House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today released the following statement after House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) released a discussion draft of the Democrats’ national “cap-and-trade” energy tax legislation, which is similar to the plan included in the President Obama’s budget:
“The Democrats’ plan to raise energy taxes in the midst of a serious recession is the wrong thing to do and the worst possible time to do it. Families and small businesses are struggling to get by, and this proposal, like the President’s budget, would raise taxes on every American who drives a car, flips on a light switch, or buys a product manufactured in the United States. It would cost every family as much as $3,100 a year in additional energy costs, and will drive millions of good-paying American jobs overseas.
“In my district, for example, there is steel manufacturer called AK Steel. If they are forced to pay this new energy tax – while competitors in places like India, China, and Mexico are not – their costs will skyrocket, and their customers will simply buy cheaper imported steel. That’s a recipe for shipping more good-paying American manufacturing jobs overseas, and that’s simply unacceptable. Democrats should shelve this national energy tax and work with Republicans to enact policies that will truly help get our economy moving again.”
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Atlanta Tea Party Info
Where and When? Atlanta State Capitol 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30334-9007 , Recommended Arrival time 6-7 p.m.
What to expect at the Tea Party? The purpose is to let Congress and the President know there are many, many Americans across the country that are fed up with bailouts, large budgets, and high taxes. The way the rally will help us achieve this purpose is by having multiple events happening across the country on the same day. Currently there are 245 events planned and more are being added. By having so many people gather across the country hammering home the exact same messages, it will get Media coverage and Congress will see that there are everyday, ordinary citizens who are fed up with fiscal irresponsibility. There will be protesters with signs promoting our message. We will also have a line up of speakers including everyday citizens, event organizers, and elected officials. Sean Hannity, host of Fox News Hannity’s America, will broadcast live from the event.
Is there a webpage for the Atlanta Tea Party? www.Atlantateaparty.net
Why is the Tea Party in downtown and not in the suburbs? To send this message loud and clear we need to have excellent media coverage and very large crowds across the country. The message to be sent to Washington is to “cut the pork and repeal taxes”. If there are 1,000 people in downtown and a few hundred at each event in various metro counties, we will not have the same impact or the same media coverage as we will if we have several thousand people in one place for the media to take photos and video.
Is there carpooling available? Carpooling is provided on a voluntarily basis within neighborhood groups and friends although it is recommended that Marta be utilized as it goes right to the capitol. Due to time constraints, there will not be a kickoff party in Fayette county as many will be working around busy schedules to attend the tea party. The most efficient transportation methods are Shannon Mall park and ride or the College Park Marta station.
Is there something planned for those who work? In Fayette County, the arrival time being between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. will allow those wishing to attend the time to do so.
Do you need donations? How can I give money? Thank you for your generosity. Go to the Atlanta Tea Party website(http://atlantateaparty.net) and click on the Donate Button on the sidebar on the right of the screen. Donations will be used to pay for staging, screens, projectors, banners, and other details necessary for the event.
Is there anywhere I can purchase Atlanta Tea Party merchandise? We are adding an Atlanta Tea Party store to the website shortly. Please check http://atlantateaparty.net for a link to the store.
I would like to be included in the planning of the Tea Party. How can I be included? How can I volunteer? While the Nationwide Tea Party Movement has official sponsors and City Chairmen, this is a grassroots movement. Any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions you have will be considered and addressed. Please email those to us or call me directly (404-326-0936). Additionally, we have weekly conference calls on Monday nights at 7:30 to discuss the planning of the events and for attendees to volunteer for various tasks. If you are able to attend the conference call, please email me with RSVP Monday 7:30 in the subject line and I will send you the call in phone number.
What speakers are lined up? Currently, there are 4 confirmed speakers including: Congressman Tom Price; Dave Ryan, President of American Solutions; Joel Aaron, host of Sound Bytes on WGKA 920 AM; and Eric von Haessler, co-host of the Regular Guys on Rock 100.5. As additional speakers are lined up, we will add them to the website (http://atlantateaparty.net).
What should we put on protest signs for the event? We will be listing sign suggestions on our websit (http://atlantateaparty.net) shortly. If you have additional suggestions, you can add them to the comments under that particular post. Protest signs that are not in line with theme of the event will be asked to be removed at the demonstration. Such signs include but not limited to: campaigning, racially inappropriate slogans, anything that suggests violence or unlawful activity, and/or partisan slogans.
How can I volunteer?I do not have much time to volunteer before the event. What small thing can I do to help right now? There are several small things you can do to help with the Atlanta Tea Party. Send an email out to all your like minded friends, family, and neighbors inviting them to attend the Tea Party with you. You direct them to the Atlanta Tea Party (http://atlantateaparty.net) website for up to date details. Use shoe polish to paint you car windows with the atlantateaparty.net. This way people you pass on the street know about the website. Purchase a t-shirt from our store (http://atlantateaparty.net) and wear it as you run errands.
Are there additional events planned after April 15th? Are there going to be any Tea Parties on a Saturday There are tentatively 10 total Tea Parties that will take place between February, 2009 and Election Day, 2010 but that is not set in stone. You can go to TeaPartyPatriots.ning.com to answer questions about your vision for the Nationwide Tea Party movement.
Jenny Beth Martin
Nationwide Tea Party Movement,
Strategic Visioning Committee
Monday, March 30, 2009
Eagle Forum Warns U.S. Treasury Secretary: 'The American People Do Not Want a New World Currency That China Would Control'
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eagle Forum, a leading conservative grassroots organization founded by Phyllis Schlafly, applauds Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN-6th) for introducing a resolution which would bar the U.S. dollar from being replaced by any foreign currency. Bachmann's legislation was prompted by a series of contradictory public remarks made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner last week.
During a House Financial Services Committee hearing last week, both Secretary Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke clearly stated that they "categorically renounce" the proposal offered by China's top central banker to replace the devalued U.S. dollar with a new global currency. But, just 24 hours later, while speaking at the liberal Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Geithner contradicted his previous statement and declared that the U.S. Treasury Department was "actually quite open" to the idea of a global currency.
"The American people do not want a new world currency that China would control," said Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. "It is the Obama Administration's and the Federal Reserve's policies that are causing the dollar to take even bigger hits against other currencies."
"Simply replacing the dollar is not the solution," Schlafly said. "It would be yet another Band-Aide to cover up the real source of the problem which is Obama's tidal wave of unlimited bailouts, nationalization of the banks and the auto and mortgage industries, stimulus bills, and his proposed budget that will inevitably cause massive inflation and further strangle our economy."
"Eagle Forum commends Congresswoman Bachmann for aggressively questioning both Geithner and Bernanke during the committee hearing on Wednesday and for ensuring that they remain accountable for their sworn testimony," concluded Schlafly. "Congresswoman Bachmann is an example of the kind of leader that grassroots Americans are demanding from their elected officials, and we encourage even more Members of Congress to take direct action, like Michele, and to go on the offensive against this Administration's economic recklessness."
Rep. Michele Bachmann's resolution, H.J. Res. 41, was officially introduced on March 25, 2009. It currently has 29 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Because the U.S. Constitution allows the President to engage foreign governments in treaties, Bachmann's resolution provides for a constitutional amendment which would prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the U.S. to adopt a currency issued by an entity other than the United States.
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During a House Financial Services Committee hearing last week, both Secretary Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke clearly stated that they "categorically renounce" the proposal offered by China's top central banker to replace the devalued U.S. dollar with a new global currency. But, just 24 hours later, while speaking at the liberal Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Geithner contradicted his previous statement and declared that the U.S. Treasury Department was "actually quite open" to the idea of a global currency.
"The American people do not want a new world currency that China would control," said Eagle Forum President Phyllis Schlafly. "It is the Obama Administration's and the Federal Reserve's policies that are causing the dollar to take even bigger hits against other currencies."
"Simply replacing the dollar is not the solution," Schlafly said. "It would be yet another Band-Aide to cover up the real source of the problem which is Obama's tidal wave of unlimited bailouts, nationalization of the banks and the auto and mortgage industries, stimulus bills, and his proposed budget that will inevitably cause massive inflation and further strangle our economy."
"Eagle Forum commends Congresswoman Bachmann for aggressively questioning both Geithner and Bernanke during the committee hearing on Wednesday and for ensuring that they remain accountable for their sworn testimony," concluded Schlafly. "Congresswoman Bachmann is an example of the kind of leader that grassroots Americans are demanding from their elected officials, and we encourage even more Members of Congress to take direct action, like Michele, and to go on the offensive against this Administration's economic recklessness."
Rep. Michele Bachmann's resolution, H.J. Res. 41, was officially introduced on March 25, 2009. It currently has 29 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Because the U.S. Constitution allows the President to engage foreign governments in treaties, Bachmann's resolution provides for a constitutional amendment which would prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the U.S. to adopt a currency issued by an entity other than the United States.
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Friday, March 27, 2009
Cord Blood America Applauds Congressional Effort Supporting Cord Blood Storage
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC:CBAI) (BULLETIN BOARD: CBAI) , the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company (http://www.cordblood-america.com/) focused on bringing the life saving potential of stem cells to families nationwide and internationally, said today it strongly supports the Family Cord Blood Banking Act introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The legislation will provide tax incentives for the medical expenses for those families choosing this potentially life-saving investment. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to add cord blood banking services as a qualified medical expense. "This would allow individuals and couples to pay for umbilical cord blood banking services through health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, medical expenses tax deduction and health reimbursement arrangements," said Matthew Schissler, CEO and Founder, Cord Blood America.
The legislation was introduced by Representatives Wally Herger (R-CA.), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Artur Davis (D-AL), and Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ). The Congressmen in a press statement said "umbilical cord blood stem cells have been used in more than 14,000 transplants around the world and to treat more than 70 diseases in adults and children. The legislation could make this storage an option for more families facing potentially life-threatening diseases, increase the supply of cord blood stem cells and lower the costs for families in the future."
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The legislation will provide tax incentives for the medical expenses for those families choosing this potentially life-saving investment. It amends the Internal Revenue Code to add cord blood banking services as a qualified medical expense. "This would allow individuals and couples to pay for umbilical cord blood banking services through health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, medical expenses tax deduction and health reimbursement arrangements," said Matthew Schissler, CEO and Founder, Cord Blood America.
The legislation was introduced by Representatives Wally Herger (R-CA.), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Artur Davis (D-AL), and Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ). The Congressmen in a press statement said "umbilical cord blood stem cells have been used in more than 14,000 transplants around the world and to treat more than 70 diseases in adults and children. The legislation could make this storage an option for more families facing potentially life-threatening diseases, increase the supply of cord blood stem cells and lower the costs for families in the future."
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
U.S. Senate Joins House of Representatives in Passing Legislation to Establish September 11 as a National Day of Service
/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Senate today joined with the U.S. House of Representatives in passing historic national service legislation (ServeAmerica Act S. 277) which, like the House GIVE Act, includes a key provision that would formally authorize federal support for establishing the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance." U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) worked closely with U.S. Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), co-sponsors of the ServeAmerica Act, to include language supporting the 9/11 Day of Service observance, a program long advocated by the MyGoodDeed.org organization. The 9/11 nonprofit organization was founded in 2002 with widespread support from the 9/11 family community to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Now passed, the House and Senate bills will proceed to conference to reconcile any differences. A final bill approved by both houses of Congress is expected to be delivered to President Barack Obama for his signature within days.
"For more than seven years, we have worked along with many 9/11 families, first responders, volunteers, and rescue and recovery workers with the hope that one day we would be able to formally establish 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance," said David Paine, founder and president of MyGoodDeed.org. "Today we stand just a pen stroke away from creating a historic observance that ensures that the lives of those lost are forever remembered in a constructive and compassionate way by millions of people for generations to come."
"I could not be more proud to work to pass this important provision," said Senator Schumer in a press release (http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/record.cfm?id=309892). "September 11 should not only be a day for mourning - it should be a day to think about our neighbors, our community and our country. We can take a tragic day in our nation's history and turn it into a force for good."
A New Catalyst for Volunteerism
Under both the House and Senate bills, the anniversary of 9/11 would annually be observed in ways similar to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Individuals, employees, students, members of organizations and others would voluntarily engage in service and remembrance through acts of good deeds, personal and organized service activities and reflection. However, the anniversary of 9/11 would intentionally not be a federal holiday - rather than a traditional day off, it would be a day devoted to community service and other acts of goodwill.
"We are confident that establishing 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance will play a major role in further energizing volunteerism in America, while also bringing a sense of national healing to one of the worst human tragedies in U.S. history," said Jay S. Winuk, co-founder and vice president of MyGoodDeed.org, and brother of attorney and 9/11 rescuer Glenn J. Winuk, a firefighter/EMT who perished when the World Trade Center's South Tower collapsed.
MyGoodDeed.org, a 501c(3) charitable organization based in New York, has lead the seven-year effort to establish 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year MyGoodDeed.org organizes activities that encourage individuals and organizations to set aside time on the anniversary of 9/11 to perform simple acts of good deeds and service that help others in need. Along with Senator Schumer, U.S. Representative Peter King (R-NY) has been a vocal advocate of the Day of Service initiative and serves as co-chair of MyGoodDeed's Congressional Advisory Board.
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Now passed, the House and Senate bills will proceed to conference to reconcile any differences. A final bill approved by both houses of Congress is expected to be delivered to President Barack Obama for his signature within days.
"For more than seven years, we have worked along with many 9/11 families, first responders, volunteers, and rescue and recovery workers with the hope that one day we would be able to formally establish 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance," said David Paine, founder and president of MyGoodDeed.org. "Today we stand just a pen stroke away from creating a historic observance that ensures that the lives of those lost are forever remembered in a constructive and compassionate way by millions of people for generations to come."
"I could not be more proud to work to pass this important provision," said Senator Schumer in a press release (http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/record.cfm?id=309892). "September 11 should not only be a day for mourning - it should be a day to think about our neighbors, our community and our country. We can take a tragic day in our nation's history and turn it into a force for good."
A New Catalyst for Volunteerism
Under both the House and Senate bills, the anniversary of 9/11 would annually be observed in ways similar to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Individuals, employees, students, members of organizations and others would voluntarily engage in service and remembrance through acts of good deeds, personal and organized service activities and reflection. However, the anniversary of 9/11 would intentionally not be a federal holiday - rather than a traditional day off, it would be a day devoted to community service and other acts of goodwill.
