An opportunity to put millions of Americans to work in new jobs

Written by: Tom Hayes on May 14, 2009 9:48 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, DFA Blog Network

At a time when outsourcing undermines the middle class, we have a chance to be creating millions of new jobs right here in the U.S.A.  Investing in energy independence isn't simply a national defense priority, it makes sense for the environment and our economy.  The President and the Congress are getting us moving in the right direction.

Statement from The Executive Director of the Blue Green Alliance, David Foster:

"Legislation establishing a cap on the carbon pollution that causes global warming is a significant step toward building a new, green economy in the United States. As the nation continues to face high unemployment and the threat of climate change, Chairmen Waxman and Markey have shown true leadership on this critical issue.

"We are particularly pleased that the Committee has reached a consensus on provisions in the legislation that will cut carbon emissions and prevent job loss to other countries. We believe it is essential that this legislation provide the safeguards that allow American manufacturing and its workers to remain competitive with the rest of the world. The provisions laid out in the legislation move us forward in accomplishing this goal.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included more than $60 billion in clean energy investments that will jump-start our economy and build the clean energy jobs of tomorrow:

$11 billion for a bigger, better, and smarter grid that will move renewable energy from the rural places it is produced to the cities where it is mostly used, as well as for 40 million smart meters to be deployed in American homes.

$5 billion for low-income home weatherization projects.

$4.5 billion to green federal buildings and cut our energy bill, saving taxpayers billions of dollars.

$6.3 billion for state and local renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts.

$600 million in green job training programs – $100 million to expand line worker training programs and $500 million for green workforce training.

$2 billion in competitive grants to develop the next generation of batteries to store energy.

What’s good for the planet - in terms of reduced emissions and energy consumption - is good for the country in terms of putting all sorts of people back to work, in productive, good-paying jobs. It’s good for the economy; it’s the key to our future. Congress is already beginning to move to infuse stimulus money into key industries. Take the time to thank your Senators and Representatives for changing the way Washington works and starting to look out for our interests instead of special interests, or to ask them why they aren't.

"In the face of economic crisis, we have an important opportunity to put millions of men and women to work building the clean energy economy. Passing comprehensive climate legislation is a critical step forward. The Blue Green Alliance looks forward to working with Congress to make certain that the provisions in this legislation ensure the creation of millions of good, family-sustaining green jobs in the United States and the protection of public health and the environment for future generations."

David Foster
Executive Director of the Blue Green Alliance
13 May 2009

Digg this story! | read more...

Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage to All Americans

Written by: Tom Hayes on May 13, 2009 12:14 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for the Twin Cities, DFA Blog Network, Blog For America

SECTION III: Public Health Insurance Option

Current Law

There is currently no federal public health insurance option for non-disabled individuals under 65 years of age. Medicare, however, is an example of a federal public health insurance option for the aged and certain disabled individuals. Under Medicare, Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determine many parameters of the program including eligibility rules, financing (including determination of payroll taxes, and premiums), required benefits, payments to health care providers, and cost sharing amounts. Despite the public nature of this program, CMS subcontracts with private companies to carry out much of the administration of the program.

Proposed Option A

There are several major issues that must be resolved in detailing a public health insurance option.

The first issue is how providers will be reimbursed for services they provide to enrollees of the public option. The second is whether or not the public option will be required to establish provider networks or can it compel providers to participate. The third is whether the public option will be required to have reserve funds to cover their incurred but not reported claims. The fourth is whether or not the premiums collected by the public option will be required to cover costs or can shortfalls will be subsidized by the federal treasury. Finally, there is the issue of administration of the public option and whether it will be done by a federal agency or by a third party.

Three separate options for a public health insurance plan are described in the "Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage to All Americans" document, found at: http://www.finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202009/051109%20Health%20Care%20Description%20of%20Policy%20Options.pdf

Option B does not include a public health insurance option and instead relies on private options in a "reformed and well regulated private market."

