Inside Government

Matthew Brooks, Rick Perlstein, Gloria Totten, and Dean Baker

AFGE — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

A recent swine flu outbreak at the Krome Service Processing Center in Miami, Fla. will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Matthew Brooks, president of AFGE Local 527, which represents U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workers in Florida, will update listeners on the outbreak and the challenges he faced in getting protective equipment for the employees.

But first hear from Rick Perlstein, Progressive Majority President Gloria Totten, and Center for Economic and Policy Research Co-director Dean Baker - all attendees of the recent America's Future Now conference by the Campaign for America's Future. Perlstein, author of "Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America," will share his thoughts on the conservative movement as well as pressing issues in today's world such as the energy crisis. Totten then will provide an inside look at running for public office - from campaigning and fundraising to getting re-elected. Lastly, Baker will discuss how the banking crisis impacted the overall economic downturn, and why another stimulus package may be needed.

Witold Skwierczynski and Dana Duggins

AFGE — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

A myriad of problems facing the Social Security Administration (SSA), including underfunding and eroding leadership, will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Two leaders from AFGE's National Council of SSA Field Operations Locals, President Witold Skwierczynski and Legislative Chair Dana Duggins, will break down the agency's issues. Skwierczynski will start by detailing efforts to remove Commissioner Michael Astrue, including a vote of "no confidence" by the union and a scathing report by the Government Accountability Office. Duggins then will expand upon a gag order instructing employees to stop assisting claimants as they had in the past.

Other topics to be addressed include iClaims security concerns, understaffing, a severe claims backlog, and a poorly executed awards program. For more information on these issues, please visit www.preserveyoursocialsecurity.com.

Rudy DeLeon, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Heather Smith, Scott Paul

AFGE — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

A new task force designed to review the Department of Defense's controversial National Security Personnel System (NSPS) will be discussed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show. Rudy DeLeon, head of the new NSPS task force, will talk about the task force's objectives and when the public can expect to learn of its recommendations. DeLeon also will address the importance of attracting and retaining skilled civilian workers to the Pentagon.

Also on this week's show, "Inside Government" will take listeners inside the recent America's Future Now conference by the Campaign for America's Future. Hear from Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Rock the Vote Executive Director Heather Smith, and Alliance for American Manufacturing Executive Director Scott Paul.

Norton will update listeners on the fight for D.C. voting rights and efforts to reform health care in America. Smith then will discuss Rock the Vote’s impact on the 2008 presidential election and the need to communicate with young people in a way they understand. Lastly, Paul will share his thoughts on American manufacturing including industrial policy and the role unions play in solving problems in the workplace.

Mark Roth, Darryl Moch, Richard N. Haass

AFGE — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

A new task force designed to review the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) will be discussed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show. AFGE General Counsel Mark Roth will explain the new task force and AFGE's reaction to its creation. Roth also will detail the history of NSPS, and why AFGE wants the pay-for-performance system to be eliminated. Darryl Moch, executive director of the Labor Heritage Foundation, will preview the Great Labor Arts Exchange and Conference on Creative Organizing scheduled for June 20 - 23. Moch also will discuss Camp Solidarity for children and youth ages 7 - 14. To find out more about these events, designed to strengthen the labor movement through art and creativity, please visit www.laborheritage.org.

But first, hear from Richard N. Haass, author of "War of Necessity, War of Choice: A Memoir of Two Iraq Wars." Haass, who served in senior positions for President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush, will analyze the decisions that lead to both Iraq wars and offer unique insight to the role of a senior government official during a time of war. Haass also will share his dissenting opinion for the second Iraq war, one he calls a "war of choice."

Don Hale, Jacque Simon, and Heidi Shierholz

AFGE — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Efforts to stop the contracting out of hundreds of jobs at the United States Military Academy at West Point will be discussed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

Don Hale, AFGE DEFCON Chair, will update listeners on the Army's recent decision to outsource more than 300 public works jobs to the private sector through a controversial A-76 cost competition study in late March. Hale also will detail AFGE's efforts to prevent further job loss, and praise congressional support from U.S. Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) and John Hall (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

Jacque Simon, AFGE public policy director, will address health care reform in the U.S., labor's role in the process, and what President Obama's plan may look like. Scott Eblin, president of the Eblin Group, then will talk about his book, "The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success," and provide executive coaching tips for federal employees.

Lastly, Economist Heidi Shierholz from the Economic Policy Institute will expand upon a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report that there are nearly five unemployed job seekers for every available job. That number has increased from a four-to-one ratio in November 2008.

