Inside Government

J. David Cox, Dalia Rabin, Chris Van Hollen, and Bob Hill

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn about the 2012 Yitzhak Rabin Public Service Award. The show, which originally aired on Friday, May 18, is now available on demand. This year’s honoree, AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer J. David Cox, and Yitzhak Rabin Center Chair Dalia Rabin, daughter of the late Israeli Prime Minister, discussed the significance of the award, the importance of public service and promoting dialogue, acceptance and respect. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.) then detailed the Budget Control Act and advocated for a balanced approach to reducing the federal deficit. Lastly, First Command Financial Services District Advisor Bob Hill provided retirement planning tips for federal employees and new information about the Roth Thrift Savings Plan option. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

J. David Cox, Jane Nygaard, and Marilyn Park

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 4 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn about National Nurses Week. The show, which originally aired on Friday, May 4, is now available on demand. AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer J. David Cox, 8th District National Vice President Jane Nygaard and Legislative Representative Marilyn Park discussed National Nurses Week, which takes place May 6 – 12. The trio discussed the union’s Nurses Steering Committee and challenges federal nurses face at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Prisons and Department of Defense. Cox, Nygaard and Park also detailed legislation affecting federal nurses and the impact staffing, funding and workplace safety have on patient care. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

Monique Morrissey, Johnnie Walker, Tanya Clay House, and Steve Ressler

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for an analysis of the Social Security trust fund. The show, which originally aired on Friday, April 27, is now available on demand. Economic Policy Institute Economist Monique Morrissey discussed the recent government report on Social Security’s trust fund and the program’s long-term outlook. But first, AFGE 14th District National Representative Johnnie Walker detailed a new affordable housing program available to D.C. government workers and union members. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Public Policy Director Tanya Clay House then addressed voter protection efforts ahead of the 2012 election season and the importance of all Americans having an opportunity to vote. Lastly, GovLoop Founder and President Steve Ressler previewed the Next Generation of Government Summit July 26 – 27 and also discussed GovLoop’s career guide and mentors program. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

Roger Hickey, Steve Ressler, Emily Martin, Judy Waxman, and Ian Millhiser

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for a closer look at the “Buffett Rule” tax legislation. The show, which originally aired on Friday, April 20, is now available on demand. Campaign for America’s Future Co-director Roger Hickey discussed the legislation, which recently failed to garner enough votes in the Senate, and how it would have impacted public services. Hickey also addressed key issues in the upcoming presidential election. GovLoop Founder and President Steve Ressler then previewed the Next Generation of Government Summit July 26 – 27 and also detailed GovLoop’s career guide and mentor program. Lastly, National Women’s Law Center vice presidents Emily Martin and Judy Waxman joined Center for American Progress Senior Constitutional Policy Analyst Ian Millhiser to discuss the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and its impact on women. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online atFederalNewsRadio.com.

Scott Paul, Ron Pollack, Chris Van Hollen

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for a closer look at job creation in the U.S. manufacturing sector. The show, which originally aired on Friday, April 13, is now available on demand. Alliance for American Manufacturing Executive Director Scott Paul discussed the latest monthly jobs report and policies that could stimulate growth in the manufacturing sector. Paul also addressed China’s currency manipulation and its impact on U.S. manufacturing. Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack then shared his thoughts on health care reform and the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Lastly, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.) addressed voter protection concerns ahead of the 2012 election season and his reaction to the recent House Republican budget proposal. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

Eleanor Homes Norton, Dennis Kucinich, Donna Christensen, Neera Tanden, Bob Edgar, and Vinny DeMarco

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for more discussion about the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The show, which originally aired on Friday, April 6, is now available on demand. U.S. Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Dennis Kucinich (Ohio), and Donna Christensen (Virgin Islands), addressed health care reform in the U.S. as the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Center for American Progress President Neera Tanden, Common Cause President and CEO and former Rep. Bob Edgar (Pa.), and Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative President Vinny DeMarco also joined in the discussion. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

Gerry Connolly, Tom Perriello, Bob Weiner, Marc Steinberg, and Ethan Rome

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn more about the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The show, which originally aired on Friday, March 30, is now available on demand. Congressman Gerry Connolly (Va.) analyzed the constitutionality of the individual mandate and other provisions in the Affordable Care Act, while former Rep. Tom Perriello (Va.), now president and CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, suggested ideas to make the U.S. health care system stronger. Former Clinton White House senior staffer Bob Weiner then discussed benefits provided by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act as well as the political implications of health care reform. Lastly, Families USA Health Policy Deputy Director Marc Steinberg addressed the long-term implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act, and Health Care for America Now Executive Director Ethan Rome discussed what middle class Americans are saying about health care reform. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at FederalNewsRadio.com.