What you can do about Health Care reform

Written by: Tom Hayes on May 2, 2009 11:18 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, DFA Blog Network

73% of voters want a choice of a private or public health insurance plan. Have you told your U.S. Representative and/or Senator? It's not about party, folks; this idea has phenomemally broad support, and it's totally congruent with what President Obama and his administration are trying to achieve.

Special interests are being heard - are you?

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/health-care/dem-poll-public-overwhelmingly-supports-public-health-insurance-plan/

"While recent polling has shown consistent broad support for comprehensive health care reform, this poll specifically addressed whether people want a choice of a public health insurance plan. 73% of voters want a choice of a private or public health insurance plan, including Democrats (77%), Independents (79%), and Republicans (63%)"

The firm also tested the insurance industry's message about public health care and paired it with a message supporting it, and found the public to be far more receptive to the pro-public health care message:

"62% of voters believe a public health insurance plan will spend less on profits and administration and force private insurers to compete while only 28% of voters believe the attack that a public health insurance plan would be a "big, government bureaucracy." 60% believe that if private insurers are really more efficient than government, then they won't have any trouble competing with a public health insurance plan. Only 23% believe a public health insurance plan would have an unfair advantage over private plans."

This polling was conducted for the pro-reform group Health Care for America Now.

More results here.

People who work hard for their money deserve to have a voice in how it's spent. The insurance industry and their lobbyists have been writing rules that boost their profits not protect Americans, and tax-payers are tired of bailing them out while worrying if we'll even have jobs. We need our leaders to take control and look out for our interests, not special interests.

Forget the astroturfing angle, that's NOT what matters

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 19, 2009 6:58 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, DFA Blog Network

People having trouble making ends meet have reason to wish bank and credit-card fees were less onerous, and naturally resent the inevitable burden of any tax they think is unfair. Money is tight for most of us, but we don't want to become the next Somalia, either - we value government services as much if not more than our founding fathers did, we just want the burden to be fair.

We don't want to give up on the U.S. government;
we just want the tax burden distributed fairly.

When they unleash the "first hundred days" summaries, what will we be told?

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 18, 2009 8:12 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Blog Network, Blog For America

"...we simply can't afford to perpetuate a system in Washington where politicians and bureaucrats make decisions behind closed doors with little accountability for the consequences."

With that simple declaration, U.S. President Barack Obama debunked yet another myth the GOP has tried to perpetuate, positioning the Democratic party as leaders in the fight to get back to a smaller, more efficient government.

The President, enjoying high approval ratings during his first quarter in office for his handling of diplomatic challenges and economic chaos, has named  Jeffrey Zients as the nation's first, "Chief Performance Officer."

The diplomacy has been slightly to the fore this week, as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who had expelled the U.S. envoy to Caracas last year in a dispute with the Bush administration, evidently warmed to the changes signalled early in the week by Obama's new approach to Cuba - easing parts of the long-standing embargo. Chavez told Barack Obama publicly, "I want to be your friend."

Obama stressed the opportunity for new partnerships as he spoke in Trinidad/Tobago, from addressing poverty and the economy in the hemisphere, to revolutionizing energy use - a clear reminder to OPEC nations that he intends to reduce their largest market. He also noted that his administration is "making it a priority to ratify the Illicit Trafficking in Firearms Convention as another tool that we can use to prevent this from happening," despite vocal domestic opposition from reactionaries who fear it signals a change in their Consitutionally assured right to bear arms.

Less than three months into his term Obama, not willing to be hampered by the rhetoric that has seemingly dominated U.S. relations during the early part of the century, has extended his hand in friendship, and two of the western hemisphere's harshest critics of U.S. policy have unclenched their fists and signalled a desire to de-escalate and cooperate.

Read more

White House Office of Health Reform

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 12, 2009 10:39 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Blog Network, Blog For America

President Obama has issued an executive order establishing the White House Office of Health Reform intended to oversee "the federal government's comprehensive effort to improve access to health care, the quality of such care, and the sustainability of the health care system." Governor Howard Dean, M.D., and Democracy for America have launched the "Healthcare for All" campaign at StandwithDrDean.com, and over a quarter of a million people have enthusiastically joined in, spreading the word.

