Today on AirTalk, our weekly political political roundtable takes a look at what happened in Iowa. Also on the show, we discuss a proposed state takeover of PG&E; California's mandatory physical education tests; and more.
Week In Politics: Iowa Voting Malarkey And The Coming Conclusion To Impeachment Saga
Democratic party officials in Iowa worked furiously Tuesday to deliver the delayed results of their first-in-the-nation caucus, as frustrated presidential candidates claimed momentum and plowed ahead in their quest for the White House.
Technology problems and reporting “inconsistencies” kept Iowa Democratic Party officials from releasing results from Monday’s caucus, the much-hyped kickoff to the 2020 primary. It was an embarrassing twist after months of promoting the contest as a chance for Democrats to find some clarity in a jumbled field with no clear front-runner. Instead, caucus day ended with no winner, no official results and many fresh questions about whether Iowa can retain its coveted “first” status.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial heads toward a historic conclusion this week, with senators all-but-certain to acquit him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after narrowly rejecting Democratic demands to summon witnesses. We get the latest.
With files from the Associated Press.
Guests:
Robert Leonard, special news editor for KNIA-KRLS Radio, which broadcasts in the cities of Knoxville, Pella and Indianola, Iowa; author of the “Deep Midwest: Midwestern Explorations” (Ice Cube Press, 2019); he tweets
James Lynch, reporter for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; he covers politics, government and the Iowa legislature; he tweets at
Lawrence Norden, director of the Electoral Reform Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law
Ron Elving, senior editor and correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News; he tweets
, president of Emerge America, a national organization that works to identify and train Democratic women who want to run for political office; she is the former national political director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and has been a staffer for Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI); she tweets
Jack Pitney, professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College; he tweets
Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State; he tweets
Sen. Scott Wiener Proposes State Take Over Of California Utility PG&E
California’s largest power company PG&E has been embroiled in problems throughout the last decade. Now, Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener is calling for the state to take over the utility’s operations with proposed legislation.
As KQED reports, the state-run utility would be modeled off the Long Island Power Authority in New York. Others have also called for changes in how the utility is run, including San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, who proclaimed interest in a local take over. Although some PG&E workers have voiced concerns about their jobs and pensions, Wiener has said protecting workers is a key priority.
Today on AirTalk, we discuss how the proposed take over could impact rate payers. What do you think? Should the state take control of the utility?
We reached out to PG&E, and the company responded with this statement:
We oppose Senator Wiener’s proposed framework, and PG&E’s facilities are not for sale. Additionally, changing the structure of the company would not create a safer or cleaner operation. Recent takeover attempts have largely failed due to a range of factors.
We remain firmly convinced that a government or customer takeover is not the optimal solution that will address the challenges ahead and serve the long-run interests of all customers in the communities we serve. We remain focused on fairly resolving wildfire claims and exiting the Chapter 11 process as quickly as possible. PG&E is committed to working with all stakeholders to make the necessary changes moving forward to build a stronger and safer PG&E and be the company our customers and communities want and deserve.
As we shared in our CPUC testimony on Friday, PG&E is pursuing a plan to regionalize our operations to better achieve the customer-focused health, welfare, and safety outcomes everyone wants, expects and deserves.
Guests:
Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), author of SB 917; California State Senator representing Senate District 11, which includes all of the city and county of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, Daly City, and part of South San Francisco; he tweets
Mindy Spatt, communciates chief with the non-profit consumer advocacy group The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
Should California Table Its Mandatory Physical Education Test?
Citing bullying and discrimination of students who are non-binary or differently abled, Governor Gavin Newsom has tucked a proposal into an education omnibus trailer bill that was released last week that would put the state-mandated physical education test on hold until at least 2023 while experts explore the purpose of the test as well as how the state administers it.
H.D. Palmer with the California Department of Finance told POLITICO that the proposal follows complaints from parents across the state that because the test includes a Body Mass Index screening that only offers male or female options, it is inherently discriminatory towards non-binary students and students with disabilities. The requirement has been in place since 1996. Governor Newsom’s proposal directs State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to turn in a report with recommendations in late 2022.
Do you agree with the proposal to get rid of this test? Join the conversation at 866-893-5722.
Guests:
Debra Patterson, professor of physical education and pedagogy at California State University, Fullerton
Is The Gig Economy Ruining Your Friendships?
Need an egg to finish a recipe? With apps like Postmates and Instacart, your next door neighbor might be the last place you look to get it.
Rides to the airport, dog walks and trips to the grocery store once used to be the types of favors a good friend or a kind neighbor could be relied on to execute. But now, those that can afford it are increasingly turning to app-based hourly workers to carry out daily tasks. In a piece for Slate, writer Susie Armitage writes about how the gig economy’s financial incentivization of favors could be reorganizing the way we interact with our communities. Favors are a crucial way that most acquaintances strengthen a bond and turn it into a friendship based on trust and reciprocity. By consistently outsourcing that work for pay, we might be reluctant to lean on others when we really need them.
Has the gig economy changed how you interact with your community? Do you use apps over asking a favor of a neighbor? We want to hear from you. Join the conversation at 866-893-5722.