E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSFor their first meeting since the 2010 midterm elections, President Obama hosted the entire House Republican Caucus at the White House this morning to discuss the budget and debt crisis. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), Republican Policy Chair and member of the Budget Committee, told NBC's Andrea Mitchell today on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports that "it was a very frank exchange, and it was a sincere exchange on both sides,” but criticized the president for being too much talk and too little action.
Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., recaps the meeting between President Barack Obama and the Republican House delegation about the budget battle.
“The problem that we have is that his words rarely match his deeds or his actions,” Price said. “And, so, we're very concerned that if we get the same kind of policies that we have seen out of this White House that we will not be creating jobs in this country and won't be decreasing spending, which we think are the key elements that the American people are interested in.”
Though Price said the president was "on board" with decreasing spending and creating jobs, he doubted whether House Republicans and the White House could reach an agreement on a bipartisan approach.
“The president said what he believed ought to be done is short-term solutions, mid-term solutions and long-term solutions,” Price said. “So he has, again, adopted the points that we have been making, whether or not we're able to translate that into real policy and agreement on that policy is yet to be determined. But we clearly understand the gravity of this situation.”
With the next round of talks scheduled for June 9, Price called upon the White House to produce a concrete plan to decrease federal spending and increase jobs, pointing out that Republicans have already submitted their proposal.
“We need a plan,” Price said. “We need a plan from the White House about how we're going to address the fundamental challenges. If we get that, then we may actually have some opportunity for discussion.”
Leave a Comment:
These buffoons wanted the JOB and claimed they would lead if they were elected...
What's UP with the pin the blame on President Obama game?
Once again - America voted in a bunch of know nothings who PROVE once and for all they know NOTHING about leadership!
EPIC FAIL America!
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
What's UP with the pin the blame on President Obama game?
Where does it say in the article that the republicans were blaming Obama? They asked for a budget proposal from the White House as he promised when he abandoned his last proposal. It's a reasonable request. they're not "buffoons" as you say. They can't negotiate if there is no basis of negotiation.
Enough is enough. Repukelicans promised the American People that they would create jobs if elected and they have not. Then out of the other side of their mouths they claim that Obama is not creating jobs. Well who's gonna take the f-ing lead here? Not a g*% damn one of them because it's too close to 2012 to continue to make the wrong decisions.
I hate politics and politicians. But they do provide plenty of entertainment so they are a necessary evil.
Enough is enough. Repukelicans promised the American People that they would create jobs if elected and they have not. Then out of the other side of their mouths they claim that Obama is not creating jobs. Well who's gonna take the f-ing lead here? Not a g*% damn one of them because it's too close to 2012 to continue to make the wrong decisions.
I hate politics and politicians. But they do provide plenty of entertainment so they are a necessary evil.
What do you want the "Repukelicans" to do Bryan? Spend a trillion on "Shovel Ready" jobs programs that will keep the unemployment rate under 8%? Call the summer of 2011" Recovery Summer", just like Obama did last year for 2010? Claim that 400,000 jobs will be created each month like Biden did a year ago? State that ObamaCare will create 4 million jobs, 400,000 immediately like Nancy Pelsoi did when ObamaCare was passed? Continually claim "We've turned the corner" and "We see 'Green Shoots' of jobs everywhere" like Obama lies about every month?
The government doesn't create jobs Bryan, the private sector does. And until the government lets the private sector know what they're on the hook for in regards to taxes to pay for all these social programs that are either going bankrupt (SS and Medicare) and the new ones (ObamaCare), they aren't going to hire.
Right. And DEMAND has nothing to do with it.
"Spend a trillion on "Shovel Ready" jobs programs" Have any proof of this?
"And until thegovernment lets the private sector know what they're on the hook for in regards to taxes to pay for all these social programs that are either going bankrupt (SS and Medicare) and the new ones (ObamaCare), they aren't going to hire." I thought that was taken care of with the 2 year extension of the tax cuts. At least that is what you said when debating why we should keep the tax rates as is.
I think they are pushing Obama, because The GOP doesn't have a clue what to do.
