Japanese govt plans extra stimulus budget Nov 18, 2009
The extra budget would focus on measures to promote jobs creation for the poor, reduce healthcare costs for the elderly and possibly extend subsidies on energy-efficient cars and electronics that the previous government enacted, Kan said. The government can reallocate 2. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Democrats round on Bush over trade gap Nov 18, 2009
Mr Gutierrez hinted that the Commerce Department was considering allowing more scope for retaliatory action against China over alleged subsidies ... We have a case underway so I shouldnt say too much but to the extent that we can measure subsidies in a non-market economy we will do so, he said. (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
The Better Ghana Agenda: So Far, So Better Nov 18, 2009
These together with the massive government propoor interventions and subsidies in the areas of agriculture, education health, transportation, etc ... 9 growth in 2008 is an implicit indication that the Governments short term programmes, policies, subsidies and interventions in the Agricultural sector is beginning to yield fruits and it is expected that Ghanaians can expect that with the stability in the economy and better Agricultural production, leading to food security and lower prices... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Democrats promise jobs bill Nov 18, 2009
But many of the ideas on the table so far are extensions of last February's $787 billion economic stimulus package such as unemployment benefits and subsidies to help the jobless pay for health insurance. They maintain the social safety net for the 15. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Day care centers face license fee hike Nov 18, 2009
But now theres a waiting list for those subsidies ... In Santa Cruz County, 144 families with 257 children receive subsidies, Meissner said. (Nogales International, AZ)
Rand disciple spreads her word Nov 17, 2009
When Brook dissects the downfall of the Big Three auto makers, it is a discussion about more than the size of government subsidies or the evils of big government. I suspect that Brook has little sympathy for those Detroit CEOs who recently were figuratively disemboweled by congressional inquisitors. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
* Conditions to ensure an ECFA is beneficial Nov 17, 2009
Yet NT$30 billion would not be enough to cover the losses these businesses would incur, nor would monetary subsidies alone be able to prevent structural unemployment, the undermining of industries and other long-term effects of an ECFA.. Although there is not space to offer a detailed analysis of possible solutions here, a first question to ask is why taxpayers should foot the bill for the damage caused by an ECFA. Would the public share in the benefits that certain industries would reap from an... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Iran's Nuke Standoff and Ahmadinejad's Woes Nov 17, 2009
While overall inflation has decreased to single digit percentages, residents of East Tehran expressed to TIME their concern about rising bread prices and the possible removal of energy subsidies by the government in the coming year. As in the rest of the world, Iran's economy has slowed down from its oil-fueled overheated state just two years ago. (Time.com)
Britain Remains the 'Sick Man of Europe' Nov 17, 2009
Exceptional fiscal stimulus measures, such as a generous car scrappage scheme and job subsidies, seem also to have succeeded. A spokesperson for Joaqu;*Almunia, the European commissioner for economic affairs, said the figures were "broadly in line" with Commission forecasts and that the Commission expected growth to stay positive to 2011. (BusinessWeek)
China proposes four-point action plan to eradicate world hunger Nov 17, 2009
"All countries should jointly oppose trade protectionism in all its forms and manifestations and push for a positive outcome of the Doha Round negotiations," he said, urging developed countries to slash agricultural subsidies, remove trade barriers and give greater market access to developing countries. Thirdly, Hui proposed to push forward with the reform of the UN food and agriculture agencies and improve the global governance mechanism in order to rapidly react to crises. (Xinhuanet, China)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2009 Article IV Consultation with the Dominican Republic Nov 17, 2009
Untargeted subsidies to cover these losses remain a drain on public finances, absorbing over one percent of GDP in 2009. Notwithstanding these subsidies, the quality of service to citizens in the electricity sector remains very poor ... The authorities program also aims to address fiscal impediments, especially in the area of revenue collection, and to eliminate untargeted electricity subsidies. (IMF News)
GOP twists facts about the House health care plan Nov 17, 2009
Or the tired canards about taxpayer-funded abortion or insurance subsidies for illegal immigrants. Or the extraneous claims about alleged Democratic excesses, as in this from Georgia Republican Jack Kingston: Let s remember the Pelosi plan for jobs: an $800 billion stimulus plan that caused unemployment to go from 8. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
