Category: Uncategorized

>House Passes Garrett Budget Process Reform Legislation
Budget and Accounting Transparency Act would put GSEs on budget and require fair value accounting for federal credit programs
Feb 7, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Vice Chairman of the House Budget Committee, today applauded House passage of H.R. 3581, the Budget and Accounting Transparency Act.  Introduced by Garrett in December as part of a comprehensive set of budget process reform measures, H.R. 3581would bring government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on-budget and require fair value accounting for federal credit programs.

“If we truly are committed to balancing the budget and paying down our debt, we need to fully disclose all of our existing liabilities.  Otherwise, any attempt to correct our country’s spiraling debt crisis will be nothing but a desert mirage,” said Garrett after the bill passed the House.  “The American people are tired of Washington’s parlor games; they want to see their leaders be open and honest about the true extent of our debt crisis.  This bill not only gets us to a point where we can fully understand the severity of our country’s financial troubles, but provides the transparency we so desperately need to prevent runaway spending in the future.”

The Budget and Accounting Transparency Act would do the following:

Requires fair value accounting for federal credit programs.  The executive branch and Congress would be required to use “fair value” accounting in calculating the costs of federal credit programs that consider not only the borrowing costs of the federal government, but also the costs of the market risk the federal government is incurring by issuing a loan or loan guarantee. This reform would bring federal budgeting in line with private sector cost-estimating practices.

Requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct a study on extending this fair value methodology to federal insurance programs, which are currently accounted for on a cash-flow basis.

Brings Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on-budget to recognize the budgetary impact of these housing-related government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).  Since the financial crisis these enterprises have become the explicit financial responsibility of the federal government and these reforms would ensure that the budgetary implications of that fact are reflected in the federal budget.

Requires the CBO and OMB to conduct a study on the use of budgetary terms related to money collected by the federal government, which has become jumbled and inconsistent over the decades.

Requires that agencies make public the budgetary justification materials prepared in support of their request for use of taxpayer dollars.

>PATCH TO REDUCE STAFF, CHANGE EDITORIAL FOCUS

A Patch insider tells Romenesko readers that the AOL-owned hyperlocal news sites plan to cut staff and freelance budgets and start producing “easy, quick-hitting, cookie-cutter copy.” Examples: Best Ofs, and features like “What’s happening to this vacant storefront?”

The Patch source adds: “This morning we just got word of the hiring of Rachel Fishman Feddersen in the newly created position of Chief Content Officer. She was editor in chief of Parenting.com and held leadership posts at Ladies Home Journal, Disney’s Family.com and was, most recently, editorial director of The Parenting Group. Brian Farnham, our Editor In Chief, now reports to her.”

https://jimromenesko.com/2012/02/08/patch-to-reduce-staff-change-editorial-focus/

>Bishop: New Mandate Goes Against Catholicism
By Jon Berg
Published: February 5, 2012, 10:00 PM

SIOUX FALLS, SD – A new mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is causing a lot of controversy within the Catholic church.

Bishops from across the country, including right here in South Dakota, say the rule compromises religious freedom.

Hundreds of thousands of Catholics attended mass across the country Sunday, and many were told about the new healthcare mandate that religious leaders believe is a violation of the church’s beliefs.

“It’s a core issue of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, Bishops all across the country are responding in the same way because we feel as if our freedom of religion, our ability to live out the church teachings are being compromised by this regulation that’s come out of the department of human services,” Bishop Paul Swain with the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese said.

https://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=127285

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Senate Democrat Bob Menendez stopped by the Ridgewood Train station Monday morning for a photo op to pitch the Federal Transit Bill 
the staff of the Ridgewood blog 

(RIDGEWOOD-NJ) Senate Democrat Bob Menendez stopped by the Ridgewood Train station Monday morning for a photo op to pitch the Federal Transit Bill that will give New Jersey $63M in federal transit funding if it’s passed by the Senate.

The bill also contains a number of programs the Senator championed including:

A New $20 Million Transit Oriented Development Planning Program.  The $20 million program will help communities create more livable communities by planning new development around new transit hubs.  The provision is based on similar language in Senator Menendez’s Livable communities Act, and in New Jersey would work in tandem with the state’s Transit Village program.

Increased Funding for the National Transit Institute at Rutgers (NTI) [$5million]. NTI provides training, education, and clearinghouse services in support of public transportation and quality of life for the entire nation.  In recent years this important national program has seen its funding slashed, despite the increased need for training in the face of an ongoing wave of retirements in the industry. This bill will raise NTI’s funding to $5 million per year from $3.8 million.

Increased Clean Fuels Program Funding [From $51.5M to $65M].  This competitive program for clean fuel transit vehicles and for refueling infrastructure will help agencies switch from dirty, expensive fuels, to cleaner, cheaper fuels.  This will help improve air quality and allow transit agencies to untether themselves from volatile oil prices.

