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Violence in Mexico May Mean Spring Break in Palm Springs
Violence in Mexico changes plans for spring break, and a "trigger" provision in last month's state budget deal may increase cuts in state spending and raises in taxes. Also, despite the financial crisis, legislators are wined and dined by lobbyists. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, economic recession now threatens political upheaval around the world.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenA "trigger" provision in last month's state budget deal may increase both cuts in state spending and raises in taxes. We hear what federal stimulus money has to do with it. Plus, violence in Mexico is changing a lot of plans for spring break vacations. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, forget the "axis of evil." Economic recession now threatens political upheaval around the world, with national security consequences here in the US. We look at potential sources of trouble. Is Washington paying attention?
In this episode
4 storiesGlobal Recession and Insecurity
The World Bank says the global economy will shrink this year for the first time since the 1940’s. Falling demand in the West has led to the sharpest drop in world trade in 80 years. Millions of jobs are disappearing in developing countries.
Read the story26 minStimulus Could Trigger More State Taxes, Spending Cuts
In May, Californians will be asked to approve six ballot measures confirming $42 billion in spending cuts and new taxes that made up the compromise that was worked out in Sacramento last month. But taxes could be higher and spending cuts deeper if the state doesn’t get $10 billion in federal stimulus money.
Read the story7 minViolence in Mexico May Mean Spring Break in Palm Springs
Last month, the State Department renewed its warning against travel to Mexico, where it says “the greatest increase in violence has occurred near the US border.” The Los Angeles Times has reported that beheadings and bodies “ dissolved in barrels of lye ” have been found in and near Tijuana.
Read the story13 minLobbyists and Lawmakers Sipping Wine at Budget Time
December’s legislative spending reports were released last week, revealing that lawmakers of both parties continue to be wined and dined at lobbyists’ expense, 25 years after passage of political reform in California.
Read the story7 min
