Governor Proposes Lowering State Workers Pay to $6.55 Per Hour; Group Homes Scramble for Funds; Orange County Journalists Roundtable; Should the Wealthiest Americans Pay More Taxes?; The Peace Corps
Governor Proposes Lowering State Workers Pay to $6.55 Per Hour
Governor Schwarzenegger is threatening to pay about two hundred thousand state employees the federal minimum wage of $6.55 per hour until lawmakers reach a deal on California's overdue state budget. State Controller John Chiang, whose office pays state employees, criticized the proposal as a political ploy that could end up costing the state even more in litigation fees. Larry Mantle talks with State Controller John Chiang, Matt David from the Governor's office, and Jim Hurt of the state employees union SEIU Local 1000.
Group Homes Scramble for Funds
The state has notified thousands of clinics, nursing homes and other medical providers that it's freezing Medi-Cal payments until a budget is approved. The state will stop Medi-Cal payments today. Larry talks with Elia Gallardo, Director of Government Affairs for the California Primary Care Association, and Cheryl Loflin-Wertz, CEO of Harbor Health Care Inc., about the impact the budget stalemate is having on the people being cared for in clinics and group homes.
Orange County Journalists Roundtable
Larry Mantle talks with OC Weekly staff writer Gustavo Arellano, Orange County journalist William Lobdell, and Orange County Register senior editorial writer and columnist Steven Greenhut about the latest news events and developments in Orange County.
Should the Wealthiest Americans Pay More Taxes?
According to the IRS, the tax rate of the wealthiest one percent of Americans has fallen to its lowest level in 18 years. But the richest Americans are paying more and more of country's taxes - 39.9% to be exact. Is the gap between rich and poor getting wider, and if so, if the wealthiest Americans pay more? Larry Mantle discusses the issue with Economic Policy Institute President Lawrence Mishel and Katherine Mangu-Ward of Reason.com.
The Peace Corps
In 1960 President John F. Kennedy challenged University of Michigan students to dedicate their time to the aid of developing countries. One year later the Peace Corps was formed as a vehicle for that mission. With decades of success and 139 countries served, the Corps is now attracting not just students, but baby boomers as well. Larry speaks with Peace Corps director Ronald Tschetter about the current state of the organization as well as an increased interest in volunteers aged 50 and older.