Subscribe Register Login

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 12:34 a.m.
Top Picks - Arkansas Daily Deal

Black Caucus concerned about steel mill plan

By The Associated Press

This article was published February 11, 2013 at 1:51 p.m.

LITTLE ROCK — Members of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus say they’re concerned that the governor’s proposal to provide millions of dollars in state funding to help bring a large steel mill to the state doesn’t include a requirement that the company hire black workers.

Caucus members said at their meeting Monday that they were discouraged that Big River Steel wouldn’t be required to ensure that its workforce represented the population of the majority black northeast Arkansans community where the facility is to be built.

The current proposal requires the company to employ 525 workers with an average annual salary of $75,000.

Arkansas Economic Development Director Grant Tennille told the caucus that adding workforce quotas would likely sink the deal, but said it was in the Legislature’s purview to make that decision.

Comments on: Black Caucus concerned about steel mill plan

To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Read our Terms of Use policy.

Subscribe Register Login

You must login to make comments.

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 11, 2013 at 2:06 p.m.

What a great idea; that's a good way for everyone who doesn't want the steel mill to be happy. Will they also require them to hire a certain amount of Hispanics and other nationalities, based on their population in the area?

( | suggest removal )

DEMOCRATREPUBLICAN says... February 11, 2013 at 2:17 p.m.

"Members of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus"

This group is no different than the KKK. Racism is racism, no matter the color.

( | suggest removal )

MenLR2 says... February 11, 2013 at 2:18 p.m.

GEEEEeeezzzzzz....

( | suggest removal )

MenLR2 says... February 11, 2013 at 2:20 p.m.

Wonder if they will be required to hire a certain percentage of old, fat, white guys? Where do I apply?

( | suggest removal )

rockylittle says... February 11, 2013 at 2:45 p.m.

How about just hiring people on the basis of qualifications? Whomsoever makes the grade should be employed regardless of race, skin color or political affiliation. Isn't that real democracy and the true American spirit?

( | suggest removal )

ArmyMedic says... February 11, 2013 at 2:51 p.m.

Why do we need the government to force a company to hire a certain percentage of any ethnic group? Um!!! Let me see since we're talking about the Afro-American group. No sensible employer would hire someone that their pants are below their azz in fear of an on the job injury. How could the employer interview someone if they don't show up for the interview from partying all night & smoking their blunt before time? I thought the affirmative action & the qoutas were over with. Folks look here: Racism at it's BEST is called the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus. Hell, they kept Black in their title instead of changing it to Afro-American to remind them of their racism ways.....

( | suggest removal )

Poorboy says... February 11, 2013 at 2:55 p.m.

Maybe the Black Caucus is thinking about applying?

( | suggest removal )

Jackabbott says... February 11, 2013 at 3:21 p.m.

Agree with rockylittle.

( | suggest removal )

philly46 says... February 11, 2013 at 3:28 p.m.

They fired me because I was black! No, they HIRED you because you we're black! They fired you because you weren't worth a da&&n

( | suggest removal )

ForReal says... February 11, 2013 at 3:36 p.m.

Excellent observation rockylittle. The very reason that affirmative action was allowed to be enacted in the first place is because the good ole boys could not see qualifications without seeing color. I am totally against hiring because of color but I am also totally against denying employment due to color.

( | suggest removal )

tesbrown1101071440 says... February 11, 2013 at 3:53 p.m.

Black Caucus concerned about steel mill plan, well believe a company should hire individuals based on qualifications, drug testing, background checks, etc. not by the color of their skin. Why do we have a Black caucus, to still up racism. they government is suppose to be for the people, by he people!

( | suggest removal )

Packman says... February 11, 2013 at 4:34 p.m.

Since BH Obama is half-black, does he count as a "black worker"? The unsung problem with quotas and affirmative action is the disservice it does to blacks who achieve in life based on the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Because of affirmative action, people see a young black man in a good job and assume he got there because of some mandate or quota and not because of his qualifications and past jobs performance as a job well earned. This is a tragic unintended consequence of affirmative action.

( | suggest removal )

LSS says... February 11, 2013 at 6:26 p.m.

The only way around this fiasco is to NOT include the "What race are you' question on all applications. All interviews/hiring should then be conducted by phone. Applicant sight unseen. Then let the best man/woman win.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 11, 2013 at 7:08 p.m.

