the multi-trillion dollar debacles that keep budget deficits high and the national debt higher, since they were NOT paid for. (CBS News)
WHAT THEY ARE NOT SAYING...about the comprehensive water deal? Nov 22, 2009
Bond funds appropriations should be debated and made during the budget discussions, not in the policy process. This measure adds 25 new state positions at the State Water Resources Control Board and empowers them to adopt emergency regulations and issue significant fines. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Editorial: Assembly must get moving on 'Race to the Top' Nov 22, 2009
California could gain up to $500 million, a potential big boost given the bleak budget situation. Obama said that in judging state applications, "We'll take a look at whether states are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach when it comes to reform.". (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Whitney Hires Renzo Piano to Design Its Expansion Nov 22, 2009
While the budget for the project has not been set, Mr. Piano has a specific footprint in which to build. In the late 1960's, 70's and 80's the Whitney bought five brownstones on Madison Avenue and two town houses behind the museum on East 74th Street. (Yahoo News -- Architecture)
Late TV listings Nov 22, 2009
Guests: Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, ranking member of the Budget Committee. 10 a.m. (C-Span). (Boston Globe)
RAISES FOR DEPUTIES TO BE DISCUSSED Nov 22, 2009
During regular committee meetings earlier this month, the county s legislative body approved the 2010 budgets for all other county agencies and departments, but put off action on the budgets for the sheriff s department and juvenile court to reconcile differences between the raises requested and funds available ... The revised budget calls for a salary hike of 2,000 plus benefits for deputies, and between 500 and 2,000 for juvenile officers next year ... Also to be considered by the quorum court... (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Letters for Friday, November 20, 2009 Nov 22, 2009
Beyond the devastating effects this tree trimming will have on the local community, it will also reduce state GET revenue at a time when budget shortfalls are making daily headlines. The DOT would never close a major artery on O ahu during December; the outcry would be tremendous. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
New Westwood, Lakeview schools still on the list Nov 22, 2009
That was Gov. Dave Freudenthals recommendation after hearing the Wyoming School Facilities Commissions $272 million budget on Thursday ... He wont know exactly how much money until the governor posts his budget the first week of December and it makes its way through the state Legislature in March ... Brown will visit with the Select Committee on School Facilities and the Joint Appropriations Committee next week to discuss recommended budgets, which are closer to $80 million for new... (Gillette News-Record, WY)
ELECTION 2008: Rue Furch offers experience in West County politics (1) Nov 22, 2009
What we need is a water budget ... I think that a budget is a simple way for people who have a home budget to try and get a grasp of what we really need to do ... If we can t authoritatively say No, our water budget s really clear and it s in balance, and we don t have any to spare, there won t be any way to counter Southern California s large sucking sound. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Should wind be taxed? Nov 22, 2009
Because this winters Legislature will be a budget session, the tax bills would require a two-thirds vote to be introduced. Freudenthal, a Democrat, acknowledged that new taxes may be politically divisive, but he believes there are good arguments for a tax on wind. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Institutions 'too big to fail' too big to exist Nov 22, 2009
is a member of the Senate Budget Committee. Rep. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Yarbrough: Teachers could get bonuses Nov 22, 2009
"I intend to see it fully authorized in the next supplemental budget." He says he is working with the chair of the education committee, Rep ... He also said the state's budget woes will preclude any opportunity to reinstitute the national board certification program for the foreseeable future. (Athens Banner-Herald)
UGA sets new goals, and assesses old ones Nov 22, 2009
"UGA absorbed the recent budget cuts without layoffs, which is good, but we did it by surrendering a large number of vacant faculty positions. If those go unfilled for long, I'm sure our research position will erode again," he said. UGA reached another goal of having 4. (Athens Banner-Herald)
White House defends Senate health bill Nov 22, 2009
Republicans dispute the figures provided by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which the White House used for the Senate bill. The GOP claims the bill will cost as much as $2. (TheHill.com)
Indonesia's transport perils Nov 22, 2009
The result is a mushrooming of cheaper, budget carriers, which now account for around two-thirds of the incidents reported on scheduled flights ... The plane lost at the beginning of 2007 was operated by budget carrier Adam Air. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Former councilwoman announces candidacy for District 66 seat in State Legislature Nov 22, 2009
Since being sworn in, Jackson believes she has upheld her campaign pledge to be an active voice in the council, bringing fresh ideas throughout the budget session in an effort to find additional deductions, and being a community voice to the council. She cast one of the three votes against the property tax increase in September. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Will city of Lodi escape layoffs? (1) Nov 22, 2009
There is a possibility the city of Lodi could get through the budgeting process with only one layoff, depending on union discussions and Lodi City Council decisions. As crafted now, the budget only eliminates the city's senior planner position because the planner's work load will be streamlined with other positions in the Community Development department, Deputy City Manager Jordan Ayers said at a Monday Budget and Finance Committee meeting ... The new city budget for fiscal year 2009-10 will... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Agency mergers in Barbour's proposal Nov 22, 2009