"We are confident that establishing 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance will play a major role in further energizing volunteerism in America, while also bringing a sense of national healing to one of the worst human tragedies in U.S. history," said Jay S. Winuk, co-founder and vice president of MyGoodDeed.org, and brother of attorney and 9/11 rescuer Glenn J. Winuk, a firefighter/EMT who perished when the World Trade Center's South Tower collapsed.
MyGoodDeed.org, a 501c(3) charitable organization based in New York, has lead the seven-year effort to establish 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year MyGoodDeed.org organizes activities that encourage individuals and organizations to set aside time on the anniversary of 9/11 to perform simple acts of good deeds and service that help others in need. Along with Senator Schumer, U.S. Representative Peter King (R-NY) has been a vocal advocate of the Day of Service initiative and serves as co-chair of MyGoodDeed's Congressional Advisory Board.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
John Monds to seek Libertarian Nomination For Ga. Governor
John Monds has announced his intention to seek the Libertarian Party of Georgia’s nomination for Governor with a press conference at the Capitol in Atlanta with family, close friends and supporters by his side.
During his campaign for Public Service Commission (District 1) in 2008, Monds became the first Libertarian to break one million votes in the United States.
Monds and the Libertarian Party believe Georgians are ready for something new and different. “It’s difficult to tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats; both want to raise your taxes, waste your money and increase the size and scope of state government,” said Monds.
“We must be competitive in the 21st Century. We must have meaningful tax reform that allows businesses and individuals to thrive, a transportation system that eases congestion without raising taxes, an education system that gives more choices and returns control to the local level, and we need to stop wasting the taxpayers’ money with mandated long term incarceration of individuals for non-violent victimless infractions of the law”
John Monds, 43, is a graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in Banking and Finance, President of the Grady County NAACP and currently serves on the Grady County Planning Commission.
He resides in Cairo with his wife, Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds, and four children, Akintunde, Cazembe, Halima and Malik.
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During his campaign for Public Service Commission (District 1) in 2008, Monds became the first Libertarian to break one million votes in the United States.
Monds and the Libertarian Party believe Georgians are ready for something new and different. “It’s difficult to tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats; both want to raise your taxes, waste your money and increase the size and scope of state government,” said Monds.
“We must be competitive in the 21st Century. We must have meaningful tax reform that allows businesses and individuals to thrive, a transportation system that eases congestion without raising taxes, an education system that gives more choices and returns control to the local level, and we need to stop wasting the taxpayers’ money with mandated long term incarceration of individuals for non-violent victimless infractions of the law”
John Monds, 43, is a graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in Banking and Finance, President of the Grady County NAACP and currently serves on the Grady County Planning Commission.
He resides in Cairo with his wife, Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds, and four children, Akintunde, Cazembe, Halima and Malik.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Campaign to Sell President's Budget Has "No Noticeable Impact" as Americans Realize It Spends Too Much, Taxes Too Much, Borrows Too Much
President Obama will hold a news conference this evening, as the campaign to sell his fiscally-irresponsible budget continues. Last week, the effort kicked-off with some fanfare, as news broke that his presidential campaign apparatus would be called upon to spin his $3.6 trillion budget blueprint. However, more than a week into the “budget campaign,” it seems the Administration and its political allies are having some trouble building support for the budget with the American people – and even some Democratic Members of Congress. McClatchy News reports:
“President Barack Obama’s army of canvassers fanned out across the nation over the weekend to drum up support for his $3.55 trillion budget, but they had no noticeable impact on members of Congress, who on Monday said they were largely unaware of the effort.”
“‘News to me,’ said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, a House Budget Committee member, of the canvassing.”
The reason the President’s campaign seems to be spinning its wheels is because the American people are realizing his budget will harm our economy and destroy jobs by spending too much, taxing too much, and borrowing too much. Last Friday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a devastating report, noting that the President’s budget is actually $2.3 trillion more costly than the White House initially claimed. And yesterday, the President doubled-down on his plan for a national energy tax, with the Administration promising that it will fight for the tax, even though it will cost families up to $3,100 more per year. In other words, the more the American people are learning about this budget, the less they like it – and Members of Congress, including many Democrats, are hearing about it.
On WKRC radio in Cincinnati this morning, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) discussed the Democrats’ nervousness over the President’s budget:
“And so, the real key is what’s going to happen here over the next couple of weeks – whether we can stop the budget proposal that he has and put enough pressure on my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to take a second look at this proposal…”
“There’s a lot of nervousness over there right now over this, and what I’ve been doing and my colleagues have been doing is helping the American people understand that his budget spends too much, it taxes too much, and it borrows too much from our kids and grandkids.” (AUDIO)
While the Administration and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill continue their budget campaign, Republicans are prepared to offer a better budget solution – one that will help create jobs, rebuild savings, and restore fiscal sanity. In a web video released last week, Boehner outlined for the President the GOP’s principles for a better budget, including:
- Helping create and protect jobs by letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
- Ensuring the federal budget doesn’t grow faster than family budgets.
- Aiming to expand access to affordable health care for every American, while preserving Social Security and Medicare for future generations.
- Ending the bailouts to protect taxpayers and reforming the financial system so this crisis never repeats itself.
- Encouraging an “all of the above” energy strategy that harnesses new technologies, encourages greater conservation and efficiency, and increases American energy production in an environmentally-safe manner – without imposing a national energy tax.
- Fighting inflation so the prices of goods and services Americans depend on every day remain stable during and after this economic crisis.
The House Budget Committee will consider the President’s budget blueprint tomorrow, and Boehner today announced that Republicans will live-blog the debate on the Republican Leader’s blog, at http://gopleader.gov/Blog. During tomorrow’s debate, Republicans will remind Democrats that the President’s budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much and will offer better solutions for improving the blueprint, strengthening the economy, and creating jobs. Will Washington Democrats give these GOP solutions the consideration they deserve?
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“President Barack Obama’s army of canvassers fanned out across the nation over the weekend to drum up support for his $3.55 trillion budget, but they had no noticeable impact on members of Congress, who on Monday said they were largely unaware of the effort.”
“‘News to me,’ said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, a House Budget Committee member, of the canvassing.”
The reason the President’s campaign seems to be spinning its wheels is because the American people are realizing his budget will harm our economy and destroy jobs by spending too much, taxing too much, and borrowing too much. Last Friday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a devastating report, noting that the President’s budget is actually $2.3 trillion more costly than the White House initially claimed. And yesterday, the President doubled-down on his plan for a national energy tax, with the Administration promising that it will fight for the tax, even though it will cost families up to $3,100 more per year. In other words, the more the American people are learning about this budget, the less they like it – and Members of Congress, including many Democrats, are hearing about it.
On WKRC radio in Cincinnati this morning, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) discussed the Democrats’ nervousness over the President’s budget:
“And so, the real key is what’s going to happen here over the next couple of weeks – whether we can stop the budget proposal that he has and put enough pressure on my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to take a second look at this proposal…”
“There’s a lot of nervousness over there right now over this, and what I’ve been doing and my colleagues have been doing is helping the American people understand that his budget spends too much, it taxes too much, and it borrows too much from our kids and grandkids.” (AUDIO)
While the Administration and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill continue their budget campaign, Republicans are prepared to offer a better budget solution – one that will help create jobs, rebuild savings, and restore fiscal sanity. In a web video released last week, Boehner outlined for the President the GOP’s principles for a better budget, including:
- Helping create and protect jobs by letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
- Ensuring the federal budget doesn’t grow faster than family budgets.
- Aiming to expand access to affordable health care for every American, while preserving Social Security and Medicare for future generations.
- Ending the bailouts to protect taxpayers and reforming the financial system so this crisis never repeats itself.
- Encouraging an “all of the above” energy strategy that harnesses new technologies, encourages greater conservation and efficiency, and increases American energy production in an environmentally-safe manner – without imposing a national energy tax.
- Fighting inflation so the prices of goods and services Americans depend on every day remain stable during and after this economic crisis.
The House Budget Committee will consider the President’s budget blueprint tomorrow, and Boehner today announced that Republicans will live-blog the debate on the Republican Leader’s blog, at http://gopleader.gov/Blog. During tomorrow’s debate, Republicans will remind Democrats that the President’s budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much and will offer better solutions for improving the blueprint, strengthening the economy, and creating jobs. Will Washington Democrats give these GOP solutions the consideration they deserve?
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National, State, and Local Organizations Applaud Senate Judiciary Chairman and Members on the Introduction of Strong Juvenile Justice Legislation
/PRNewswire / -- Today, the ACT 4 Juvenile Justice campaign (ACT4JJ) -- representing more than 350 national, state and local organizations -- applauds the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Senator Patrick Leahy, and his colleagues, Senator Herb Kohl, Senator Arlen Specter, and Senator Dick Durbin for introduction of the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009 (JJDPA). According to the ACT4JJ campaign, this bill signals a significant step toward JJDPA reauthorization in the 111th Congress and makes many critical changes and improvements to help states and localities employ best practices in delinquency prevention and uphold high standards and safeguards for the care and custody of youth in juvenile justice systems nationwide.
"We are excited to support and generate public understanding of this important legislation and look forward to continuing to work with all members of Congress to enact a strengthened JJDPA into law this year," said Nancy Gannon Hornberger, Co-chair of the ACT4JJ campaign and Executive Director of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice. "The Senate bill, as introduced, builds substantially on more than 30 years of progress under the JJDP Act by strengthening resources, standards, and measures to ensure racial fairness and the federal government partnership with the states. It will greatly benefit children, youth and communities."
"This bill reflects the latest scientific research in the field and the public's strong support for investing in rehabilitation and treatment of youth," said Liz Ryan, Co-chair of the ACT4JJ campaign and CEO of the Campaign for Youth Justice. "We commend Senators Leahy, Kohl, Specter, and Durbin for their leadership and bipartisan vision on juvenile justice and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Senate Judiciary Committee to produce the best possible outcome for our youth and communities."
Established in 1974 and most recently authorized in 2002 with bipartisan support, the JJDPA is based on a broad consensus that children, youth, and families involved with the justice system should be protected by federal standards for care and custody, while also uphold the interests of community safety and prevention of victimization. The JJDPA includes four core requirements: keeping status offenders (e.g. youth who violate curfew or are truant) out of locked facilities, keeping youth out of jails and adult facilities, separating those youth who are temporarily in adult facilities from adult offenders by both sight and sound, and addressing the disproportionately high, negative contact that youth of color have with the justice system.
ACT 4 Juvenile Justice (ACT4JJ) is a campaign of the National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition composed of hundreds of juvenile justice, child welfare and youth development organizations throughout the country exploring opportunities related to the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
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"We are excited to support and generate public understanding of this important legislation and look forward to continuing to work with all members of Congress to enact a strengthened JJDPA into law this year," said Nancy Gannon Hornberger, Co-chair of the ACT4JJ campaign and Executive Director of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice. "The Senate bill, as introduced, builds substantially on more than 30 years of progress under the JJDP Act by strengthening resources, standards, and measures to ensure racial fairness and the federal government partnership with the states. It will greatly benefit children, youth and communities."
"This bill reflects the latest scientific research in the field and the public's strong support for investing in rehabilitation and treatment of youth," said Liz Ryan, Co-chair of the ACT4JJ campaign and CEO of the Campaign for Youth Justice. "We commend Senators Leahy, Kohl, Specter, and Durbin for their leadership and bipartisan vision on juvenile justice and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Senate Judiciary Committee to produce the best possible outcome for our youth and communities."
Established in 1974 and most recently authorized in 2002 with bipartisan support, the JJDPA is based on a broad consensus that children, youth, and families involved with the justice system should be protected by federal standards for care and custody, while also uphold the interests of community safety and prevention of victimization. The JJDPA includes four core requirements: keeping status offenders (e.g. youth who violate curfew or are truant) out of locked facilities, keeping youth out of jails and adult facilities, separating those youth who are temporarily in adult facilities from adult offenders by both sight and sound, and addressing the disproportionately high, negative contact that youth of color have with the justice system.
ACT 4 Juvenile Justice (ACT4JJ) is a campaign of the National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition composed of hundreds of juvenile justice, child welfare and youth development organizations throughout the country exploring opportunities related to the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
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House Republican Leader Boehner Says CMS Policies on Home Oxygen Therapy Will 'Potentially Harm' Care Available to Medicare Beneficiaries
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) urged CMS to reconsider policies governing Medicare's payment of emergency services, supplies, and other obligations after 36 months of service. The Boehner letter comes on the heels of a letter signed by 123 members of the House expressing concern over the same policies.
Citing lack of payments for maintenance and services post-36 months, Rep. Boehner said, "Not only does this policy potentially harm the current care that many Medicare beneficiaries are receiving, but oxygen providers may be forced to make difficult decisions and reduce services that these beneficiaries and their physicians traditionally rely upon."
In the March 18th letter, Rep. Boehner calls attention to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) policies that require home oxygen providers to provide, without any payment, unscheduled service and maintenance visits, 24-hour emergency care, equipment repairs and oxygen supplies for two years following the 36-month rental cap. The CMS policies also require the original oxygen provider to ensure the provision of these services even when a beneficiary moves to a part of the country where the provider does not operate.
Applauding the Republican Leader's attention to this issue, Chairman of the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) Peter Kelly said, "We praise Congressman Boehner for standing up for home oxygen patients and providers across the country." CQRC is a coalition of leading home oxygen therapy providers and manufacturers who care for nearly one half of the 1.5 million Medicare home oxygen beneficiaries. "We, too, have urged CMS to use its authority to make payments for services and supplies required by beneficiaries for the entire length of their medical need."
On January 1, 2009, massive cuts to the Medicare home oxygen benefit, in the form of a 36-month cap enacted by Congress in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), took effect, sending a slow but growing tidal wave of change throughout the provider community. In addressing the implementation of the 36-month cap policy, CMS issued a regulation that home oxygen providers will no longer receive Medicare payment for patient-generated, non-routine emergency visits or needed oxygen supplies, such as oxygen tubing and masks, once a beneficiary reaches the three year mark. These CMS-developed policies came at a time when the home oxygen benefit was also subject to a payment cap and an additional 9.5 percent across the board cut. The collective impact of these policies equals a 27 percent cut, totaling $845 million this year alone.