Steven Greenhouse, Roger Hickey, and Peter Winch

AFGE — Fri, 8 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Pending legislation to pass the Employee Free Choice Act will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' "Inside Government" radio show.

Steven Greenhouse, labor reporter for The New York Times and author of "The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker," will update listeners on where the Employee Free Choice Act stands in congress. Greenhouse also will discuss the labor movement's impact on President Obama's first 100 days in office, and the challenging times facing America's middle class.

Roger Hickey, co-director of the Campaign for America's Future, will preview his organization's America's Future Now conference, June 1 – 3 in Washington, D.C. Hickey then will analyze how today's economy impacts working Americans, and what the country's economic future may look like.

Lastly, AFGE National Organizer Peter Winch will provide listeners with an update on AFGE's nationwide organizing campaign at the Transportation Security Administration – which now stands at 32 chartered locals and more than 10,000 members. Winch also will discuss the union's efforts to protect TSOs from the recent swine flu outbreak. For more information on AFGE's fight for collective bargaining rights at TSA, please visit www.tsaunion.net.

John Sarbanes, John Threlkeld, Dwight Bowman, Charlie Bernhardt

AFGE — Fri, 1 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

The introduction of the CLEAN UP Act, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' "Inside Government" radio show. The CLEAN UP Act, or Correction of Long-standing Errors in Agencies Unsustainable Procurement, is designed to repair the broken federal procurement process currently in place. Sarbanes will detail the legislation and share his thoughts on why some government work should always be done by federal employees. John Threlkeld, AFGE legislative representative, will expand upon Congressman Sarbanes' interview with details on how the legislation will impact AFGE. AFGE 14th District National Vice President Dwight Bowman, whose district represents workers in Washington, D.C., then will address Mayor Adrian Fenty's new D.C. budget proposal, which could threaten the jobs of city workers. Finally, Charlie Bernhardt, AFGE labor relations specialist, will update listeners on AFGE's Bargaining for the Future guide, and describe how AFGE Local 1401 used it to successfully negotiate a new contract at Andrews Air Force Base.

Cokie Roberts, Don Kettl, Bob Hill, Jon Desenberg, Perry Pidgeon Hooks

AFGE — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

A recap of Government Executive’s 2009 Excellence in Government Conference will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show. “Inside Government” participated in the event earlier this week in Washington, D.C. Guests included keynote speaker and ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts; Don Kettl, dean of the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, and Bob Hill, financial advisor for First Command. On "Inside Government," Roberts will discuss her book, “Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation,” as well as President Obama’s initiative to increase public service. Kettl will address the role of contractors in the years ahead and what is needed to make government run more efficiently. Hill then will provide financial strategies for federal employees. Additional guests include Performance Institute Consulting Director Jon Desenberg who will share his thoughts on the importance of intellectual and emotional engagement in the federal work force, and Hooks Book Events President Perry Pidgeon Hooks, who will discuss her company’s role in connecting big thinkers with the federal government to tackle the most pressing issues.

Karen Blumenthal, Charlotte Flowers and Deborrah Jackson

AFGE — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Personal finance strategies to help guide federal employees toward financial independence will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show. Karen Blumenthal, author of “The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life,” will discuss personal finance strategies – from tips for young investors to options for those nearing retirement. Blumenthal also will address ways federal employees can maximize their retirement and benefits packages. Charlotte Flowers, AFGE 5th District national vice president, then will share her thoughts on the case of Don Siegelman. Siegelman, governor of Alabama from 1999 to 2003, was convicted of bribery in 2006. The case drew national attention as the validity of the charges was questioned, and implications that politics played a part in the prosecution also surfaced. Finally, Deborrah Jackson, president of AFGE D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Local 2741, will discuss the fight to save day care functions within the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. Jackson, who will be accompanied by three parents affected by the initiative, will explain why day care functions are a vital part of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation mission.

Mark Gibson, Barbara Palmer, Virginia Hemingway

AFGE — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates' proposed budget for 2010, which includes an initiative to replace contractors with federal employees, will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' "Inside Government" radio show. Mark Gibson, AFGE labor relations specialist, will address the Pentagon's budget and plan to keep more federal jobs in-house, including a plan to hire 13,000 federal employees to replace contractors in 2010 and up to 39,000 over the next five years. Gibson also will discuss how the plan will impact AFGE. But first, hear from Barbara Palmer, author of "Breaking the Political Glass Ceiling: Women and Congressional Elections," as she addresses the challenges women congressional candidates have faced, and overcome, throughout the years. Discussing issues such as redistricting, media coverage, and campaign strategies, Palmer will describe the process for women who run for a congressional seat. Finally, Virginia Hemingway, president of AFGE DoD Local 2433, will talk about her fight for domestic partner benefits for federal employees.