The whole history of Arkansas politics suggests that the Black Caucus members have every reason to be concerned. The poor, black people always get shafted on any sort of funding issue. This whole deal smells of welfare for rich, white people--the Kochs, the top executives for the steel mill, the bond lawyers, and the bond salesmen. The Black Caucus needs to be much more astute and demand funding for public improvements which will help those who most need it. Arkansas needs BETTER SCHOOLS. Instead of giving the Kochs a bunch of cash to pass around, why don't we buy more computers for the schools? While we are at it, why don't we hire somebody who can start firing some of the dead weight teachers and get some money to pay the good ones what they are worth? All of the conservatives are worried about welfare for the poor when they should be worried about welfare for the wealthy. Why do the rich guys on the Game and Fish Commission need the state to buy them guns? Why do the billionaire Kochs need help with funding this project?

( | suggest removal )

HM2 says... February 11, 2013 at 8:22 p.m.

I think if you read the equal rights ammendment, it states that " you can not discriminate because of race, creed , or color or national origin" but if you hire smeone and that someone can't do the job: firing them is a whole new ball game. if they're black get ready for one H E double hockey sticks of a law suite. it's automatic.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 11, 2013 at 9:40 p.m.

Populist your agreement that the steel mill should hire based on racial preference is noted. Now when they hire someone due to this and they die due to the fact they were not qualified but forced into a job they did not deserve who benefits most? Oh yes that would be you and your husband's profession as attorneys. See how this works? You try to deflect and say the big bad 1% benefit but you will be okay with it as long as it is one of your own. You keep harping on history; those who live in the past are doomed to repeat it. Also when a LR multi-millionaire makes untold millions on this job who is a bleeding heart liberal is it okay if he employs more whites than blacks both in LR and in Mississippi County? The truth is you are fine with it because he is a liberal. I'n sure you are friends with him already.

( | suggest removal )

LevitiCuss says... February 11, 2013 at 11 p.m.

This deal is not good for Arkansans of any color. Too bad the Kochs can't swing a deal without government assistance. I'm so sick of working to support the deadbeats in our society.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 12, 2013 at 6:32 a.m.

I believe the way to create a wealthier Arkansas is through creating better schools. The Arkansas economy is plagued by having too many unskilled workers. I do not favor discrimination of any type. I am not in favor of tax donations to billionaires who have given huge donations to the state's politicians. I think the black caucus should just oppose this deal and support better schools. It is too hard to enforce a certain number of black jobs. I suspect that this deal already has been planned out to ensure that certain law firms get the bond business and certain nephews and cousins get the executive positions. If we could decrease the corruption in government, there would be plenty of money for quality programs which benefit the public at large. Arkansas has a history of projects that grease the palms of the rich and powerful. The black caucus should look askance at the whole project and should support public funding of better schools--computer education, medical technology training, etc. etc.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 12, 2013 at 7:59 a.m.

Populist if we could decrease corruption in the justice system we would be better off also. It's funny how you never answer the questions people ask you but you go straight into your ejukashun spiel.

( | suggest removal )

penber says... February 12, 2013 at 8:40 a.m.

Reverse discrimination is still discrimination. Unfortunately for Arkansas, most of the higher paid workers will probably come from Mississippi with experience at other plants like this one. The Black Caucus needs to encourage its constituents to get the skills needed for a job before they demand one be given to them.

( | suggest removal )

DixiePig says... February 12, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

Populist.....you can't fire the deadbeat teachers and hire good ones because you libs have made that IMPOSSIBLE to fire any of them....idiot

( | suggest removal )

DEMOCRATREPUBLICAN says... February 12, 2013 at 11:02 a.m.

Populist, I see you are in the minority again with your 'views' of how life should be and what it is. You live in a fantasy land.

( | suggest removal )

Packman says... February 12, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

Hey Populist - Please know I will hammer you every time you talk about the failing schools in Arkansas in light of the recent study by Education Week that ranked our schools 5th in the nation. Please stop with the lies about Arkansas' schools. And talk about an illogical argument.....You say you favor more money for public schools while opposing a business proposition that will literally generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax revenue for public schools in one of the poorest regions of America. Your logic is perverse at best.

Hey Cuss - C'mon, Cuss, you're smarter than to use that "government assistance" bullspit regarding an investment that will pay immeasurable societal dividends in return. A check going to a woman for popping out babies with no expectation of return is weflare. A tax break going to a business for putting people to work and growing the economy is an investment. Nobody is so blind as to not see the glaring difference.

( | suggest removal )

RZRBKINTXS says... February 12, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.