They just want to save the Corporations tax cuts
I do not feel Obama really needs to come up with a plan, The repugnants will reject it anyway. He is better off not saying anything that will set him up for a tirade of crap. He is better off modifying the cuts on the table, and not allowing them to touch medicare at all. They have to raise taxes sooner or later on the top 2% with unemployment as it is and not enough revenue coming in, another problem made by the greedy repugnants that were supposed to create JOBS.
Barb
Then how would you negotiate a Budget with the Republicans? Don't you need a starting point?
It has been 2+ years since the Democrats had a Budget,don't you think it's about time for one?
Tea Gop are flat lining. They can't compromise. They can't lead. They can't follow. They've positioned themselves into a pit full of corporate cash. Their main concern is how to turn that cash into votes. Wait for the largest political ad deceptions to take place in the coming months. Many of them will be very ridiculous but effective for a small chink of the electorate. Dozens of ad campaigns aimed at dozens of small demographics. A couple per cent here, a couple per cent there. Eventually they'll lock down 20 or so per cent and hopefully get their base to turn out in mass. The stakes are high. Even a Palin could win if US suffers severe economic or foreign political setbacks. Be warned that there are those in this country who are undermining US in order to assure a right wing victory
MJL, et al - and the democrat plan has done so well. ROTFLMAO. They do kick the can down the road so well, and let us not forget how well they blame others.
Is it too much to ask for a plan from the president? Why do I see so many folks automatic attack republicans even when they are asking for something we should ask of every politician. The republicans have produced a plan, not the best plan, but better than no plan.
Typical BOEHNER comment, doesn't work.
Republican's Agenda For
America
Destroy 700,000 Middle class Jobs
Zero out federal funding for National Public Radio & Public TV, like
big bird (Educational Stuff)
Slash 1.3 billion from community health centers & eliminate funding for
Planned Parenthood. (EVEN though they only do %3 of what they do, and it is not
part of the funding, Abortion are PAID for by the PERSON)
Slash nearly a billion dollars in food and health care assistance to
pregnant women, new moms, and children
Slash support for Head Start, dropping 200,000 vulnerable children from
pre-school
Slash support for education to states which will eliminate 65,000 teachers
& aides and dramatically increase class size. (Although they RAN ON
CREATING JOBS)
Slash financial aid for 9.4 million low-and middle income college students.
Slash 1.6 billion from the National Institutes of Health, a cut that will
"send shock waves" through cancer research.
Eliminate $400 million in support to the US Weather Services early warning
system for tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes, (Told you they don't care about
middle class)
Slash by 50% the number of vets who get housing vouchers this year, which
will increase homelessness among veterans by 10,000.
Doesn't sound like a good plan to me.
The Republicans have the Ryan Plan on the table. Love it or hate it.
The President's budget proposal was scrapped as it did not contain enough cuts. He said a new one was forthcoming. None has been produced.
It seems reasonable, therefore, that the democrats put forth a budget plan that is a least a starting point for negotiation. A starting point, without which there can be no talks.
Enough with the sham votes and posturing and brinksmanship. Both sides put out a plan and talk. This is way too serious an issue to be playing chicken with.
Amen, Groucho Marx.
I gotta agree as well Groucho.
Ryan's plan is no longer on the table, voted out.
So now they have NOooooooooooooooooooo idea's.
Ryan said he took it from Obama's Affordable Health Care Act, but tweeked it, meaning going after medicare/medicaid, Made it GOP's baby,
Well 80% of voter, Repubs include do not want this. Periods.
So the repubs will wait until they decide what to take out of the Dems plan which is out there, becase the GOP can't think for them selves.
No, their job is to destroy America and try to blame it on Obama!
Exactly, they have been saying that since Obama was elected. There "Cause" is to make Obama a one term president,
They don't care about the "People"
Translation: They didn't like what the President proposed because they didn't propose it.
Nothing new here.
Anna Molly..
Please tell me what he proposed. Last proposal was voted on and defeated by a vote of 97 to 0.
What is the latest proposal?
The latest proposal from Obama is more of the same. Nothing. That's called "Leading from behind".
How do you know that, JoAnna? You weren't there. Were you?
And what's all this talk about "latest," anyway? I thought President Obama had no proposal. At least, that's what you always say.
Besides, someone out here, I forget exactly who, admonished me recently that it's the House's job to come up with a budget plan. Well, okay, they did and it failed. True leadership would be to learn from that failure and propose a more acceptable plan. So WHERE IS IT?
