http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/legislature/ en-us Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:46:34 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413163/posts ITHACA -- A Tompkins County legislator is facing a misdemeanor charge related to an outstanding traffic violation. Martha Robertson, who also is the chairwoman of the legislature's public safety committee, said her arrest last week was the result of a paperwork mix-up and that the Ithaca Police shouldn't have taken her into custody, "They could've issued me a ticket right there," she said, adding that police refused her request to go to her house and see the paperwork. At the station, Sgt. Andy Navarro told her they were waiving her bail based on her community connections, and Patrick Kimmich --... FingerLakes1.com Local Network http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413163/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:46:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2407463/posts Ron Fusselman, Coffee D'Vine owner, has decided to step away from his candidacy for the District 17 Senate race. He has decides to bow out citing his support for Republican Candidate Jim Banks, a city councilman from Columbia City. Huntington Political Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2407463/posts#comment Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:39:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2399459/posts In a surprise move designed to end a brewing battle over who will be the next California Assembly speaker, current Speaker Karen Bass threw her support Wednesday behind rookie Assemblyman John Pérez of Los Angeles. Pérez, a University of California, Berkeley, graduate with long ties to organized labor, was elected last year in Los Angeles' 46th District. Over the last year, he has served as the Assembly's Democratic caucus chairman. If he becomes speaker, Pérez would make history as the first openly gay speaker of the Assembly. The Sacramento Bee http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2399459/posts#comment Thu, 3 Dec 2009 17:31:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2395895/posts A group representing California taxpayers gave more than half the state's lawmakers failing grades in its annual report card issued Tuesday, only months after the Legislature approved the largest tax cuts in state history. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association gave "F" grades to 73 out of 120 Assembly members and senators, with only 29 receiving "A" grades. The ratings from the fiscally conservative group split along ideological lines, with all of the failing grades going to Democrats, and none to Republicans. "This is a horrible report card," said David Wolfe, legislator director at the association. "It represents all the anger... Contra Costa Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2395895/posts#comment Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:36:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2373798/posts HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) announced legislation today that would reduce the size of the state legislature by more than 20 percent. Argall’s proposal would eliminate 10 House seats each decade through 2053. It would also eliminate five Senate seats. The legislation would ultimately trim the size of the Senate from 50 members to 45 and the House of Representatives from 203 members to 153. Pocono Record http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2373798/posts#comment Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:33:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2372998/posts There is absolutely no way I’ll be able to make this relevant to tech. But I’m posting it anyway. Our Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, vetoed a California legislative finance bill – AB 1176. The letter is terse and to the point. And the first letter of each line in paragraphs 2-3 are even terser and more to the point. Schwarzeneggers battles with the state legislature are epic. But this just goes way beyond epic. It’s something for the history books. (click the link to view the message...) TechCrunch.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2372998/posts#comment Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:42:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2370481/posts I’m not sure which is most amusing about Bill Lockyer’s rant to the state legislature this week. Is it his assertion that Democrats have to call out other Democrats when they run off the rails? Perhaps his telling them that two-thirds of what they produce is “just junk”? Insisting that more taxes won’t solve their problems, and that they have to start looking for ways to save money instead? Actually, all of that and more is just simple truth. Watch this first and see if you catch my favorite moment in this clip: CLICK ABOVE LINK TO VIEW THE SHORT... Hotair http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2370481/posts#comment Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:25:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2361328/posts California voters have never thought less of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state Legislature, according to a Field Poll to be released today. Despite that, a strong majority of poll respondents favor the governor's move to call a special session of the Legislature to deal with California's water crisis and tax reform issues. "It's really a cry of desperation," said Barbara O'Connor, a political science professor at Sacramento State University. "It's ironic. Voters don't like them, they don't trust them, but they want them to come back to Sacramento and solve their problems." Only 27 percent of poll respondents approve... