The Politics Hour
D.C. prepares to hike taxes on high-income residents. Virginia gets ready to charge tolls on a major federal highway. And Prince George's county moves a step closer to installing a new council member. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Guests
Politics Hour Extra
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner (D) answers a caller's question about the sustainability of Social Security benefits. Warner said that when the system was created, the retirement age was set at 65 because average life expectancy was about 62, and the fact that people are living much longer now has created imbalance. Noting that reform is necessary, Warner said that politicians need to explain some of the math issues at hand (without intending to scare seniors) so that the public may understand future adjustments:
D.C. Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) talks about recent tensions between councilmembers concerning issues of civility, as well as some planned reforms concerning earmarks, constituent funds, and campaign contributions. Bowser said she had introduced a bill that would cut the amount of constituent funds that the mayor or a member could use from the current $80,000 limit to $40,000:
Comments
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I'd love to hear Tom's take on being escorted our by the police yesterday at the council's meeting
It was refreshing to hear Senator Warner speak today about Republicans finding a democrat to support and vice versa. It is not often when you hear a politician talk about the issues without layering political posturing. For the first time in a very long time, I felt a glimpse of hope that perhaps someone in Washington is actually trying to improve the country's financial crisis. Would love to hear more and possibly see the Senator put his hat in the ring for 2012.