I saw the Republican leadership speak last week and they said they had a new Jobs plan. It turns out that the Jobs plan is to cut taxes again.
Did you see on the news how they all have to stand together,
Bunch of babies.
Not strong babies either... Weak, puny, greedy little babies!
Groucho
Do you know what the Affordable health care act does?
Let me show you
The
Affordable Care Act: One Year Later
Reforms under the Affordable Care Act have brought an end to
some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry. These reforms have given
Americans new rights and benefits, by helping
more children get health coverage, ending
lifetime and most annual limits on care, allowing young
adults under 26 to stay on their parent’s health insurance, and giving
patients access to recommended preventive
services without cost.
Many other new benefits of the law have taken effect, including 50%
discounts on brand-name drugs for seniors in the Medicare “donut hole,” and
tax
credits for small businesses that provide insurance to employees. More
rights, protections and benefits for Americans are on the way through
2014. See major parts of the law on our interactive timeline,
or read the Patient's
Bill of Rights. Find out how the law provides better
benefits and better health
SENIORS
Strengthening
Medicare
The new law extends the life of the Medicare Trust fund at least
12 years, and takes other actions
to secure the program.
GROUPS AND ISSUES
Reducing
Health Disparities
The Affordable Care Act will help reduce
health disparities in low-income, minority and other populations.
NEW COVERAGE OPTIONS
Pre-Existing
Condition Insurance
A new program helps uninsured people with pre-existing medical
conditions find coverage options. Find out
whether you qualify and learn how to apply.
2010
NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
for an easy-to-use
website where consumers can compare health insurance coverage options and pick
the coverage that works for them. Effective July 1, 2010.
Pre-Existing Conditions. The new law includes new rules to prevent
insurance companies from denying coverage to children under the age of 19 due
to a pre-existing condition. Effective for health plan years beginning
on or after September 23, 2010 for new plans and
existing group plans.
Coverage. In the past, insurance companies could search for an error, or
other technical mistake, on a customer’s application and use this error to deny
payment for services when he or she got sick. The
new law makes this illegal. After media reports cited incidents of breast
cancer patients losing coverage, insurance companies agreed to end this
practice immediately. Effective for health plan years beginning on or after
September 23, 2010.
insurance companies will be prohibited
from imposing lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, like hospital
stays. Effective for health plan years beginning on or after September 23,
2010.
insurance
companies’ use of annual dollar limits on the amount of insurance coverage
a patient may receive will be restricted for new plans in the individual market
and all group plans. In 2014, the use of annual dollar limits on essential
benefits like hospital stays will be banned for new plans in the individual
market and all group plans. Effective for health plan years beginning on or
after September 23, 2010.
consumers with a way to appeal
coverage determinations or claims to their insurance company, and
establishes an external review process. Effective for new plans beginning on
or after September 23, 2010.
States. Under the new law, states that apply receive federal grants
to help set up or expand independent offices to help consumers navigate the
private health insurance system. These programs help consumers file
complaints and appeals; enroll in health coverage; and get educated about their
rights and responsibilities in group health plans or individual health
insurance policies. The programs will also collect data on the types of
problems consumers have, and file reports with the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services to identify trouble spots that need further oversight. Grants
Awarded October 2010. Learn more about
Consumer Assistance Programs.
IMPROVING QUALITY AND LOWERING COSTS
businesses are eligible for tax credits to help them provide insurance benefits
to their workers. The first phase of this provision provides a credit worth up
to 35 percent of the employer’s contribution to the employees’ health
insurance. Small non-profit organizations may receive up to a 25 percent
credit. Effective now.
Medicare Prescription Drug “Donut Hole.” An estimated four million seniors will
reach the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage known as the “donut hole”
this year. Each eligible senior will receive a one-time,
tax free $250 rebate check. First checks mailed in June, 2010, and will
continue monthly throughout 2010 as seniors hit the coverage gap. Learn more about the
"donut hole" and Medicare.
cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without
charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance. Effective for health plan
years beginning on or after September 23, 2010. Learn
more about preventive care benefits.
and Public Health Fund will invest in proven prevention and public health
programs that can help keep Americans healthy – from smoking cessation to
combating obesity. Funding begins in 2010. See
prevention funding and grants in your state.
fight fraud have returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Fund in
fiscal year 2009 alone. The new law invests new resources and requires new
screening procedures for health care providers to boost these efforts and reduce fraud and waste in Medicare,
Medicaid, and CHIP. Many provisions effective now. Fact
Sheet: New Tools to Fight Fraud
INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE
with Pre-Existing Conditions. A new Pre-Existing
Condition Insurance Plan will provide new coverage options to individuals
who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing
condition. States have the option of running this new program in their state.