Both initiatives will help spur on reform in the health care insurance industry, and not a moment to soon.  According to a recent article from Maggie Fox of Reuters,

"U.S. government economists predict that public and private health spending will hit $2.5 trillion this year, taking up a 17.6 percent share of gross domestic product. Yet studies suggest Americans get poorer care than people in other industrialized countries that have national healthcare plans, and 46 million Americans have no health insurance at all."

While Howard Dean is a visible and credible public face, the effort requires your commitment, too. Change doesn't come about in Washington unless politicians know their constituents are paying attention to an issue.  You've got to keep writing to them, and to newspapers, and inform your friends, neighbors, and co-workers about the shabby state of affairs caused by insurance company profiteers siphoning off lavish pay and bonuses that drive up all our costs but add no value to the health care industry.

You can help financially, too, even if you're not the sort to write to congress.

The President has nominated Nancy-Ann DeParle (who worked in the Clinton administration) to be Counselor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Health Reform. Barack Obama has a grand vision, he knows the system is broken and he's working to bring meaningful change so that health insurance works for people instead of just corporate profits despite the powerful special interests fighting to influence your representatives in Congress to leave the system just the way big insurance likes it. Don't let the folks in D.C. forget you're out here, watching.

"In 2009, Congress must take up and act on meaningful health reform legislation that achieves coverage for every American while also addressing the underlying problems in our health system. The urgency of this task has become undeniable."

~Senator Max Baucus, (D-MT)
Chairman, Senate Finance Committee
12 November 2008

The Presiden't plan will promote public health and require coverage of preventive services, including cancer screenings. Catch the fever - make some noise!

Mpls Mayor R.T. Rybak rocks the green revolution

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 8, 2009 9:15 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

Growing a green economy is a core part of Mayor Rybak's Opportunity Agenda. With your support I'm confident that R.T. can lead Minneapolis in becoming an influential center of the new green economy that's part of President Obama's vision for the U.S.A. in the 21st Century.  R.T. was the first big-city mayor to endorse Obama's run for the Democratic nomination, and I got to know him well during the course of the primaries and the general election.

Rybak is a man of the people, but if you're from outside Minnesota you may not know much about this great Mayor. He knows that for his city and the region to thrive we've got to grow out of this recession; we can't just "seek to recover," we need to do more than rebuild, according to R.T., "We must reinvent how we work together to create opportunity, to put people to work..."

No, he's not my mayor, I've just come to know him over the past two years - but I'd take him in my city in a heartbeat, he's a credit to political action and to Minnesota. I have an abiding respect for Rybak's vision, the energy he brings to his office, and the commitment he has to the people of his city - and not just those who voted for him.

Read more

Stop "Health Insurance" Profiteering Now!

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 7, 2009 10:31 PM EDT

1 in 6 Americans are uninsured and millions more are under-insured, yet lobbyists try to convince Congress and the media that health insurance companies are the best way to provide affordable health care to America. If the President's plan is changed to exclude an option similar to Medicare, health care in this country remains mired in the hands of insurance profiteers.

A public, single-payer option is the way to guarantee health care for all Americans. Insurance companies are in it for profit - that's what business does. Our big mistake thus far has been expecting them to behave altruistically. Where is their motive? It's on the bottom line.

New legislation without a single-payer "public" option is no longer a viable choice. Let people keep the for-profit coverage if they already have it, but a public health care option is overdue. Of course, competition should force private industry to provide better service at lower costs, but it still doesn't force them to help the uninsured.

To date, the private, for-profit payment systems have enriched a few large corporations while leaving millions of average Americans one illness or injury away from medical bankruptcy. The system is broken; it's a mass of red-tape, with medical decisions in the hands of bureaucrats instead of doctors. We spend more per capita on health care than any other nation, but our results leave a lot to be desired.

Let's pass the President's plan and move on to tackle the other thorny issues of our time: education and the economy.

Bottoms up? Not so fast...