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Citing lack of payments for maintenance and services post-36 months, Rep. Boehner said, "Not only does this policy potentially harm the current care that many Medicare beneficiaries are receiving, but oxygen providers may be forced to make difficult decisions and reduce services that these beneficiaries and their physicians traditionally rely upon."
In the March 18th letter, Rep. Boehner calls attention to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) policies that require home oxygen providers to provide, without any payment, unscheduled service and maintenance visits, 24-hour emergency care, equipment repairs and oxygen supplies for two years following the 36-month rental cap. The CMS policies also require the original oxygen provider to ensure the provision of these services even when a beneficiary moves to a part of the country where the provider does not operate.
Applauding the Republican Leader's attention to this issue, Chairman of the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) Peter Kelly said, "We praise Congressman Boehner for standing up for home oxygen patients and providers across the country." CQRC is a coalition of leading home oxygen therapy providers and manufacturers who care for nearly one half of the 1.5 million Medicare home oxygen beneficiaries. "We, too, have urged CMS to use its authority to make payments for services and supplies required by beneficiaries for the entire length of their medical need."
On January 1, 2009, massive cuts to the Medicare home oxygen benefit, in the form of a 36-month cap enacted by Congress in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), took effect, sending a slow but growing tidal wave of change throughout the provider community. In addressing the implementation of the 36-month cap policy, CMS issued a regulation that home oxygen providers will no longer receive Medicare payment for patient-generated, non-routine emergency visits or needed oxygen supplies, such as oxygen tubing and masks, once a beneficiary reaches the three year mark. These CMS-developed policies came at a time when the home oxygen benefit was also subject to a payment cap and an additional 9.5 percent across the board cut. The collective impact of these policies equals a 27 percent cut, totaling $845 million this year alone.
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Campaign for Guaranteed Healthcare for All Begins in Illinois with New Single-Payer Bill
/PRNewswire/ -- Registered nurses, doctors, medical students, and dozens of labor and healthcare community activists will join with Rep. Mary Flowers and other Illinois legislators TODAY to introduce state legislation for a single-payer, Medicare-for-all style system. HB 311, the Healthcare for All Illinois Act, would guarantee healthcare for every state resident.
A broad coalition of healthcare activists, including the National Nurses Organizing Committee, Physicians for a National Health Program, Healthcare for All-Illinois, and American Medical Students Association, will gather in Springfield for a press conference and hearing on the bill.
"Illinois can once again be a symbol of hope and progress for our nation," said Brenda Langford, RN, a registered nurse at the Cook County Bureau of Health Services. "Nurses are tired of watching our patients suffer from denial of care and lack of access to coverage. We see far too much of this at Cook County hospitals--and that's why we support guaranteed healthcare through a single-payer system."
"Our time for genuine solutions to the healthcare crisis is now," said Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of the National Nurses Organizing Committee, principal sponsor of the bill. "We know that guaranteed healthcare systems around the world do a better job of caring for patients, at a lower cost, and we know that inefficient and wasteful health insurance companies have helped push our nation into recession. HB 311 would fix these problems in Illinois, while offering every patient the care they deserve."
DeMoro and Langford both noted the growing urgency for HB311, especially as the state's economy continues to plummet. A recent NNOC study shows single-payer not only saves lives and people's health, it is also an economic stimulus.
Nationally, the study found, implementation of a single-payer system would create 2.6 million new jobs, infuse $317 billion in new business and public revenues, and inject another $100 billion in wages into the U.S. economy. The jobs, through increased spending on healthcare delivery, ripple through the economy, creating employment in retail, manufacturing, and other sectors in addition to healthcare.
The campaign for HB311 coincides with similar efforts nationally on behalf of a Medicare for all bill, HR 676, in Congress, and a national debate on the best path to single-payer.
A centerpiece of the effort for both the Illinois and national bills will be public education on how single-payer is the most comprehensive, cost-effective reform.
HB 311 establishes a state-administered system to provide comprehensive coverage to all Illinois residents, delivered by our current mostly private network of physicians, hospitals, doctors' offices, and other providers. Coverage would no longer be tied to job status or health condition or subject to ever-rising premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.
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A broad coalition of healthcare activists, including the National Nurses Organizing Committee, Physicians for a National Health Program, Healthcare for All-Illinois, and American Medical Students Association, will gather in Springfield for a press conference and hearing on the bill.
"Illinois can once again be a symbol of hope and progress for our nation," said Brenda Langford, RN, a registered nurse at the Cook County Bureau of Health Services. "Nurses are tired of watching our patients suffer from denial of care and lack of access to coverage. We see far too much of this at Cook County hospitals--and that's why we support guaranteed healthcare through a single-payer system."
"Our time for genuine solutions to the healthcare crisis is now," said Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of the National Nurses Organizing Committee, principal sponsor of the bill. "We know that guaranteed healthcare systems around the world do a better job of caring for patients, at a lower cost, and we know that inefficient and wasteful health insurance companies have helped push our nation into recession. HB 311 would fix these problems in Illinois, while offering every patient the care they deserve."
DeMoro and Langford both noted the growing urgency for HB311, especially as the state's economy continues to plummet. A recent NNOC study shows single-payer not only saves lives and people's health, it is also an economic stimulus.
Nationally, the study found, implementation of a single-payer system would create 2.6 million new jobs, infuse $317 billion in new business and public revenues, and inject another $100 billion in wages into the U.S. economy. The jobs, through increased spending on healthcare delivery, ripple through the economy, creating employment in retail, manufacturing, and other sectors in addition to healthcare.
The campaign for HB311 coincides with similar efforts nationally on behalf of a Medicare for all bill, HR 676, in Congress, and a national debate on the best path to single-payer.
A centerpiece of the effort for both the Illinois and national bills will be public education on how single-payer is the most comprehensive, cost-effective reform.
HB 311 establishes a state-administered system to provide comprehensive coverage to all Illinois residents, delivered by our current mostly private network of physicians, hospitals, doctors' offices, and other providers. Coverage would no longer be tied to job status or health condition or subject to ever-rising premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Sticker Shock: Washington Dems Reeling After CBO Report Shows President's Budget Is $2.3 Trillion More Costly Than White House Claimed
Washington Democrats are still reeling after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported last Friday that the President’s budget is actually $2.3 TRILLION more costly than the White House initially claimed. Overall, the budget will produce an incredible $9.3 trillion in total deficits over the next 10 years – and who pays? Our children and grandchildren. Is it any wonder why Republicans have consistently been warning that this monstrous budget spends, taxes, and BORROWS too much? And Republicans are not alone. Economists, taxpayer watchdog groups, and newspapers across America have sounded the alarm on the Administration’s reckless budget path as well. Here’s what the Washington Post said about the President’s plan in an editorial published yesterday:
“Mr. Obama should treat the CBO report as an incentive to fulfill his repeated promises, during and after the campaign, to make hard choices on the budget. Until now he has offered a host of new spending – on health care, middle-class tax cuts, education and alternative energy – without calling for much sacrifice from anyone except the top 5 percent of the income scale. Though his emphasis on controlling health-care costs is welcome, it’s not a substitute for reforming the entitlement programs that are the drivers of long-term fiscal crisis, Medicare and Social Security. Yet the president has offered no plan for either and no road map even for achieving a plan. Several members of his own party in the Senate have been expressing doubts about his strategy, and the CBO report will lend credibility to their concerns. He should heed them.”
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) reacted similarly after the CBO rocked the Administration with its deficit report last Friday, saying, “This report should serve as the wake-up call this Administration needs. We simply cannot continue to mortgage our children and grandchildren’s future to pay for bigger and more costly government.”
Later today, the President will continue his campaign-like sales job of his budget when he will continue pressing for a massive national energy tax that’s at the heart of the proposal – a tax that will cost American families up to $3,100 per year. The Associated Press reports this morning that, “President Barack Obama’s aides say the administration will work with Congress on his budget proposal, but energy independence is not subject to wheeling and dealing.” In other words, the White House is prepared to fight for its energy tax hike.
Middle-class families and small businesses are struggling during this recession – their job security is diminished, their savings are evaporating, and their costs of living are soaring. Do they really deserve to be hit with higher energy bills – to the tune of up to $3,100 increase per year – thanks to the President’s budget?
Republicans don’t think so, and that’s why they will be offering a better budget solution in the days to come. In response to the President’s request last week for budget ideas from both parties, Boehner released a web video in which he outlined for the President the GOP principles for a better budget. The GOP budget alternative will:
- Help create and protect jobs by letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
- Ensure the federal budget doesn’t grow faster than family budgets.
- Aim to expand access to affordable health care for every American, while preserving Social Security and Medicare for future generations.
- End the bailouts to protect taxpayers and reform the financial system so this crisis never repeats itself.
- Encourage an “all of the above” energy strategy that harnesses new technologies, encourages greater conservation and efficiency, and increases American energy production in an environmentally-safe manner – without imposing a national energy tax.
- Fight inflation so the prices of goods and services Americans depend on every day remain stable during and after this economic crisis.
As the House Budget Committee prepares to debate the President’s budget blueprint, it is clearer than ever that it spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. House Republicans are prepared to offer a better way. Are Washington Democrats prepared to join them?
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“Mr. Obama should treat the CBO report as an incentive to fulfill his repeated promises, during and after the campaign, to make hard choices on the budget. Until now he has offered a host of new spending – on health care, middle-class tax cuts, education and alternative energy – without calling for much sacrifice from anyone except the top 5 percent of the income scale. Though his emphasis on controlling health-care costs is welcome, it’s not a substitute for reforming the entitlement programs that are the drivers of long-term fiscal crisis, Medicare and Social Security. Yet the president has offered no plan for either and no road map even for achieving a plan. Several members of his own party in the Senate have been expressing doubts about his strategy, and the CBO report will lend credibility to their concerns. He should heed them.”
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) reacted similarly after the CBO rocked the Administration with its deficit report last Friday, saying, “This report should serve as the wake-up call this Administration needs. We simply cannot continue to mortgage our children and grandchildren’s future to pay for bigger and more costly government.”
Later today, the President will continue his campaign-like sales job of his budget when he will continue pressing for a massive national energy tax that’s at the heart of the proposal – a tax that will cost American families up to $3,100 per year. The Associated Press reports this morning that, “President Barack Obama’s aides say the administration will work with Congress on his budget proposal, but energy independence is not subject to wheeling and dealing.” In other words, the White House is prepared to fight for its energy tax hike.
Middle-class families and small businesses are struggling during this recession – their job security is diminished, their savings are evaporating, and their costs of living are soaring. Do they really deserve to be hit with higher energy bills – to the tune of up to $3,100 increase per year – thanks to the President’s budget?
Republicans don’t think so, and that’s why they will be offering a better budget solution in the days to come. In response to the President’s request last week for budget ideas from both parties, Boehner released a web video in which he outlined for the President the GOP principles for a better budget. The GOP budget alternative will:
- Help create and protect jobs by letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
- Ensure the federal budget doesn’t grow faster than family budgets.
- Aim to expand access to affordable health care for every American, while preserving Social Security and Medicare for future generations.
- End the bailouts to protect taxpayers and reform the financial system so this crisis never repeats itself.
- Encourage an “all of the above” energy strategy that harnesses new technologies, encourages greater conservation and efficiency, and increases American energy production in an environmentally-safe manner – without imposing a national energy tax.
- Fight inflation so the prices of goods and services Americans depend on every day remain stable during and after this economic crisis.
As the House Budget Committee prepares to debate the President’s budget blueprint, it is clearer than ever that it spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. House Republicans are prepared to offer a better way. Are Washington Democrats prepared to join them?
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Friday, March 20, 2009
Statement of Robert Greenstein, Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, on the New Report From the Congressional Budget Office
/PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Robert Greenstein, Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on the new report from the Congressional Budget Office:
Today's disturbing report from the Congressional Budget Office projects larger budget deficits over the next ten years than the President's budget estimates, mainly because the economy is weaker than the Obama Administration and many private forecasters projected just a few months ago.
These findings should send two messages to policymakers: First, they should not make the recession, which CBO now projects will be the worst since World War II, even deeper by reducing federal expenditures in 2010 well below the levels that President Obama has proposed. Doing so would result in less demand for goods and services at a time when the CBO report makes clear the economy will continue to need a large boost. Second, policymakers should adopt measures now -- to take effect when the economy recovers -- to begin addressing the vast projected deficits of future years and decades and moving us off a fiscally unsustainable path.
While deficits will decline after this year's record level, they will not shrink to economically sustainable levels without significant changes in policy. That ought to encourage policymakers to step up to the plate and adopt the President's proposals to rein in costly and unproductive subsidies in both the spending and tax sides of the budget -- such as by eliminating Medicare Advantage overpayments and achieving other Medicare savings, and by curbing a plethora of special-interest tax loopholes -- or to come up with alternative proposals that save as much, are as sound economically, and are as fair.
The new CBO figures also underscore the need for policymakers not to go beyond the President's proposals for extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and for making the estate tax permanent at its 2009 parameters. Extending costly tax cuts for people above $250,000 or further eviscerating the estate tax would swell deficits even more, while benefiting only a tiny fraction of Americans at the top of the income scale.
Finally, based on today's report, policymakers should view the Obama proposals as just the first step on the path of deficit reduction. In the not-too-distant future, policymakers will need to move well beyond their current positions on both taxes and spending and put everything on the table, in order to achieve deficit reduction that will be necessary -- and unavoidable -- if we are to avert serious long-term economic damage.
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Today's disturbing report from the Congressional Budget Office projects larger budget deficits over the next ten years than the President's budget estimates, mainly because the economy is weaker than the Obama Administration and many private forecasters projected just a few months ago.
These findings should send two messages to policymakers: First, they should not make the recession, which CBO now projects will be the worst since World War II, even deeper by reducing federal expenditures in 2010 well below the levels that President Obama has proposed. Doing so would result in less demand for goods and services at a time when the CBO report makes clear the economy will continue to need a large boost. Second, policymakers should adopt measures now -- to take effect when the economy recovers -- to begin addressing the vast projected deficits of future years and decades and moving us off a fiscally unsustainable path.
While deficits will decline after this year's record level, they will not shrink to economically sustainable levels without significant changes in policy. That ought to encourage policymakers to step up to the plate and adopt the President's proposals to rein in costly and unproductive subsidies in both the spending and tax sides of the budget -- such as by eliminating Medicare Advantage overpayments and achieving other Medicare savings, and by curbing a plethora of special-interest tax loopholes -- or to come up with alternative proposals that save as much, are as sound economically, and are as fair.