Jacque Simon, Keith Hill, and Michael Zweig

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn more about the House GOP 2013 budget proposal. The show, which originally aired on Friday, March 23, is now available on demand. AFGE Public Policy Director Jacque Simon analyzed the House Republican budget proposal and the potential impact on federal workers and public services. AFGE 3rd District National Vice President Keith Hill looked at challenges Transportation Security Officers face at the workplace, and staffing and funding deficiencies at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Lastly, State University of New York at Stony Brook Center for Study of Working Class Life Director Michael Zweig discussed his book, “The Working Class Majority: America’s Best Kept Secret”. The book explains the U.S. class system in terms of power, rather than income or lifestyle. Zweig also addressed the role labor unions play in protecting the working class. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online atwww.federalnewsradio.com.

Dale Deshotel, Eric Wood, Tony Corbo, and Joe Gonzales

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s "Inside Government" to learn about the union’s fight against privatization. The show, which originally aired on Friday, March 16, is now available on demand. AFGE Council of Prison Locals President Dale Deshotel and AFGE Transportation Security Administration Local 1120 Montana Vice President Eric Wood detailed the challenges privatization efforts present to federal workers. Deshotel also discussed funding and staffing issues at the Bureau of Prisons while Wood addressed the union’s work to negotiate a contract for Transportation Security Officers. But first, Food & Water Watch Senior Lobbyist Tony Corbo continued last week’s discussion about ongoing concerns with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service proposal to partially privatize poultry inspections. Lastly, AFGE Department of Defense Local 2142 President Joe Gonzales discussed his local’s efforts to improve workplace conditions and employee morale. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Witold Skwierczynski, Carolyn Federoff, and Tom Link

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 9 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn the details of AFGE’s recent agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The show, which originally aired on Friday, March 9, is now available on demand. AFGE National Council of Social Security Administration Field Operations Locals President Witold Skwierczynski discussed the union’s conceptual agreement with SSA for a new national contract and the impact of office closures on the public. AFGE Housing and Urban Development Council 222 Executive Vice President Carolyn Federoff then analyzed the federal deficit and what’s needed to balance the budget while Environmental Agency Protection Council 238 Executive Vice President Tom Link discussed the council’s Save the Environment – Save the EPA campaign. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Stan Painter, Bob Hill, Don Hale, Patty Viers, Lisa Hartman, and Shilo Schalk

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn about a proposal by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to partially privatize federal poultry inspections. The show, which originally aired on Friday, March 2, is now available on demand. AFGE National Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals Chairman Stan Painter discussed FSIS’s proposal, which would decrease the number of federal inspectors in poultry plants while significantly increasing the rate that poultry for public consumption is inspected. But first, First Command Financial Services District Advisor Bob Hill detailed the new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Roth option for federal employees. The option, which is expected to be available in April, would allow federal employees to contribute to their TSP plans on an after-tax basis. AFGE Defense Conference Chair Don Hale and Vice Chair Patty Viers then addressed the impact of personnel cuts at the Department of Defense. Lastly, AFGE Nurses Steering Committee 5th District Representative Lisa Hartman and 11th District Representative Shilo Schalk discussed efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for all federal nurses and ensure federal hospitals are properly staffed. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Jan Schakowsky, Bill Fletcher, Rick McCoy, and Kim Kraynak-Lambert

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to hear Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) discuss health care reform and the 2012 elections. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Feb. 24, is now available on demand. Schakowsky, speaking from the recent Families USA Health Action 2012 Conference, also shed light on what a single-payer health care system would look like in the U.S. AFGE Field Services and Education Director Bill Fletcher then discussed voter protection issues ahead of the 2012 election season and previewed his upcoming book, “’They’re Bankrupting Us!’: And 20 Other Myths About Unions.” Lastly, AFGE Transportation Security Administration local presidents Rick McCoy and Kim Kraynak-Lambert joined the program from AFGE’s recent TSA Council 100 Founding Convention. McCoy, president of Local 777, discussed representing and organizing workers while Kraynak-Lambert, president of Local 332, addressed working with management to solve problems and achieve common goals. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online atwww.federalnewsradio.com.

Ben Cardin, John Gage, Paul Ferris, and Wade Henderson

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for a special presentation from the union’s annual Legislative and Grassroots Mobilization Conference. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Feb. 17, is now available on demand. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) discussed the dangers of cutting public service, ideas to balance the federal budget and the latest on health care reform. AFGE National President John Gage then highlighted the union’s 2012 legislative agenda and praised federal employees’ continued dedication to their jobs and the American people. AFGE Department of Defense Local 2516 President Paul Ferris discussed the need to properly care for veterans returning home from combat as well as adequately staff the facilities that provide care to military personnel. Lastly, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights President and CEO Wade Henderson addressed the labor movement’s role in advancing civil and human rights and his work to support voter protections. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

