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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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'Fun' Cities Forbidden for Federal Travel

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(Newser) – Government agencies have been warned not to hold meetings in cities employees might actually enjoy visiting, the Wall Street Journal reports. Places like Reno, Orlando, and Las Vegas are all considered untouchable. “We do have guidance that says avoid locations … that give the appearance of being lavish,” said one Justice Department spokeswoman. The Department of Agriculture and FBI have similar rules.

“We get the sense that these agencies are worried about scrutiny,” said an executive at the US Travel Association. “In the quest to demonize travel, we’re killing jobs.” Sen. Harry Reid agrees. With Vegas in trouble, the Nevada Democrat wrote a letter to the White House to complain. Rahm Emanuel replied that government travel “is not focused on specific destinations,” but on cost and efficiency.

A worker changes ballasts and lamps on the
A worker changes ballasts and lamps on the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign.   (AP Photo)
The famous Las Vegas welcome sign.
The famous Las Vegas welcome sign.   (AP Photo)
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4 comments
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texasaurus
Jul 22, 09 1:42 PM CDT
Good. Glad to hear it. With teleconferencing and today's available internet and communication technologies, OUR government should be trying to save every one of OUR dimes it can. Reply
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+6
RobN
Jul 22, 09 2:34 PM CDT
Apparently Rahm has never been to Reno. I've never met anybody who heard the word Reno and immediately thought of lavish. Reply
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
radnip
Jul 31, 09 2:08 AM CDT
Maybe the word should have been "frivolous" instead of "lavish".
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0
TerrifiedCitizen
Jul 22, 09 2:35 PM CDT
Government agencies should follow the example set by most of industry and video-conference instead of adding further bureaucratic burden to the taxpayers. Reply
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+2
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