This is a good opportunity for the state, no matter who the backers are. Yet the liberals are all lining up to poke holes in it because of hypothetical pollution and discrimination that might SOMEDAY occur. You already have a plethora of environmental and anti-discrimination laws to regulate every possible aspect.

Nice going. Way to put your lib agenda ahead of the good of the people of your state.

( | suggest removal )

HotSpringsLawyer says... February 12, 2013 at 12:31 p.m.

For once and for all the Education Weekly study did NOT rank Arkansas schools 5th in country except on policy issues. It gave the school system a "D" grade in student achievement.

I do not know Populist, but it is disturbing that so many contributors who have at least rudimentary ability to read and write actually seem to oppose improved education.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 12, 2013 at 12:42 p.m.

Hey, this is all being sold as a way to improve employment for the poor people of Mississippi County (most of whom are black). I believe the Black Counsel suspects that this actually is welfare for white billionaires and the friends and relatives of certain Arkansas politicians.

Packman,

It is the Democratic governor who has been arguing that Arkansas is 5th in education based upon the rating of one teacher's mag's opinion that Arkansas is 5th in policy because it won't fire any teachers. Everybody in the real world knows that Arkansas is somewhere in the bottom ten--if not bottom five. The conservative group ALEC ranks Arkansas schools at 45. See e.g., wwwdotthearkansasprojectdotcom/report-arkansas-45-in-education-but-gov-beebe-said-we-were-5/. Many of us who are pro-education are neither liberal nor conservative on the issue. It is not that I want teachers to be fired because I don't like teachers, but rather because I believe students should not have to suffer under bad teachers. We also do not want teachers to be fired for arbitrary reasons by incompetent administrators. The Montgomery County, Maryland system of allowing principals to fire subject to a panel review works and is one reason that the system is the finest in the country. People can criticize Michelle Rhee, but the D.C. school system badly needed somebody to go in and fire the bad principals and teachers. Some of us so-called "libs" may favor decreased class size and better teacher pay, but we also know that bad teachers need to go. While one cannot turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, children should be able to show some progress every year. Arkansas also needs to improve enforcement of truancy laws and child neglect laws. The crime rate among youth in Little Rock is just shocking. Little Rock was much safer in my youth.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 12, 2013 at 12:48 p.m.

Redwings,

All I know about this Justice Department is that it seems that, for the first time, some of the drug lords of Eastern Arkansas have been rounded up and prosecuted.

For all of those who always make snarky comments on the race of criminals in Little Rock, check out who won the Jeopardy Teen tournament. What a great accomplishment!

( | suggest removal )

HotSpringsLawyer says... February 12, 2013 at 1:21 p.m.

Old joke about things you'll never hear from an Arkansan: "Alex, I'll take Shakespeare for $1,000"!

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 12, 2013 at 1:53 p.m.

I have my doubts about that "$75 an hour, since the average wage of steel workers nation wide is $38/hr. or half that.
So non-unionized Arkansans will earn more than those in Youngstown or Gary?
They are counting future benefits, which may well turn out to be pie in the sky.
This is also a risky investment for the Teachers' Retirement Fund.

( | suggest removal )

Jfish says... February 12, 2013 at 2:19 p.m.

Coralie, read the article, it is $75K per year, not $75 per hour. If this company is not an environmental liability, I don't see the problem, everyone always says let's help the Delta and create US manufacturing jobs. Also, what is the actual racial makeup of Mississippi County? I was thinking that it was about 50/50.

( | suggest removal )

Jfish says... February 12, 2013 at 2:24 p.m.

I googled a couple of sites and Mississippi County is ~63% white and ~33% black, so go figure.

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 12, 2013 at 3:14 p.m.

Sorry for goof
I still think it's a risky investment for Teacher's pensions.
Worldwide, the steel market is depressed, and a recent ADG article on the business page told about a big German steelworks that is laying off a lot of workers.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 12, 2013 at 3:17 p.m.

DemocratRepublican,

Look at who won the teen jeopardy and tell me again that I live in a fantasy world. Maryland has a 30% black population and is routinely ranked in the top 3 state school systems in the country. West Virginia only is 3% black, and they rank near the bottom in education and economically. Virginia and North Carolina are states which formerly had large amounts of dire poverty, and they are advancing economically because they are pushing education. Economic well being is tied to education. I am so sick of the racists insinuating that education is wasted on black people.

( | suggest removal )

Packman says... February 12, 2013 at 4:24 p.m.

