FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024
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Public Safety funding tax meeting leaves some residents divided By Leaf Barret Thursday’s City Council meeting has seemed to left half of the city divided to actively exploring funding options for public safety through the upcoming ballot, with two main considerations currently under discussion – a general sales tax and a utility fee. Last year, voters in Grants Pass supported a levy that generated approximately half of the required funds for full public safety funding. However, the task of convincing voters to approve a new tax or fee may prove challenging. Expressing the urgency of the situation, Grants Pass Police Chief Warren Hensman stated, “I feel tired, and I feel like I’m wearing the weight of the organization.” Both the police and fire departments highlight the critical need for funding to adequately serve the community. Despite previous attempts, voters have rejected five different funding options since 2008, including various taxes and proposed funding districts. City officials are now presenting residents with alternatives to address the $4.5 million deficit projected for 2025. To cover the remaining deficit, currently at $16.5 million, the city is proposing either a general sales tax or a utility fee. Councilor Brian DeLaGrange emphasized the potential broad impact of a sales tax, explaining, “The sales tax, as far as the options we’ve been talking about,
City of Grants Pass
Police Chief Warren Hensman at press conference.
is the one that spreads the funding burden across the largest number of people, so I think that’s the reason it’s still on the table.” While the specific rate for the general sales tax is yet to be determined, city officials estimate that a 1.5% tax could be sufficient to fund public safety. Notably, a seasonal sales tax and a transportation public safety fee were proposed by Josephine County officials in the past, but both were unsuccessful. As of now, the city council has not decided on whether to include any of these options on the ballot. The recent meeting aimed to gather public feedback on the proposed funding alternatives.
DHSgov, Public domain
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in an interview in Washington, D.C. (June 14, 2021).
Border policy debate intensifies as calls for impeachment target homeland security secretary GPT News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – The ongoing challenges at the southern border have ignited a heated debate in Congress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson advocating for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Plans for a potential vote as early as next week have stirred discussions within the Republican Party. Speaker Johnson asserts that the administration’s actions, as documented in a list of 64 specific measures, have contributed to the current state of border instability.
However, the proposal to impeach Mayorkas faces resistance, even among Republicans, as some members express caution about the unprecedented nature of such a move. The GOP’s slim majority in Congress adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape. White House officials swiftly condemned the impeachment effort, reflecting the broader division and controversy surrounding the move. Critics argue that while Mayorkas’ actions may be contentious, they may not meet the threshold for impeachment. Republican Representative Tom McClintock from California detailed
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see HOMELAND, page 3
The profit-driven world of credit reporting, and what you should know By Tim Scott Many of us have encountered the dreaded credit hurdles in life, but did you know that the credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, are privately held and primarily profit-driven entities? Despite being crucial players in the financial system, recent events and their ownership structures raise questions about potential conflicts of interest. Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, the major credit reporting agencies, play a central role in collecting and managing credit information from various sources. They compile this data into credit reports and calculate credit scores that influence lending decisions. It’s essential to recognize that these credit bureaus are for-profit companies, raising concerns about the impact of their profit-driven motives on consumers. The pursuit of revenue may compromise the accuracy and fairness of the credit reporting system, potentially prioritizing financial gains over consumer protection. The private ownership structure of these credit bureaus introduces conflicts of interest that could affect consumers in several ways: Profit-Driven Motive: The primary goal of generating profits for shareholders may lead credit bureaus to prioritize revenue over consumer protection, potentially influencing the accuracy of credit reporting. Incomplete Consumer Representation: The limited ownership by a select group of shareholders may hinder broader consumer representation in decision-making processes, potentially leading to decisions that don’t align with consumer interests. Data Privacy Concerns: The balance between consumer privacy and data security becomes crucial as credit bureaus collect vast amounts of sensitive consumer data. There is a risk that profit-driven decisions may prioritize monetizing consumer data over safeguarding it. Limited Accountability: Despite being subject to regulations and oversight, the private ownership structure complicates the accountability process, making it challenging for consumers to address concerns or hold credit bureaus accountable for potential mistakes or misconduct.
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see CREDIT, page 2