Rare Bipartisan Co-Operation

No Rednecks Here

There are some proposals for prison reform in the US which are bipartisan and have begun making their way through the legislature.

With a prison reform bill working its way through Congress, President Donald Trump gave the effort a significant boost Friday by asking Congress to get a bill attacking the issue to his desk, The Hill reported.  The First Step Act recently made it through the House Judiciary Committee last week with a 25-to-5 vote.  “There is no substitute for personal accountability and there is no tolerance for those who take advantage of society’s generosity to prey upon the innocent,” Trump said. “But if we want more prisoners to take charge of their own lives, then we should work to give them the tools to stand on their own two feet.”  [The Blaze]

This sort of thing rarely gets huge press coverage.  It's too boring.  It lacks sensational punch, so is often overlooked.  On the other hand, there are have been lots of similar or related proposals in the US over the years.  What's in this one?

The House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that is referred to as the First Step Act. The full title is the “Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act.”  . . . .

The bill seeks to reduce the recidivism rate by improving conditions and development opportunities for inmates in federal prisons, allowing them the chance to be job-ready upon their release and lowering the chances that they fall back into the same criminal lifestyle that caused them to be incarcerated in the first place.

Exemplary Bi-Partisanship

How Politics and Government Are Supposed to Be

New Zealand is a small country with a concomitant population.  It is relatively easy for companies to achieve near monopoly market power.  In the past there have been instances of "big business" being far too cosy with politicians and bureaucrats.  In recent times, less so.  The New Zealand economy is now one of the most open in the world.  Most kiwi businesses are now competing against global or international competitors--on our home ground.  

But the risk remains of oligarchies or duopolies emerging over time.  The oil/gasoline industry is one example.  Market power is concentrated in the hands of just a few large corporates--most with huge multi-national "parents".  It is, therefore, salutary and encouraging to see the Energy and Resources Minister, Judith Collins take an interest in the industry.

Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins said a report into the retail fuel market had found "features which may not be consistent with a workably competitive market."  The gross profit margin on fuel at the pump had doubled to about 30 cents a litre in Wellington and the South Island over the past four years, the report found.   Higher profit margins in the South Island and Wellington were also "not explained by higher costs in those areas", it found.  [Stuff]

Collins is one tough Minister of the Crown.