Obama Wants 'Gang of 8' to Give Him Immigration 'Legacy'

For the first four years of his Presidency, President Obama took no action on reforming our immigration system. In the lead-up to the November elections, he, again, promised to make immigration reform a priority. Since his reelection, however, he has offered no substantive proposals for reform. Now that Senate negotiators appear to be nearing a deal, however, Obama has made it known that he sees reform as part of his "legacy." Obama is always ready to claim credit after others have done the work. 1 Apr 2013

Business, Labor Cut Deal for Immigrant Prevailing Wage

A sticking point in negotiations over an immigration reform deal has been the business community's desire to have a consistent, reliable visa process for guest workers and unions' fear that such a system would depress wages. On Saturday, negotiators for the two sides announced they had reached a deal. Under terms of the deal, the US would provide up to 200k visas a year for low-skilled workers and the law would require that these workers would be guaranteed to earn either an amount equal to US citizens' wages or the "prevailing wage", whichever is higher. If enacted, the deal would represent an unprecedented intrusion into the labor market. 30 Mar 2013

NY Taxpayers Subsidize Minimum Wage Hike

Minimum wage hikes are the poster children for the law of unintended consequences. Mandated wage hikes crowd young and low-skilled workers out of the labor force and reduce the availability of entry-level jobs critical to advancement up the job ladder. New York, apparently, wasn't satisfied with these well-documented distortions and has added an entire new category to disrupt the labor market. The state has hiked the minimum wage, but also established a refundable tax credit to cover the higher wage costs, but only for workers 16-19 making exactly the new minimum wage. 30 Mar 2013

State Auditor: CA Net Worth Negative $127.2 Billion

At end of the week, California's State Auditor released its annual financial report for the state. The report, compiled by Auditor Elaine Howle, found the state has a net worth of -$127.2 billion. If the state were a business, it would be a candidate for liquidation. 30 Mar 2013

Eyewitness: First Daughters' Security 'Shut Down' Idaho Store

The Secret Service security detail for First Daughters Sasha and Malia Obama "shut down" an Idaho retailer in the latest turn of their spring break vacation, according to an eyewitness. President Barack Obama recently cited Secret Service staffing issues due to sequester cuts as the reason for cancelled White House tours. 29 Mar 2013

KY Dems Pin Hopes on Grimes, Despite Checkered Family History

Democrats are convinced that Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell is vulnerable in next year's midterm elections. Even the most vulnerable Senator, however, needs an opponent in order to lose. Actress Ashley Judd floated, and then quickly deflated, her own trial ballon about opposing McConnell. Dem hopes now seem to be focused on 34-year-old Alison Lundergen Grimes to challenge McConnell. She comes into the race with considerable family baggage. 29 Mar 2013

Report: First Daughters Now Spring-Breaking on Idaho Slopes

Local Fox affiliate KMTV is reporting that the First Daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama, are vacationing on the ski slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho. Earlier this week, Breitbart News broke the news that the First Daughters were on a spring break trip in the Bahamas, with Secret Service protection in tow, despite staff shortages that the White House cited in closing tours to the public. 29 Mar 2013

With White House Closed, Biden Takes 3rd Vacation of 2013

This Spring Break, the White House is closed to public self-guided tours. Thousands of students have been turned away in a bid to trim $2 million from the Secret Service budget. The cost-cutting, however, only goes so far. On Thursday, VP Joe Biden jetted off to the luxurious Kawaih Island in South Carolina for a relaxing weekend of sun and golf. It's his third vacation of the year. 29 Mar 2013

NRSC Doesn't Know What Happens in the Senate

For months, I have noted that the GOP has an historic opportunity to take control of the Senate next year. The political map and climate is in their favor, but if they aren't up to the task, a third election-in-a-row will be squandered. Today, the Senate Republican campaign arm is still calling on Senate Democrats to pass a budget. The Democrats passed a budget almost a week ago. NRSC is not ready for prime time. 28 Mar 2013

GDP: Consumer Spending Growth Less Than Expected

Thursday morning, the Commerce Department released its latest revisions to 4th Quarter GDP estimates. Two months ago, preliminary data showed the economy contracting by 0.1% in the October-December period. Today's data showed the economy was essentially flat, expanding by just 0.4%. In a worrisome revision, however, personal consumer spending growth was revised down to 1.8%, from an earlier estimate of 2.2% growth. Consumer spending drives 70% of economic activity. 28 Mar 2013