West Nile, Union Corruption and Federal Courts
The West Nile Virus has infected individuals in 28 states so far this year.
The Los Angeles Times publishes a 3-part series on corruption allegations being leveled at the leadership of the Service Employees International Union.
A federal appeals court issues an opinion on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
More headlines: listen to the CEI Weekly Podcast.
1. HEALTH
The West Nile Virus has infected individuals in 28 states so far this year.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Director of Risk & Environmental Policy Angela Logomasini on the debate over using pesticides to control diseases like West Nile:
“For decades, environmentalists have been trying to scare the public about pesticides, when in fact pesticides pose little risk when used properly and they are a critical part of controlling disease outbreaks. Pesticides meet very stringent federal safety standards and are applied at such low levels that the public has little need to worry about them. Unfortunately, many communities chose not to use pesticides because of environmentalist hype. We may be seeing more deaths as a result.”
2. LABOR
The Los Angeles Times publishes a 3-part series on corruption allegations being leveled at the leadership of the Service Employees International Union.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Editorial Director Ivan Osorio on SEIU’s objections to layoffs of state employees in California:
“SEIU is the same union that is suing to prevent layoffs of state employees in California, which is facing a $15.2 billion budget deficit. An organization where this kind of thing [profligate spending of members’ dues] may have gone on is hardly in a position to tell state governments — or anybody — how to better spend — or not spend — their money. This is especially so in light of the Los Angeles Times‘ account of the SEIU headquarters’ reaction to the allegations at the Los Angeles local.”
3. LEGAL
A federal appeals court issues an opinion on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: General Counsel Sam Kazman on why the Board’s conduct was being challenged:
“The Accounting Board has acted in a manner befitting an unconstitutionally structured agency, imposing incredibly excessive regulations on the American economy.”
Listen to the CEI Weekly Podcast here.