If a state chooses not to do so, a plan will be established by the Department
of Health and Human Services in that state. National program effective July 1, 2010.
adults will be allowed to stay on their parents’ plan until they turn 26 years
old (in the case of existing group health plans, this right does not apply
if the young adult is offered insurance at work). While the provision takes
effect in September, many insurance companies have already implemented this new
practice. Check with your insurance company or employer to see if you qualify. Effective
for health plan years beginning on or after September 23.
Americans who retire without employer-sponsored insurance and before they are
eligible for Medicare see their life savings disappear because of high rates in
the individual market. To
preserve employer coverage for early retirees until more affordable coverage
is available through the new Exchanges by 2014, the new law creates a $5
billion program to provide needed financial help for employment-based plans to
continue to provide valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of
55 and 65, as well as their spouses and dependents. Applications for
employers to participate in the program available June 1, 2010. For more information on the Early
Retiree Reinsurance Program, visit www.ERRP.gov.
availability of primary care, there are new incentives in the law to expand
the number of primary care doctors, nurses and physician assistants. These
include funding for scholarships and loan repayments for primary care doctors
and nurses working in underserved areas. Doctors and nurses receiving payments
made under any State loan repayment or loan forgiveness program intended to
increase the availability of health care services in underserved or health
professional shortage areas will not have to pay taxes on those payments. Effective
2010 .
Unreasonable Rate Hikes. The law allows states that have, or plan to
implement, measures that require
insurance companies to justify their premium increases will be eligible for
$250 million in new grants. Insurance companies with excessive or unjustified
premium exchanges may not be able to participate in the new health insurance
Exchanges in 2014. Grants awarded beginning in 2010.
able to receive federal matching funds for covering some additional low-income
individuals and families under Medicaid for whom federal funds were not
previously available. This will make it easier for states that choose to do so
to cover more of their residents. Effective April 1, 2010. Learn
more about Medicaid.
of medically underserved communities across the nation are in rural areas.
These communities often have trouble attracting and retaining medical
professionals. The law provides increased payment to rural health care providers
to help them continue to serve their communities. Effective 2010.
to support the construction of and expand services at community health centers,
allowing these centers to serve some 20 million new patients across the
country. Effective 2010. Learn
more about Rural Americans and the Affordable Care Act.
Back to Top
2011
IMPROVING QUALITY AND LOWERING COSTS
the coverage gap will receive a 50
percent discount when buying Medicare Part D covered brand-name
prescription drugs. Over the next ten years, seniors will receive additional
savings on brand-name and generic drugs until the coverage gap is closed in
2020. Effective January 1, 2011. Download a brochure to
learn more (PDF - 3.6 MB)
certain free preventive services, such as annual wellness visits and
personalized prevention plans for seniors on Medicare. Effective January 1, 2011. Learn
more about preventive services under Medicare.
a new Center for Medicare & Medicaid
Innovation that will begin testing new ways of delivering care to patients.
These methods are expected to improve the quality of care, and reduce the rate
of growth in health care costs for Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s
Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Additionally, by January 1, 2011, HHS will submit a national strategy for
quality improvement in health care, including by these programs. Effective
no later than January 1, 2011. Learn
more about the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation.
Hospital. The Community
Care Transitions Program will help high risk Medicare beneficiaries who are
hospitalized avoid unnecessary readmissions by coordinating care and connecting
patients to services in their communities. Effective January 1, 2011.
Payment Advisory Board will begin operations to develop and submit proposals to
Congress and the President aimed at extending the life of the Medicare Trust
Fund. The Board is expected to focus on ways to target waste in the system, and
recommend ways to reduce costs, improve health outcomes for patients, and
expand access to high-quality care. Administrative funding becomes available
October 1, 2011. Learn more
about strengthening Medicare.
INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE
Community. The new Community
First Choice Option allows States to offer home and community based
services to disabled individuals through Medicaid rather than institutional
care in nursing homes. Effective beginning October 1, 2011.
HOLDING INSURANCE COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE
dollars are spent primarily on health care, the new law generally requires that
at least 85% of all premium dollars collected by insurance companies for large
employer plans are spent on health care services and health care quality
improvement. For plans sold to individuals and small employers, at least 80% of the
premium must be spent on benefits and quality improvement. If insurance
companies do not meet these goals, because their administrative costs or
profits are too high, they must provide rebates to consumers. Effective January 1, 2011. Fact
Sheet: Getting Value for Your Health Care Dollars
Strengthening Medicare Advantage. Today, Medicare pays Medicare Advantage
insurance companies over $1,000 more per person on average than is spent per
person in Traditional Medicare. This results in increased premiums for all
Medicare beneficiaries, including the 77 percent of beneficiaries who are not
currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. The new law levels the playing
field by gradually eliminating this discrepancy. People enrolled in a Medicare
Advantage plan will still receive all guaranteed Medicare benefits, and the law
provides bonus payments to Medicare Advantage plans that provide high quality
care. Effective January 1, 2011. Download a brochure to learn
more (PDF - 316 KB)
Back to Top
2012
IMPROVING QUALITY AND LOWERING COSTS
a hospital Value-Based
Purchasing program (VBP) in Traditional Medicare. This program offers
financial incentives to hospitals to improve the quality of care. Hospital
performance is required to be publicly reported, beginning with measures
relating to heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, health-care
associated infections, and patients’ perception of care. Effective for
payments for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2012.
provides incentives for physicians to join together to form “Accountable Care
Organizations.” These groups allow doctors to better coordinate patient
care and improve the quality, help prevent disease and illness and reduce
unnecessary hospital admissions. If Accountable Care Organizations provide high
quality care and reduce costs to the health care system, they can keep some of
the money that they have helped save. Effective January 1, 2012. Fact
Sheet: Improving Care Coordination for People with Medicare.
remains one of the few industries that relies on paper records. The new law
will institute a series of changes to standardize billing and requires health
plans to begin adopting and implementing rules for the secure, confidential,
electronic exchange of health information. Using electronic health records will
reduce paperwork and administrative burdens, cut costs, reduce medical errors
and most importantly, improve the quality of care. First regulation
effective October 1, 2012. Learn how the
law improves the health care system for providers, professionals, and patients.
and reduce persistent health disparities, the law requires any ongoing or new
Federal health program to collect and report racial, ethnic and language data.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services will use this data to help identify
and reduce disparities. Effective March 2012.
INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE
Insurance. The law creates a voluntary long-term care insurance program –
called CLASS -- to provide cash benefits to adults who become disabled. The
Secretary shall designate a benefit plan no later than October 1, 2012. Learn
more about the CLASS program.
Back to Top
2013
IMPROVING QUALITY AND LOWERING COSTS
number of Americans receiving preventive care, the law provides new funding to
state Medicaid programs that choose to cover preventive services for patients
at little or no cost. Effective January
1, 2013. Learn
more about the law and preventive care.
establishes a national pilot program to encourage hospitals, doctors, and other
providers to work together to improve the coordination and quality of patient
care. Under payment “bundling,”
hospitals, doctors, and providers are paid a flat rate for an episode of care
rather than the current fragmented system where each service or test or bundles
of items or services are billed separately to Medicare. For example, instead of
a surgical procedure generating multiple claims from multiple providers, the
entire team is compensated with a “bundled” payment that provides incentives to
deliver health care services more efficiently while maintaining or improving
quality of care. It aligns the incentives of those delivering care, and savings
are shared between providers and the Medicare program. Effective no later
than January 1, 2013.
INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE
As
Medicaid programs and providers prepare to cover more patients in 2014, the Act
requires states to pay primary care physicians no less than 100 percent of
Medicare payment rates in 2013 and 2014 for primary care services. The increase
is fully funded by the federal government. Effective January 1, 2013. Learn
how the law supports and strengthens primary care providers.
Insurance Program. