Acting Gov Pete Must Bring HB 107 to the House Floor

5 Comments
Whatever happens today, it should include a vote on HB 107:
This bill creates two new tax brackets at $125,000 with a rate of 7.10%, and $250,000 with a rate of 7.85%. Also, the bill provides a tiered reduction of the otherwise available itemized deduction based upon the individual's taxable income.
Bring up up with HB 101 (Grant-in-aid). Andria Bennett has given the Democrats a great opportunity to expose the Republicans for the scoundrels that they are. The problem is that Acting Gov Pete has played the bigger scoundrel so far. Multiple sources have painted a picture of Acting Gov Pete's heavy handed treatment of the Dem's in the closing hours of Friday's session. His bullying style, his unwillingness to entertain any ideas that did not come from his own head are hall marks of terrible leadership. It is time the Acting Gov takes another approach and backs away from his Republican allies and take a more Democratic stance regarding the mix of revenues and cuts required to balance the budget.

Politics 101: A Lesson Markell Never Taught Carney

2 Comments
When he was engaged in a primary campaign against John Carney, future Governor Jack Markell told me how he intended to get shit done when he became Governor. "Politics 101... find out what the other side wants and don't give it to them until they give you something you want." It is hard to argue with the basic common sense of that formulation. It may not be pretty, but that's how things get done. And yet, now we have Democratic "leadership" completely flummoxed by Republicans simply acting like the Republican assholes they are. How did we get here?

Hansen Takes Both Sides on CZA Gutting

16 Comments
When the vote came down, she was for it. But not until she made sure everyone knew that she was also against it.
Though she ended up supporting the bill, Sen. Stephanie Hansen read a statement outlining her reservations about casting a "yes" vote. "Failing companies and those just limping along are usually incapable of cleaning up the mess they make," Hansen said. "And companies that are operating just fine right now will do only what they are expected to do and only when it is discovered."