Terry Murphy and Sam Smith

AFGE — Fri, 3 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Two media mainstays inside the beltway, C-SPAN and The Progressive Review, will be featured this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show. Terry Murphy, vice president of programming at C-SPAN, will discuss the channel's coverage of the recent confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill and the G-20 summit in London. Murphy also will highlight C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” television program and Web-based teaching resource, www.c-spanclassroom.org. Finally, Murphy will address C-SPAN’s popular Web site collection, including sites dedicated to the famous Blair House in Washington, D.C., and Abraham Lincoln. Sam Smith, editor of the Progressive Review online newsletter, then will discuss his years covering the District and Capitol Hill. He’ll share his thoughts on Mayor Adrian Fenty, labor’s fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, and the challenges to enact D.C. voting rights. Smith also will address the economic crisis, and the difference between Wall Street bailouts and auto maker bailouts.

Tim Clark, Alethea Long-Green, Louise Schiavone

AFGE — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

The Obama administration’s push to make “government and public service cool again” will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show. Tim Clark, editor-in-chief of Government Executive, will preview the 2009 Excellence in Government Conference Series. The series, which will consist of three one-day conferences, will address key issues facing government, including transparency, recruitment and retention, labor relations, and the use of new media. More information about the conference can be found at www.excelgov.com. Alethea Long-Green, director of human resources studies at the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), will discuss ways NAPA works to help government operate more efficiently. Long-Green will cite specific examples through projects completed at the departments of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. She also will stress the need for government to develop human capital and improve service delivery. But first, hear from Louise Schiavone, CNN correspondent, who will address the fight on Capitol Hill to pass President Obama’s proposed budget. Schiavone also will share her thoughts on the recent AIG bonuses, the outrage that ensued, and what the future may hold for those involved.

Johnnie Walker and John Threlkeld

AFGE — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week, the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show will take an inside look at Washington, D.C.’s government and the issues facing city workers. Johnnie Walker, president of AFGE D.C. Local 383, will address the struggles D.C. government workers have communicating with Mayor Adrian Fenty, and ways his local tried to overcome the barrier. Walker also will take a closer look at several issues facing the District – a struggling public school system, an uphill battle for low-income residents and the aging population, and disagreements about whistle-blower protections – and how Local 383 has tried to fix them. John Threlkeld, AFGE legislative representative, then will discuss President Obama’s order that the Office of Management and Budget overhaul its contracting efforts. Threlkeld will explain how the 2009 omnibus appropriations bill, recently signed by Obama, suspends new Circular A-76 competitions, thereby limiting the outsourcing of federal work. This is a shift from the Bush administration policy, which focused on outsourcing more government work to private contractors.

Mark Begich, Donna Edwards, J. David Cox, Dwight Bowman

AFGE — Thu, 5 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week the American Federation of Government Employees' (AFGE) “Inside Government” radio show will feature guests of AFGE’s recent Legislative and Grassroots Mobilization Conference. Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) will be on hand to discuss the U.S. economic recovery plan, from rebuilding infrastructure to finding sources of renewable energy. U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) will share her thoughts on the Employee Free Choice Act, and creating green jobs as part of the economic stimulus package. The program also will feature J. David Cox, AFGE national secretary-treasurer, who will highlight AFGE’s annual Legislative and Grassroots Mobilization Conference, the union's good government ad campaign, and AFGE's efforts to secure full funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Lastly, Dwight Bowman, AFGE 14th District national vice president, will discuss AFGE’s fight against the National Security Personnel System, and other issues facing D.C. government workers.

