Alan Simpson: Not a Gentleman or a Scholar
By Anthony Wright
Health Access
Some of the most outrageous remarks in recent memory were made yesterday by former Senator Alan Simpson to the national leader of the Older Women's League (OWL) regarding entitlement to Social Security. Specifically, Mr. Simpson took it upon himself to respond to OWL in a very insulting and derogatory manner that 350 million women were in essence "sponging off" Social Security.
We took more attention than most because we value the membership of OWL of California as a Health Access California member, and active participant on our board. The great Betty Perry of OWL is the immediate past president of our board, and a longtime friend and ally of our organization. An insult to her is an insult to us. But even if we look beyond Senator Simpson's sexist and shameful language, was he right?
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By Anthony Wright
Health Access
Some of the most outrageous remarks in recent memory were made yesterday by former Senator Alan Simpson to the national leader of the Older Women's League (OWL) regarding entitlement to Social Security. Specifically, Mr. Simpson took it upon himself to respond to OWL in a very insulting and derogatory manner that 350 million women were in essence "sponging off" Social Security.
We took more attention than most because we value the membership of OWL of California as a Health Access California member, and active participant on our board. The great Betty Perry of OWL is the immediate past president of our board, and a longtime friend and ally of our organization. An insult to her is an insult to us. But even if we look beyond Senator Simpson's sexist and shameful language, was he right?
Floor Vote On Brownley Bag Ban Expected Monday
By Dan Aiello
California Progress Report
In what may turn out to be this year's most memorable legislative fight in Sacramento, Assembly Bill 1998, the single-use plastic bag ban introduced by Democrat Julia Brownley of Santa Monica, is scheduled for a Senate floor vote Monday, just one day before the legislature wraps up.
If a legislator managed to miss the huge statewide ad buy of AB 1998's opposition, a coalition led by the American Chemistry Council representing plastic bag manufacturers, there was no missing the giant blow-up turtle exhibit on the West Steps of the Capitol Friday, part of the bill sponsor, Heal the Bay's, last minute efforts to garner the two-thirds Senate vote required to pass the legislation.
