|
|
| The PRESSTIME blog presents news and perspective on events going on in the newspaper industry. |
 |
New Congress Opens Today with Economy in Mind
When the 111th Congress convenes today, look for fresh faces, a bigger Democratic majority in both houses and an agenda that could have newspapers playing defense for much of the next two years.
As I reported in a January PRESSTIME story, Congress is likely to spend the first part of the session developing an economic stimulus package. While congressional leaders warned it probably won’t be ready for President-elect Barack Obama’s signature when he takes office on January 20, Obama said Monday he hopes to sign the legislation by the beginning of February.
Another item Obama could find on his desk soon is so-called card-check legislation, which would give workers the chance to form a union if at least 50 percent of employees sign authorization cards. Obama supported the bill as a senator in the 110th Congress, as did Hilda Solis, a California congresswoman he has tapped as labor secretary. Two other issues – how to classify workers and whether the government should regulate online behavioral advertising – also could wind up on Congress’ plate. But as Paul Boyle, NAA senior vice president of public policy, told me, given the state of the economy and the midterm congressional elections next year, “Congress is going to have to temper itself and not overreach.” Indeed.
You can read the rest of my article in the January issue of PRESSTIME, available in print and as a digital edition at www.naa.org/presstime.
-- Mary Lynn F. Jones
Published
Jan 06 2009, 09:10 AM
by
Lisa Rabasca
About Lisa Rabasca
Lisa Rabasca is managing editor of digital communications for NAA. She is a former daily newspaper reporter. She has 20-plus years of experience at newspapers, magazines and newsletters. She also has worked at the American Press Institute as API’s manager of communications.
|