DOCSLIB.ORG

(Iowa City, Iowa), 2014-02-11

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
(Iowa City, Iowa), 2014-02-11 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 THE INDEPENDENT DAILY NEWSPAPER FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA COMMUNITY SINCE 1868 DAILYIOWAN.COM 50¢ Lawsuit In a league of her own in court again A lawsuit against the University of Iowa will reach the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday. By LILY ABROMEIT [email protected] A local case now in its fifth year will move to the next phase Thurs- day, when it reaches the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Paul, Minn. The court will hear the arguments in Wagner v. Jones, discussing wheth- er or not Teresa Wagner, a potential candidate for a posi- tion in the Universi- ty of Iowa College of Law, was denied a job by then-Dean Carolyn Jones on the basis of Wagner’s political af- filiation. While officials said Wagner they couldn’t be con- plaintiff fident in how the case will culminate, they said it could have possible implications for the ac- (The Daily Iowan/Tessa Hursh) ademic world. “Politics is often a point of friction,” said Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. “[If she won,] law schools would be looking over their Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder watches a special video presentation in shoulders a lot … more when they decide who to hire.” celebration of her 270th victory in Carver-Hawkeye on Monday. Iowa He said it could begin to set an ex- ample for future employees. “It’s likely to be watched by peo- defeated Northwestern, 90-84. With the victory, Bluder surpasses C. ple of other law schools … because it raises some hopes and some fears at the same time,” he said. “You want Vivian Stringer as the Hawkeye women’s coach with the most wins. to believe they are doing a better job of teaching lawyers to [be balanced Sports. because] you simply will get a better SEE WAGNER, 3 Gas-tax bill faces rough BY THE NUMBERS PROPOSED GAS-TAX HIKE water sailing in Legislature A pending legislative proposal suggests increasing the state motor fuel tax by 10 cents per gallon to aid repair of roads and bridges. Similar proposals have been shot down in recent years; Currently, the state tax on gas sits at 22 cents per gallon. if passed, this would be the rst time the state tax has increased since 1989. By REID CHANDLER GOY TO DAIL IOWAN.COM [email protected] toW VIE A DAILY IOWAN TV SEGMENT COVERING A poll recently conducted by the Des Moines THE GAS TAX Register shows nearly two-thirds of Iowans A proposed bill to be taken up by the House surveyed oppose the tax increase. Thirty-ve Transportation Committee sometime this month 63% percent said they were in favor, and 2 percent is facing opposition, even if state lawmakers say it as deficient. In Johnson County alone, out of the said they weren’t sure. would provide necessary funding to repair roads 361 bridges, 42 are structurally deficient, 25 are and bridges in the state. functionally obsolete, and 67 are defective. The House Study Bill 514 was signed by all five sub- Iowa Department of Transportation announced it committee members, made up of two Democrats is running on a $215 million deficit to fund these THREE YEARS and three Republicans, and it now awaits review necessary repairs. If passed, the tax would rise by the House Transportation Committee, which is “You get what you pay for,” local resident Carl incrementally over the course of expected to look at it this month. Schweser said. “If you want infrastructure, if you three years, beginning July 1. “Our roads and infrastructure are in need of re- want roads, you’ve got to pay for them. Who is us- pair, and the costs are not getting any cheaper,” ing them? The people who buy gas.” CURRENT STATE Rep. Sally Stutsman, D-Riverside, said. “We’re But Deb Helmick of Washington, Iowa, said she $50-60 AND FEDERAL getting further and further behind.” cannot afford a higher tax. The increase is estimated to cost MOTOR FUEL TAX The proposal would increase the current state “I am disabled and on a fixed income,” she said. the average motorist an additional tax on fuel by 3 cents on July 1. Three more cents “Every time it goes up, it takes