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2361328/posts#comment Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:44:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2360070/posts Pennsylvania legislators may be relieved just to have a budget in place after a 101-day impasse, but one group of citizens wants to throw them out of office and start from scratch. A petition asks the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to invoke a provision of the state constitution to dissolve the General Assembly within 45 days and convene a constitutional convention to establish a new elective body. Proponents want to replace the current crew — 50 state senators and 203 house members — with a single chamber of no more than 70 members. Current assembly members would be barred from serving... Pocono Record http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2360070/posts#comment Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:03:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2359009/posts With U.S. unemployment at a 26-year high of 9.8 percent, the focus in Congress is increasingly on ways to help create and preserve jobs. Given that many economists expect the national jobless rate to continue going up well into 2010, this makes sense. Given that Democratic lawmakers worry that they may lose control of the House next year unless unemployment declines, there are also strong political motives to do something. But this must, repeat, must not include a new economic “stimulus” bill on top of the wasteful, poorly focused, pork-filled $787 billion measure approved in February. The New York Times... San Diego Union - Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2359009/posts#comment Fri, 9 Oct 2009 21:16:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2350904/posts September 29, 2009 Group Seeks To Scratch Plan For Part-Time California Legislature Steve Wiegand Sep. 29, 2009 Once upon a time - when new Volkswagen Beetles cost $1,825 and were fueled by 34-cent-a-gallon gasoline - California's legislators were part-time workers. That was 43 years ago. In November 1966, voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that gave legislators full-time positions. And nowadays, it seems, they never go home. In 2007, the Legislature met virtually the entire year, anchored in Sacramento by a regular session, a protracted budget fight and special sessions on water and health care. In 2008, lawmakers were in... Sacramento Bee http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2350904/posts#comment Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:33:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2339271/posts Hoping the end of the regular legislative session will provide a breather from hot-button issues around the Capitol? Don't hold your breath. The Commission on the 21st Century Economy meets in Berkeley today to continue tinkering with its recommendations for overhauling the state's tax system. At last week's meeting, commission members cast their plan as a "general approach" that will most likely merit more scrutiny and changes from the Legislature. That's a bad sign for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wanted lawmakers to take up the panel's plan with an up-or-down vote during a special session he's said he'll call later... SacBee: Capitol Alert http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2339271/posts#comment Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2330018/posts A "pandemic response bill" currently making its way through the Massachusetts state legislature would allow authorities to forcefully quarantine citizens in the event of a health emergency, compel health providers to vaccinate citizens, authorize forceful entry into private dwellings and destruction of citizen property and impose fines on citizens for noncompliance. If citizens refuse to comply with isolation or quarantine orders in the event of a health emergency, they may be imprisoned for up to 30 days and fined $1,000 per day that the violation continues. WorldNetDaily.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2330018/posts#comment Wed, 2 Sep 2009 02:49:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2304428/posts Aura dazzles, but argument gets things done. Consider the debate on the Democrats' health care bill and the increasingly negative response to Barack Obama's performance. Democrats have the numbers to pass a health care bill -- 256 votes in the House, 38 more than the 218 majority; 60 votes in the Senate, enough to defeat a filibuster. But they haven't come up with the arguments, at least yet, to put those numbers on the board. It's something not many predicted that bright January inauguration morning. Real Clear Politics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2304428/posts#comment Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:51:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2296016/posts In 1776, the rallying cry was, "No taxation without representation." Today, it could be, "No taxation without totally clueless representation." Philadephia Inquirer http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2296016/posts#comment Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:58:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2294377/posts That's what Nancy Pelosi promised the Dems Congress would be back in 2006. How's that working out? Check this AP story. "House Democrats muzzle GOP on sensitive issues" "Muzzle?" Well, at least I'm sure it's an honest, ethical and open muzzling. Actually, it turns out Pelosi's Congress is not even honest, ethical or open with members of its own party. Patriot Room http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2294377/posts#comment Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:04:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286380/posts National Rifle Association Arizona - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Senate passed three important self-defense bills in a session that lasted into the early morning hours Wednesday. First, SB 1113 enables law-abiding Right-to-Carry permit holders to carry firearms for self-defense in restaurants. This NRA-backed bill passed by an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority of 19-8 and will now be sent to Governor Jan Brewer’s (R) desk for her consideration. “If this important, common-sense legislation is signed, Arizonans will have the ability to defend themselves and their families from criminal attack in restaurants,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. “Headlines remind us that restaurants... ammoland.