Posts in "Bureaucracy"

By Matthew Malkus at 6:37PM

Jul 26, 2010

Pick an Agency, Any Agency: BTS

As fiscal conservatives continue to seek avenues through which to derail the federal gravy train, it helps from time to time to take a look at the mind-numbingly long list of federal departments and agencies that are on board. Of course, this list is hardly exhaustive – just one that is publicly available – but it can certainly give us some concrete ideas on how and where to cut the spending.

Today: The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)

About: “The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) was established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. As the newest operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the BTS mission is to compile, analyze, and make accessible information about the nation’s transportation systems; collect information on intermodal transportation and other areas as needed; enhance the quality and effectiveness of the Department’s programs through research and the development of guidelines; promote improvements in data acquisition and use.”

FY 2010 Budget: $28 million (Source)

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By Devon Minnema at 3:42PM

May 17, 2010

Giving "Fat Cat" a Whole New Meaning

Every Year, The Vacaville Reporter publishes an annual survey on the compensation and salary packages of public servants in Solano County and the Northern California Area. Here are some of the more outrageous packages.

Dixon Unified School District Superintendent Roger Halberg (224 work days): Compensation package of $215,741 includes $163,340 base salary, $1,000 degree stipend, $9,000 auto allowance, $600 public relations allowance, $19,601 retirement contribution, $960 life insurance premium and $21,240 health and dental benefit. Also receives 24 days vacation and 12 days sick leave.
Dixon, CA City Manager Nancy Huston: Compensation package of $211,960 includes $162,154 base pay, $25,317 retirement contribution, $4,800 auto allowance, $4,250 education allowance, up to $14,592 in health benefits, $186 life insurance premium and $661 long-term disability premium. Also receives 144 hours vacation, 96 hours sick leave and 104 hours administrative leave.

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By Devon Minnema at 8:17PM

Jan 2, 2010

The Death of School Spirit

Many people don't realize how the world around them is affected by bureaucracy, regulation, and tyranny, but one example can be related easily, especially at Dixon High School.

DHS's New Campus

Our school recently built a new campus, and the transfer that began three years ago had been quite the tremendous event. Dixon High had a beautiful new campus, much like that of a small college, that was adorned with rams etched into almost every wall to note our loyalties.

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By Bonnie Kristian at 11:45AM

Oct 16, 2009

Awesome Government Forms

Walter Block reposted this mock transcript of yesterday's "Balloon Boy" 911 call on LRC. It's a fake, of course, but it's still pretty amusing.

Operator 1: “911, What is your emergency?”
Caller: “My 6 year-old son just drifted away in a helium balloon!”
Operator 1:“Can I have your phone number in case we get disconnected?”
Caller: “Yes, its 555-1234.” Oh, please, I don’t know what to do! It’s starting to drift away!”
Operator 1: “You say your son is floating away in a balloon?”
Caller: “Yes!”
Operator 1: “Hmm, I don’t see that in any of the emergency dispatch responses in the computer. Hold on a second.”
To Operator 2: “Hey, this lady says her kid’s floating away in a balloon! Where is that in the computer?”

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