Three items in the news this week caught my eye: speculation about the trickle-down impacts of the so-called "Supercommittee" failure; a measure to freeze replacement of out-going federal workers; and the retirement of the "Mr. Speaker!" man.
Failure of the deficit reduction Committee to reach consensus on cost-cutting or revenue-raising measures is a blow on many levels, particularly for state governments. As legislative bodies gather in early 2012 to begin hammering out their 2013 budgets, they do so with little to no information on what they can expect from Washington in terms of funding for major discretionary or entitlement programs.
Many states operate under balanced budget rules. With no guarantee on revenues, the eventual deep program cuts and eliminations anticipated at the federal level will likely begin at the state and local level. As my sports commentator friend Jack often says, "This will not be pretty."
While punting on the big issues about deficit reduction, the Senate did debate how to find savings within the federal workforce itself, considering a proposal to replace only every second or third departing worker. Not that the government has ever been quick to release non-performers, but the threat of losing FTE slots when an employee leaves could have the perverse affect of keeping these individuals in their jobs longer than appropriate.
Finally, we learned this week of the retirement of one highly regarded federal employee. Bill Livingood who retires after serving as the House Sergeant-At-Arms for 17 years. Though few know him by name, many recognize his familiar call to attention, "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States!" This brief moment of pomp and circumstance, preceding the often less classy behavior by Members themselves, is always my favorite moment in a Congressional address by a President.
In addition to this protocol duty, the Sergeant-At-Arms is responsible for providing security to the Members of the House, their staff and visitors. With all the talk of cutbacks and hiring freezes, it's safe to say that's one government job that won't be eliminated.