something out of $50 to $60 per year. 40.4 PER GALLON would be added on July 1, 2015, and a final 4 my refrigerator.” cents would start July 1, 2016. Currently, Iowa’s Spiker said there are many Iowans in Helmick’s state tax on gas sits at 22 cents per gallon. situation, and a higher tax is not the answer. $215 MILLION Iowa GOP chairman A.J. Spiker said the tax in- “With the hundreds of millions of dollars that The annual shortfall faced by the Department of crease would be detrimental for families. are sitting in the state coffers in surplus, that Transportaion for maintaining and repairing the most critical “When gas is well over $3 a gallon, and a lot certainly should be the first place that’s looked at public roadways. of Iowans are struggling financially with rising before ever raising taxes,” he said. costs of everything, the last thing we should be But Gov. Terry Branstad told reporters in Jan. looking at is raising taxes,” he said. the nearly $900 million budget surplus in Iowa is ROAD AND BRIDGE CONDITIONS According to a Des Moines Register poll, 63 per- already committed to paying for programs in fu- cent of Iowans are opposed to the tax increase. ture years. State Auditor Mary Mosiman said on But Stutsman said those opposed may not under- Monday the governor’s 2015 budget plans to spend Forty-two percent of Iowa’s major locally and stand the benefit of the proposed bill. $144 million more than it will take in, meaning 42% state-maintained roads and highways are either “Nobody wants another tax,” she said. “That’s money from the surplus will have to be used. in poor or mediocre condition. just something people generally across-the-board “It’s going to take a lot of political will to move don’t like. But this would be a user fee.” ahead with this,” Stutsman said. “Becase it is an More than a quarter of Iowa bridges are in need “If you use the road and buy gas, you would be election year, most lawmakers will be hesitant to of repair, improvement, or replacement. paying the tax,” she said. pass a bill that stamps a tax raise to their record. Twenty-two percent of the state’s bridges are 27% Anyone who drives through the state would be And with the poll numbers against them, the House structurally decient, and 5 percent are paying the tax. Transportation Committee is unsure how either functionally obsolete. The Federal Highway Administration ranks chamber, or the governor, will receive the proposal. Iowa 38th in the nation in terms of road condi- “I’m just really concerned in an election year GRAPHIC BY ALICIA KRAMME tions, and 20 percent of its bridges are classified that the political will isn’t there.” SOURCE: TRIP report and the Des Moines Register WEATHER DAILY IOWAN TV ON THE WEB INDEX HIGH LOW • SCAN THIS CODE CHECK DAILYIOWAN.COM FOR HOURLY CLASSIFIED 9 10 1 • GO TO DAILYIOWAN.COM UPDATES AND ONLINE EXCLUSIVES. FOLLOW DAILY BREAK 7 • WATCH UITV AT 9 P.M. @THEDAILYIOWAN ON TWITTER AND LIKE US OPINIONS 6 Sunny, breezy, wind chilly. It’s SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE CONTENT. SPORTS 10 warmer in Roosevelt, Minn. 2 NEWS THE DAILY IOWAN DAILYIOWAN.COM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 A T THE BUBBLE POP The Daily Iowan Volume 145 Issue 134 BREAKING NEWS STAFF Phone: (319) 335-6063 Publisher 335-5788 Email: [email protected] William Casey Fax: 335-6297 Editor-in-Chief 335-6030 Kristen East CORRECTIONS Managing Editor 335-5855 Call: 335-6030 Jordyn Reiland Policy: The Daily Iowan strives for ac- Metro Editors 335-6063 curacy and fairness in the reporting Rebecca Morin of news. If a report is wrong or mis- Stacey Murray leading, a request for a correction or Opinions Editor 335-5863 a clarification may be made. Zach Tilly Sports Editors 335-5848 PUBLISHING INFO Josh Bolander The Daily Iowan (USPS 143.360) is Danny Payne published by Student Publications Arts Editor 335-5851 Inc., E131 Adler Journalism Building, Sam Gentry Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2004, Copy Chief 335-6063 daily except Saturdays, Sundays, Beau Elliot legal and university holidays, and Photo Editor 335-5852 university vacations. Periodicals Tessa Hursh postage paid at the Iowa City Post Projects Editor 335-5855 Office under the Act of Congress of Jordyn Reiland