Pension reform urged to curb lavish congressional pensions
A Connecticut Democrat Rep. Robert Giaimo urged action to separate lawmakers from pension wealth, criticizing the lucrative federal retirement for members of Congress. Reports show a looming $403 billion deficit for federal retirement funds, with Congress after 32 years able to reach the top pension cap, while average civil servants retire on far less. Open disclosure and accountability are proposed as first steps toward reform.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Rep
Robert Giaimo
Connecticut
House
Carl Albert
Congressional Joint Economics Committee
Civil Service
Office of Personnel Management
ERA persists in national polls despite Iowa defeat
The piece notes Iowa voters defeated the state ERA while a Harris poll found a 52 percent national majority in favor. It cites state rescissions and legislative inertia, but argues broad belief in equal rights remains, despite fears of outcomes like same sex marriage or locker room concerns. It urges continued efforts to restore confidence in ERA.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Abc-Harris
Transition reform needed to speed presidential changeover
An analysis warns that a two month funeral like transition between Carter and Reagan risks dangerous power gaps. It proposes a 30 day post election inauguration and Sept 1 transition funding to let non incumbents begin prep, with public access to some security clearance information.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
White House
Letters to The Gazette prompts public debate on taxes and libraries
A reader criticizes spending on disaster aid and welfare cuts while urging local Cedar Rapids residents to oppose a downtown library project priced at 7.5 million. The letter argues for home relief first, questions library funding, and calls for more citizen advocacy on taxation and public services. It urges activists to petition and express views amid rising costs and budget pressures.
Unemployment and Job Discrimination Complaints
A reader laments unemployment hardships and notes bias in hiring, revealing frustration at not being interviewed while known candidates are hired, calling for fair hiring practices and addressing discrimination in job listings.
Full Circle Education: Back to Basics and Beyond
A writer laments past methods from multiplication memorization to spelling drills and phonics, bemoaning changes like open spaces classrooms and new math. He urges basic skills, literacy tests, and a return to classics, imagining Latin and Greek study as a future cornerstone.
Eastern Iowans invited to share thoughtful observations
Frances Heaton of Cedar Rapids, a former long time Cedar Rapids Community Schools teacher, Latin and language arts, now a substitute, previously served as state chairman of the Junior Classical League.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frances Heaton
Cedar Rapids
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