Our politicians worked together to create Corona Relief packages like the one that gave The Kennedy Center 25 million dollars in order to stay afloat during these trying times. But we never expected that the Kennedy Center would selfishly think to layoff their 100 member orchestra, as the bailout was supposed to cover these employees. The public’s voice has been heard loud and clear, leading to the Kennedy Center reevaluating what they are going to do with the bailout, especially after there were talks where they would have to return the money.
“The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has walked back its decision to furlough nearly 100 members of the symphony orchestra despite receiving a $25 million federal bailout, a move that prompted the affected musicians to file a lawsuit against the performing arts center.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, the center has offered the musicians pay cuts and a wage freeze instead of furloughs, and the union representing the orchestra’s musicians has, in turn, decided to drop a lawsuit against the center for allegedly violating a contract, which prohibits layoffs without six weeks notice.
As a result of the agreement, the Kennedy Center told the news agency that the organization will save $4 million and approximately $2.5 million in payroll through September 2020.
The decision to avoid musician furloughs comes a week after lawmakers moved to revoke the center’s $25 million bailout, calling the provision in the massive stimulus package “frivolous spending,” as The Daily Wire previously reported.”
“If an organization is receiving assistance from the federal government, we expect them to take care of their workers,” said House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), one of the bill’s 13 co-sponsors.”
The Kennedy Center suddenly saw the light once people brought up how they should return the money. But this should never have been an issue in the first place, and this is why we need to closely watch what these companies do after they get the bailouts. We don’t want a repeat 2008 where the CEOs gave themselves bonuses.
You should also check into a $5 million donation to the DNC that I heard about from this $25 million federal “gift”. This too MUST be returned as it did not have anything to do with the coronavirus but to continue to destroy President Trump.
Democrats know how to support the Wuhan Red Death struggle. They have their priorities.
Do you know the fastest way to take care of the problem? Threaten to use Martial Law! With the use of Martial Law, Trump could clean out the swamp! With martial law in place, congress is no longer needed, which means all of congress gets sent home without pay for as long as it takes! Also with this the president could enact the 27th amendment to our constitution! This amendment puts term limits on all elected federal employees ( to include all of congress)! This would mean election of all new congress! Hence forth cleaning out the swamp! This should only be used as a last resort! But with all the threats from the Democrats, this would be the lesser of two evils! Another by product of martial law would be the round up and deportation of every last illegal in this country!
We should remind all of the bailout money but use part of it to pay their employees who they laidoff
I was suppsed to be Targeted and Monitered. That is not happening.
For the most part, owners and senior managers are already independently wealthy and should NOT receive a dime. All bailout money should be designated only for effected employees. The only exception would be for owners of “small” businesses.
Use all of it to pay their employees. that is what it was intended for
Consider the fact that Pelosi’s daughter, and Susan Rice, as well as Vallerie Jarrett hiding there in the background, are all seated on The Directors Board! Well, well, well, is DEEP for Democrat friends of friends of OBAMA!
Kennedy Center should ever have gotten a Bail out to begin with. They are not essential. Plus they should dip into their Endowments to survive. My God the Kennedys are affiliated with this Organization and they are Millionaires. This so called Pandemic which is being overblown is nothing but a Political Ploy for the Left to take down the economy.
Not entirely certain about you “pandemic” comment. However, the demoncrap idea, as clearly proclaimed during Obozo administration, is “never allow a good tragedy go to waste”.
Pat – you are correct – ‘performing arts’ are certainly not essential to our survival – a case might be made that they contribute to morale but little else. Besides, it isn’t like they will be hosting any events in the near future anyway.
And most of us mere mortals would never be able to attend any of the functions they hold under normal circumstances, couldn’t afford it or be hoity toity enough to do so. I clean up pretty good but would never achieve ‘high class’.
The BS-19 flu!!
Give them money to help and they say piss on the people. Damn.
I am completely against bailouts for BIG multi-M(B)illion dollar organizations. I do support bailouts – or at least substantial assistance for smaller companies and organizations. CEOs bonuses and salaries are a major factor,
David – I’ve stated on numerous other forums that ALL of the ‘awards’ (or whatever they are disguising the handouts as) should have been dealt out to local philanthropist types – can you imagine the good at the local level that creating a bunch of instant millionaires could achieve? The caveat should be that they must account for every dollar they hand out – and who to – minus say five percent for reasonable expenses. IOW they don’t get to pocket any of the money. My local agencies – like the food bank – could certainly use an extra 999,995 bucks (five bucks worth of gas would get me there and back 😉
Oh yeah, one other stipulation – NONE of the money could go to any organization that is blatantly political – on either side.
So the democrat money laundering scheme was “nipped in the bud” by those mean old republicans….they will still get their “kick backs” ….just not as much as they had hoped for…so look out in the second stimulus package because they are sure to attempt it again….just wait and see…..the DNC is about out of money and they are desperate.
OK, so why are they getting $25 million when their payroll all the way through September is only $2.5 million? Sounds like Piglosi screwed the taxpayers again.
I would liketo hear the Orchestra play the Swan Song for the Democrat Party!