March 2, 1879. Design Editor 335-6063 Haley Nelson SUBSCRIPTIONS Graphics Editor 335-6063 Call: Juli Krause at 335-5783 Alicia Kramme Email: [email protected] Convergence Editor 335-6063 Owner Soobin Youn on Monday reaches for macaroons at her restaurant Bubble Pop, located in the Old Capitol Town Center. Bubble Pop opened for business in September 2013. Subscription rates: Brent Griffiths (The Daily Iowan/Rachael Westergard) Iowa City and Coralville: $20 for one TV Director 335-6063 semester, $40 for two semesters, Reid Chandler $10 for summer session, $50 for TV Sports Director 335-6063 full year. Josh Bolander Out of town: $40 for one sememster, Web Editor 335-5829 $80 for two semesters, $20 for Tony Phan summer session, $100 all year. Business Manager 335-5786 Schools may get more funds Send address changes to: The Daily Debra Plath Iowan, 100 Adler Journalism Build- Classifed Ads/Circulation Manager The Senate passed a bill granting school districts an increase in state aid.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • To Navigate Office Politics, Map out Your Friends and Foes
    To Navigate Office Politics, Map Out Your Friends and Foes Before you make a political move, draw a POWER map. “The higher up the mountain, the more treacherous change. And third, when you are being evaluated the path.” – Frank Underwood (House of Cards) for promotion to senior leadership. These situations can drastically shift the power dynamics in the Organisational politics is ubiquitous. If you think organisation. Navigating such intricate terrain your workplace is without politics, then perhaps you requires a map. have been blindsided. Everyone has different goals and motives, and alignment is rarely a given. In fact, Take Victor (a composite character inspired by real one may have goals that may not be aligned with the people I have worked with), a project leader who has organisation’s. Thus, leaders must learn the been working at a medium-size consultancy for appropriate political skills to rally supporters and eleven years. He is optimistic about making partner persuade resisters to “get things done”. More this year and knows that a vote on the matter is critically, as one ascends the organisational imminent. Victor has been doing well, but his hierarchy, the politics gets messier as the stakes are expertise is in family business, a relatively niche higher. Perhaps fictional Frank Underwood was area compared to his firm’s two main cash cows: right to say: “For those of us climbing to the top of banking, and oil and gas (O&G). the food chain, there can be no mercy. There is but one rule: Hunt or be hunted.” Victor needs to make his case.
    [Show full text]
  • Zone Comfort
    Staying safe & feeling well ComfortZone September 2018 vol 16 issue 10 Avoid office politics by thinking positive faction on the basis of the tasks alone, and avoid talk on the political issue that separates the groups. If that issue does come up, stay silent or gently try to change the subject. Change from within Praise others, encourage teamwork and be empathetic to your co-workers. By making an effort to change the culture to one of kindness and honesty, you are on the road to creating a better environment for everyone. Keep office matters to yourself Does your organization have issues? Have When a group of people work together colleagues or making them feel as if they people told you things in confidence? every day, there is bound to be “politics”. are inferior to you. It’s a fine line to walk, Then keep those matters to yourself. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and a but avoid being condescending when Talking to outsiders about issues within say, so it is likely that conflicts will occur trying the following tips: your organization makes all of you look because of differing opinions. bad to that outsider. People will find out However, office politics doesn’t have to Be nice that you spoke about what they told you, be a bad thing. If you put more effort in The easiest way to avoid problems is and they’ll lose confidence in you and dissuading your coworkers from taking part to get along with people. This does not respect for you. in destructive politics such as gossiping, mean you have to be a pushover.