Hey Populist - "I am so sick of the racists insinuating that education is wasted on black people." Typically, education is only wasted on know-it-all liberals...... Education Week, 5th in the nation, nuff said. Also, do yourself a favor and review the Pulaski County Special School District's policy on teacher removal. It sounds very similar to that in your beloved Montgomery County. Regarding those education measures you use to say Maryland ranks higher in education than West Virginia, do they include life skills aptitude like welding, auto mechanics, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, etc., or are they based on abstract concepts and liberal arts? Depending on the measures, those kids in West Virginia might be more intelligent than you think.

Hey HSLawyer - One can support an improved education system through productive reform without supporting more money thrown into a broken system. Surely, you are "educated" enough to see the difference...... And did you notice the kid that won the Jeopardy tournament is a product of certain educational reforms promoted by conservatives?

( | suggest removal )

lazybar says... February 12, 2013 at 4:38 p.m.

pop is right the poor ole disadvantaged blacks and whitey keeps pushing him down.its not like they have exclusive colleges and college funds.
hsl,there are plenty of lawyer jokes so if you don`t like it here your free to move.

( | suggest removal )

inquire says... February 12, 2013 at 5:43 p.m.

Jfish, a little clarification. According to today's Southwest Times Record, the steel mill would be built just outside Osceola, which is 53.9% black.
ArmyMedic, your unfortunate generalizations about black people are very unfair. I don't see how you could have lived very long without coming in contact with many blacks who are not like that. Would you like all whites to be stereotyped as being like white trash?

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 12, 2013 at 7:09 p.m.

Packman,

West Virginia is right up there with Arkansas as far as the misery index goes. When you look at things such as median household income, education, disparity in income, children below the poverty line etc. , West Virginia ranks in the bottom 6 states (right along with Arkansas). West Virginia cannot blame their standard of living on blacks because they have very few. The color of one's skin does not matter with respect to poverty. It is the access to education. Everybody benefits when education lifts the economic status of the entire community. It is not that the politicians want to "hold black people down," it is just that they are apathetic and do not understand that improving the schools will improve the future economy of Arkansas. It really all is about capitalism; those who are most skilled are in highest demand and can obtain the highest wages. When you have enough people in a community with high skills, even the low skilled people are in demand because the highly skilled need landscapers, household workers etc.

( | suggest removal )

HotSpringsLawyer says... February 12, 2013 at 7:51 p.m.

Hey PMan: sorry, just thought it was a funny joke. Heard it again on the Buzz the other day. I went to Arkansas public school and I learned about Shakespeare and all the other Presidents too.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 12, 2013 at 7:58 p.m.

I hope everyone realizes that a large percentage of the steelworkers in Mississippi County live in Missouri already. You can bet that many of the laid off workers from the related steel businesses around Blytheville will be the first to get jobs at the new mill (of course Nucor has never laid anyone off so it will not be from them). I would bet that no more than 10% of the mill employees come from Osceola itself, and it is also close enough to Marion and Memphis to draw from there. I don't give a rats butt what color they are just hire the most qualified applicants.

( | suggest removal )

DEMOCRATREPUBLICAN says... February 14, 2013 at 2:32 p.m.

@Populist and National Inquire, why does everything that comes out of your mouths have to do with race? Just like every time that a black is interviewed on the news, it is about race. Why is that? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

( | suggest removal )

Packman says... February 14, 2013 at 3:11 p.m.

Hey Populist - You keep missing my point about the Education Week ranking. Educaton Week cherry-picked criteria as you have cherry-picked yours. I agree parallels exist between income and education (the higher peole go on the education ladder, the higher the typical paycheck) but it has NOTHING to do with race. It is also not about ACCESS. It's about culture and parental support. It's the difference between what was argued in those classic debates between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBose. Conservatives want to use the school improvement template of Washington, you seem to want to use the template of DuBose along with throwing more money into a failed and failing system. Marco Rubio talked of the true improvements needed in education. You and BH Obama only talk of "investing" into a broken system. Yours is the definition of insanity. Marco Rubio defined success. I suspect Booker T. Washington would have liked Rubio's speech.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 14, 2013 at 4:08 p.m.

Packman,

For somebody who doesn't even have kids in school and doesn't work or teach in a school, you seem to think that you know so much about education. Your attitude is "it's all parental and cultural." Those are just a couple of the many factors which figure into the equation. Cultural also is not referring to one's ethnicity, but their community. When a community cares more about the winning record of the football team than the quality of the schools, that also is a cultural issue. The quality of the teachers, the school equipment, individual motivation of the child, influence of the child's peers etc are all part of the equation.

