Which Way, L.A.?
Despite Huge Shortfall, City Budget Negotiations Continue
LA's Mayor and City Council are moving farther apart on early retirement but layoffs and furloughs are more likely than ever. Plus, the US Supreme Court may be asked to decide California's prison problems. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, attacks on America's first black President and his proposals have inflamed America's ongoing controversy about race and politics at a time of economic anxiety.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenLos Angeles' elected officials weren't talking in public today as were negotiating with powerful unions. Will layoffs, furloughs and cutbacks in services be needed to save $405 million? Plus, California prison officials admit they may be held in contempt by federal judges. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, attacks on America's first black President and his proposals have inflamed America's ongoing controversy about race and politics at a time of economic anxiety. We look at the possible consequences.
In this episode
3 storiesIncivility and the Race Card in US Politics
At town halls and tea parties, on cable TV and on the Internet — even in Congress --America's political discourse is increasingly angry and vitriolic. With the first black president in the White House, Republicans and the media are accused of inflaming racial anxieties.
Read the story28 minState Unlikely to Meet Federal Demands on Prison Population
Late tomorrow, state prison officials will report that they have failed to meet inmate population reductions demanded by a panel of federal judges. Yesterday, on a conference call with legislative staff members, the deputy chief of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation admitted he and others may be held in contempt.
Read the story5 minFacing Huge Shortfall, City Budget Negotiations Continue
LA Mayor Villaraigosa says he'll veto an early retirement program he once supported. After two days of long, closed-door sessions with a coalition of labor unions, the City Council voted unanimously to keep the idea alive. But, with the city spending a million dollars a day more than it takes in, layoffs and furloughs are more likely than ever.
Read the story18 min
