News Clips for Oct. 30, 2009

Labor News:

Cleaning Takes Toll On Custodians - WFSB (Click on video to see members of Local 566)
HARTFORD, Conn. - Custodians in Hartford said there’s just not enough staff, or even cleaning supplies to do their jobs efficiently. In light of flu concerns at other districts across the state, union members said that they had to speak out.

Connecticut Department Of Education Threatens To Fine Hartford School System - Courant
HARTFORD — The state Department of Education has threatened to levy fines against the city school system after failing, despite repeated attempts, to determine the job descriptions and qualifications of three people hired this summer.

OSHA issues record $87 million fine to BP - Associated Press
WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a record $87 million fine against oil giant BP PLC for failing to correct safety hazards after a 2005 explosion killed 15 people at its Texas City refinery.

State/Local News:

‘Trick-or-treaters’ protest outside Aetna exec’s door - New Britain Herald
FARMINGTON — Jamie Mott wanted to tell Aetna CEO Ronald Williams that she wants to find fulfilling work despite a disability that leaves her in chronic pain and without adequate health care due to a “pre-existing” condition. 

How Many Private Sector Jobs Were Created? - CT News Junkie
The state says it has created or retained 6,110 jobs with federal stimulus funds. However, most of those jobs are in the public sector.

National News:

Buoyant Democrats Unveil Health Care Legislation - New York Times
WASHINGTON — House Democrats on Thursday unveiled their bill to remake the health care system and said they had the votes to pass it. 

Full text: H.R. 3962--Affordable Health Care For America Act. 

Obama: Stimulus saved 1 million jobs - Politico
White House officials, under pressure from the economy's continuing job losses, plan to announce Friday that President Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan "has created and saved at least 1 million jobs" since he signed it in February.

Opinion:

Health reform's Chevy tax - Harold Meyerson/Washington Post
With Harry Reid's announcement Monday that he will send a bill containing a "public option" to the Senate floor, the biggest remaining difference between the pending Senate and House versions of health-care legislation may well come down to how to fund this $900 billion reform.

New Haven Education Experiment Could Be A Leading Light For Schools Around Nation - Rick Green/ Hartford Courant
New Haven, increasingly a model city for the state, is about to begin an education experiment that could lead school reform efforts around the nation.

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