You indicate that we should stop putting money into failed systems. What is your solution--to close the Little Rock schools? Well, mine is that there should be a shake-up and indeed, some schools perhaps should be temporarily closed. Quite a few people should be fired, demoted, transferred into less important jobs. An outsider with a proven track record of success needs to be hired to turn the schools around.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 14, 2013 at 4:23 p.m.

Packman,

You criticize W.E.B. Du Bois, and I am not quite sure why. Is it because he helped found the N.A.A.C.P.? You seem to think the equipment, materials and money spent on schools is unimportant. This exactly is what the segregationists said; yet, they always made sure that the black schools had the worst in equipment and school books and supplies. Are you critical of Daisy Bates also?

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 14, 2013 at 4:46 p.m.

Ooops. I made a grammatical error above. Well, it won't be the first time. I need to proofread what I write. My apologies to the peanut gallery.

( | suggest removal )

DontDrinkDatKoolAid says... February 14, 2013 at 8:42 p.m.

Oh I understand Pop .. We have have all done dat.

( | suggest removal )

harley1305121514 says... February 15, 2013 at 12:05 a.m.

Populist, oh Populist......You have harped on the need to fire quite a few teachers. Obviously you mean the bad teachers and I would agree. Imagine that! BUT....what if the bulk of bad teachers are of the black race? I'm not saying they are but what if? Do you really believe that firing them could possibly happen? You know absolutely not! All HELL would break loose. You also know that at least it is a 50/50 on race of bad teachers. That would never happen now and sure hasn't happened in the last 30 years. My point is that it is no different than having the black caucus start the ball rolling on who should be hired at the steel mill.
The post by rockylittle is the only correct post. Read it Pop and tell me that would be unfair to anyone. You remind me of the black attorney that played on the Seinfeld sitcom. Funny as hell but not too bright! You do make a lot of people laugh when you post comments!

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 15, 2013 at 6:36 a.m.

Harley,

I am sure that there are good and bad teachers of every race. Some of my best teachers were black. My fifth grade teacher at Williams Elementary, Mrs. Swedeburg, was just fabulous. One of the nuns at MSM was a fabulous Government and Social Studies teacher; now she is a lawyer (no longer a nun). One of my law school professors also was brilliant and a wonderful teacher. My local middle school, which is considered to be one of the best in the nation, has a black principal, and he is both strict and adored. I suspect that there are many fine black teachers.

With respect to the "firings," they can be accomplished if done humanely and nonarbitrarily. Some of the teachers may just need more training or a better curriculum. Some of the teachers may need to be eased into positions as assistants in classes where some students move at a slower pace and need more attention and help. While Michelle Rhee had some problems in D.C. when she started firing left and right, other administrators across the nation are accomplishing the same thing and drawing less attention to themselves. The schools in Little Rock and elsewhere which have rankings of 1 or 2 by organizations such as greaterschoolsdotorg need new principals. If the local superintendent does not understand this, the school board should replace that person. If people want to help their communities the most, involvement in the PTA and running for school board could be the most important way to make a difference.

(Harley, a word of advice...If you stopped insulting the intelligence of women, you might get a date for Valentine's Day next year, and you might not even have to pay her to go out with you.)

( | suggest removal )

harley1305121514 says... February 15, 2013 at 1:04 p.m.

Populist....how would you know if I had a date or not for valentines day? Fact is...I DID!
You should be able to see that I only insult the intelligence of the women like yourself. More people posting here are catching on to your BS. They are noticing that you don't answer anyones questions. You start spilling out BS about your life and the things that you experienced and skirt right around ever answering any question. You couldn't be a good attorney because a good attorney would see right through your BS comments and tear you up in court! Oh I know what you will post next. You'll post that you had a remarkable history of winning every case you took on and you'll ramble on with a lot of BS as usual. We'll all laugh until we cry and then laugh some more!
Too bad you are the way you are because you might have gotten your husband away from the bar and he might have taken you out on a valentines day date! Oh well, maybe he'll take you to dinner or something next year!!! Go fix yourself another bloody mary, I know I am!!

( | suggest removal )

SoonerHawg says... February 15, 2013 at 1:10 p.m.