AHC breaks new ground with affordable housing work Nov 16, 2009
AHC Inc. is a nonprofit that uses public subsidies to build homes for low- to moderate-income families, but when it comes to closing deals and hiring project teams, the 34-year-old organization acts more like a private developer. There is no difference between the way we do business and the way a private developer works, says CEO Walter Webdale. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Reid Fixated on Health Timing Nov 16, 2009
The flap in the House over whether any new federal health insurance programs would fund abortions has now spilled over into the Senate, with the handful of anti-abortion-rights Democrats calling for language that would prevent private insurers from covering the procedure for women receiving federal subsidies and abortion-rights supporters threatening to oppose the bill if that House-passed provision is included ... Unions have balked at the Finance bill s plan to tax high-cost, or Cadillac,... (Roll Call)
Japan's economy continues growing Nov 16, 2009
"The economy is expected to continue to recover as overseas economies improve. At the same time, the employment situation remains very bad Naoto Kan, Japan's National Strategy Minister Even though subsidies and tax breaks enacted by the previous government will remain in place until next year, an expected fall in year-end bonuses and a scarcity of jobs mean households will have less to spend. "With weakness ahead in private consumption or public spending, a slowdown is unavoidable in the... (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Employers don't have the guts to invoke dismissals Nov 16, 2009
If you look at China, the biggest companies on the Shanghai stock exchange are government-owned and continue to receive government support in the form of subsidies. The Chinese government continues to intervene in these state-owned entities to nudge them in the direction it wants in order to achieve its national development agenda, replacing management and the board if necessary. (Business Report, South Africa)
Japan extra stimulus likely, GDP fails to convince Nov 16, 2009
Subsidies and tax breaks enacted by the previous government helped private consumption, but the pace of the rise was slower than the quarter before and an expected fall in year-end bonuses and a soft labor market mean households will have less to spend. "With weakness ahead in private consumption or public spending, a slowdown is unavoidable in the January-March and April-June quarters," said Kyohei Morita, chief economist at Barclays Capital in Tokyo. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Africa: Bad Roads Slow Continent's Growth Nov 16, 2009
Closing the efficiency gap requires improving management of utilities, ensuring adequate maintenance, promoting regional integration, recovering costs while recasting subsidies to enable broader access, and improving allocation and spending of public resources. To close the funding gap a wide range of sources will be needed, including public budgets, resource rents, local capital markets, private sector and non-OECD finance, as well as traditional donor assistance. (allAfrica.com)
Conn. residents: Pfizer land battle unnecessary Nov 16, 2009
But the company also has come under fire for using public subsidies to pay for its projects, as well as for pushing cities to force out existing property owners to make way for its mixed-use urban developments. Business owners don't want to budge. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
U.S. to Join Asian Free-Trade Area Nov 15, 2009
Mexico's economy is heavily dependent on U.S. trade and investment, and Calderon decried subsidies to banks and manufacturers, such as automaker General Motors Co., and so-called "buy American" provisions for projects backed by U.S. economic stimulus spending. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, making his first trip to Singapore, said protectionism is a "short-term" solution and stressed that trade is a powerful stimulus for growth. (Newsmax)
Augusta Regional sees increase in passengers Nov 15, 2009
But airlines today are looking for subsidies, Ms. Strange said. Even free isn't good enough. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Eurozone emerges from recession Nov 15, 2009
The main surprise in the French growth figures was the zero growth of consumption after steady, if slight, increases throughout the crisis and in spite of continued government subsidies for the purchase of new cars. Although the growth figure for France came in below expectations, economists took cheer from data showing a sharp slowdown in job losses. (CNN -- International)
TEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers Nov 14, 2009
One key recommendations for policy makers is to reform environmentally harmful subsidies: reforming subsidies that are inefficient, outdated or harmful makes double sense during a time of economic and ecological ... Reform environmentally harmful subsidies: reforming subsidies that are inefficient, outdated or harmful makes double sense during a time of economic and ecological crisis. (EurekAlert!)
