State Pensions, Cesar Chavez, and Wine Deliveries
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is trying to boost the state economy by reforming state employee pension plans.
President Obama declares March 31th “Cesar Chavez Day” five days after March 31st.
Maryland legislators vote down a bill which would have allowed the state’s residents to receive wine in the mail.
1. ECONOMY
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is trying to boost the state economy by reforming state employee pension plans.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Editorial Director Ivan Osorio on why McDonnell’s plan is admirable.
“Indeed, as the Cato Institute’s Chris Edwards notes, Virginia, by barring collective bargaining by public employees, should serve as a model for other states. Almost as important is to depoliticize pension fund investment decisions, which have led pension funds to under-perform.”
2. POLITICS
President Obama declares March 31th “Cesar Chavez Day” five days after March 31st.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Warren Brooks Fellow Ryan Young on why Obama tiptoed around the naming of the national holiday.
“You’d think this would have been announced in advance. But Chavez remains a controversial figure. And the gesture will be seen by President Obama’s adversaries as yet more evidence of his capture by labor interests. The president could rebut those charges directly. Instead he actively avoided confrontation, which is one way of admitting guilt.”
3. REGULATION
Maryland legislators vote down a bill which would have allowed the state’s residents to receive wine in the mail.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Director of Risk and Environmental Policy Angela Logomasini on why the vote was a disappointment.
“Surely, responsible alcohol use is in order, but government bans and regulations are not necessary to protect us from ourselves. And the massive regulatory bureaucracy is not necessary to ensure simple ID checks to protect children. Instead, it largely serves politically organized players and government budgets.”