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 6, 2009 11:41 PM EDT

The DJIA crept above 8000, there were slight up-ticks in consumer spending and housing sales reported, and suddenly we're supposed to believe the economy has bottomed out? The people I talk to are still feeling mighty insecure about their jobs, because losing your job threatens your health care and your retirement savings at a time when we know the job market is still very, very tight.

While the President is right to focus on the engines that create jobs in the U.S., such as small businesses and the schools that prepare us for those jobs, IBM has recently announced layoffs in the U.S. as they continue moving even more jobs out of the country. At IBM, business success is all about their bottom line - they're moving jobs to countries where workers earn less and have fewer benefits. Not quite what the President is working for, and certainly not what the U.S. workforce deserves.

Ms. Dawn Teo has written an OpEd at Huffington Post, "New Economic Reports Suggest Middle Class May Have To Wait For Economic Recovery" loaded with facts and figures, and I respect Dawn for her tenacious research.  It's a dose of cold reality amid the sudden clamor of voices saying confidently, "it's getting better!"  Did they see those unemployment numbers? Did they forget already that productivity declined in the non-farm business and manufacturing sectors in fourth-quarter 2008?

The impact of the financial deregulation orgy is not behind us yet. So trying to goad us into optimism based on a few isolated numbers, cherry-picked for their "improvement," isn't a story I'm ready to buy just yet. Not while mega corporations like IBM can still scoff and do layoffs with impunity.

Despite the setback at the end of 2008, productivity has roughly doubled in the U.S. in the last several decades, yet the benefits have flowed to the super rich, while their companies and strategies and "financial products" have abused those of us who dared to believe in terms like "privatized retirement accounts."  Returning to preeminence in manufacturing and agriculture isn't simply about recapturing the American Dream, it's essential to our economy and security. The big business leaders that have touted the virtues of capitalism during those decades will be proven wrong if they fail to recognize that their profit - their success - is a direct result of the creativity and productive labor of the middle class.

When IBM can be as proud of how they treat their workers every day as General Motors was during its glory years,
when I see people going back to work at jobs with good salaries and benefits, then I'll be ready to believe the U.S. economy is back on its feet. We've got a lot of work to do.

It's time for new approaches to Health Care

Written by: Tom Hayes on Apr 5, 2009 12:59 PM EDT

We elect U.S. Senators and Representatives to be our eyes and ears in Washington. We expect them to take on the often thorny issues that are best solved with a national perspective so each state legislature doesn't spend time re-inventing the wheel on problems confronting us all - what to do on behalf of military veterans, or the mortgage foreclosure crisis, for instance.

It's easy to blame the government for being slow to solve problems: the bodies that craft the laws are deliberative by nature, the departments they oversee are engaged in large undertakings - getting the government to change course or take up new challenges is not trivial. The perception that government isn't quick to solve problems has led to calls for privatization of various functions over the years - retirement accounts, for instance. The far-reaching effects of deregulating our financial institutions and the credit-default swap game have shown us the downside of privatizing.

Putting health care administration into the hands of the insurance industry has arguably had similarly disastrous results. We spend more per capita than other nations, yet their innovations have thus far led only to higher costs that keep rising faster than inflation, faltering quality,and red-tape, with non-medical personnel making decisions about treatments and medications.

We've given the responsibility to big insurance companies because we expected creative, cost-effective solutions that improved the delivery of health care services; that's the strength big business brings to any challenge, right? That's why they earn the big salaries and lavish bonuses.

Yet the insurance industry hasn't helped get health care right. The costs are out of control, and with millions of Americans - from children through the elderly - uninsured, their system is plainly failing.

"In 2009, Congress must take up and act on meaningful health reform legislation that achieves coverage for every American while also addressing the underlying problems in our health system. The urgency of this task has become undeniable."

 

~Senator Max Baucus, (D-MT)
Chairman, Senate Finance Committee
12 November 2008

When the Senate Finance Committee gets involved it's because the repercussions of the current mess are dangerous for the entire U.S. economy. One of the innovations the Finance Committee supports is The GREEN HOUSE® Replication Initiative.

Read more