Mixed reviews are streaming in for Gov. Haley Barbour's far-reaching budget proposal, which would consolidate school districts, merge universities, close mental-health facilities and restructure some state agencies. On Monday, Barbour called for a 12 percent budget markdown for most agencies in his $5 ... 5 billion budget recommendation for fiscal 2011. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Weymouth named second best community in state to raise kids Nov 22, 2009
We have a fabulous senior center, a great recreation department, and an outstanding school system, which are all pretty good when you consider the budget constraints we are under. All in all, I believe we are holding our own. (Weymouth News, MA)
OUR VIEW: For some, county pay raise looks good Nov 22, 2009
Last week, the board approved the 2010 fiscal year budget and included small pay raises for employees ... The board adopted a budget for the fiscal year that begins Dec. 1 that is about 148,000 larger than the current year s 11 million budget ... Board member Mike Weaver, who chairs the finance committee that prepared the budget, told the board that the present rate of inflation is actually below zero. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Cap-and-trade bill a huge power grab Nov 22, 2009
According to the Congressional Budget Office and The Heritage Foundation reports, this bill would cost a family of four around $3,000 per year, cost 2. 5 million jobs by 2035 and produce a cumulative Gross Domestic Product loss of $9. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Presidential Directive Nov 22, 2009
The president and his staff are responsible for establishing and enforcing written procedures specifying the responsibilities and lines of authority for the hiring of the director of athletics and recreation and head coaches, approval of the annual operating budget for the athletic program, and monitoring institutional compliance with NCAA and Big Ten rules ... No payments may be made from the budget of the Department of Athletics and Recreation to any member of the teaching faculty or to... (Nusports.com)
Youth ChalleNGe creates awareness Nov 22, 2009
The annual budget was $2. 8 million but funding, state and federal, totaled only $1. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 22, 2009
Administration officials dispatched to Capitol Hill to defend President Bush's budget received a frosty reception yesterday from congressional Democrats, who argued that the president's proposal to target health care, education and other Democratic priorities suggests a White House more interested in scoring political points than in genuine compromise ... 9 trillion budget blueprint contains little to appeal to, but much to infuriate, the Democratic majority, Democrats said ... When you combine... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Crosby-Ironton School Board Nov 22, 2009
f. Review approved budget reduction timeline. 6. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Panel was right to reject fuel tax hike Nov 22, 2009
The bill won't be sponsored by the panel, but that doesn't mean an individual legislator won't bring it back during the budget session that begins in February ... Earlier this year, the governor ordered all state agencies, the University of Wyoming and community colleges to cut their budgets by 10 percent ... But current estimates by state officials indicate there's sufficient money available to operate state government for the next fiscal year without additional budget cuts or layoffs. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Jenkins: 'We will be making cuts nobody ever dreamed of' Nov 22, 2009
When things go sour for Washington s budget, they go sour fast ... A budget shortfall that was a puny couple hundred million dollars at the beginning of the summer has grown to 2 ... Rodney Tom, vice chairman of the Senate budget committee. (Longview Daily News, WA)
I am not sidelined, I won't quit: Kalmadi Nov 22, 2009
So I am happy with them coming here," Kalmadi said in an interview to a news channel. The government had appointed Jarnail Singh as CEO of the Organising Committee and named three senior IAS officials to work with him. A sub-committee was also formed to monitor and regulate financial matters. A Group of Ministers will also meet every two weeks to monitor progress. On the sub-commitee, Kalmadi said, "I would like to say the Government has increased the budget from Rs 700 crore to Rs 1600 crore... (India Times, India)
Letter: CNS endorses Newman override Nov 22, 2009
CNS applauds the thorough planning of this project and looks to the success of the Permanent Public Building Committee s past building projects including High Rock, which finished on time and $2 million under budget as evidence that the PPBC s plan for Newman is sound and prudent. We encourage all residents with questions about the scope and schedule of the project to visit the Newman Updates section of the Needham Public Schools Web site: rwd1. (Needham Tab, MA)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Nov 22, 2009
The agency's size and budget are classified, but congressional sources have said that the agency spent more than $1 billion through October. One counterintelligence official recently estimated that CIFA has 400 full-time employees and 800 to 900 contractors working for it. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Plans by U.S. to Dominate Space Raising Concerns Nov 22, 2009
Analyzing the proposed Pentagon fiscal 2006 budget just sent to Congress, Hitchens and her colleagues pointed to $60. 9 million for an experimental XXS spacecraft whose "microsatellite payloads" could attack enemy satellites. (Yahoo News -- Missile Defense System)
Viewpoints: Most Americans believe health bill will raise deficit Nov 22, 2009
The day after the Congressional Budget Office gave its qualified blessing to the version of health reform produced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Quinnipiac University poll of a national cross-section of voters reported its latest results ... It read: "President Obama has pledged that health insurance reform will not add to our federal budget deficit over the next decade. Do you think that President Obama will be able to keep his promise or do you think that any health care plan that... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Hopkinton school board submits reduced budget Nov 22, 2009
Responding to selectmen's request for departments to reduce spending next year, school officials are crafting two budgets: One honoring the cut and one maintaining services ... Expecting cuts in state aid next year and sluggish revenue, the board called for departments to submit budgets 2. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
Interactive: Preschool Subsidy calculatorHouse staff pay to be cut Nov 22, 2009
The state House has ordered 5 percent pay cuts for permanent full-time staff next year and salary reductions for session staff in response to the state's budget deficit. Session staff funding levels for House committee chairs and House agencies will be cut 15 percent, while session staff funding for other House lawmakers will be cut 20 percent. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Northrop awaiting word on drones Nov 22, 2009
Walby said the Senate authorized funding for five Global Hawks in the 2010 budget, but the defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee proposed reducing that number to two ... Leaving out the three Global Hawks would trim about $300 million from the defense budget, according to subcommittee documents. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Winchester's En Ka Society: Deadline for gift requests nears Nov 21, 2009
A project budget and organization financial statement should be included with requests for funding. Contact Ellen Koup, Gifts Committee chairwoman, at 20 Mystic Ave., Winchester 01890, or call 781-721-1636, with questions or to obtain an application form. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Nov 21, 2009
The agency's size and budget are classified, but congressional sources have said that the agency spent more than $1 billion through October. One counterintelligence official recently estimated that CIFA has 400 full-time employees and 800 to 900 contractors working for it. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
The Botax? Nip/Tuck Levy To Help Health Plan Nov 21, 2009
the Finance Committee chairman, and Peter Orszag, Obama's budget director, although neither man's staff acknowledges having hatched the scheme. In the end, Reid revived it simply because "we needed money to make the bill work," his spokesman Jim Manley said. (KIRO TV, WA)
AP: Plastic Surgery Levy to Help US Health Care Plan Nov 21, 2009
President Barack Obama campaigned on a promise of offering affordable health care to all Americans, but the recession and a deepening budget deficit have made it difficult to win support for costly new programs ... Max Baucus, the Finance Committee chairman, and Peter Orszag, Obama's budget director, although neither man's staff acknowledges having hatched the scheme. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
How should $700K be used at Cam-plex? Theres some dispute Nov 21, 2009
Coolidge conveyed the commissions decision in a letter, which also spelled out the commissions view that the board can only use the money on approved items from the budget. Any excess would need to be considered in the next budget. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Should wind be taxed? Nov 21, 2009
Because this winters Legislature will be a budget session, the tax bills would require a two-thirds vote to be introduced. Freudenthal, a Democrat, acknowledged that new taxes may be politically divisive, but he believes there are good arguments for a tax on wind. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Grand Canyon: A wonder year-round Nov 21, 2009
"The thing about the Canyon that people have a hard time grasping is how different it is between the rim and the inner canyon," says Dan Hunting of Phoenix, who has hiked more than 800 miles in the Canyon and works as an analyst for the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee. It was snowing when Hunting started a Memorial Day trek into the Canyon several years ago. (AZCentral -- Travel)
Heartbreak hospitals Nov 21, 2009
But these positives were unfolding against a backdrop of budget clampdowns and job cuts ... Then you have to try and implement that, and we've got budget cuts. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
OUR VIEW: For some, county pay raise looks good Nov 21, 2009
Last week, the board approved the 2010 fiscal year budget and included small pay raises for employees ... The board adopted a budget for the fiscal year that begins Dec. 1 that is about 148,000 larger than the current year s 11 million budget ... Board member Mike Weaver, who chairs the finance committee that prepared the budget, told the board that the present rate of inflation is actually below zero. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Salmon Speaks Out on DUI, Finances Nov 21, 2009
The state is facing a $200 million budget deficit over the next two years ... "Last (but not least), I would like to talk more with you about how we can work together on state fiscal transparency. My biggest problem with the budget decision-making currently underway is how poor the data and analysis are. Whatever direction the state takes should be based on solid data and analysis with the kind of performance evaluation you have been promoting. There are steps the state can take and that you... (WCAX.com, VT)
Senate vote next step on health bill road Nov 21, 2009
The House bill, projected to guarantee coverage for 96 percent of Americans, will cost more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The Senate bill, estimated to cover 94 percent of Americans, comes with an $848 billion price tag, according to the CBO.. (CNN)
Government Option in Health Already a Miserable Failure Nov 21, 2009
3 percent -- of Medicare s $452 billion budget. Rather than stealing $100,000 or $200,000, federal prosecutor Kirk Ogrosky said on October 25 s 60 Minutes, criminals can steal $100 million. (Human Events Online)