    [Show full text]
  • THE POLITICS of REPRODUCTION FORMATIONS: ADOPTION, KINSHIP, and CULTURE Emily Hipchen and John Mcleod, Series Editors the Politics of Reproduction
    THE POLITICS OF REPRODUCTION FORMATIONS: ADOPTION, KINSHIP, AND CULTURE Emily Hipchen and John McLeod, Series Editors The Politics of Reproduction Adoption, Abortion, and Surrogacy in the Age of Neoliberalism Edited by Modhumita Roy and Mary Thompson THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS COLUMBUS Copyright © 2019 by Th e Ohio State University. Th is edition licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available online at catalog.loc.gov. Cover design by Nathan Putens Text design by Juliet Williams Type set in Adobe Minion Pro Th e paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials. ANSI Z39.48-1992. We dedicate this volume to the memory of our fathers, Richard E. Thompson Jr. (1924–2011) and Birendra Narayan Roy (1926–2011), and to our mothers, Barbara J. Thompson and Pranati Roy, with love and thanks. CONTENTS Acknowledgments ix INTRODUCTION MODHUMITA ROY AND MARY THOMPSON 1 CHAPTER 1 Precarity and Disaster in Jesmyn Ward’s Salvage the Bones: A Reproductive Justice Reading MARY THOMPSON 25 CHAPTER 2 Privileging God the Father: The Neoliberal Theology of the Evangelical Orphan Care Movement VALERIE A. STEIN 42 CHAPTER 3 White Futures: Reproduction and Labor in Neoliberal Times HEATHER MOONEY 61 CHAPTER 4 One Woman’s Choice Is Another Woman’s Disobedience: Seguro Popular and Threats to Midwifery in Mexico ROSALYNN VEGA 82 CHAPTER 5 The Work/Life
    [Show full text]
  • Effective Policies and Programs for Retention and Advancement of Women in the Law
    Addressing the Hours Problem – The PAR Research Institute Effective Policies and Programs for Retention and Advancement of Women in the Law WorkLife Law UC Hastings College of the Law BestAddressing th eP Hourrs actices Problem – The PAR R esearch Institute Diversity Beyond the Body Count 2 Addressing the Hours Problem 3 Appoint a Balanced Hour Coordinator 3 Q & A with Rosyln Pitts, Balanced Hour Coordinator, Kirkpatrick Lockhart 4 Make Balanced Hours Available to All Attorneys 6 Adhere to the Principle of Proportionality 8 Build an Effective Implementation Plan 9 Adopt a Written Policy 10 Develop Individualized Schedules 11 Check for Assignment Disparity 12 Provide Tech Support With That Technology 14 Hold Partners Accountable for Retention and Attrition 15 Job Share 17 Respect Personal Time: Curb Email Use On Weekends 20 It's The Weekend 20 Move Towards Mass Career Customization 21 On-Ramping 22 Telecommunting 23 Compensations Systems 25 Improve Transparency 25 Benchmarking 26 Improve Diversity on Compensation Committees 26 Re-examine The Billable Hours Threshold 27 Redesign Orgination Credit 28 Ensuring a Diverse Committee Handles Dispute 29 Take Pro-Active Steps to Check the Hidden Bias 30 Conform to Standard Business Practices 31 Design a Ccompensation System That Does Not Penalize Part-Time Partners 34 Fair Measure: Toward Effective Attorney Evaluations 36 Work Allocations Systems 39 Diversity Beyond the Body Count For too long, diversity efforts have counted women and lawyers of color, and exhorted employers to improve the body count. The drawback of this approach is that it doesn’t tell employers what is going wrong, or they should be doing differently.
    [Show full text]
  • Riled up About Running for Office: Examining the Impact of Emotions on Political Ambition
    Riled Up about Running for Office: Examining the Impact of Emotions on Political Ambition Jamil S. Scott Department of Government Georgetown University [email protected] Jonathan Collins Department of Education Brown University [email protected] Abstract After the 2016 presidential election, there has been a wave of increased interest in running for office that has been anecdotally associated with anger and fear about the election outcome. Although there is a growing literature that seeks to understand how emotion matters for political action, particularly as it pertains to voting behavior, we do not know how emotions factor into one’s interest in running for office. In this study, we use data from the Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey to examine the relationship between political ambition and feelings surrounding the 2016 election season. In accordance with previous literature, we expect that resources still matter for political participation, but that emotions like anger and fear will also have an impact on political behavior. Keywords: political ambition, affect, political participation, Black politics Introduction In the wake of the 2016 presidential election, there has been an increase in political engagement. Not only have people taken to the streets to protest in record numbers (Crowd Counting Consortium 2017), but they are also running for office (Dittmar 2018). Across the country, cities and states elected the first Black officeholders for positions at the state and local level in 2017 (Owens 2017) and the 2018 election cycle has proven to be a memorable year for diversifying the ranks of elected officials (Haltiwanger and Bostock 2018). This wave of increased political participation during the Trump era is interesting and worthy of further explanation, particularly as it pertains to Black candidate emergence because minority officeholders are underrepresented at all levels of political office.