Populist says... "Look at who won the teen jeopardy and tell me again that I live in a fantasy world."
***
Did you also note that he comes from a Charter school? I may be wrong, but I thought you were against the notion of the charter schools, yet you use him as an example of a success story...?

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 15, 2013 at 2:15 p.m.

The only problem with "fire the bad teachers" is, who determines which ones they are?
Superiors?
A relative of mine was teaching in an Arkansas school system a few years ago when the new Superintendent got it in for several popular, veteran teachers and cut their hours or otherwise forced them to leave.
A year later it was evident that he himself was guilty of either malfeasance or gross negligence with the system's finances.
Written tests?
I also recall that as a school librarian in a Florida school in the early 1960s every teacher in the state had to take a test to retain their job. It was rumored that the purpose of the test was to weed out black teachers, who having come out of a separate but unequal system, were less prepared.
As an experienced test-taker I had no trouble passing the test but I found it a very poorly devised instrument. There is an art to making tests and this was a bad test.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 15, 2013 at 3:15 p.m.

Sooner Hawg,

Totally correct. While the nationwide statistics on charter schools is not great, some places such as Minnesota has had good luck with them, and SOME of the Arkansas charters appear to be better than SOME of the public counterparts. It does not matter if a school is private, public, charter or non, as long as the community and parents demand quality.

Coralie,

You ask a very good question. If the person at the top is not qualified to be superintendent, the ballgame is lost. If schools are not improving under a superintendent, then the public must demand ouster of that superintendent. Arkansas has too much of a habit of hiring totally local people or hiring people who have not done well elsewhere.

School board elections should be considered more important and hotly contested than they are.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 15, 2013 at 3:54 p.m.

Harley,

My husband took me to Morton's Saturday night. Restaurants are too crowded on V day; plus it was a school night. Your date must have been hot for you to browse the ADG afterward, but maybe your time was up. I've never claimed to be Clarence Darrow. My specialty was telecom. I think it bored everybody when people get personal. Why don't you post your insults on my wall in the future?

( | suggest removal )

GAITOR says... February 15, 2013 at 4:17 p.m.

Just you wait and see. None of those high paying jobs will be filled with anyone that currently lives in AR. They will go only to those that will move from other states and or countries, regardless of ethnicity.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 15, 2013 at 4:26 p.m.

Gaitor,

You are correct except that some relatives of members of the state legislature may be hired. Otherwise, the employees will come from other divisions of Koch. If the thing made money and the people actually live in Arkansas and spend money here, it might be a different story. With too many steel mills going bankrupt, it probably is not a good business for the government to pursue. (Not that the government should be pursuing any business other than public.)

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 15, 2013 at 4:40 p.m.

Populist you need to get off of the old steel mills going bankrupt deal; they were poorly run and capacity does have to be replaced. If not I'm sure you learned in economics what happens when demand outstrips supply. However I will say I doubt very seriously this mill ever comes to fruition. If you don't think Nucor is in the ear of the legislators you would be very mistaken. It reminds a lot of the dinner scene in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere is telling Ralph Bellamy he will hold up a bill in appropriations to make sure he does not get what he wants. Sad but true

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 16, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.

Just the other day an article on the business page said this big, old German steelworks was laying off something like 1,000 workers because world-wide demand for steel is down.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 16, 2013 at 6:20 p.m.

Coralie please enlighten us to the name of the steelmaker.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 17, 2013 at 6:56 a.m.

If you google "steel demand" or "steel mill bankruptcy," you will come across a slew of articles. One of the most interesting is "Automakers Dent Steel Deman with Move to Aluminum" wwwdotbusinessweekdotcom/videos/2013-02-06/automakers-dent-steel-deman-with-move-to-aluminum. The RGSteel plant in Baltimore filed for bankruptcy and closed last summer. Many of the steel mills end up filing for bankruptcy at some point after the executives and owners make off like bandits.

( | suggest removal )

Ragmop says... February 17, 2013 at 8:25 a.m.

Another steel mill for Arkansas will generate huge benefits for the entire state. Surly the Legislature won't be foolish enough to try and impose some sort of goofy quotas on them. They need the freedom to hire people capable of meeting the demands of the industry. If quotas are imposed on them, they will likely go elsewhere.