The new CBO figures also underscore the need for policymakers not to go beyond the President's proposals for extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and for making the estate tax permanent at its 2009 parameters. Extending costly tax cuts for people above $250,000 or further eviscerating the estate tax would swell deficits even more, while benefiting only a tiny fraction of Americans at the top of the income scale.
Finally, based on today's report, policymakers should view the Obama proposals as just the first step on the path of deficit reduction. In the not-too-distant future, policymakers will need to move well beyond their current positions on both taxes and spending and put everything on the table, in order to achieve deficit reduction that will be necessary -- and unavoidable -- if we are to avert serious long-term economic damage.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Statement of Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on COBRA subsidy under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the premium reduction under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA):
"America's workers and employers are the most productive in the world. With the labor and capital markets under financial stress, the Obama Administration is working to provide relief to American families. In February, the President signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs, provide training opportunities for new jobs, extend unemployment benefits and help relieve the burden of health benefits.
"These programs are vitally important to the economic well-being of people who lost their jobs. Right now the federal government is beginning to implement the law to meet some of the basic needs of its citizens.
"The ARRA provides a 65 percent tax subsidy for the cost of health benefits, making them more affordable for the unemployed and their families. Millions of individuals, including those who previously declined employer-provided coverage under COBRA, will be eligible to receive a subsidy on their premiums for up to nine months.
"Today the Labor Department is publishing more information to help the public understand how the program works and how they can qualify for the premium subsidy for continuation of health coverage under private, state and federal programs. The model notices we are releasing enable employers to quickly spell out for former employees and their families how to take advantage of COBRA coverage and the subsidy.
"This administration is committed to putting Americans back to work so they can re-build the financial fabric of their lives. And the Labor Department is working quickly to make that happen."
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"America's workers and employers are the most productive in the world. With the labor and capital markets under financial stress, the Obama Administration is working to provide relief to American families. In February, the President signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs, provide training opportunities for new jobs, extend unemployment benefits and help relieve the burden of health benefits.
"These programs are vitally important to the economic well-being of people who lost their jobs. Right now the federal government is beginning to implement the law to meet some of the basic needs of its citizens.
"The ARRA provides a 65 percent tax subsidy for the cost of health benefits, making them more affordable for the unemployed and their families. Millions of individuals, including those who previously declined employer-provided coverage under COBRA, will be eligible to receive a subsidy on their premiums for up to nine months.
"Today the Labor Department is publishing more information to help the public understand how the program works and how they can qualify for the premium subsidy for continuation of health coverage under private, state and federal programs. The model notices we are releasing enable employers to quickly spell out for former employees and their families how to take advantage of COBRA coverage and the subsidy.
"This administration is committed to putting Americans back to work so they can re-build the financial fabric of their lives. And the Labor Department is working quickly to make that happen."
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Westmoreland: Bill to tax AIG bonuses a cynical ploy
U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today voted against congressional Democrats cynical tax plan for AIG bonuses.
“House and Senate Democrats messed up big time and now they want to tinker with the tax code as part of a public relations stunt,” Westmoreland said after the vote. “I know Americans want to punish executives who are getting taxpayer dollars as bonuses – I know it because I’m just as outraged. But honest members of Congress have a duty to stand up against these shenanigans and explain to Americans that Democrats messed up and now they’re trying to sweep it under the rug.”
The legislation imposes a retroactive 90 percent tax for bonuses received since Jan. 1 by an employee of any company that has received more than $5 billion from federal bailouts. Language protecting these bonuses in the so-called stimulus package was written entirely by Democrats and signed by President Obama.
“I voted against the stimulus that allowed these bonuses and I voted against the TARP legislation that funded these bonuses,” Westmoreland said. “As I’ve said on the floor of the House, we don’t know what would have happened if Congress hadn’t passed TARP, but we do know that AIG’s employees wouldn’t be getting bonuses because they wouldn’t have jobs.
“I didn’t vote ‘no’ today because I support bonuses for AIG employees. I voted no because I can’t support using the tax code retroactively to punish a particular group or to score political points. I don’t want American taxpayers to get back 90 percent of the bonuses; I want them to get back 100 percent of the hundreds of billions they have doled out to corporations whose bad decisions have blown a gaping hole into the global economy.”
Watch Rep. Westmoreland’s video on the AIG vote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbrk37ofKHM
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“House and Senate Democrats messed up big time and now they want to tinker with the tax code as part of a public relations stunt,” Westmoreland said after the vote. “I know Americans want to punish executives who are getting taxpayer dollars as bonuses – I know it because I’m just as outraged. But honest members of Congress have a duty to stand up against these shenanigans and explain to Americans that Democrats messed up and now they’re trying to sweep it under the rug.”
The legislation imposes a retroactive 90 percent tax for bonuses received since Jan. 1 by an employee of any company that has received more than $5 billion from federal bailouts. Language protecting these bonuses in the so-called stimulus package was written entirely by Democrats and signed by President Obama.
“I voted against the stimulus that allowed these bonuses and I voted against the TARP legislation that funded these bonuses,” Westmoreland said. “As I’ve said on the floor of the House, we don’t know what would have happened if Congress hadn’t passed TARP, but we do know that AIG’s employees wouldn’t be getting bonuses because they wouldn’t have jobs.
“I didn’t vote ‘no’ today because I support bonuses for AIG employees. I voted no because I can’t support using the tax code retroactively to punish a particular group or to score political points. I don’t want American taxpayers to get back 90 percent of the bonuses; I want them to get back 100 percent of the hundreds of billions they have doled out to corporations whose bad decisions have blown a gaping hole into the global economy.”
Watch Rep. Westmoreland’s video on the AIG vote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbrk37ofKHM
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Boehner: The American People Deserve to Get 100 Percent of Their Money Back
Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today delivered remarks on the House floor condemning taxpayer-funded bonuses for AIG executives and calling for passage of legislation that will allow American taxpayers to get 100 percent of their money back immediately. Full transcript of Boehner's remarks follow:
“Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I caught a little grief five weeks ago when we had the stimulus bill on the floor. Remember the 1,100-page bill that no one had time to read and that no one did read? Obviously the President didn’t have time to read it either because in that bill was this one sentence. This one sentence that made it clear that someone knew that these AIG bonuses were about to be paid and they didn’t want them stopped. So somehow in the dark of night this one sentence was added to the bill so that AIG would pay these bonuses to their executives.
“This language wasn’t in the House bill. This language wasn’t in the Senate bill. This language showed up in the dead of night and no one got to see it. I’m wondering where did the language come from? Who wrote it? Who asked the conferees to put it in the bill? What conferees on the part of the House agreed to this? I’m looking for somebody to put their hand up.
“That’s the whole issue. This political circus that’s going on here today with this bill is not getting to the bottom of the questions of who knew what and when did they know it. Somebody was responsible to draw up this language. Someone brought it to the conferees. Someone brought it to the Democrat Leadership who wrote this bill in secret and put this language in there. But we have no idea who it was.
“Secondly, the bill before us tempts to recoup 90 percent of these bonuses. Why 90 percent? The American people are outraged. I’m outraged. And we just voted down an opportunity to bring a bill to the floor from our freshmen members that said, real simple, we ought to get 100 percent of this money back. We can get 100 percent back because the Treasury Secretary has the ability to get it all back. The Administration has the ability to get it all back. Why don’t we just get it all back? Why are we bringing this bill to the floor today to give members political cover when in fact the Treasury Secretary has the authority, the Administration has the authority to get all of it back? But, no, that got voted down. Our bill would have been a better bill.
“Thirdly, our colleagues, Mr. LaTourette and Mr. McCotter, have introduced a resolution of inquiry to get all of the documents surrounding communications between the Treasury, the Fed, and AIG to understand who was in the middle of this conversation? People have known about this for months and yet we just found out about it over the last 48 hours. And so we want this resolution of inquiry to be passed by the committee. We want to get to the bottom of all of this. But in the meantime do we have to have this political charade of bringing this bill out here? I don’t think so. I think this is a bad bill with bad consequences. We didn’t see the bill until last night. Nobody in the committee marked it up. Nobody debated it. And nobody understands the consequences of what we are about to do. How can we possibly vote yes on a bill like this? I yield back.”
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“Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I caught a little grief five weeks ago when we had the stimulus bill on the floor. Remember the 1,100-page bill that no one had time to read and that no one did read? Obviously the President didn’t have time to read it either because in that bill was this one sentence. This one sentence that made it clear that someone knew that these AIG bonuses were about to be paid and they didn’t want them stopped. So somehow in the dark of night this one sentence was added to the bill so that AIG would pay these bonuses to their executives.
“This language wasn’t in the House bill. This language wasn’t in the Senate bill. This language showed up in the dead of night and no one got to see it. I’m wondering where did the language come from? Who wrote it? Who asked the conferees to put it in the bill? What conferees on the part of the House agreed to this? I’m looking for somebody to put their hand up.
“That’s the whole issue. This political circus that’s going on here today with this bill is not getting to the bottom of the questions of who knew what and when did they know it. Somebody was responsible to draw up this language. Someone brought it to the conferees. Someone brought it to the Democrat Leadership who wrote this bill in secret and put this language in there. But we have no idea who it was.
“Secondly, the bill before us tempts to recoup 90 percent of these bonuses. Why 90 percent? The American people are outraged. I’m outraged. And we just voted down an opportunity to bring a bill to the floor from our freshmen members that said, real simple, we ought to get 100 percent of this money back. We can get 100 percent back because the Treasury Secretary has the ability to get it all back. The Administration has the ability to get it all back. Why don’t we just get it all back? Why are we bringing this bill to the floor today to give members political cover when in fact the Treasury Secretary has the authority, the Administration has the authority to get all of it back? But, no, that got voted down. Our bill would have been a better bill.
“Thirdly, our colleagues, Mr. LaTourette and Mr. McCotter, have introduced a resolution of inquiry to get all of the documents surrounding communications between the Treasury, the Fed, and AIG to understand who was in the middle of this conversation? People have known about this for months and yet we just found out about it over the last 48 hours. And so we want this resolution of inquiry to be passed by the committee. We want to get to the bottom of all of this. But in the meantime do we have to have this political charade of bringing this bill out here? I don’t think so. I think this is a bad bill with bad consequences. We didn’t see the bill until last night. Nobody in the committee marked it up. Nobody debated it. And nobody understands the consequences of what we are about to do. How can we possibly vote yes on a bill like this? I yield back.”
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Missouri legislators honor Libertarian
America’s third largest political party joined the Missouri House of Representatives Wednesday in honoring Libertarian Party activist and Grandview City Councilman-elect Mike Ferguson. On Feb. 25, the House unanimously presented Ferguson with a resolution recognizing his community service and professional accomplishments.
“As a loving father, successful professional, knowledgeable educator, committed community activist and tireless public servant, Mike Ferguson is a great example of what the Libertarian Party is all about,” said William Redpath, Chairman of the Libertarian National Committee. “It is no surprise, and a great honor, that the Missouri House would take the time to recognize and thank a great Libertarian Party member.”
Ferguson ran unopposed earlier this year for a seat on the Grandview City Council. A former Kansas City journalist, Ferguson is also a successful staffing professional and member of several local government boards and commissions. Ferguson and his two children, Austin and Amber, attend Southland Baptist Church.
Ferguson is not the only Libertarian serving in Missouri government. In Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, Libertarians Tom Martz and Robert Stephens were the top two finishers for a seat on the Springfield City Council. They will meet in an April runoff election to decide which Libertarian joins Libertarian Councilman Doug Burlison on the City Council. Burlison was elected in 2007.
The resolution, sponsored by Representatives Jonas Hughes (D-Kansas City) and Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) reads:
“As a loving father, successful professional, knowledgeable educator, committed community activist and tireless public servant, Mike Ferguson is a great example of what the Libertarian Party is all about,” said William Redpath, Chairman of the Libertarian National Committee. “It is no surprise, and a great honor, that the Missouri House would take the time to recognize and thank a great Libertarian Party member.”
Ferguson ran unopposed earlier this year for a seat on the Grandview City Council. A former Kansas City journalist, Ferguson is also a successful staffing professional and member of several local government boards and commissions. Ferguson and his two children, Austin and Amber, attend Southland Baptist Church.
Ferguson is not the only Libertarian serving in Missouri government. In Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, Libertarians Tom Martz and Robert Stephens were the top two finishers for a seat on the Springfield City Council. They will meet in an April runoff election to decide which Libertarian joins Libertarian Councilman Doug Burlison on the City Council. Burlison was elected in 2007.
The resolution, sponsored by Representatives Jonas Hughes (D-Kansas City) and Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) reads:
Whereas, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives hold in high esteem those Show-Me State residents who have proven down through the years to be exemplary citizens in local communities and neighborhoods through the depth and breadth of their civic involvement; and
Whereas, Mike Ferguson of Grandview, Missouri, has attained considerable distinction as the producer/host of the Missouri Viewpoints web site, an adjunct professor, a freelance writer and communications consultant, and an alderman; and
Whereas, holder of Certified Staffing Professional recognition from the American Staffing Association, Mike Ferguson gained a significant amount of knowledge, skills, and experiences when he managed the human resources department for one of America’s fastest growing companies and the recruiting, training, and human resources operations for divisions of two Fortune 500 companies; and
Whereas, prior to working in human resources, Mike Ferguson was a journalist in the Kansas City area whose media experiences included television, radio, and newspaper; and
Whereas, Mike Ferguson has been integrally involved with the Missouri State Plan Committee, city of Grandview Transportation Committee, Jackson County Public Water Supply District No. 1 Board of Directors, and Grandview Planning Commission; and
Whereas, no stranger to honors and accolades, Mike Ferguson is the recipient of a Champion of Freedom Award from the Missouri Libertarian Party and a Thomas Paine Award from the Libertarian National Committee, was selected as the Libertarian Party’s state lieutenant governor nominee, and has been invited to appear on national television four times as a host, speaker or guest; and
Whereas, Mike Ferguson is a member of Southland Baptist Church, where he is universally praised as a loving father to Austin and Amber:
Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the Members of the Missouri House of Representatives, Ninety-Fifth General Assembly, join unanimously to applaud the personal and professional accomplishments garnered thus far in life and the work of Mike Ferguson and to convey to him this legislative body’s most heartfelt wishes for continued success for many more years to come; and
Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for presentation to Mike Ferguson of Grandview, Missouri.