    [Show full text]
  • Office Politics Author(S): Roderick A
    Office Politics Author(s): Roderick A. MacDonald Source: The University of Toronto Law Journal, Vol. 40, No. 3, Special Issue on Administrative Law (Summer, 1990), pp. 419-476 Published by: University of Toronto Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/825818 . Accessed: 23/12/2013 03:35 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. University of Toronto Press is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The University of Toronto Law Journal. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 132.216.86.161 on Mon, 23 Dec 2013 03:35:54 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions PART3 Normativeorder in theadministrative state Roderick A. Macdonald* OFFICE POLITICSt Introduction The followingallegory is designed to canvass the internalnormativity of administrativeagencies, bureaus, and tribunals.While theproblem stated is genuine and the structureof thepaper reflectsin large measure myown experiences as dean of a law faculty,I should like to record the standard literarydisclaimer: the characters portrayed are fictitious;any resemblance theymay bear to mycolleagues at McGillor elsewhereis purelyfortuitous. A successfulallegory needs no gloss (or even formalintroduction and conclusion) by its composer. In fact,an author does a disserviceboth to textand to readers by collapsing a parable's several possible lessons into one ex post facto officialreading.
    [Show full text]
  • Fall 2008 Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly Fall 2008 Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly 3 President’S Page President’S Page
    F ALL 2008 On Insults To Sausage Makers By David W. Hardymon . .6 A Federal “Drug Court” That Works – And How It Works By The Honorable Terence P. Kemp . .12 Mediation – A New Kind Of Federal Offense By Robert S. Kaiser . .13 When Johnny Or Joanie Comes Marching Home By Duncan O. Aukland . .14 Win A Bet? When Is It Legal To Give An Underage Person A Drink? By Timothy J. Bechtold . .16 Better Lawyer . .21 Elevator And Escalator Injury Claims By Glen R. Pritchard . .33 Women’s Journey Through Addiction By Candace Hartzler . .37 E-Discovery – Small Steps Can Yield Great Savings By Christopher F. Shiflet . .40 Ten Years After: The Columbus Blue Jackets, The NHL And Free Tickets By Greg Kirstein. .45 A Baltic Blast By The Honorable David E. Cain . .47 *A SUPPLEMENT TO THE DAILY REPORTER* *CONTENT PROVIDED BY THE COLUMBUS BAR ASSOCIATION* Better Lawyer Interiors I Am A Lawyer, Now What? Understanding Addiction – Part II COLUMBUS BAR ASSOCIATION By Matthew D. Austin . .Page 21 By Brad Lander . .Page 36 OFFICERS President: Kathleen M. Trafford Practicing Law In An Electronic World Women’s Journey Through Addiction President-Elect: Elizabeth J. Watters By Lisa Kathumbi . .Page 22 By Candace Hartzler . .Page 37 Secretary/Treasurer: Hon. Stephen L. McIntosh F ALL 2008 Immediate Past President: Nelson E Genshaft The Truth About What Clients Really Want Hepatitis C – A Silent Epidemic By Mark Kafantaris . .Page 23 By Rosemary Eustace and Nikki Rogers . .Page 38 BOARD OF GOVERNORS President’s Page Always Consider Jury Instructions Technolawgy David S. Bloomfield, Jr.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Teleworkers Are More Satisfied with Their Jobs Than Are Office
    Journal of Applied Communication Research Vol. 38, No. 4, November 2010, pp. 336Á361 Why Teleworkers are More Satisfied with Their Jobs than are Office-Based Workers: When Less Contact is Beneficial Kathryn L. Fonner & Michael E. Roloff This study challenges assumptions regarding the value and necessity of frequent face- to-face workplace interaction by building upon a theoretical framework for the consequences of telecommuting. Using a multiple mediation approach and path analysis, the study examines the extent to which telework affects job satisfaction through the experiences of workÁlife conflict, stress due to meetings and interruptions, perceived organizational politics, and information exchange. Results reveal that high-intensity teleworkers (n 89) are more satisfied than office-based employees (n 103) and achieve significant benefits from their work arrangement, with workÁlife conflict most influential toward job