Increased Funding for Transportation for Seniors and the Disabled [NJ Funding Goes From $6.5 M to $7.8 M]. With demand for senior transportation increasing, the bill is able to meet that demand with increased resources.

Streamlined and Reformed “New Starts” Process. The bill streamlines the process for the federal approval of new projects and allows projects designed to increase capacity on existing systems rather than just allow new systems or new lines.  Older systems such as New Jersey’s that are at capacity could, for instance, use the program to add a new station, add another track, or purchase bigger train cars.

Menendez recently found himself out of party good graces when he became the first Democrat to reject one of President Obama’s judicial appointments. He first claimed  Judge Patty Shwartz, whom Obama nominated in October, was not qualified to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia.Later Menendez reversed himself and said he would support the nomination.

Menendez was also recently jilted when West New York Mayor Dr. Felix Roque, a Hudson County Democrat,endorsed Republican State Sen. Kyrillos for the U.S. Senate seat held by Robert Menendez, also a fellow North Bergen Democrat.

Sources claim Sen Menendez  was invited to Ridgewood by his friend Councilmen Paul Aronsohn . The funny thing is that no media sources except for the “Patch” also a friend of the Councilmen covered the event.

Observes found it odd the the Senator would use the controversial Ridgewood Train station as a back drop to promote more transit spending when the station has come under so much criticism for the $800,000 gutters, $2million dollars for the roof and ADA compliant elevators to nowhere .

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Green Kids Program – NJ Audubon Society

Animal Tracks, Trails and Trek for Kids

The Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood, welcomes Patrick Scheuer, Director of NJ Audubon’s Lorrimer Sanctuary, to teach about winter in the woodlands. Discussions will include hibernation, migration and survival; how birds, mammals, insects and plants adapt to the winter months. Students must dress appropriately for the outdoor winter trek in search of animal tracks and trails.

Students in Grades 3-5 are invited to meet at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, on Wednesday, February 22nd, from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $20 for the workshop. Registration may be made online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or in person or by mail – The Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may download the registration form from the Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation. For more information or assistance please contact the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560.

 

>Ridgewood Parks and Recreation presents Comic Book Creations 

During February School Recess From super heroes to fun silly characters, participants will learn how to begin to create a comic book, taking their imagination to a whole new level. Class is instructed by local resident Joe Federico. Village students in grades K–3 are invited to join. The workshop will be held at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, during the February school recess on Tuesday, February 21st (snow date is Feb 24 if needed). Grades K and 1 will meet from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and Grades 2 and 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This cost is $20 which includes all materials.

Registration is available online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or by mail/in person to The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue. The Recreation Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can locate the registration form on our website at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation. If you have any questions, or if special accommodations are needed, please call the Recreation Department at (201) 670-5560.

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West Bergen Tea Party Meeting 7 pm, Tuesday, February 14 at the Larkin House

West Bergen Tea Party
Presentation of the
Americans For Prosperity
Defender of the Taxpayers Award
       To
Assemblyman David Russo
also
Count Down to NOBAMA
Implementation

Join us 7 pm, Tuesday, February 14 at the Larkin House
380 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff
(1/4 mile North of Stop & Shop on the right)
More Information: 201 891-5918
conservative_caucus@verizon.net
www.westbergenteaparty.com

>TSA Trains Super Bowl Hot Dog Sellers To Spot Terrorists
 
VIPR search teams to be out in force before Sunday’s big game
Paul Joseph Watson
Infowars.com
Friday, February 3, 2012

Despite acknowledging there are “no credible or specific threats” to the safety of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, the TSA is training thousands of fast food sellers and other vendors to spot terrorists under the “First Observer” program.

“TSA said over 8,000 stadium vendors, parking lot attendants, shuttle bus drivers, and other transportation professionals received the agency’s First Observer training for detecting and assessing indicators and planning tactics of potential terrorist activities,” reports Government Security News.

https://www.infowars.com/tsa-trains-super-bowl-hot-dog-sellers-to-spot-terrorists/

>Exploring America’s Entrepreneurial Edge
by Free Enterprise
https://www.freeenterprise.com/entrepreneur/exploring-america%E2%80%99s-entrepreneurial-edge

BBC News has launched a new series talking to entrepreneurs around the world. In its first installment, the news outlet spoke to three American entrepreneurs about their successes and challenges, asking the question, “What are the reasons behind America’s continuing entrepreneurial success—and can they be copied?”

Interviews with Smashburger founder Tom Ryan, Lean Startup author Eric Ries, and London-based entrepreneur Julie Meyer, reveal three reasons the U.S. has an entrepreneurial edge over many European nations.

