Senator Schumer at UofL

I went to the campus talk by NY Senator Chuck Schumer this morning. I was not sitting very close, so my photos didn't turn out very well. I posted a Twitter thread about the event:

Sen. Schumer speaking at University of Louisville this morning. Will tweet any important content. pic.twitter.com/jKFqgDQSxF

— Rodger Payne (@RodgerPayne) February 12, 2018

Schumer's talk was not packed with content. He emphasized bipartisanship and was hopeful about upcoming immigration debate in Senate.

Briefly noted problems: it's a complex issue, need 60 votes, "fractious House" and (obliquely) Trump is Trump.

— Rodger Payne (@RodgerPayne) February 12, 2018

Q& A included more content, but nothing especially notable.

Was asked a good question about jobs in an increasingly automated economy. Kept returning to that puzzle, to his credit. Wants to pay more to teachers and aids for elderly.

— Rodger Payne (@RodgerPayne) February 12, 2018

Was critical of selective "deficit hawks" like @RandPaul . Paul voted for the big tax cut, which undermines his credibility on the deficit.

— Rodger Payne (@RodgerPayne) February 12, 2018

Schumer offered more detail on immigration in Q & A. Reminded audience of Gang of 8 compromise that included path to citizenship, more border security, novel solutions for tech & ag sectors, work & language requirements, & US loyalty pledge.

Thanked @SenJohnMcCain

— Rodger Payne (@RodgerPayne) February 12, 2018

Finally, @SenSchumer wasn't overly critical of anyone in government. Said very little about Trump.

Was perhaps most critical of @EPAScottPruitt "disservice" by weakening regulations, reducing @EPA personnel, & not enforcing laws.

— Rodger Payne (@RodgerPayne) February 12, 2018

The Department Twitter account posted a photo of the Senators with our new department chair Jasmine Farrier:

The spirit of bi-partisanship is alive and well in the UofL Political Science Department! @ULmCenter @UofLASThinker @SenSchumer @SenateMajLdr #WeAreUofL pic.twitter.com/IgsY4lF75h

— UofL Political Science (@UofLDOPS) February 12, 2018

Did I mention that my term as chair ended and I'm on sabbatical through 2018?

Oh, I snapped this shot from my seat prior to the event (sorry it is blurry, but you were warned above):

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