satisfaction. The path model reveals more complex indirect paths linking telework and job satisfaction. Keywords: Telework; Job Satisfaction; Organizational Politics; Meetings; WorkÁLife Conflict Telework is a ‘‘work arrangement in which employees perform their regular work at a site other than the ordinary workplace, supported by technological connections’’ (Fitzer, 1997, p. 65), and has become increasingly prevalent in the United States (WorldatWork, 2009). Job satisfaction is one of the most commonly reported outcomes of telework (Pinsonneault & Boisvert, 2001), yet doubts remain regarding Kathryn L. Fonner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Michael E. Roloff is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University. Data were collected as part of the first author’s dissertation. We would like to thank Laura Stafford and the anonymous Journal of Applied Communication Research reviewers for their thoughtful feedback during the review process.
    [Show full text]
  • Domesticating Democracy
    DOMESTICATING DEMOCRACY THE POLITICS OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN BOLIVIA SUSAN HELEN ELLISON Domesticating Democracy SUSAN HELEN ELLISON Domesticating Democracy The Politics of Conflict Resolution in Bolivia Duke University Press Durham and London 2018 © 2018 Duke University Press All rights reserved Printed in the United States of Amer ic a on acid-f ree paper ∞ Text designed by Courtney Leigh Baker Cover designed by Matthew Tauch Typeset in Minion Pro and Trade Gothic Bold Condensed #18 by Westchester Publishing Ser vices Library of Congress Cataloging-in- Pu blication Data Names: Ellison, Susan (Susan Helen), author. Title: Domesticating democracy : the politics of conflict resolution in Bolivia / Susan Helen Ellison. Description: Durham : Duke University Press, 2018. | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: lccn 2017049284 (print) lccn 2017056249 (ebook) isbn 9780822371786 (ebook) isbn 9780822370932 (hardcover : alk. paper) isbn 9780822371083 (pbk. : alk. paper) Subjects: lcsh: Conflict management— Bolivia— El Alto. | Social conflict— Bolivia— El Alto. | Dispute resolution (Law)— Bolivia. | Mediation— Bolivia— El Alto. | Conciliation (Civil procedure)— Bolivia. | Non- governmental organ izations— Political activity— Bolivia— El Alto. Classification:lcc hn280.e38 (ebook) | lcc hn280.e38 E45 2018 (print) | ddc 303.6/90984— dc23 lc rec ord available at https:// lccn . loc . gov / 2017049284 Cover art: Design and illustration by Matthew Tauch. A sewing machine stitches the rainbow-c heckered wiphala flag utilized by
    [Show full text]
  • Underwriting in the 21St Century
    70 ON THE RISK vol.22 n.4 (2006) UNDERWRITING IN THE 21ST CENTURY: LIFE OUTSIDE THE HOME OFFICE Eli Rowe Christos Orestis III Chief Executive Officer Consultant Parameds.com Parameds.com New York, NY Yarmouth, ME Executive Summary: Previous articles in this series have explored how to break down silos between underwriting and distribution; the emergence of outsourcing and automation as important underwriting productivity drivers; and, we have analyzed ways to get more value from the ubiquitous—yet paradoxical—attending physician statement (APS). The common thread throughout this series of articles is overcoming the challenges that underwriting departments must face every day as the demands on underwriting departments increase while available resources decrease. For this installment, we spoke with a number of underwriters who have decades of risk management experience, about their perceptions of the industry today and what it is like to be part of the growing trend of “remote underwriting.” Introduction How many years have you been an underwriter? A “perfect storm” of trends in underwriting has All of the participants had significant experience as emerged to challenge the industry in the early years underwriters working for life and health insurers with of the 21st century: a range between 5 and 40 years. All have been 1. An alarming number of the most experienced underwriting on an outsourced basis anywhere from underwriters have reached (or are reaching) retire- 1-5 years. ment age. 2. There are not enough well-trained underwriters What companies were you employed by when coming up through the ranks to fill the void.