John Sarbanes, John Yarmuth, Eleanor Clift, and Max Richtman

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” as CongressmanJohn Sarbanes (D-Md.) praises the work of federal employees. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Feb. 10, is now available on demand. Sarbanes lauded the continued dedication and commitment of federal workers despite a contentious political environment in Washington. Sarbanes went on to discuss campaign finance reform and his support for the creation of a public financing system in federal elections. Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) and Newsweek and Daily Beast contributor Eleanor Clift then addressed the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Yarmuth detailed his efforts to educate constituents in Kentucky’s 3rd District about ACA while Clift talked about the political implications of health care reform. Lastly, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare President and CEO Max Richtman shared ideas to improve Social Security and Medicare and also addressed the valuable work of SSA employees. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Regina Benjamin, Bob Edgar, Bob Weiner, and Ron Pollack

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for health and wellness tips from U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Feb. 3, is now available on demand. Dr. Benjamin discussed her work to ensure Americans are healthy throughout all stages of life and encouraged Americans to shift their health focus from sickness and disease to wellness and prevention. Common Cause President and CEO and former Congressman Bob Edgar (D-Pa.) then addressed campaign finance reform and Common Cause’s efforts to remove money from politics. Former Clinton White House senior staffer Bob Weiner discussed his experiences working in government, the value of public service and the implementation thus far of the Affordable Care Act. Lastly, Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack continued the Affordable Care Act discussion from the recent Health Action 2012 Conference in Washington. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Liz Shuler, Ron Ault, Dwight Bowman, and Jim Dean

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” as the union celebrates the 50th anniversary of Executive Order 10988, which President John F. Kennedy signed on Jan. 17, 1962. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Jan. 20, is now available on demand. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler and Metal Trades Department President Ron Ault discussed the significance of the executive order, which was the catalyst for collective bargaining in the federal government. But first, AFGE 14th District National Vice President Dwight Bowman addressed President Obama’s proposed government reorganization plan and the impact on federal employees. Bowman also addressed staffing and funding concerns in the D.C. government. Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean then provided an early analysis of the 2012 presidential election and the role working families and union members will play. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Dale Deshotel, Enid Doggett, and Karen Blumenthal

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn about the dangerous spike in violence against correctional officers in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The show, which originally aired on Friday, Jan. 13, is now available on demand. AFGE Council of Prison Locals President Dale Deshotel discussed the connection between low staffing levels and recent incidents at the Federal Detention Center – SeaTac (Seattle) and the United States Penitentiary – Coleman (Coleman, Fla.). AFGE Communications Director Enid Doggett then provided communications tips and strategies for union members and also previewed the department’s communications efforts in 2012. Lastly, The Wall Street Journal’s “Getting Going” columnist Karen Blumenthal discussed her new book, “The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Fresh: How to Leave Financial Hardships Behind and Take Control of Your Financial Life.” Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.

Michael J. Wilson, Ed Schultz, and Karen Bass

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE´s "Inside Government" for a special discussion with Americans for Democratic Action National Director Michael J. Wilson. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Dec. 30, is now available on demand. Wilson addressed the benefits of collective bargaining and cited the recent four-year labor agreement between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers as proof that the process works. MSNBC´s Ed Schultz, host of "The Ed Show," and U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) were then featured as two of the program's top interviews of 2011. Schultz discussed the need for a strong middle class and proposed ideas to get Americans back to work, while Bass shared her views on the U.S. job market and celebrated the work of public servantsnationwide. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online atwww.federalnewsradio.com.

John Gage, J. David Cox, Mark Butler

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” to learn about the union’s position on Washington’s budget fight. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Dec. 16, is now available on demand. AFGE National President John Gage discussed the budget stalemate and the impact cuts would have on public service. National Secretary-Treasurer J. David Cox then addressed the need to properly care for our nation’s veterans, especially the men and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gage and Cox also previewed AFGE’s 2012 agenda. AFGE Department of Housing and Urban Development Local 3258 member Mark Butler also discussed his book, “The Coffee Break Guide for Veterans Seeking Federal Employment.” Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online atwww.federalnewsradio.com.

Roger Hickey, Dan Roam, and Perry Pidgeon Hooks

insidegovernment@afge.org (Inside Government) — Fri, 2 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Tune in now to AFGE’s “Inside Government” for more on efforts to renew the payroll tax cut and long-term unemployment benefits. The show, which originally aired on Friday, Dec. 2, is now available on demand. Campaign for America’s Future Co-director Roger Hickey discussed the need to extend the payroll tax cut and long-term unemployment aid for middle class workers. Hickey also addressed job creation and protecting workers’ collective bargaining rights. But first, author Dan Roam and Hooks Book Events President Perry Pidgeon Hooks appeared from the recent Excellence in Government Conference. Roam, who wrote “Blah, Blah, Blah: What to do When Words Don’t Work,” explained “vivid thinking” – combining one’s verbal and visual minds – to communicate and solve problems. Hooks then discussed connecting authors such as Roam with federal government agencies to improve service and performance. Listen LIVE on Fridays at 10 a.m. on 1500 AM WFED in the D.C. area or online at www.federalnewsradio.com.