U.S. eyes closer engagement with Asia through trade Nov 14, 2009
The reluctance of the U.S. and Europe to substantially roll back farm subsidies is blamed for the lack of progress of the Doha Round of trade talks, which aims to help poor countries prosper through global trade. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, among others, have called on Washington to advance the trade talks -- stalled after the U.S., Europe failed to agree with developing countries such as India and Brazil on agricultural trade. (Xinhuanet, China)
Press Release: Statement of an IMF Mission on the 2009 Article IV Consultation with Morocco Nov 14, 2009
"In the context of the 2009 Article IV consultation discussions, the mission reviewed recent economic developments and the authorities strategy for mitigating the impact of the global crisis on Morocco, and discussed policies to boost economic growth, income, and employment. The mission met with ministers, senior government officials, the Central Bank Governor, as well as with representatives from the private sector and labor unions. Despite the world economic slowdown, Morocco s economic... (IMF News)
Viewpoints: U.S. should follow Germany's example to preserve jobs Nov 14, 2009
This has been supplemented with a "short-time work scheme," which provides subsidies to employers who reduce workers' hours rather than laying them off. These measures didn't prevent a nasty recession, but Germany got through the recession with remarkably few job losses. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Bush lays into the left at Americas summit but agrees concessions Nov 14, 2009
Brazil also leads the group of countries who want to narrow the scope of any continental free trade deal, particularly feared because of US agricultural subsidies. The US vision of free trade is frequently blamed by the left in Latin America for increasing poverty everywhere from the floundering Mexican countryside to Argentina's economic crash under external debt. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Viewpoints: South Dakota senator rallies GOP support by being...nice Nov 14, 2009
When he criticizes the Democrats, it is for mixing big government with big business: the bailouts of Wall Street and the subsidies to the big auto. His populism is not angry. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Governor, in Jupiter, says stimulus money is helping save jobs Nov 13, 2009
I couldn't support it because of that," Crist said.He also said the House bill would result in higher insurance rates.Crist said he would support an amendment banning the use of federal money to pay for abortions and banning any federal subsidies for private plans that provide abortion. Such an amendment narrowly passed in the House.Crist said he disagrees with a Pew Center on the States study saying Florida is among the six states most likely to suffer an economic collapse similar to the one in... (The Palm Beach Post)
* MOEA says it respects resolution to freeze gas prices Nov 13, 2009
But consumer sentiment is already recovering, so a boost from expensive fuel subsidies may not be worth the cost, Olsen said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. This story has been viewed 324 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Government-run programs certainly do work well Nov 13, 2009
" They are here! They took up residence in the White House last January, and they took over control of the Senate and House of Representatives 2 years ago. LOL!When the government is attempting to pass the largest, most expensive program---with a first of it's kind mandate forcing the people to purchase insurance---I don't have to attempt to scare anyone; the government is doing it for all of us.This president is spending money faster than any president in history, and is proposing to spend it... (Montana Standard, MT)
China's trade surplus looms large Nov 13, 2009
The investigations were extended to alleged subsidies by local governments in Arkansas and Texas to chicken farmers. The ministry said on its website last Friday that it had also launched an investigation into alleged dumping and unfair subsidies for cars and off-road vehicles with an engine size of two liters or above exported to China from the US. The ministry said the probe, which could lead to additional duties on vehicles made by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, was made in response to... (Asia Times Online)
China's choice when it comes to abortions Nov 13, 2009
The measure would prohibit the proposed new government-run insurance plan from covering abortions except in cases of rape, incest or to save a mother's life, and bars any health plan receiving federal subsidies in a new insurance marketplace from offering abortion coverage ... The measure would prohibit the proposed new government-run insurance plan from covering abortions except in cases of rape, incest or to save a mother's life, and bars any health plan receiving federal subsidies in a new... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Experts divided over cost of US health care overhaul Nov 13, 2009
They also do not recognize how politicians will "be tempted to expand subsidies as part of routine vote-buying behavior," he said. Tax hikes will fall short of expected revenues and larger government will lead to even more spending while slowing economic growth, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
The Palin Persuasion Nov 13, 2009
Lower tariffs and reduce subsidies for domestically produced ethanol. Get rid of the regulations limiting the construction of oil refineries. (CBS News -- Opinion)
Africa: Lack of Political Will Threatens Aids Funding Nov 13, 2009
"Many economists actually think it will be possible to fund global health at adequate levels. It's of course at a time of a financial crisis that the poorest countries are hit the most - and not only at country level, but also individuals. Actually, more support is needed for the poorest at times of crisis. It has to be put in perspective: In the European Union, $1 billion is spent a day on agricultural subsidies, and you're telling us there is no money to fund global health where people are... (allAfrica.com)
THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN: Trucks, trains and the rain forest trees Nov 13, 2009
They also get government subsidies. Sergio Pimentel, 48, explained to me that he used to farm about five acres of land for subsistence, but now is using only about one acre to support his family of six. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Stokes, Wegener to run in 2011: Pair to challenge for Logan seats held by Monson, Swenson, Olsen Nov 12, 2009
" For example, the current (Obama) administration can be thought of as being "pro-business" in the very special sense that it likes businesses that survive on the basis of subsidies and regulatory advantages, but this administration is clearly suspicious of free markets where individual choice, whether by buyers or sellers, can be exercised to the maximum. The "pro-business" stance of the administration takes on the characteristics of "Crony Capitalism", where political connections and rent... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
NH publisher defends state-backed line of credit Nov 12, 2009
There has also been talk of federal subsidies for media outlets, but Edmonds said there has been very little consensus ... Nonetheless, some subsidies may help newspapers make the transition from paper to Internet, said Jack Lule, a journalism professor at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. (Concord Monitor)
Nigeria: Fuel Price Hike Looms Nov 12, 2009
He noted that importation was one of the factors responsible for the high price of products and huge subsidies paid by the Federal Government. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Obama uses school dollars to prod states to change Nov 12, 2009
Good schools constitute a far more potent weapon against poverty than welfare, food stamps or housing subsidies. Yet, cowed by teachers' unions, Democrats have too often resisted reform and stood by as generations of disadvantaged children have been cemented into an underclass by third-rate schools. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Futuremed Announces Strong Organic Growth in Third Quarter 2009 Nov 12, 2009
The impact on gross profit margins of increases in input costs as a result of the higher US dollar exchange rate, higher freight charges on incoming goods, and lower subsidies on goods manufactured in the Orient had less of a negative effect on gross margin during the period, and management believes these inflationary pressures have stabilized, and in some instances, reversed due to current global economic conditions. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the three months ended... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Nigeria: 'Deregulation May Not Lead to Fuel Prike Hike' Nov 12, 2009
Specifically, Barkindo, who was guest lecturer, explained that "deregulation is not synonymous with price increase as the reform is aimed at increasing local refining capacity to end the circle of dependence on importation which is one of the factors responsible for the high price of products and huge subsidies paid by the Federal Government" ... Oil subsidies would be defendable only if it was actually reaching ordinary Nigerians, Muktar said, noting that it was only reaching average Nigerians... (allAfrica.com)
Clinton meets with Dems on health care Nov 11, 2009
The House bill would also prohibit health plans that receive federal subsidies in a new insurance marketplace from offering abortion coverage. Insurers, however, could sell separate coverage for abortion, which individuals would have to purchase entirely with their own money. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Dont miss chance for health-care reform Nov 11, 2009
Both bills will make it possible, through government subsidies, for lower- and lower-middle income families to pay for private or public insurance. Assisted living and nursing homes for disabled become more possible than they are today for the disabled and elderly. (Nogales International, AZ)
Bill Clinton On Health Care: 'There is No Perfect Bill' Nov 11, 2009
The new proposal would not only cut -related activities, it would also limit access to for people who would receive federal subsidies and would have to buy insurance through a health insurance exchange ... The Senate Finance Committee stipulated that federal funds could not be used for abortions but that insurance plans for people who receive federal subsidies could cover abortion as long as they were paid for with premiums from patients and not federal subsidies ... Conservative Democrats in... (ABC News)
Time to take a hard look at cost of tax incentives for green jobs Nov 11, 2009
The cost of BETC subsidies for green projects is estimated to climb to 167 in 2009-11, and to 243 million in 2011-13 ... There simply is no way to justify the sort of tax breaks Oregon has been handing wind and solar companies since 2007, the year BETC subsidies were raised from up to 3 ... At the time, of course, Oregon lawmakers didn t know the true cost of these subsidies or that they would rise so sharply under Gov. Ted Kulongoski s proposed expansion of the BETC. According to The Oregonian... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Too many people go to university Nov 11, 2009
Yeah, great idea, let's privatise education so a small number of men in suits can make big bucks, maybe with a few taxpayer subsidies thrown in for good measure. But of course Mr. Smith only cares about good outcomes for students and building the nation, doesn't he, business motives wouldn't be involved, would they. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Google Buys Mobile Ad Firm AdMob for $750M Nov 11, 2009
Google is also its own branded handset independent of carrier subsidies. AdMob, founded in 2006, specializes in display advertising for mobile sites as well as serving ads within the third-party applications that are proliferating in smartphones such as Android-powered devices and Apple's iPhone. (SmallBusinessComputing)
