Patt Morrison Tues, May 5

PATT MORRISON SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

1-3 p.m.

 

1:00 – 1:30

Saving Us from Ourselves: Credit Cardholders’ “Bill of Rights” and the Prospects of Real Reform

Along with used car salesmen and politicians, credit card companies are high up on the list of the universally hated and for good reason: unjustified hikes in interest rates, hidden fees and predatory marketing have ensnared millions of Americans in substantial credit card debt to the tune of $2.7 trillion in 2008.  An effort is underway in Congress, backed by President Obama, to enact a new credit cardholders’ “bill of rights” that promises to scale back some of the credit card companies’ most unsavory behavior.  Is the new bill of rights, which has already passed the House, real reform or merely a list of feel good but ultimately toothless provisions?  Can we change our own bad habits with credit cards?

 

Guests:

TBD: guest Advocating for bill

 

Todd Zywicki, professor of law at George Mason University School of Law; editor of the Supreme Court Economic Review

CALL HIM:  703-993-9484

Backup:  Donna Sneed, 703-346-4576

• Zywicki served as director of the Office of Policy Planning at the Federal Trade Commission from ’03 – ’04; he also is a member of the Board of Directors of the Financial Services Research Program at George Washington University.
• He is the author of the forthcoming book “Bankruptcy & Personal Responsibility: Bankruptcy Law & Policy in the 21^st Century.”

 

 

 

1:30 – 2:00

OPEN

 

 

[NPR NEWS]

 

2:00 – 2:20

Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor

Former California congresswoman Hilda Solis is the new Secretary of Labor, after facing controversy over her service as an unpaid board member and treasurer of a pro-union nonprofit, American Rights at Work, and over tax liens against her husband. Solis is a strong supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act, a new bill that would make it easier for workers to organize. As a congresswoman, Solis supported legislation to broaden workers’ rights, and she has support from labor unions AFL-CIO and the SEIU. Patt talks with the Secretary about her new position and her plans for the Labor Department.   

 

Guest:

Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor

 

 

2:20 – 2:30

OPEN

 

 

2:30 – 3:00

Cinco de Mayo with Two Too Hot Tamales

The Too Hot Tamales are here with ideas to spice up your Cinco de Mayo table. Whether it’s perfecting that guacamole, rethinking grapefruit as an essential taco topping, or venturing into new culinary dimensions (think Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake and Cucumber Melon Margaritas)—they have advice!

 

Guests:

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, chef/owners of Border Grill and Ciudad restaurants

IN STUDIO