Changes Ahead for Kansas National Guard
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The state's adjutant general is bracing for changes to the way the Kansas National Guard operates, particularly if President Barack Obama and Congress are unable to avoid a crisis that would mandate massive spending cuts. Reductions were already anticipated before the feared fiscal cliff, a collision of expiring tax cuts and automatic, across-the-board reductions in defense and other federal programs should a compromise not be worked out by the end of the year. The punitive cuts loom because a partisan panel of lawmakers failed to reach a debt deal. Major General Lee Tafanelli says it's unknown what cuts would mean to the Kansas National Guard, but fewer resources are almost certain.
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Machinists Approve Five-Year Contract for Bombardier Employees
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers approved a five-year contract with Bombardier Learjet yesterday (SAT), putting an end to the month-long walkout. The workers could return to the Wichita plant as soon as Monday. Bombardier spokeswoman Peggy Gross said the new deal received about 70 percent support from the union members who voted yesterday (SAT). The union, which represents about 825 workers, had recommended Friday that members support the contract. The agreement was reached Thursday with the help of federal mediators.