Offered by
Representative Leonard (Jonas) Hughes, IV
District No. 42
Representative Jason R. Holsman
District No. 45
I, Ronald F. Richard, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ninety-Fifth General Assembly, First Regular Session, do certify that the above is a true and correct copy of House Resolution No. 813, adopted February 25, 2009.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Pelosi Statement on House Passage of the GIVE Act
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement after the House overwhelmingly passed a bill this afternoon to dramatically expand national service opportunities and help Americans play a role in the economic recovery. The bill, the Generations Invigoration Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, passed the house by a vote of 321 to 105.
"Less than one month ago, President Obama called for legislation 'to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations.' Today, the Congress has responded by passing the GIVE Act, launching a new era of service.
"The GIVE Act will create 175,000 new service opportunities - more than tripling the number of volunteers nationwide. And it will reward those who volunteer with real investments in their education. It also expands the diversity of our nation's volunteer corps - encouraging Americans from middle school students to retirees to give to their communities.
"This legislation is a sound investment: for every dollar spent toward service initiatives, there are four dollars of direct measurable economic returns to our communities.
"We have the power to banish some of the greatest ills affecting our nation, and create a stronger nation for all Americans. And we began today by giving the GIVE Act the strong, bipartisan vote it deserved."
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"Less than one month ago, President Obama called for legislation 'to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations.' Today, the Congress has responded by passing the GIVE Act, launching a new era of service.
"The GIVE Act will create 175,000 new service opportunities - more than tripling the number of volunteers nationwide. And it will reward those who volunteer with real investments in their education. It also expands the diversity of our nation's volunteer corps - encouraging Americans from middle school students to retirees to give to their communities.
"This legislation is a sound investment: for every dollar spent toward service initiatives, there are four dollars of direct measurable economic returns to our communities.
"We have the power to banish some of the greatest ills affecting our nation, and create a stronger nation for all Americans. And we began today by giving the GIVE Act the strong, bipartisan vote it deserved."
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White House Makes Correct Decision On Veterans Insurance Proposal
/PRNewswire-- "The White House made the correct decision to withdraw its proposal for the Department of Veterans Affairs to have military veterans' personal insurance companies pay for their service-connected disability and wounds," said VAdm. Norb Ryan, Jr., USN-Ret., president of the Military Officers Association of America.
Adm. Ryan said he advised President Obama that "pursuing this insurance proposal would detract from the outstanding 2010 Department of Veterans Affairs budget he has put forth -- the best budget for veterans care in 30 years and the largest annual increase proposed by any President."
Adm. Ryan and leaders from several military and veterans service organizations (MSO/VSOs) met with President Obama Monday and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Monday and again Wednesday with Emanuel to voice their concerns and attempt to reach a workable solution to the Administration's payment idea. All organizations were against the initiative, and numerous Members of Congress also voiced their strenuous objections. The White House asked for the meeting after receiving a February 27 letter signed by 11 VSO and MSO leaders opposing the plan.
"The VA has a solemn obligation to care for those who have served in the military and fought for this nation," said Adm. Ryan. "We deeply appreciate that the President asked the veterans organizations to meet with him to discuss the issue and present our case."
According to Ryan, "The President indicated on Monday that he was there to listen to our concerns and was willing to drop the proposal if we could not support its merits. Both he and his Chief of Staff kept their promises by promptly withdrawing the proposal after today's meeting. To their credit, they listened and responded promptly, and we appreciate that."
"MOAA looks forward to working with the President and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to maximize the impact on this unprecedented budget that supports veterans and their families," Adm. Ryan said.
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Adm. Ryan said he advised President Obama that "pursuing this insurance proposal would detract from the outstanding 2010 Department of Veterans Affairs budget he has put forth -- the best budget for veterans care in 30 years and the largest annual increase proposed by any President."
Adm. Ryan and leaders from several military and veterans service organizations (MSO/VSOs) met with President Obama Monday and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Monday and again Wednesday with Emanuel to voice their concerns and attempt to reach a workable solution to the Administration's payment idea. All organizations were against the initiative, and numerous Members of Congress also voiced their strenuous objections. The White House asked for the meeting after receiving a February 27 letter signed by 11 VSO and MSO leaders opposing the plan.
"The VA has a solemn obligation to care for those who have served in the military and fought for this nation," said Adm. Ryan. "We deeply appreciate that the President asked the veterans organizations to meet with him to discuss the issue and present our case."
According to Ryan, "The President indicated on Monday that he was there to listen to our concerns and was willing to drop the proposal if we could not support its merits. Both he and his Chief of Staff kept their promises by promptly withdrawing the proposal after today's meeting. To their credit, they listened and responded promptly, and we appreciate that."
"MOAA looks forward to working with the President and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to maximize the impact on this unprecedented budget that supports veterans and their families," Adm. Ryan said.
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Pelosi Statement on AIG Legislation on House Floor Tomorrow
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement tonight on legislation the House will vote on tomorrow to hold companies, including American International Group (AIG), accountable for the bonuses that were paid to their executives. The legislation will recover the bulk of these bonuses by taxing them at a rate of 90 percent. Below the Speaker's statement is a brief fact sheet on HR 1586.
"We must stabilize the financial system in order to strengthen our economy and create jobs. We must also protect the American taxpayer from executives who would use their companies' second chances as opportunities for private gain.
"Because they could not use sound judgment in the use of taxpayer funds, these AIG executives will pay the Treasury in the form of this tax. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation and in favor of recovering taxpayer dollars and protecting Americans from the continued poor judgment of some of America's largest companies."
* * * * * *
As a result of extraordinary abuses of the public trust by companies rewarding employees with excessive compensation while receiving billions in taxpayer assistance, Congress introduced legislation to recover taxpayers' dollars.
The bill would apply a separate income tax rate of 90 percent to bonuses received by individuals from companies which have received at least $5 billion from TARP. It would also apply to bonuses paid by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
For this purpose, bonuses will be defined as any retention payment, incentive payment, or other bonus which is in addition to regular employee compensation payable on a periodic basis.
The special tax rate only would apply to individuals and families with overall income (including income other than bonuses) in excess of $250,000.
The bill applies to payments received after December 31, 2008.
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"We must stabilize the financial system in order to strengthen our economy and create jobs. We must also protect the American taxpayer from executives who would use their companies' second chances as opportunities for private gain.
"Because they could not use sound judgment in the use of taxpayer funds, these AIG executives will pay the Treasury in the form of this tax. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation and in favor of recovering taxpayer dollars and protecting Americans from the continued poor judgment of some of America's largest companies."
* * * * * *
As a result of extraordinary abuses of the public trust by companies rewarding employees with excessive compensation while receiving billions in taxpayer assistance, Congress introduced legislation to recover taxpayers' dollars.
The bill would apply a separate income tax rate of 90 percent to bonuses received by individuals from companies which have received at least $5 billion from TARP. It would also apply to bonuses paid by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
For this purpose, bonuses will be defined as any retention payment, incentive payment, or other bonus which is in addition to regular employee compensation payable on a periodic basis.
The special tax rate only would apply to individuals and families with overall income (including income other than bonuses) in excess of $250,000.
The bill applies to payments received after December 31, 2008.
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Volunteer or Else!
National Security by a Civilian Force? Volunteer America or else?
House Readies Passage of Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service
The House of Representatives is expected to pass a measure Wednesday hailed by some as the most sweeping reform of nationally-backed volunteer programs since AmeriCorps but blasted by a few as expensive indoctrination and forced advocacy......http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/18/house-readies-passage-volunteerism-critics-pricey-forced-service/
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House Readies Passage of Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service
The House of Representatives is expected to pass a measure Wednesday hailed by some as the most sweeping reform of nationally-backed volunteer programs since AmeriCorps but blasted by a few as expensive indoctrination and forced advocacy......http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/18/house-readies-passage-volunteerism-critics-pricey-forced-service/
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Boehner Responds to President’s Request for Bipartisan Budget Proposals
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today released a video responding to President Obama’s request yesterday for bipartisan budget proposals. In the video, which was transmitted to the White House this morning, Boehner respectfully informs the President that his budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much; makes clear that Republicans will offer a superior alternative, as Republicans did during the “stimulus” debate in January; and outlines the GOP principles for a better budget. A transcript of Boehner’s message to President Obama follows:
“Families and small businesses across America are hurting, and they’re counting on both parties in Washington to provide real solutions to help create jobs and end this recession. Mr. President, you’ve submitted your budget, and we appreciate you seeking input from Republicans on how it can be improved.
“As you’ll recall, our Republican Whip Eric Cantor and I personally delivered to you our Republican stimulus alternative during a White House meeting. Unfortunately, that plan was rejected by Washington Democrats, even though it would have created 6.2 million jobs according to an economic model developed by your own advisor, Dr. Christina Romer. That’s twice the jobs at half the cost of the trillion-dollar spending bill you ultimately signed into law.
“Republicans are eager to offer better solutions on the budget as well. Mr. President, with all due respect: your budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much, and that’s going to do further harm to our economy at a time when it desperately needs our help.
“We believe there’s a better way – better solutions to restore some fiscal sanity here in Washington while encouraging more job creation and more investment. Our alternative, which is being drafted as we speak by Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and others, will reflect core principles that should guide us as our nation works to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
“First, our budget alternative will help create and protect jobs by letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
“Second, our budget will make sure the federal budget doesn’t grow faster than family budgets. Americans are making tough spending decisions every day. It’s time for Washington to do the same.
“Third, our budget will aim to expand access to affordable health care for every American, while preserving Social Security and Medicare for future generations.
“Fourth, our budget will end the bailouts to protect taxpayers and reform the financial system so this crisis never repeats itself. Instead of raising energy costs through a “cap and trade” energy tax that will cost every family up to $3,100 a year, our budget will encourage an “all of the above” energy strategy that harnesses new technologies, encourages greater conservation and efficiency, and increases American energy production in an environmentally-safe manner.
“And last but not least, our budget will fight inflation so the prices of goods and services Americans depend on every day remain stable during and after this economic crisis.
“Mr. President, we appreciate the opportunity to answer your call for bipartisan input by sharing our Republican budget solutions. Republicans are eager to offer our alternative when the debate continues in Congress later this month. It’s time for both parties in Washington to work together to tackle the challenges confronting our nation – and we shouldn’t wait a moment longer to start.”
NOTE: In remarks on the budget at the White House yesterday, President Obama said, “The answers don’t have to be partisan, and I welcome and encourage proposals and improvements from both Democrats and Republicans in the coming days.”
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“Families and small businesses across America are hurting, and they’re counting on both parties in Washington to provide real solutions to help create jobs and end this recession. Mr. President, you’ve submitted your budget, and we appreciate you seeking input from Republicans on how it can be improved.
“As you’ll recall, our Republican Whip Eric Cantor and I personally delivered to you our Republican stimulus alternative during a White House meeting. Unfortunately, that plan was rejected by Washington Democrats, even though it would have created 6.2 million jobs according to an economic model developed by your own advisor, Dr. Christina Romer. That’s twice the jobs at half the cost of the trillion-dollar spending bill you ultimately signed into law.
“Republicans are eager to offer better solutions on the budget as well. Mr. President, with all due respect: your budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much, and that’s going to do further harm to our economy at a time when it desperately needs our help.
“We believe there’s a better way – better solutions to restore some fiscal sanity here in Washington while encouraging more job creation and more investment. Our alternative, which is being drafted as we speak by Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and others, will reflect core principles that should guide us as our nation works to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
“First, our budget alternative will help create and protect jobs by letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn.
“Second, our budget will make sure the federal budget doesn’t grow faster than family budgets. Americans are making tough spending decisions every day. It’s time for Washington to do the same.
“Third, our budget will aim to expand access to affordable health care for every American, while preserving Social Security and Medicare for future generations.
“Fourth, our budget will end the bailouts to protect taxpayers and reform the financial system so this crisis never repeats itself. Instead of raising energy costs through a “cap and trade” energy tax that will cost every family up to $3,100 a year, our budget will encourage an “all of the above” energy strategy that harnesses new technologies, encourages greater conservation and efficiency, and increases American energy production in an environmentally-safe manner.
“And last but not least, our budget will fight inflation so the prices of goods and services Americans depend on every day remain stable during and after this economic crisis.
“Mr. President, we appreciate the opportunity to answer your call for bipartisan input by sharing our Republican budget solutions. Republicans are eager to offer our alternative when the debate continues in Congress later this month. It’s time for both parties in Washington to work together to tackle the challenges confronting our nation – and we shouldn’t wait a moment longer to start.”
NOTE: In remarks on the budget at the White House yesterday, President Obama said, “The answers don’t have to be partisan, and I welcome and encourage proposals and improvements from both Democrats and Republicans in the coming days.”
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Westmoreland: Obama’s Pot o’ Fool’s Gold
Tax hikes, AIG bonuses not helping small business
President Obama’s plan to spend up to $15 billion on loans won’t provide a “river of green” to small businesses in need of the money, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said this St. Patrick’s Day.
“As we’ve come to expect in the past two months, President Obama gives a little with one hand and takes a lot with the other,” Westmoreland said. “First, the president is offering $15 billion in loans just after announcing his plans to hike taxes on small businesses by hundreds of billions of dollars. Second, this action through the Small Business Administration will benefit only about 5 percent of the small business loan market. We know there’s a better way.”
According to the Tax Policy Center (TPC), a research organization often cited by Democrats as having the most reliable estimates outside of government, more than 3 million taxpayers with small business income will face higher taxes under the Obama budget outline. Furthermore, TPC states nearly 2/3 of those paying higher taxes under the Obama budget outline will be small businesses.
Westmoreland said the Obama administration thus far had fallen far short on small business’s real need: unfreezing the credit market.
“The American taxpayers have watched the administration dole out hundreds of billions in bailouts to banks that made bad decisions,” Westmoreland said. “We have not received good answers on how that money is being spent. All we hear about it is workers in AIG’s financial sector – which played a big role in creating this mess – are getting bonuses. All the while, the small business people in Georgia who played by the rules and worked hard can’t get the credit that’s their lifeblood.
“As a former small businessman and as a member of the Small Business Committee, I’m glad that President Obama sees the real need that outs there. I actually support his efforts to expand these loan programs. But if we’re going to really help our nation’s job creators, we can’t burden them with these huge tax increases.”
