Gov. Jerry Brown is giving unions most of what they seek

Los Angeles Times ^ | 10/12/11 | Michael J. Mishak and Anthony York

[NormsRevenge]

When the dust settled on Gov. Jerry Brown's first legislative session in nearly three decades, no group had won more than organized labor, which heralded its largest string of victories in nearly a decade.

...

Those unions and others helped bankroll Brown's campaign last year.

Brown has long compared governing to steering a canoe — you paddle a little on the left, he says, and a little on the right. And indeed, he signed some measures desired by key interest groups this year while vetoing others.

Labor was no exception: He rejected a proposal to unionize tens of thousands of child-care workers, a measure to hamper new development by big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart and one to limit fees that banks can charge on workers who use company pay cards — debit cards issued by employers instead of paychecks.

But in the end, no group scored as much as labor. Brown embraced much of its wish list, an agenda his predecessor had thwarted.

"Finally, after seven long years of [Gov. Arnold] Schwarzenegger, we're moving in the right direction again," said Steve Smith, a spokesman for the California Labor Federation.

Brown has said he reviewed each bill on its merits after considerable research. "There were some tough calls, but in each case he acted in the best interests of the people of California," said Brown spokesman Gil Duran.

The governor has a complicated relationship with labor. ..

Last year .. Brown pledged to be a "hard bargainer for the public interest," saying he had the freedom to buck special interests in the twilight of his political career. Still, labor invested heavily in him, spending more than $29 million on his behalf and contributing millions more directly to his campaign.

Republicans and others said the governor succumbed to union influence this year.

[NormsRevenge]

I wonder if there are unions in Udopia 8-?

A Gomer Pyle moment.. Suhprize Suhprize!!!

[Reeses]

Math is not their strong suit but someone should explain to libtards that once they own 51% of the vote further pandering just advances the date of bankruptcy and their total loss of power.

[newzjunkey]

one to limit fees that banks can charge on workers who use company pay cards — debit cards issued by employers instead of paychecks.

What kind of nonsense is this?