TIS THE SEASON

MUSINGS --

In the wonderful world of SPAM I was given the opportunity to receive a letter from Santa. Hmmm - maybe I should. If he/she doesn't deliver I may have lawsuit potential. I'm sure there is someone who would take the case - suing Santa. There are so many new lawyer types being churned out these days, they are eager for business. Contingency basis of course.

Another wonderful week on the legislative scoreboard. Jobs and improved economy - 0; more social bs and things "who cares" 47. Let's see in one bill they managed to trump not only the Civil Service Commission but continue the campaign to bust unions by making a bonafide benefit no longer subject to bargaining...Wha? I do believe wages, benefits, working conditions are the actual REASON the union bargains.

Workers comp changes got hammered through that will make it horribly difficult for injured workers to get benefits. Explain this logic. One of the changes is if an injured person becomes well enough to take a job that pays more than their wc benefit they will have their benefits cut! Now understand, no job actually has to exist nor does it matter if you can get the job you just get your benefits cut. No sweat though, they said you can go to court. Well that solves the excess lawyer issue.Understand I used to administer wc bennies as part of my Personnel Director days. Trust me 99% are legit, are handled and people come back to work. I went after the 1% and won usually. That takes work and perseverance-everything cannot be legislated away folks...

Another mind-boggling, economy saving bill floated out there is to not allow hospitals to order mandatory flu shots for staff. Another wha?? If Grandma gets sick heaven forbid she has to go into a hospital where the biggest threat is from personnel who are already understaffed and working too many hours. Brilliant.

Now one potential bill I like is the idea that they cannot referendum-proof some lame brained legislation by attaching at least a $1 implementation fee to it. That means we the people, do not have the ability to question their judgement through a vote. Neat huh? Used by both sides for years. Time to get rid of this. If our overpaid part-timers really believe in what they are proposing, then let us have a chance to decide. Yeah, snowball's chance in Hades that one gets passed.

Oh and in the spirit of the Holidays a potential use of the "found" money in Lansing was to provide heating assistance to the less fortunate. Ooops, can't miss our extended winter break--so that bill may languish until after the holidays. Well it really gets cold in late January anyway. Hmmm, tax increases on the middle class, pensioners and teachers, ending of tax credits for mortgage costs and charitable contributions zoom through the legislature like roller skates on lard, but something to actually helps citizens not so much. Bah Humbug. Scrooge would be proud.