The money for the loan program will come from the $700 billion financial rescue package. Westmoreland noted that the program would give lenders greater profits and less risk.
“Big banks owe a lot to the taxpayers,” he said. “It’s time to do their duty and get credit flowing again.”
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President Obama’s plan to spend up to $15 billion on loans won’t provide a “river of green” to small businesses in need of the money, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said this St. Patrick’s Day.
“As we’ve come to expect in the past two months, President Obama gives a little with one hand and takes a lot with the other,” Westmoreland said. “First, the president is offering $15 billion in loans just after announcing his plans to hike taxes on small businesses by hundreds of billions of dollars. Second, this action through the Small Business Administration will benefit only about 5 percent of the small business loan market. We know there’s a better way.”
According to the Tax Policy Center (TPC), a research organization often cited by Democrats as having the most reliable estimates outside of government, more than 3 million taxpayers with small business income will face higher taxes under the Obama budget outline. Furthermore, TPC states nearly 2/3 of those paying higher taxes under the Obama budget outline will be small businesses.
Westmoreland said the Obama administration thus far had fallen far short on small business’s real need: unfreezing the credit market.
“The American taxpayers have watched the administration dole out hundreds of billions in bailouts to banks that made bad decisions,” Westmoreland said. “We have not received good answers on how that money is being spent. All we hear about it is workers in AIG’s financial sector – which played a big role in creating this mess – are getting bonuses. All the while, the small business people in Georgia who played by the rules and worked hard can’t get the credit that’s their lifeblood.
“As a former small businessman and as a member of the Small Business Committee, I’m glad that President Obama sees the real need that outs there. I actually support his efforts to expand these loan programs. But if we’re going to really help our nation’s job creators, we can’t burden them with these huge tax increases.”
The money for the loan program will come from the $700 billion financial rescue package. Westmoreland noted that the program would give lenders greater profits and less risk.
“Big banks owe a lot to the taxpayers,” he said. “It’s time to do their duty and get credit flowing again.”
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Regional Roundup: President Obama's "Cap-and-Trade" Energy Tax Hits Families, Small Businesses
For weeks, Republicans have been highlighting the fact that the President’s budget taxes too much. Among the tax hikes that has been getting the most attention is the Administration’s “cap-and-trade” energy tax scheme. Under this plan, every American will be hit by the tax hike: middle-class families, small businesses, seniors, charities, schools … basically, anyone who has the audacity to flip on a light switch will be forced to pay higher energy bills thanks to this new $646 billion tax increase. And some of the states suffering the most during the economic downturn – such as Michigan, West Virginia, and Ohio – will be hit hardest by the Administration’s energy tax. The result? Higher energy bills for families and small businesses and more American jobs shipped to Mexico, India, China, and other countries not forced to pay a “cap-and-trade” energy tax.
Don’t hard hit states – and families and small businesses struggling through this recession – deserve better solutions than a massive tax increase that will only drive their energy costs up even further? Editorials and news reports around the country certainly believe so, and that’s why they’ve been taking aim at the Administration’s “cap-and-trade” energy tax ever since the President released his budget. Here’s just a sampling of what newspapers across America are saying about this ill-advised tax hike:
“Midwestern energy providers such as Dayton Power & Light and Duke Energy say the proposal could punish coal-dependent states like Ohio. Duke estimated it could force electric rates 40 percent higher.” – Dayton Daily News, 3/16/09
“[Washington State] House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said many fellow Democrats voiced concern about the economic toll new regulations could take on businesses already shaken by the recession.” – Seattle Times, 3/16/09
“The realization is slowly but surely growing that duplicating Europe’s failed cap-and-trade scheme would be a knockout blow to the U.S. economy that would dramatically increase energy costs and cripple the nation’s dwindling manufacturing base. The Detroit News aptly called cap-and-trade a giant economic dagger aimed at the nation’s heartland.” – San Francisco Examiner editorial, 3/15/09
“Where is this $650 billion or more [energy tax] going to come from? The answer, Louisiana and other industry heavy states: Louisiana ranks sixth in per capita CO2 emissions, California 47th. We have 19 refineries and dozens of chemical plants throughout Louisiana; they will be hit the hardest. It appears that the spread-the-wealth program not only applies to income levels of families, but also where you live.” – Lafayette (LA) Daily Advertiser op-ed, 3/15/09
“Since utilities pass through costs to customers, that’s tantamount to $180 billion in new taxes just on [Appalachian Power Companies] customers between the time cap-and-trade goes into effect and 2030.” – Charleston (WV) Daily Mail column, 3/13/09
“Not only does cap and trade tax at the point of production (even if some of those costs are ultimately borne by consumers elsewhere), but it also shifts economic activity away from those industries. The states that produce the most emissions are going to see the strongest ancillary declines in income and increases in unemployment. The top carbon states – in absolute, not per capita, emissions – include Ohio (No. 3), Pennsylvania (No. 4), Indiana (No. 7) and Michigan (No. 9).” – Wall Street Journal editorial, 3/13/09
House Republicans have a better solution for creating jobs and getting our nation back on a track to prosperity. It involves letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn to encourage savings and investment – both of which will lead to more job creation now and in the future. In fact, the House GOP economic recovery alternative will create twice as many jobs – 6.2 million total – as the Democrats’ trillion-dollar “stimulus” spending plan at half the cost. As communities across the nation are beginning to realize just how much the Administration’s budget will burden them with more taxes and higher energy costs, isn’t it time for Washington Democrats to abandon its tax, borrow, and spend budget and work on bipartisan solutions to get our economy moving again?
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Don’t hard hit states – and families and small businesses struggling through this recession – deserve better solutions than a massive tax increase that will only drive their energy costs up even further? Editorials and news reports around the country certainly believe so, and that’s why they’ve been taking aim at the Administration’s “cap-and-trade” energy tax ever since the President released his budget. Here’s just a sampling of what newspapers across America are saying about this ill-advised tax hike:
“Midwestern energy providers such as Dayton Power & Light and Duke Energy say the proposal could punish coal-dependent states like Ohio. Duke estimated it could force electric rates 40 percent higher.” – Dayton Daily News, 3/16/09
“[Washington State] House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said many fellow Democrats voiced concern about the economic toll new regulations could take on businesses already shaken by the recession.” – Seattle Times, 3/16/09
“The realization is slowly but surely growing that duplicating Europe’s failed cap-and-trade scheme would be a knockout blow to the U.S. economy that would dramatically increase energy costs and cripple the nation’s dwindling manufacturing base. The Detroit News aptly called cap-and-trade a giant economic dagger aimed at the nation’s heartland.” – San Francisco Examiner editorial, 3/15/09
“Where is this $650 billion or more [energy tax] going to come from? The answer, Louisiana and other industry heavy states: Louisiana ranks sixth in per capita CO2 emissions, California 47th. We have 19 refineries and dozens of chemical plants throughout Louisiana; they will be hit the hardest. It appears that the spread-the-wealth program not only applies to income levels of families, but also where you live.” – Lafayette (LA) Daily Advertiser op-ed, 3/15/09
“Since utilities pass through costs to customers, that’s tantamount to $180 billion in new taxes just on [Appalachian Power Companies] customers between the time cap-and-trade goes into effect and 2030.” – Charleston (WV) Daily Mail column, 3/13/09
“Not only does cap and trade tax at the point of production (even if some of those costs are ultimately borne by consumers elsewhere), but it also shifts economic activity away from those industries. The states that produce the most emissions are going to see the strongest ancillary declines in income and increases in unemployment. The top carbon states – in absolute, not per capita, emissions – include Ohio (No. 3), Pennsylvania (No. 4), Indiana (No. 7) and Michigan (No. 9).” – Wall Street Journal editorial, 3/13/09
House Republicans have a better solution for creating jobs and getting our nation back on a track to prosperity. It involves letting families and small businesses keep more of what they earn to encourage savings and investment – both of which will lead to more job creation now and in the future. In fact, the House GOP economic recovery alternative will create twice as many jobs – 6.2 million total – as the Democrats’ trillion-dollar “stimulus” spending plan at half the cost. As communities across the nation are beginning to realize just how much the Administration’s budget will burden them with more taxes and higher energy costs, isn’t it time for Washington Democrats to abandon its tax, borrow, and spend budget and work on bipartisan solutions to get our economy moving again?
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Monday, March 16, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis takes action to prevent workers' exposure to food flavorings chemical
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced the withdrawal of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for occupational exposure to food flavorings containing diacetyl.
The withdrawal will facilitate the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) timely development of a standard to protect workers from bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease associated with such an exposure.
"I am alarmed that workers exposed to food flavorings containing diacetyl may continue to be at risk of developing a potentially fatal lung disease. Exposure to this harmful chemical already has been linked to the deaths of three workers," said Secretary Solis. "These deaths are preventable, and it is imperative that the Labor Department move quickly to address exposure to food flavorings containing diacetyl and eliminate unnecessary steps without affecting the public's ability to comment on the rulemaking process."
Secretary Solis' interest in this issue began when she was a member of Congress and workers in her former California district developed the irreversible lung disease after being exposed to this workplace hazard. At one time, she urged OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard to protect these workers.
Withdrawing the ANPRM facilitates the convening of a small business advocacy review panel to determine the impact a proposed rule might have on small businesses and how those impacts can be reduced, consistent with the agency's statutory requirements. This panel process is required under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
In keeping with President Obama's guidance to encourage public participation, collaboration and transparency in government, all materials submitted prior to this withdrawal, as well as any other information submitted directly to OSHA after the withdrawal, will be put in the public rulemaking docket and will receive appropriate consideration as a part of the overall rulemaking record.
Submit comments by mail, hand delivery or courier service to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments that do not exceed 10 pages may be faxed to the Docket Office at 202-693-1648. All submissions should reference Docket Number 2008-0046.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
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The withdrawal will facilitate the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) timely development of a standard to protect workers from bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious and potentially fatal lung disease associated with such an exposure.
"I am alarmed that workers exposed to food flavorings containing diacetyl may continue to be at risk of developing a potentially fatal lung disease. Exposure to this harmful chemical already has been linked to the deaths of three workers," said Secretary Solis. "These deaths are preventable, and it is imperative that the Labor Department move quickly to address exposure to food flavorings containing diacetyl and eliminate unnecessary steps without affecting the public's ability to comment on the rulemaking process."
Secretary Solis' interest in this issue began when she was a member of Congress and workers in her former California district developed the irreversible lung disease after being exposed to this workplace hazard. At one time, she urged OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard to protect these workers.
Withdrawing the ANPRM facilitates the convening of a small business advocacy review panel to determine the impact a proposed rule might have on small businesses and how those impacts can be reduced, consistent with the agency's statutory requirements. This panel process is required under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
In keeping with President Obama's guidance to encourage public participation, collaboration and transparency in government, all materials submitted prior to this withdrawal, as well as any other information submitted directly to OSHA after the withdrawal, will be put in the public rulemaking docket and will receive appropriate consideration as a part of the overall rulemaking record.
Submit comments by mail, hand delivery or courier service to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments that do not exceed 10 pages may be faxed to the Docket Office at 202-693-1648. All submissions should reference Docket Number 2008-0046.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
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Landrieu, Snowe Comment on White House Plan to Unlock Frozen Credit Market and Stimulate New SBA Lending
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, today commented on President Barack Obama's ambitious new plan to increase access to capital for small businesses. Chair Landrieu and Ranking Member Snowe joined Congressional lawmakers, business leaders and community bankers in a meeting with the President this morning to discuss the plan, which will take immediate steps to unlock frozen credit markets, temporarily roll back lending fees and bolster bank liquidity to ensure small firms can have continued access to credit.
"President Obama and Secretary Geithner have laid out a bold, ambitious agenda aimed at encouraging lending to small businesses, the engines of economic recovery," Chair Landrieu said. "The financial crisis has hit small businesses where it hurts the most - drying up access to capital as banks are becoming more hesitant to lend. The frozen secondary market for SBA-backed 7(a) and 504 loans has discouraged new lending to small businesses, but the Obama Administration's plan to purchase SBA-backed 7(a) and 504 loans will allow banks to leverage existing SBA loans to provide new loans to entrepreneurs looking to grow and create more jobs.
"By increasing the SBA loan guarantee to 90 percent and temporarily eliminating fees on 7(a) and 504 loans, President Obama's plan will reduce the risk lenders face when they make new loans while making those loans more affordable to small business owners. I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to get these provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. By getting capital flowing again to small businesses, we will help get the country out of the economic crisis. Washington must focus on small businesses. I look forward to chairing a hearing of the Small Business Committee on Thursday that will look into the factors that have caused many entrepreneurs to be shut out of vital credit markets. The President's announcement today proves that he also understands the importance of small businesses to our economy," Chair Landrieu said.
"I am pleased that President Obama has called today's summit to address the credit crisis that is preventing our nation's small businesses from accessing the capital so vital to maintaining and expanding their operations," said Senator Snowe. "Today's implementation of critical provisions that Senator Landrieu and I fought to include in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to provide fee relief to borrowers and lenders in the SBA's 7(a) and 504 loan programs, as well as an increased guarantee rate for 7(a) loans, comes not a moment too soon. The President's willingness to use TARP funds to directly purchase SBA loan pools, which I have expressed my support for with the Administration, is a much-welcome step that will provide liquidity into secondary markets and generate additional financing dollars for small businesses nationwide."
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"President Obama and Secretary Geithner have laid out a bold, ambitious agenda aimed at encouraging lending to small businesses, the engines of economic recovery," Chair Landrieu said. "The financial crisis has hit small businesses where it hurts the most - drying up access to capital as banks are becoming more hesitant to lend. The frozen secondary market for SBA-backed 7(a) and 504 loans has discouraged new lending to small businesses, but the Obama Administration's plan to purchase SBA-backed 7(a) and 504 loans will allow banks to leverage existing SBA loans to provide new loans to entrepreneurs looking to grow and create more jobs.
"By increasing the SBA loan guarantee to 90 percent and temporarily eliminating fees on 7(a) and 504 loans, President Obama's plan will reduce the risk lenders face when they make new loans while making those loans more affordable to small business owners. I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to get these provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. By getting capital flowing again to small businesses, we will help get the country out of the economic crisis. Washington must focus on small businesses. I look forward to chairing a hearing of the Small Business Committee on Thursday that will look into the factors that have caused many entrepreneurs to be shut out of vital credit markets. The President's announcement today proves that he also understands the importance of small businesses to our economy," Chair Landrieu said.
