shenanigans update
John Rodgers and Trent Seibert both have updated reports about the two controversial bills approved by the State House under very suspicious circumstances late last Saturday.
One of those bills significantly increased pension payments for retired legislators. Truth be told, if higher pensions encourage more retirements, it might be worth it to raise pensions higher still. Think of it like a corporate restructuring:  It’s got to be worth something to “buy out” legislators, in exchange for even more early retirements.
Kudos to Rep Beth Harwell and Sen Jim Bryson–Davidson County’s only Republican representatives. They were the only two Nashville elected leaders who voted against the retirement package. Surprisingly, even Senator Henry voted for the pay increases for state legislators.
May 31st, 2006 at 9:43 am
I’m not sure if I would praise Senator Bryson or not….he voted for it, against, and abstained….strange!
May 31st, 2006 at 11:59 am
Bryson didn’t vote against it. He abstained from that vote.
June 2nd, 2006 at 12:23 pm
[...] Ever since I’ve started this website, I’ve railed against the same kind of “sneaky procedural maneuvers” which he also decries. Though we approach several issues from opposite sides, both of us want those issues to be debated fairly and openly, and for a vote to be taken. Mr. Allen and I will each win on a few issues while losing on others, but we both recognize that first there must be a free debate and vote. [...]