The Free Press
MANKATO — Thumbs down
The U.S. Senate Tuesday failed to put some teeth in what seems to be a lot of proselytizing on the religion of fiscal restraint.
The Senate voted 53-46 to establish a budget commission that would recommend a budget to reduce the national debt and deficit. The measure needed 60 votes to pass. The proposal would require Congress to take an up or down vote on the commission’s budget recommendation, thereby removing the incentive for members to avoid politically tough, but fiscally necessary votes.
The failure to establish the commission whose proponents say could impose fiscal restraint where Congress can’t is particularly disappointing because the yes votes were from Democrats and Republicans. It was a truly bipartisan vote with 36 Democrats, 16 Republicans and one independent supporting the measure. Both Minnesota senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar voted in favor of the proposal, which was an amendment to the legislation to raise the national debt ceiling.
The senators halting this proposal included Republicans who worried it would make it easier to raise taxes and Democrats who worried it would make it easier to cut programs like Medicare and other favorite programs, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The votes shows that even solid ideas to get a handle on spending will be opposed by those favoring special interests and will be opposed by members of both parties.
The roll call vote can be viewed at http://is.gd/7iHJM.
Economy grows
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To some good economic news. We can use it.
The economy grew 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, faster than expected and the fastest pace since 2003.
If this quarter shows growth, it will mark the third straight quarter of growth and will provide the official definition of an end to a recession.
Economists point out that the strong fourth quarter growth did not come from the important segment of consumer spending. Job growth is unlikely until consumer confidence and spending pick up.
The growth came primarily from businesses spending money — replenishing low stockpiles, and buying new equipment. While not as flashy as consumer spending, the fact that businesses are investing again is an important indicator of an improved economy.
Free medicine for all
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To the community effort this week that made exercise its focus. “Exercise is My Medicine” featured local health experts as speakers as well as St. Louis Rams free safety and Mankato native Craig Dahl. The message was straightforward: Physical activity is beneficial.
Most everyone is aware of that, but having factual proof presented and testimonials to support the message was a worthwhile endeavor. Obviously, with people watching TV 10 times the amount of time they spend exercising, the message needs to be repeated continuously. The entire community benefits from having a healthier population and the “Exercise is My Medicine” program is a valuable asset to have.
Editorial Board
Haiti relief volunteers awesome
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I want to say a big thank you to all who have helped pack and pay for the 1,047,816 meals that have been shipped from our Mankato location to Haiti since the earthquake.
This is awesome, but hopefully this is just the start. The U.S. Navy is guaranteeing to safely ship as many meals as we make to the hands of people in Haiti.
We feed children, it’s what we do. Please help us in our fundraising efforts and to make more meals for Haiti.
Tim Stromer, director
Kids Against Hunger