( | suggest removal )

ladyLiberty says... February 17, 2013 at 8:45 a.m.

i don't think the Koch brothers would invest so heavily in an industry that is going "South" sorry for the pun, and probably the main qualification that will
ensure a position there is the lowest bidder. that is why it is important to pass
the minimum wage law. it is also very sad that Sen. Boozeman was assigned to the water quality board. and that he is against regulation by the EPA. as you now know it came out at the debates that the goal of the R party is to get rid of the EPA and boozeman has never voted against the R agenda yet. so watch out for big contamination problems with this steel mill while Boozeman looks the other way.
Heck, did he say anything about the Whirlpool mess? NADA . he should be demanding a clean up in fort smith as the water is contaminated there. instead he says the EPA is too aggressive and needs to shut up.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 17, 2013 at 9:50 a.m.

Okay Pop here are your FACTS:
1. Global steel demand grew 6.2% in 2011, 2.1% in 2012, and is expected to grow 3.2% in 2013.
2. RG Steel was a UNION steel mill that had bought a previously BANKRUPT mill and it went bankrupt AGAIN, what a surprise. It must hurt your feelings since it is in Maryland as you continue to reference it. It was an old relic that should have never ever been reopened

I still say Nucor will make sure the mill does not open but you seem to have ignored that as usual.

( | suggest removal )

HotSpringsLawyer says... February 17, 2013 at 1:13 p.m.

How will the Legislature look out for Arkansas on this issue? They are apparently too busy with "guns everywhere" and "no abortions".

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 17, 2013 at 2:18 p.m.

And RedWings who is so picky about names doesn't give any source for his 'facts.'

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 17, 2013 at 2:26 p.m.

"Global demand for steel is forecast to slow this year and next as the European debt crisis and a cooling Chinese economy crimp use of the metal, the World Steel Association said Thursday. " (Oct. 11, 2012)
marketwatch. com/story/worldsteel-cuts-global-steel-demand-growth-view-2012-10-11

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 17, 2013 at 2:40 p.m.

Redwings,

What is your source? The industry seems to undergo many bankruptcies, i.e. Bethlehem (PA), Isaacson Steel (Berlin NH), GS Industries (Kansas City), RS Steel (Baltimore). Thyssen Krupp in Germany just laid off 2,000 people and indicated that the market is slow. Car manufacturers are trying to make lighter cars with more aluminum. In all these bankruptcies, the executives and businesses tend to make out like bandits, while the government gets stuck cleaning up the mess of laid off workers and unstable pensions.

We know that there is a market for medical professionals and computer technicians. Why are we not spending our money on school programs to ensure that Arkansans can meet these needs?

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 17, 2013 at 3:26 p.m.

Below is straight out of the article you quoted Coralie! It's so funny when you complain about MY sources and you use the same article. You and Pop can quit telling half of the truth by actually reading the article. Pop I have been in the steel business for over 20 years and I have never heard of Isaacson Steel; Bethlehem was a dinosaur and the mill that RG Steel bought was one of the relics from Bethlehem that was literally using early 20th century steelmaking methods. GS Steel in KC has been shut down for many years; I have driven past it many times and it was always a very small player.
What you can't dispute are facts; steel demand will be higher in 2013 than in 2012 so quit trying to say it is not growing. Also aluminum has been used in cars for many many years; you can pretty well bet that the hood of most cars these days is made of aluminum (and if you get a dent you can count on replacing the whole thing, unlkike steel), as are many parts of the engine including the block. Mufflers have pretty well used 409 stainless forever and will not switch to aluminum due to its inability to handle the heat (unless you go to a real expensive grade which will raise the price of your car).
In reality the lightest weight would be to go to carbon fiber but it's cost is exorbitant (bicycles made of this range up to $20,000), though some cars do use a small amount of it now. I am not going to debate with you about computers because every industry out there uses them extensively. However unless you plan on replacing all employees with computers you are still going to need people to do other jobs too.
You can google anything to present your case; what people like to do is google and use the facts to their liking by not telling the year in which things happened. I bet you can google and find stories about Otasco, TG&Y, Montgomery Wards, Enron, and many others going bankrupt but they have nothing to do with todays work environment.
Here is the article Coralie quotes:
Demand is expected to grow at a slower-than-expected rate of 2.1% this year, compared with the association's April forecast for 3.6% growth, and 3.2% next year. These latest demand growth rate forecasts are much lower than the 6.2% recorded last year.

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 17, 2013 at 3:35 p.m.

So why is Thyssen-Krupp laying off? They are not a little player.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 17, 2013 at 3:39 p.m.

Populist just so you know GS and Bethlehem Steel went bankrupt in 2001.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 17, 2013 at 3:46 p.m.