"I am pleased that President Obama has called today's summit to address the credit crisis that is preventing our nation's small businesses from accessing the capital so vital to maintaining and expanding their operations," said Senator Snowe. "Today's implementation of critical provisions that Senator Landrieu and I fought to include in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to provide fee relief to borrowers and lenders in the SBA's 7(a) and 504 loan programs, as well as an increased guarantee rate for 7(a) loans, comes not a moment too soon. The President's willingness to use TARP funds to directly purchase SBA loan pools, which I have expressed my support for with the Administration, is a much-welcome step that will provide liquidity into secondary markets and generate additional financing dollars for small businesses nationwide."
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
Governor Perdue Announces Stimulus Accountability Website
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the launch of the state’s stimulus accountability website, www.stimulusaccountability.ga.gov. The website provides details on the state’s use of funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“The accountability website will allow all Georgians to hold their state government responsible for how we spend their tax dollars,” said Governor Perdue. “I want to be able to point to concrete results when my grandchildren ask me how we spent stimulus money.”
The website allows Georgians to view a video of Governor Perdue’s directives to state agency leaders given during a meeting last month. A direct link to each state agency is available from the site and agency contacts are provided who can answer questions regarding funding, timelines, the grant process and other issues. The Department of Transportation has launched a specific stimulus webpage that is linked from the agency’s homepage, which is available via the agency contact page as well. Georgia’s site also provides details on provisions of the ARRA.
The website also provides a link to allow Georgians to report fraud and abuse to the Office of the State Inspector General. Lastly, the site includes links to federal and local governments and associations that will play a role in receiving stimulus dollars.
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“The accountability website will allow all Georgians to hold their state government responsible for how we spend their tax dollars,” said Governor Perdue. “I want to be able to point to concrete results when my grandchildren ask me how we spent stimulus money.”
The website allows Georgians to view a video of Governor Perdue’s directives to state agency leaders given during a meeting last month. A direct link to each state agency is available from the site and agency contacts are provided who can answer questions regarding funding, timelines, the grant process and other issues. The Department of Transportation has launched a specific stimulus webpage that is linked from the agency’s homepage, which is available via the agency contact page as well. Georgia’s site also provides details on provisions of the ARRA.
The website also provides a link to allow Georgians to report fraud and abuse to the Office of the State Inspector General. Lastly, the site includes links to federal and local governments and associations that will play a role in receiving stimulus dollars.
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Friday, March 13, 2009
U.S. Department of Labor proposes to suspend H-2A rule
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) today announced the proposed suspension for nine months of a final rule implementing changes to the H-2A program, which allows U.S. agricultural businesses to employ foreign workers in temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs. The department's proposed action is open for public comment for 10 days.
"Because many stakeholders have raised concerns about the H-2A regulations, this proposed suspension is the prudent and responsible action to take," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Suspending the rule would allow the department to review and reconsider the regulation, while minimizing disruption to state workforce agencies, employers and workers."
The proposed suspension of the final rule will appear in the Federal Register on March 17. The final rule appeared in the Federal Register on Dec. 18, 2008, and took effect on Jan. 17, 2009.
The H-2A nonimmigrant program is designed to provide agricultural businesses with short-term foreign agricultural labor when there are not enough domestic workers. Receiving an H-2A labor certification is the first step in the employment-based immigration process to work on a farm.
In 2008, the department granted North Carolina, Georgia and Florida the largest numbers of H-2A labor certifications.
The Labor Department's Office of Foreign Labor Certification will continue to accept and process H-2A applications during the proposed suspension period. Any final action on today's proposed suspension will appear in a future Federal Register notice.
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"Because many stakeholders have raised concerns about the H-2A regulations, this proposed suspension is the prudent and responsible action to take," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Suspending the rule would allow the department to review and reconsider the regulation, while minimizing disruption to state workforce agencies, employers and workers."
The proposed suspension of the final rule will appear in the Federal Register on March 17. The final rule appeared in the Federal Register on Dec. 18, 2008, and took effect on Jan. 17, 2009.
The H-2A nonimmigrant program is designed to provide agricultural businesses with short-term foreign agricultural labor when there are not enough domestic workers. Receiving an H-2A labor certification is the first step in the employment-based immigration process to work on a farm.
In 2008, the department granted North Carolina, Georgia and Florida the largest numbers of H-2A labor certifications.
The Labor Department's Office of Foreign Labor Certification will continue to accept and process H-2A applications during the proposed suspension period. Any final action on today's proposed suspension will appear in a future Federal Register notice.
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DPIC: New Mexico's Legislature Votes to Abolish Death Penalty - Part of National Trend Away from Capital Punishment
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New Mexico Senate today joined the House in voting to replace the state's death penalty with the sentence of life without parole. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has indicated he is open to signing the bill. If signed into law, New Mexico would become the 15th state to abandon capital punishment and the 3rd in the last 2 years.
Murder victims' families were among the strongest advocates of the repeal bill. Cathy Ansheles of Santa Fe and a member of Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation, reacted to the bill's passage, "It's a great relief to know that families will no longer be put through the turmoil of the death penalty. Finally, resources can be directed to where they will really do the most good."
Representative Gail Chasey, the bill's sponsor, said the death penalty offered "false hope for victims." She told fellow legislators about former New Mexico police officer Maurice Moya, who spoke against the death penalty after tragically losing his daughter-in-law in 2006. Moya said he knew the death penalty did not work and would not bring "closure to his family." Representative Eleanor Chavez testified that when her cousin was murdered, "nobody in my family wanted the death penalty for that person."
The high costs of the death penalty were also cited as a reason for repeal. Rep. Chasey said, "People will say we can't put a price on justice, but in fact, we do put a price on justice when we are not able to give our district attorneys, our police departments, our attorney general the funding they need." Supporters of the measure are encouraging New Mexico's lawmakers to use the savings gained from ending the death penalty to provide reparation to children of murder victims and other services for families. A statewide poll in 2008 showed that 64% of New Mexicans supported replacing the death penalty with life without parole and restitution to victims' families.
Many legislators were concerned about the possibility of executing the innocent. Nationally, 130 people have been exonerated and freed from death row since 1973, including four from New Mexico.
There are other signs that the country is moving away from the death penalty:
-- New Jersey's legislature voted to abolish the death penalty in 2007.
-- New York's death penalty law was declared unconstitutional in 2004.
Since then the legislature has repeatedly rejected all attempts to
reinstate capital punishment.
-- Death sentences in the United States have dropped by 60% since 1999.
Even in Texas, death sentences have declined significantly during the
past decade.
-- Last year, there were 37 executions, the lowest in 14 years; 95% of
them were in the South.
"This vote demonstrates the growing concerns that the public has about the death penalty," said Richard Dieter, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Information Center. "The problems of the death penalty are not unique to New Mexico. Widespread frustration with capital punishment has led to a sharp decline in its use."
Facing tough choices on how to save money, other states are considering death penalty repeal. Republican state Senator Carolyn McGinn sponsored Kansas' bill to end the death penalty, urging fellow legislators to ask "whether the death penalty is worth the higher costs," given that no execution has been carried out there in 40 years. Colorado has introduced a similar repeal bill based on cost, which allocates all of the savings gained by repealing the death penalty toward solving its backlog of cold cases.
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Murder victims' families were among the strongest advocates of the repeal bill. Cathy Ansheles of Santa Fe and a member of Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation, reacted to the bill's passage, "It's a great relief to know that families will no longer be put through the turmoil of the death penalty. Finally, resources can be directed to where they will really do the most good."
Representative Gail Chasey, the bill's sponsor, said the death penalty offered "false hope for victims." She told fellow legislators about former New Mexico police officer Maurice Moya, who spoke against the death penalty after tragically losing his daughter-in-law in 2006. Moya said he knew the death penalty did not work and would not bring "closure to his family." Representative Eleanor Chavez testified that when her cousin was murdered, "nobody in my family wanted the death penalty for that person."
The high costs of the death penalty were also cited as a reason for repeal. Rep. Chasey said, "People will say we can't put a price on justice, but in fact, we do put a price on justice when we are not able to give our district attorneys, our police departments, our attorney general the funding they need." Supporters of the measure are encouraging New Mexico's lawmakers to use the savings gained from ending the death penalty to provide reparation to children of murder victims and other services for families. A statewide poll in 2008 showed that 64% of New Mexicans supported replacing the death penalty with life without parole and restitution to victims' families.
Many legislators were concerned about the possibility of executing the innocent. Nationally, 130 people have been exonerated and freed from death row since 1973, including four from New Mexico.
There are other signs that the country is moving away from the death penalty:
-- New Jersey's legislature voted to abolish the death penalty in 2007.
-- New York's death penalty law was declared unconstitutional in 2004.
Since then the legislature has repeatedly rejected all attempts to
reinstate capital punishment.
-- Death sentences in the United States have dropped by 60% since 1999.
Even in Texas, death sentences have declined significantly during the
past decade.
-- Last year, there were 37 executions, the lowest in 14 years; 95% of
them were in the South.
"This vote demonstrates the growing concerns that the public has about the death penalty," said Richard Dieter, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Information Center. "The problems of the death penalty are not unique to New Mexico. Widespread frustration with capital punishment has led to a sharp decline in its use."
Facing tough choices on how to save money, other states are considering death penalty repeal. Republican state Senator Carolyn McGinn sponsored Kansas' bill to end the death penalty, urging fellow legislators to ask "whether the death penalty is worth the higher costs," given that no execution has been carried out there in 40 years. Colorado has introduced a similar repeal bill based on cost, which allocates all of the savings gained by repealing the death penalty toward solving its backlog of cold cases.
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Department of Justice Withdraws 'Enemy Combatant' Definition for Guantanamo Detainees
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a filing today with the federal District Court for the District of Columbia, the Department of Justice submitted a new standard for the government's authority to hold detainees at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility. The definition does not rely on the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief independent of Congress's specific authorization. It draws on the international laws of war to inform the statutory authority conferred by Congress. It provides that individuals who supported al Qaeda or the Taliban are detainable only if the support was substantial. And it does not employ the phrase "enemy combatant."
The Department also submitted a declaration by Attorney General Eric Holder stating that, under executive orders issued by President Obama, the government is undertaking an interagency review of detention policy for individuals captured in armed conflicts or counterterrorism operations as well as a review of the status of each detainee held at Guantanamo. The outcome of those reviews may lead to further refinements of the government's position as it develops a comprehensive policy.
"As we work towards developing a new policy to govern detainees, it is essential that we operate in a manner that strengthens our national security, is consistent with our values, and is governed by law," said Attorney General Holder. "The change we've made today meets each of those standards and will make our nation stronger."
In its filing today, the government bases its authority to hold detainees at Guantanamo on the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, which Congress passed in September 2001, and which authorized the use of force against nations, organizations, or persons the president determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the September 11 attacks, or harbored such organizations or persons. The government's new standard relies on the international laws of war to inform the scope of the President's authority under this statute, and makes clear that the government does not claim authority to hold persons based on insignificant or insubstantial support of al Qaeda or the Taliban.
The brief was filed in habeas litigation brought by numerous detainees at Guantanamo who are challenging their detention under the Supreme Court's decision last summer in Boumediene v. Bush.
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The Department also submitted a declaration by Attorney General Eric Holder stating that, under executive orders issued by President Obama, the government is undertaking an interagency review of detention policy for individuals captured in armed conflicts or counterterrorism operations as well as a review of the status of each detainee held at Guantanamo. The outcome of those reviews may lead to further refinements of the government's position as it develops a comprehensive policy.
"As we work towards developing a new policy to govern detainees, it is essential that we operate in a manner that strengthens our national security, is consistent with our values, and is governed by law," said Attorney General Holder. "The change we've made today meets each of those standards and will make our nation stronger."
In its filing today, the government bases its authority to hold detainees at Guantanamo on the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, which Congress passed in September 2001, and which authorized the use of force against nations, organizations, or persons the president determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the September 11 attacks, or harbored such organizations or persons. The government's new standard relies on the international laws of war to inform the scope of the President's authority under this statute, and makes clear that the government does not claim authority to hold persons based on insignificant or insubstantial support of al Qaeda or the Taliban.
The brief was filed in habeas litigation brought by numerous detainees at Guantanamo who are challenging their detention under the Supreme Court's decision last summer in Boumediene v. Bush.
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Coalition for a Democratic Workplace Calls on Senator Warner to Clarify Position on Anti-Worker Card Check Bill
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) today called on Senator Warner to remove any uncertainty surrounding his position on the Employee Free Choice Act. The Employee Free Choice Act -- or "card check" bill will effectively eliminate secret ballots for workers in union organizing elections and bind employers to contracts that inhibit their ability to create much-needed new jobs.
"Senator Warner can't have it both ways by voting for cloture and voting against final passage. For workers, a vote for cloture is a vote to take away their right to a secret ballot," said Brian Worth with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace.
Cloture is an important procedural vote in the Senate that ends debate on a particular piece of legislation and allows it to proceed to a vote for final passage. Sixty votes are required for cloture, whereas a simple majority is needed for final legislative passage. As a result, if the Employee Free Choice Act receives 60 cloture votes, it will pass the Senate. A vote for cloture is a vote for the bill.
Recent press reports and statements have raised questions about whether Senator Warner will vote for or against this anti-worker legislation:
"Virginia's new Sen. [Mark] Warner, continues to maintain radio silence about his party's No. 1 priority: the card check bill. Perhaps that's an indication he harbors doubts about the measure. But it would be even better if Warner would publicly announce his opposition."
- Where's Warner? Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial, January 7, 2009
"Besides the high stakes nationally -- and the rise of labor's political clout -- the card-check issue has created a unique conundrum for Virginia's freshman senator, Mark R. Warner. Unlike Sen. Jim Webb, a fellow Virginia Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, Warner refused to take a clear position on EFCA during his fall campaign. ...In a prepared statement for Virginia Business, Warner says, "I believe there is a need for reform in this area, and this legislation should be debated and voted upon by the Senate."
"Privacy and the secret ballot elections are at stake for millions of American workers and they deserve a clear, straightforward answer from Senator Warner about his position on the Employee Free Choice Act," said Worth.
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"Senator Warner can't have it both ways by voting for cloture and voting against final passage. For workers, a vote for cloture is a vote to take away their right to a secret ballot," said Brian Worth with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace.