Stimulus job boost in stateexaggerated, review finds Nov 11, 2009
In other cases, federal money that recipients already receive annually - subsidies for affordable housing, for example - was reclassified this year as stimulus spending, and the existing jobs already supported by those programs were credited to stimulus spending ... 7 million in rental subsidies for its affordable housing developments in Waltham ... Another source of confusion over the job counting is because Congress this year labeled as stimulus initiatives several longstanding programs, such... (Boston Globe)
F&N plans 50 new products in two years Nov 11, 2009
Asked on the possibility of a withdrawal in fuel and sugar subsidies, Tan said any such move would eventually result in the additional costs being passed to consumers. F. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
After the Soviet collapse: A globe redrawn Nov 10, 2009
First the few pro-Soviet regimes, particularly Cuba and Vietnam, took a severe economic knock as friendship prices and raw-material subsidies first dwindled, then disappeared overnight. Trade links snapped. (The Economist)
Read the 'Cost of Freedom' recap Nov 10, 2009
Mike Ozanian: If your complaint is about high tuition at some elite schools, the way to handle that is to stop taxpayer subsidies for students. An increase in demand for school causes them to raise the rates. (Fox News)
ATS reports second quarter fiscal 2010 results Nov 10, 2009
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Nov. 10, 2009 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. ('ATS' or the 'Company') today reported its financial results for the three and six months ended September 27, 2009. " Financial Results In millions 3 months 3 months 6 months 6 months of dollars, ended ended ended ended except per Sept 27, Sept 30, Sept 27, Sept 30, share data 2009 2008 2009 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue ASG $ 97.0 $ 147.4 $ 212.2 $ 290.2 from... (Canada Newswire)
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Approves US$1.7 Billion Stand-By Arrangement for the Dominican Republic Nov 10, 2009
The authorities are committed to addressing deficiencies in the revenue administration, and implementing a comprehensive plan to tackle structural issues in the electricity sector, aimed at abolishing untargeted subsidies while providing adequate service to the public. Monetary policy will continue to support economic activity and build up international reserves, with exchange rate flexibility to help cushion against external shocks. (IMF News)
Why Media Firms Should Ignore "Free" Nov 10, 2009
Weirdly enough, due to their difficult financial situation, the U.S. newspaper industry appears to show a readier disposition to a coordinated move than, say, French papers, which are essentially good at collaborating to beg for subsidies. That leads us to the price wars issue. (CBS News)
Senior Democrat is 'confident' that Stupak amendment will be stripped Nov 10, 2009
It would also prevent private plans from offering coverage for abortion services if they accept people who are receiving government subsidies ... Among other things, "Stupak's measure also would bar anyone getting federal health subsidies from purchasing private insurance polices that included abortion coverage," the article explains. (TheHill.com)
Stress tests made obsolete for banks Nov 10, 2009
But Whalen said that despite government subsidies, banks like GMAC and still are too troubled to extend credit and support an economic recovery. These are zombies and they can t make loans, he said. (Boston Globe)
Berkshire Hathaway buys BNSF: Express from Omaha Nov 10, 2009
As for Mr Buffett s past worries that it is difficult to earn exciting returns in such a capital-intensive business, could he also be betting that America s government will soon unveil big tax breaks or subsidies for infrastructure investments. Readers' comments. (The Economist)
Recovery Looks Like `L' Without Job Growth: David Blanchflower Nov 10, 2009
Subsidies for part-time work in Germany and the Netherlands, for example, have helped to keep unemployment down. Even with a drop in output of about 5 percent from the peak, the Dutch have been remarkably successful in minimizing the impact on the. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Water plan goes easy on ag users, critics say Nov 9, 2009
It is also an industry criticized often for wasteful water use due in part to inexpensive, long-term water contracts, iron-clad water rights and federal subsidies that promote the growing of particularly thirsty crops, such as cotton and rice. According to a Pacific Institute study released this summer, the state's farmers could save enough water each year using more efficient irrigation techniques to fill the Hetch Hetchy reservoir 16 times. (San Francisco Chronicle)
On long-term homelessness, Pawlenty misses goal Nov 9, 2009
The idea behind Minnesota's plan was to create supportive housing for the homeless, giving them rent subsidies and services ranging from case managers to mental health counseling and chemical dependency treatment to get at the roots of their problems. The state has sunk $215 million into the initiative to date, with smaller amounts of outside money coming from the federal government and private donors. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Comment: Full Steam Ahead Nov 9, 2009
Official hints notwithstanding, cutting power and fertiliser subsidies substantially will be harder to do politically. The awaited 3G spectrum auction - hopefully better designed than the 2G spectrum sale - will give a one-time revenue boost. (India Times, India)
U.S. Should Try Germany's Unemployment Medicine Nov 9, 2009
If the U.S. is to share in the labor-market success of its German friends, it needs a significant expansion of subsidies for work-sharing. Compared with the $787 billion economic stimulus, the costs would be low. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Tough road ahead in Senate for health care b... Nov 9, 2009
The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