Well Coralie if they are laying off in Calvert, AL it is because that plant has been run poorly from day 1. You can ask anyone involved in the steel business about them and you will hear the same. We have bought from them but their service has been so horrendous our tonnage buy has gone to nothing. I will give my personal opinion again that this steel mill in Osceola will never happen for various reasons.

( | suggest removal )

Populist says... February 17, 2013 at 6:13 p.m.

Redwings,

It appears that many steel mills have gone bankrupt in the last decade or so (the year doesn't matter). I don't know what your sources are for increased demand. ALso, what about mills in Brazil and elsewhere? Hey, all I am saying is that if private business people think that this is a good investment, I wish them the best of luck. However, I don't trust the Koch brothers and most politicians. Most politicians are narcissists and consumed with staying in office or getting elected; most of them are not to be trusted. The fact that the Koch brothers have greased so many of their palms makes any "public" deal with them suspect. While there probably would be graft involved with any purchase of computers or improvement of school buildings or equipment, you can bet that at least some of that expenditure would benefit the public.

( | suggest removal )

BarichMilhusseinObamaNixonPOTUS says... February 17, 2013 at 6:33 p.m.

Pop as soon as you say the year doesn't matter you lose the argument. Bankruptcies in 2001 from mills that should have gone away 20 years before that have no bearing on the current steel business. The current sentiment is that the steel business will not completely turn around until 2016. If I wanted to start a steel mill getting up and going in 2015 would be very very smart.

As far as your argument about my source for steel demand increasing did you not read that I used the same article as coralie did? GLOBAL steel demand is increasing, though not as much as everyone wants. Take 6.2, 2.1, and 3.2, add them together, divide by 3, and you have the average steel demand growth over 2011-2013. That number is 3.83% average GROWTH; that is not a decrease in global steel demand. Global means the whole world. I am just tired of everyone being totally misleading about the whole story. Everyone picks and chooses what part of every story they want everyone to believe then post it like it is gospel. I will say it once again, the one thing you have not commented on once; this steel mill will not come to fruition. Politics were bringing a steel mill to Arkansas and politics will shut it down. Heck Facebook just got a $2 billion plus tax break no one is talking about and it was all legal (just like all of the evil corporations); no one wants to talk about that. Everyone has a lobbyist, no matter which side you are on.

( | suggest removal )

HM2 says... February 17, 2013 at 9:14 p.m.

Hey ya'll, how come this liberal media both printed and broadcast ( nbc, cbs. abc, cnn, pmsnbc etc) havent even mentioned Shelia Jackson Lee's comment that she's "speaking to us as a freed slave" May I say if the liberal media had mentioned this stupid comment from this stupid democrap represenitive there would be no recovery from it. So, they chose to ridicule Marco Rubio on his dry mouth instead. real liberal class!

( | suggest removal )

TheBatt says... February 17, 2013 at 10:01 p.m.

"they’re concerned that the governor’s proposal to provide millions of dollars in state funding to help bring a large steel mill to the state doesn’t include a requirement that the company hire black workers."

Seriously? I hate to inform these apparently "blinded-by-race" pandering politicians.... there's this little thing called "EEOC". Further - if the steel mill is to hire that many workers, it won't be an easy task to sort through all the applicants they would get to sort out the "white" applicants from the "black" applicants....

I am so totally sick of the race card. I say just kick the steel mill to the curb tell them to take a hike - we don't want ANY economic development unless they andy any other big company coming in is willing to give preferential treatment to blacks. But in reality - this "black caucus" really doesn't want the mill at all - their "plantation boys" who vote for them because they are blinded by race and entitlement mentality might actually get a job making nearly 2x times the average median income... with that kind of money and a JOB - they might leave the "victim plantation".

( | suggest removal )

Coralie says... February 21, 2013 at 1:32 p.m.

What I'm worrried about is that risky investment from the Teachers Retirement since I have some relatives who are counting on the Teachers Retirement Plan..

( | suggest removal )

LevyRat says... February 21, 2013 at 3:19 p.m.

"Members of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus say they’re concerned that the governor’s proposal to provide millions of dollars in state funding to help bring a large steel mill to the state doesn’t include a requirement that the company hire black workers" .....
I thought selecting or excluding potential employees based on races, religion, etc was against the law????
Maybe I'm wrong about that.

( | suggest removal )

Click here to make a comment

To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Read our Terms of Use policy.

TOP JOBS

Search 632 jobs >

Top Picks - Arkansas Daily Deal
Arkansas Online