Cloture is an important procedural vote in the Senate that ends debate on a particular piece of legislation and allows it to proceed to a vote for final passage. Sixty votes are required for cloture, whereas a simple majority is needed for final legislative passage. As a result, if the Employee Free Choice Act receives 60 cloture votes, it will pass the Senate. A vote for cloture is a vote for the bill.
Recent press reports and statements have raised questions about whether Senator Warner will vote for or against this anti-worker legislation:
"Virginia's new Sen. [Mark] Warner, continues to maintain radio silence about his party's No. 1 priority: the card check bill. Perhaps that's an indication he harbors doubts about the measure. But it would be even better if Warner would publicly announce his opposition."
- Where's Warner? Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial, January 7, 2009
"Besides the high stakes nationally -- and the rise of labor's political clout -- the card-check issue has created a unique conundrum for Virginia's freshman senator, Mark R. Warner. Unlike Sen. Jim Webb, a fellow Virginia Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, Warner refused to take a clear position on EFCA during his fall campaign. ...In a prepared statement for Virginia Business, Warner says, "I believe there is a need for reform in this area, and this legislation should be debated and voted upon by the Senate."
"Privacy and the secret ballot elections are at stake for millions of American workers and they deserve a clear, straightforward answer from Senator Warner about his position on the Employee Free Choice Act," said Worth.
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Thursday, March 12, 2009
Former Alaska State Representative Pleads Guilty to Public Corruption Charges
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Beverly L. Masek, a former elected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bribery, Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin of the Criminal Division announced.
Masek pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline in Anchorage to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. In court documents, Masek admitted to conspiring with Bill J. Allen, the former chief executive officer of VECO Corporation (VECO), a now-defunct multinational oil field services company, and Richard L. Smith, a former VECO vice president, to soliciting and accepting bribes. Masek admitted that in 2003 she received cash payments from Allen and solicited a consulting position with VECO in exchange for agreeing to perform and actually performing official acts that benefitted Allen and VECO's business interests. Allen and Smith both pleaded guilty to multiple federal corruption charges in May 2007 and both are awaiting sentencing.
At sentencing, Masek faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 28, 2009.
Including Masek's guilty plea and those of Allen and Smith, there have been 11 criminal convictions to date arising out of the ongoing investigation into public corruption in the state of Alaska. Thomas T. Anderson, a former elected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, was convicted in July 2007 and sentenced to five years in prison for extortion, conspiracy, bribery and money laundering for soliciting and receiving money from an FBI confidential source in exchange for agreeing to perform official acts to further a business interest represented by the source. Peter Kott, a former speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, was convicted in September 2007 and sentenced to six years in prison for extortion, bribery and conspiracy. Victor H. Kohring, a former elected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, was convicted at trial in November 2007 for attempted extortion, bribery and conspiracy, and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. In March 2008, James Clark, chief of staff to a former governor of Alaska, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud. Former Anchorage lobbyist William Bobrick pleaded guilty in May 2007 to felony public corruption charges. U.S. Sen. Theodore F. Stevens was convicted at trial on Oct. 27, 2008, of making false statements regarding his required U.S. Senate financial disclosures for 2001 through 2006. Former Alaska businessman William Weimar was sentenced to six months in prison on Nov. 12, 2008, after pleading guilty on Aug. 12, 2008, to conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud and structuring financial transactions. John Cowdery, a former elected member of the Alaska State Senate, was sentenced to six months home confinement and a $25,000 fine on March 10, 2009, after pleading guilty on Dec. 19, 2008, to conspiring to bribe another Alaska state legislator.
The case was prosecuted by trial attorneys Nicholas A. Marsh and Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section, headed by Chief William M. Welch, II, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph W. Bottini and James A. Goeke from the District of Alaska. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division.
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Masek pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline in Anchorage to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. In court documents, Masek admitted to conspiring with Bill J. Allen, the former chief executive officer of VECO Corporation (VECO), a now-defunct multinational oil field services company, and Richard L. Smith, a former VECO vice president, to soliciting and accepting bribes. Masek admitted that in 2003 she received cash payments from Allen and solicited a consulting position with VECO in exchange for agreeing to perform and actually performing official acts that benefitted Allen and VECO's business interests. Allen and Smith both pleaded guilty to multiple federal corruption charges in May 2007 and both are awaiting sentencing.
At sentencing, Masek faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 28, 2009.
Including Masek's guilty plea and those of Allen and Smith, there have been 11 criminal convictions to date arising out of the ongoing investigation into public corruption in the state of Alaska. Thomas T. Anderson, a former elected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, was convicted in July 2007 and sentenced to five years in prison for extortion, conspiracy, bribery and money laundering for soliciting and receiving money from an FBI confidential source in exchange for agreeing to perform official acts to further a business interest represented by the source. Peter Kott, a former speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, was convicted in September 2007 and sentenced to six years in prison for extortion, bribery and conspiracy. Victor H. Kohring, a former elected member of the Alaska House of Representatives, was convicted at trial in November 2007 for attempted extortion, bribery and conspiracy, and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. In March 2008, James Clark, chief of staff to a former governor of Alaska, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud. Former Anchorage lobbyist William Bobrick pleaded guilty in May 2007 to felony public corruption charges. U.S. Sen. Theodore F. Stevens was convicted at trial on Oct. 27, 2008, of making false statements regarding his required U.S. Senate financial disclosures for 2001 through 2006. Former Alaska businessman William Weimar was sentenced to six months in prison on Nov. 12, 2008, after pleading guilty on Aug. 12, 2008, to conspiracy to commit honest services mail and wire fraud and structuring financial transactions. John Cowdery, a former elected member of the Alaska State Senate, was sentenced to six months home confinement and a $25,000 fine on March 10, 2009, after pleading guilty on Dec. 19, 2008, to conspiring to bribe another Alaska state legislator.
The case was prosecuted by trial attorneys Nicholas A. Marsh and Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section, headed by Chief William M. Welch, II, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph W. Bottini and James A. Goeke from the District of Alaska. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Libertarians ask, ‘What is Obama ashamed of?’
America’s third largest party asked Wednesday why President Obama enacted the $490 billion FY09 omnibus spending and its over 8,500 earmarks behind closed doors, and despite campaign promises to end earmark abuse.
“President Obama’s decision to hide from the media while signing this bill isn’t just a violation of his promise of transparency, it’s an attempt to avoid questions about breaking another promise to end earmark abuse,” said Libertarian National Committee Communications Director Donny Ferguson.
“He promised to end earmarks. He promised transparency. He promised fiscal responsibility. He didn’t mean a word of it. More and more Americans realize his crippling taxes and crushing debt are prescriptions for prolonged economic suffering. Now he has to hide behind closed doors to sign his pork-stuffed plan to explode wasteful spending,” said Ferguson.
Libertarians support an economic renewal plan centered on tax and regulatory relief for employers, preserving the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts that blunted previous recessions and greatly simplifying the tax code for employers and taxpayers. Polls such as Rasmussen show voters prefer the Libertarian approach over the Republican and Democrat plans to increase government spending.
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“President Obama’s decision to hide from the media while signing this bill isn’t just a violation of his promise of transparency, it’s an attempt to avoid questions about breaking another promise to end earmark abuse,” said Libertarian National Committee Communications Director Donny Ferguson.
“He promised to end earmarks. He promised transparency. He promised fiscal responsibility. He didn’t mean a word of it. More and more Americans realize his crippling taxes and crushing debt are prescriptions for prolonged economic suffering. Now he has to hide behind closed doors to sign his pork-stuffed plan to explode wasteful spending,” said Ferguson.
Libertarians support an economic renewal plan centered on tax and regulatory relief for employers, preserving the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts that blunted previous recessions and greatly simplifying the tax code for employers and taxpayers. Polls such as Rasmussen show voters prefer the Libertarian approach over the Republican and Democrat plans to increase government spending.
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Democrat Leadership Is Already Facing Opposition To Card Check From Within Its Own Party, says Republican National Committee
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Republican National Committee:
Yesterday, Democrats Rolled Out Their Card Check Proposal. "Democrats on Tuesday introduced controversial labor legislation making it easier for workers to organize, formally kicking off the biggest lobbying fight between business and labor in decades." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
The Bill Would Allow Workers To Bypass Secret Ballots To Form Unions. "The most contentious provision in the bill, known as 'card-check,' would allow workers to bypass secret ballot elections to form unions if a majority of them sign petition cards stating their intention to organize." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
Rank And File Senate Democrats Are Already Wavering On Card Check:
Some Key Democrats In The Senate Are Wavering On Card Check. "Key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support of legislation that would give more power to labor unions, dealing a setback to labor's top priority as businesses warn of the damage the bill would cause." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Six Senators Who Have Previously Supported Card Check Are Now Either Opposed Or Unsure. "At least six Senators who have voted to move forward with the so-called card-check proposal ... now say they are opposed or not sure -- an indication that Senate Democratic leaders are short of the 60 votes they need for approval." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Called Card Check "Divisive And Distracting" And Said Congress Needed To Focus On "Things That Are More Important." "The legislation is divisive and distracting, said Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln in an interview Monday. The Democratic lawmaker, who was previously seen as a supporter, said the Senate should focus on creating jobs and improving the U.S. economy. 'I have 90,000 Arkansans who need a job, that's my No. 1 priority,' she said. The legislation, she said, would be 'divisive and we don't need that right now. We need to focus on the things that are more important.'" (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) And Mark Pryor (D-AR) Have "Backed Off Their Previous Support." "Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor are among the Democratic lawmakers who have backed off their previous support." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
-- Pryor: There Are More Pressing Issues For The Senate To Address. "Like
Sen. Lincoln, Sen. Pryor said there are more pressing issues relating
to the economy that the Senate should be addressing, one of his aides
said Monday." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces
Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE): "I can't be supportive of [Card Check] as it is right now." ("Despite Introduction Of Card-Check, Senate Lacks 60 Votes," National Journal's CongressDaily, 3/10/09)
The Split Among Democrats On Card Check Shows How Difficult Other Democrat Agenda Items Like Health Care Could Become. "The splits among Democrats underscore how difficult it will be for party leaders to move their agenda through the congressional process, even with large majorities on Capitol Hill. On such issues as health care and global warming, Democratic leaders will face divisions within their own party that are expected to require some compromise to reach 60 votes." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Billionaire Investor And Obama Economic Adviser Warren Buffet Opposes Card Check, Citing The Importance Of The Secret Ballot:
Warren Buffett: "I'm Against Card Check." Buffett: "I think the secret ballot's pretty important in the country. I'm against card check to make a perfectly flat statement." (CNBC's "Squawk Box," 3/9/09)
During The Campaign, Buffett Was One Of Obama's Economic Advisers. "Buffett is one of the names Obama includes on that list of core advisers, along with former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, former Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Larry Summers, and former Labor Secretary Bob Reich." (Alex Crippen, "Warren Buffett Gets The Call As Barack Obama Gathers His Economic Advisers Today," CNBC's "Warren Buffet Watch" Blog, www.cnbc.com, 7/28/08)
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Yesterday, Democrats Rolled Out Their Card Check Proposal. "Democrats on Tuesday introduced controversial labor legislation making it easier for workers to organize, formally kicking off the biggest lobbying fight between business and labor in decades." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
The Bill Would Allow Workers To Bypass Secret Ballots To Form Unions. "The most contentious provision in the bill, known as 'card-check,' would allow workers to bypass secret ballot elections to form unions if a majority of them sign petition cards stating their intention to organize." (Kevin Bogardus, "Democrats Introduce Card Check, Vow To Move It," The Hill, 3/10/09)
Rank And File Senate Democrats Are Already Wavering On Card Check:
Some Key Democrats In The Senate Are Wavering On Card Check. "Key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support of legislation that would give more power to labor unions, dealing a setback to labor's top priority as businesses warn of the damage the bill would cause." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Six Senators Who Have Previously Supported Card Check Are Now Either Opposed Or Unsure. "At least six Senators who have voted to move forward with the so-called card-check proposal ... now say they are opposed or not sure -- an indication that Senate Democratic leaders are short of the 60 votes they need for approval." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Called Card Check "Divisive And Distracting" And Said Congress Needed To Focus On "Things That Are More Important." "The legislation is divisive and distracting, said Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln in an interview Monday. The Democratic lawmaker, who was previously seen as a supporter, said the Senate should focus on creating jobs and improving the U.S. economy. 'I have 90,000 Arkansans who need a job, that's my No. 1 priority,' she said. The legislation, she said, would be 'divisive and we don't need that right now. We need to focus on the things that are more important.'" (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) And Mark Pryor (D-AR) Have "Backed Off Their Previous Support." "Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu and Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor are among the Democratic lawmakers who have backed off their previous support." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
-- Pryor: There Are More Pressing Issues For The Senate To Address. "Like
Sen. Lincoln, Sen. Pryor said there are more pressing issues relating
to the economy that the Senate should be addressing, one of his aides
said Monday." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces
Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE): "I can't be supportive of [Card Check] as it is right now." ("Despite Introduction Of Card-Check, Senate Lacks 60 Votes," National Journal's CongressDaily, 3/10/09)
The Split Among Democrats On Card Check Shows How Difficult Other Democrat Agenda Items Like Health Care Could Become. "The splits among Democrats underscore how difficult it will be for party leaders to move their agenda through the congressional process, even with large majorities on Capitol Hill. On such issues as health care and global warming, Democratic leaders will face divisions within their own party that are expected to require some compromise to reach 60 votes." (Melanie Trottman and Brody Mullins, "Labor Bill Faces Threat In Senate," The Wall Street Journal, 3/10/09)
Billionaire Investor And Obama Economic Adviser Warren Buffet Opposes Card Check, Citing The Importance Of The Secret Ballot:
Warren Buffett: "I'm Against Card Check." Buffett: "I think the secret ballot's pretty important in the country. I'm against card check to make a perfectly flat statement." (CNBC's "Squawk Box," 3/9/09)
During The Campaign, Buffett Was One Of Obama's Economic Advisers. "Buffett is one of the names Obama includes on that list of core advisers, along with former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, former Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Larry Summers, and former Labor Secretary Bob Reich." (Alex Crippen, "Warren Buffett Gets The Call As Barack Obama Gathers His Economic Advisers Today," CNBC's "Warren Buffet Watch" Blog, www.cnbc.com, 7/28/08)
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