    [Show full text]
  • View Slides from Working from Home: Lessons Learned Over the Past Year
    Working from Home: Lessons Learned Over the Past Year A presentation of the Twin Cities Telework webinar series Thursday, February 25, 2021 Agenda ▪ Telework along the I-494 corridor ▪ National attitudes toward telework ▪ Today’s challenges for teleworking ▪ Support for teleworkers ▪ Planning for the future ▪ Questions Telework along the I-494 corridor February 2021 Commuter Survey | February 1-15 ▪ Distributed to 4,038 commuters ▪ 472 responses received ▪ 12 percent response rate Telework along the I-494 corridor ▪ 65 percent of respondents are teleworking today, compared to 3 percent this time last year ▪ 48 percent of respondents think they will return to the worksite – at least part-time – in three to nine months ▪ 75 percent of teleworkers use computers provided by their employers; 53 percent use computer monitors provided by their employers ▪ 64 percent of teleworkers currently use their personal cell phone to conduct company business; 8 percent receive a monthly stipend for cell use The pros and cons after nearly a year Challenges to telework: Positives of telework: ▪ Feelings of isolation: 44 percent ▪ Saving time on the commute: 77 ▪ Poor communication with percent coworkers: 38 percent ▪ Saving money: 61 percent ▪ Feeling stressed: 24 percent ▪ More time with family: 50 ▪ Helping children: 17 percent percent ▪ Poor communication with ▪ More productive: 40 percent managers: 13 percent ▪ Fewer distractions: 37 percent National attitudes toward telework ▪ Extreme teleworking ▪ July is the new January ▪ Productivity Telework during COVID-19 • Extreme teleworking … not the normal situation for teleworking • Everyone in the household under one roof • Working • Home schooling • Providing childcare • Cooking and baking • Stressed by the pandemic July or later is the new January: More companies delay return to the office • From Ford to Microsoft, white-collar companies are increasingly extending working from home through summer.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Chimpanzee Politics and Legitimate Violence: a Brief Introduction to Politics and States
    1. Chimpanzee Politics and Legitimate Violence: A Brief Introduction to Politics and States The American federal government is merely one government out of a vast number of governments at national, local, and intermediate levels, a single case study rather than a model of what government in general looks like. And governments in general are just case studies in politics, which is a more extensive concept than government, and encompasses behavior that is older than humanity. So to properly understand the American federal government (and the overall American political system) we need to start with some understanding of politics and government, along with some related political concepts. 1. POLITICS: WHO GETS WHAT, WHEN, AND HOW Political Scientists have given us numerous definitions of politics, which may indicate that we’re not exactly sure what it is we’re studying. These three are, I believe, the most well-known. 1. Politics is “the authoritative allocation of values for the society” (David Easton).1 2. “[T]he essence of politics lies in power. of relationships of superordination, or dominance and submission, of the governors and the governed“ (V.O. Key).2 3. “The study of politics is the study of influence and the influential. Politics [is] who gets what, when, and, how” (Harold Lasswell).”3 Although they use different words, these definitions all have a common focal point: politics is about who determines the outcomes: who allocates values; who governs; who dominates whom; who gets what, when, and how. For the purposes of this book, Lasswell’s definition – “politics is who gets what, when, and how” — will be the dominant theme.
    [Show full text]