The Needs of the Many

Peachtree City recently cut jobs in response to the current economic crisis. In an novel effort, the city counsel put out a survey to decide if all employees were willing to take a 25 percent pay cut. A resounding 90 percent of workers decided "NO". Peachtree City will release 23 employees and outsource project to save over 800,000 dollars.

I have a personal stake in the decision to eliminate the 23 employees. My mother currently works for Peachtree City and supports my collegiate education. In addition, Peachtree City covers my medical expenses. The current situation cannot be remedied through budget cuts. Peachtree City must, however unpopular, increase millage rates.

http://www.fayettedailynews.com/article.php?id_news=3045

Gov Perdue to the....rescue?

Gov. Purdue just put the 30 million dollar budget for school nurses on the chopping block. In response to the ever increasing budget deficit, Governor Purdue continually proposes means and methods to preclude raising taxes. Under current school policy, students are unable to self medicate while on campus. The medical staff at local schools has been given the authorization to administer prescription medication (i.e. insulin) to underage students. The removal of school nurses will seriously hinder the safety of students currently enrolled in public schools.

I believe this to be a grave mistake. The public may view this as a positive method of reducing the deficit, however, without considering all the repercussions. If one child becomes ill without proper medical attention, for whatever reason, the public will vilify the Gov. I believe the Gov is looking for short-term gains at a long-term loss.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/02/21/churched0221.html

Peanuts not really that safe

The recent crisis covering the broad realm of peanuts must have George Washington Carver turning over in his grave. The biggest problem will continue to be recalling all affected products and regaining the publics trust in the manufacturing process. The most recent example of a poorly constructed warehouse stored raw peanuts with finished goods underneath a leaky roof. Furthermore, the strains of salmonella turned out to be resistant to antibiotics. Many companies are now looking for an alternative to GA grown peanuts to dispel the public's fears.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09peanuts.html?ref=us

Need to still save for retirement

The biggest worry for employees are retirement funds/401k supplied by employers. Many big companies announced a liquidation of retirement funds to maintain operations in the current economic climate. The very thing many employees counted on to cover the uncertain fate of social security/fica. However, Fidelity investments recorded only a 1 percent drop in overall retirement funds. The biggest lesson I've learned is preparing for my own eventual retirement outside of my employer and the government.


http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2009/02/08/news/state/20090208_arizo_190538.txt
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Caterpillar

Just recently Caterpillar committed a pr nightmare. The company spilled over 6,000 gallons of oil into a nearby river in Illinois. The costs of cleaning up a spill of that magnitude must be in the 10's of millions of dollars. I feel for the pollution/industrial waste spill cleanup crew.


http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Spill-Caterpillar-plant-closes-river/story.aspx?guid=%7B0A5668BC-806D-4D8E-9B34-1225B27FACA5%7D

Saudi Assures Asia

Latest news indicates an end to Saudi cutting the surplus to Asian markets. Due to the economic downturn, crude oil prices have fallen under current contractual obligations. In an effort to stabilize prices, Saudia Arabia has cut output by 10 percent. Hopefully, this will extend to the US in the future and maintain steady prices throughout the year!


http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService_3_MOLT/idUSTRE5180HD20090209