Cultural acceptance of risk: Ries observes that failure is “almost seen as a useful experience” and that one of the key cultural factors in America’s favor is “a willingness to tolerate failure. Add to that European countries’ high personal liability levels for entrepreneurs and it starts to become clear why the U.S. has an advantage.

Financing and tax policy: Access to capital and uncertainty over tax policy are two of the repeated challenges U.S. entrepreneurs cite. Those issues aren’t unique to American soil; in fact, Meyer suggests U.K. policies lag even further behind. She says, “The U.K. government needs to cut taxes for small firms to help spur growth and act as an incentive.”

Smaller government: According to Meyer, European countries have discouraged entrepreneurship by providing too much government assistance, but that may be all about to change. “Governments need to be much smaller, with more focus on individuals,” Meyer says. “And we are now heading in that direction, because European governments suddenly realize they cannot afford to be so large.”

https://www.freeenterprise.com/entrepreneur/exploring-america%E2%80%99s-entrepreneurial-edge

>Readers question Audrey Meyers New Appointment

The thing that springs to mind, for me, is whether this appointment will be used in part to bring influence to bear in her strident mission to limit competition — evidenced by Valley’s ongoing legal fight against the re-opening of the Pascack Valley Hospital under the Hackensack’s management, and her fierce stand about excess health care capacity in the state. For example, if excess capacity is such an issue, maybe Valley’s recent attempt to double in size in a residential neighborhood while converting to all single bed rooms, could have been moderated by choosing to design it for a few less rooms while converting to all singles. That might be a good example of leadership — just a thought.

I just hope this influential position isn’t used to affect the landscape so as to hinder the historically smaller facilities in the service areas of the larger hospitals, or in our area in particular…. I understand the challenges of excess capacity, supply and demand, and so forth, but I hope the position will be used to support fair competition, not to shape or meld it.

 

>Gallup state numbers predict huge Obama loss

Gallup released their annual state-by-state presidential approval numbers yesterday, and the results should have 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue very worried. If President Obama carries only those states where he had a net positive approval rating in 2011 (e.g. Michigan where he is up 48 percent to 44 percent), Obama would lose the 2012 election to the Republican nominee 323 electoral votes to 215.

https://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/gallup-state-numbers-predict-huge-obama-loss/352881

>Christie calls Assemblyman Reed Gusciora ‘numbnuts’


As he attempted to clarify a controversial comment he made last week about same-sex marriage and civil rights, Gov. Chris Christie Monday called openly gay Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) “numbnuts.”


The name-calling came as the governor tried to clear up the comment he made in regards to his call for a voter referendum on same-sex marriage in New Jersey instead of the Democratic-controlled Legislature sending him a bill to legalize it. He has voted to veto the proposal.  (Hester, New Jersey Newsroom)


https://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/christie-calls-assemblyman-reed-gusciora-numbnuts

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sorry we couldn’t resist

Police roll out video surveillance truck called The Peacemaker

FORT LAUDERDALE—Tania Ouaknine is convinced the police are watching her.

She’s not paranoid — it says as much on the red sign painted along the side on the hulking armored truck that’s been parked in front of her eight-room Parisian Motel for several days.

“Warning: You are under video surveillance,” reads the bold message on the side of the truck.

From the front bumper of the menacing vehicle, another sign taunts: “Whatcha gonna do when we come for you?”

The truck is a new weapon for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in the fight against drugs and neighborhood nuisances, and it looks like a Winnebago on steroids. They call it “The Peacemaker,” and it may be a first in South Florida.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/fl-neighborhood-crime-surveillance-20120126,0,5814428.story

>BOE Elections : the people who come out to vote in the spring are the only ones who actually know what they’re voting for and care. 

People can twist this to suit their own arguments and spin it any way they want, but they can’t get around the fact that the people who come out to vote in the spring are the only ones who actually know what they’re voting for and care.

The vote is about money and yes, it’s also about how the money is spent. It’s about who will serve us best on the board and sometimes it’s about what certain “groups” want. I don’t agree with some of those groups and do agree with others, but “special interests” are in fact a real part of voting, in November as well. People who care should come out and vote. If you feel a group is getting the upper hand, then motivate others to vote. But none of us need more ignorant opportunists who just push the buttons closest to their party designation. Diluting the budget and BOE vote with that serves no good purpose.

>All Star All Beethoven Concert Parloff Chamber Concerts

Sunday, February 12 at 4PM, West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 S. Monroe St., Violin Sonata in F; Opus 24 (Spring); Cello Sonata in G Minor; Opus 5; No. 2; Piano Trio in B-Flat, Opus 97 (Archduke). For tickets and information – go to ParlanceChamberConcerts.org Tickets: Adults $40; Seniors: $30; Students $20