Patt Morrison for Weds, May 13

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:40

Gathering UTLA, LAUSD & L.A.’s Parents for a Nice Glass of Reform Lemonade

In the never-ending debate about the sad state of public education in Los Angeles, there are two predictable sides to every argument:  the Los Angeles Unified School District and the teachers, usually represented by their union the United Teachers of Los Angeles.  Now a group of LAUSD parents are seeking to enter the fray with a simple goal: getting the two warring factions to talk and get moving on real school reforms, whatever shape they might ultimately take.  The Lemonade Initiative kicks off its effort with a big rally on Friday morning—will parents succeed in forcing two intractable sides together to work toward reform?

 

Guests:

Elisa Taub, co-founder of The Lemonade Initiative & parent of a LAUSD student

IN STUDIO

• The Lemonade Initiative is holding a rally at the Balboa Soccer Fields, in the Sepulveda Damn Basin in the San Fernando Valley, on Friday morning at 10am.

 

Other guests TBD

 

 

1:40 – 2:00

NTSB Holds Safety Hearings on Buffalo Plane Crash

Over the next few days, The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold hearings into the safety issues raised by the February crash of an airliner near Buffalo that killed 50 people. The NTSB investigation has faulted the captain of the plane and his lack of hands-on-training for the crash. Witnesses in the hearing are expected to provide new allegations about training shortcomings, as well as the prevalence of chronic pilot fatigue and lapses in cockpit discipline. How worried should we be about the training for commuter airlines? We get the lowdown from day 2 of the hearing.

 

Guests:

Jerry Skinner, attorney with Nolan Law

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[NPR NEWS]

 

2:00 – 2:30

Sin Tax on Soda Pop: Will your Sweet Tooth Pay for my Healthcare?

In a bind to pay for President Obama's proposed $1.2 trillion overhaul of the health care system, Senate leaders are considering federal taxes on soda and other sugary drinks. Congressional Budget Office reports estimate that adding a three cent-tax to 12-ounce servings would generate $24 billion over the next four years. Proponents say the tax would lower consumption, reduce health problems, and save medical costs, but the beverage industry claims it would unfairly hit lower-income Americans and wouldn't deter consumption. We hear from both sides.

 

Guests:

Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association

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Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest

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2:30 – 3:00

OPEN