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286380/posts#comment Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:19:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279868/posts Unparalleled in the history of American political corruption is the backwards collection of scoundrels, scallywags, hooligans, rascals and charlatans collectively known as the Louisiana State Legislature. So seeing a rapper blasting profane lyrics in their chamber is—Very funny! How exactly this happened is still sort of unclear, but the gist of it is that the state decided to honor "Hurricane Chris," a Shreveport, Louisiana native, for all of his recent success by giving him the floor of the state House of Representatives for a few minutes, rather than say, naming a meaningless street after him or giving him the key... gawker.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279868/posts#comment Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:20:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279706/posts Gerry Stoltzfoos is a man of faith - but not the type who preaches constantly with in-your-face theology. Even the Gettysburg church where he serves as lead pastor is designed more as a gathering hall than as a shrine full of religious imagery. But when it comes to prayer, Stoltzfoos is steadfast in his approach of speaking directly to and addressing by name the Christian God he worships. "I think prayer is talking to God, so when I pray, I try to talk to him," said the pastor of Freedom Valley Worship Center. However, that principle clashed recently with a... The Evening Sun (Hanover, PA) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279706/posts#comment Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:23:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275192/posts California lawmakers passed a budget in February, but as the nation's economic downturn continued, so did the state's balance sheet. Over the past several months, state analysts predicted that in the 2009-10 fiscal year - which begins July 1 - the state would receive between $21.3 billion and $24.3 billion less than what it needed to cover spending in the February budget. That sent Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the legislature back to drawing board to find ways to spend less or bring in more money. On Wednesday, about a month after Schwarzenegger announced his budget proposal, the Democratic-controlled legislature released... Daily Bulletin http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275192/posts#comment Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:31:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2269603/posts The Oregon Senate has failed to pass legislation that would increase taxes in the state to raise 733 billion in revenue. The bill failed due to one vote. That of Democrat Senator Mark Hass. The legislation required a 2/3rds majority and was the Democrats cornerstone for balancing the State Budget. Looks as if they will be forced to take a more conservative path, that of living within the State's means to balance the budget. Lets send him flowers shall we? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2269603/posts#comment Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:46:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264059/posts Breaking news 4:24 PM N.H. legislators OK gay marriage The governor is expected to sign the bill, which would make New Hampshire the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. The Boston Globe http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264059/posts#comment Wed, 3 Jun 2009 20:37:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260466/posts AFSCME is passing out info in State office buildings to call state legislators and SEIU, AFSCME, and Obama's the rest of OBama's Acorn crew are running commercials for higher taxes Illinois General Assembly http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260466/posts#comment Fri, 29 May 2009 13:06:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2254970/posts Click here to watch the videoTalk on Nevada host Andy Matthews interviews Geoffrey Lawrence, NPRI's fiscal policy analyst, on Nevada's budget situation. Geoffrey is the author of Nevada's Freedom Budget: 2009-2011, which would fund priorities, eliminate waste and save Nevada over $1.7 billion compared to the legislature's budget. Andy and Geoffrey also talk about legislature's proposed job-killing, record-setting, billion dollar tax increase, Write on Nevada http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2254970/posts#comment Wed, 20 May 2009 20:53:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2254906/posts New Hampshire lawmakers unexpectedly rejected a bill on Wednesday that would have made the state the sixth in the United States to authorize gay marriage. The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives voted down the bill in a 188-186 vote, hours after its Senate approved the legislation 14-10 along party lines. An earlier version of the bill passed the state's House of Representatives on March 26. Both chambers had been asked to approve language that would give religious institutions opposed to gay marriage legal protections, including the right to decline to marry same-sex couples. That wording was added by Governor John Lynch,... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2254906/posts#comment Wed, 20 May 2009 19:39:55 GMT