Beth Moten, Ross Eisenbrey, Patricia Grace, and Sherri Bracey

AFGE — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week, the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show will take a look at President Obama’s first address to a joint session of Congress and how the Obama administration is faring thus far with federal employees. Beth Moten, AFGE legislative and political director, will offer insight on the president’s speech and a perspective on the Obama administration’s initial impact on federal employees. Ross Eisenbrey, vice president of the Economic Policy Institute, will present EPI’s argument for the Employee Free Choice Act and how it will improve a failing labor market. Persons caring for elderly relatives will be particularly interested in hearing from Patricia Grace, CEO of Aging with Grace, who will provide information about the Eldercare Services Program available to AFGE members. Finally, Sherri Bracey, program manager in AFGE’s Women’s and Fair Practices Department, will discuss AFGE’s upcoming Human Rights Training Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. March 23 – 26.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Charlie Melancon, Christine Pelosi, Robert Weiss

AFGE — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show will air special interviews with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) from President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Norton will address such issues as D.C. voting rights, the Hatch Act, and contracting out, while Melancon will share his thoughts on the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina and infrastructure improvements in the most needed areas. Christine Pelosi, Democratic strategist and author of “Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders,” will discuss government’s important role in today’s society, as well as tips for aspiring public servants. Lastly, Robert Weiss, founder of Rights for America, will analyze the impact of the Wall Street meltdown and its effect on worker pensions.

Bob Filner, Jan Schakowsky, Steve Cohen, John Bruton

AFGE — Fri, 6 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week on the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show, U.S. Reps. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) will appear to discuss the Barack Obama presidency, and a number of critical issues facing the United States. Filner, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, will address the health care crisis in the U.S., and the need to properly care for soldiers returning home from war. Schakowsky will share her thoughts on the importance of President Obama’s historic election, while Cohen will discuss his ideas for a nationalized health care plan, and how he’s fighting crime in Tennessee’s 9th District. Lastly, John Bruton, former Irish prime minister and current European Union ambassador to the United States, will provide an inside look at how the EU government works, as well as the implementation of the euro.

Mark Warner, Laura Richardson, Barbara Ciara, Daniel Weiss

AFGE — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week on the American Federation of Government Employees' “Inside Government” radio show, the union will celebrate President Barack Obama’s inauguration with Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Calif.). Warner and Richardson will address the role federal workers will play in President Obama’s new administration. Warner also will discuss plans for an economic stimulus, while Richardson will share her thoughts on the Iraq war. Barbara Ciara, president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), will discuss the media coverage of the presidential campaign, and professional development opportunities for NABJ members. Lastly, Daniel Weiss, director of climate strategy for the Center for American Progress, and Jerome Ringo, president of the Apollo Alliance, will discuss climate change issues and the need for clean and alternative energy plans from the Obama administration.

John Gage, Heidi Shierholz, Ron Moore, Alex Bastani

AFGE — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week “Inside Government,” the radio show produced by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the nation’s largest federal employee union, will highlight the launch of AFGE’s Good Government ad campaign welcoming President-elect Barack Obama to office. John Gage, AFGE national president, will talk about running the campaign on Metro buses and rail cars in Washington, D.C., and why good government – empowering federal workers, fully funding agencies, and serving the American public – is crucial to the Obama administration’s success. Heidi Shierholz, economist with the Economic Policy Institute, also will appear to address the struggling U.S. job market, how long it could last, and what is necessary to fix it. Next, hear from Ron Moore, special interests columnist for The Washington Examiner, as he discusses the high cost of COBRA health benefits for the unemployed, the Employee Free Choice Act, and special labor events taking place around Inauguration Day. Lastly, Alex Bastani, president of AFGE Department of Labor (DOL) Local 12, will discuss what is necessary to improve worker morale at DOL, and his local’s focus working with the Obama administration.

Ofield Dukes, Roxanne Roberts, Jacque Simons, and Sharon Pinnock

AFGE — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

This week “Inside Government,” the radio show produced by AFGE, the nation’s largest federal employee union, will take an inside look at the importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Fair Housing Act of 1968. Ofield Dukes, former deputy director of information for President Lyndon Johnson’s committee on Equal Employment Opportunity, will address President Johnson’s genuine commitment to civil rights and its significance in U.S. history. Roxanne Roberts, style columnist for The Washington Post, will provide the latest Inauguration Day information. Roberts will give the inside scoop on who’s coming to town, where the best parties will be, and what locals can expect as the nation turns its eyes to the district for the historic event. Jacque Simon, AFGE public policy director, will detail the reversal of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s proposed federal health benefit cut for 2009. Lastly, Sharon Pinnock, AFGE membership and organization director, will discuss AFGE’s impressive net increase of 13,000 members in 2008. Pinnock will also detail a recent issue at the Transportation Security Administration, where Transportation Security Officers suffered from skin rashes, lightheadedness, and other ailments caused by new uniforms.