Re: Re: Sen. Jeffords leaves Republican party

[Margaret Coleman <drmsecon@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nathan Newman mentions (among other things, remarks reprinted below) the minimum
wage legislation which might be revived now that the Senate has a democratic
majority of one.  Last I checked (about a year ago) there was a rider on this
legislation which would destroy overtime laws in most states and go a long way
towards getting rid of the 8 hour day.  Apparently there is a rider which would
allow employers to demand employees work additional hours without paying time
and a half.  While overtime laws are already weak at best -- not covering
retail, restaurants or serving positions, they do keep the tendency of employers
to underemploy labor in check.  maggie coleman

Nathan Newman wrote:

> Don't expect revolutionary changes, but do expect a significant progressive
> shift.  Many of Bush's judicial nominations will now die in committee where
> they would have moved forward.  Jeffords will take over the Environment
> committee where most of Bush's anti-environment energy bill will die a happy
> death.
>
> And popular bills that the GOP have blocked coming to the floor- such as
> minimum wage increases, a prescription drugs benefit for Medicare, and a
> patient bill of rights bill - will come to a vote and pass the Senate,
> putting political pressure on the House to pass them as well.
>
> Conservative Dems like Zell Miller and Ben Nelson will still throw many
> votes to the GOP, but the shift in agenda will highlight why it does matter
> which party is in control, not for revolution - since that is made at the
> grassroots not inside the Beltway - but for the legislative reforms that
> benefit people day-to-day.
>
> Nathan Newman
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "ravi narayan" <gadfly@xxxxxxxx>
> To: <pen-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 10:22 AM
> Subject: [PEN-L:12098] Sen. Jefferts leaves Republican party
>
> didnt see a post on this so far, and for those who may not yet
> have heard: sen. jefferts of vermont has left the republican
> party, as predicted, as outlined in his press conference this
> morning. of particular interest is that he slammed bush's
> education policy. this of course gives the democrats the
> senate majority. expect great revolutionary changes and the
> common good of the people to finally emerge ;-)
>
> --ravi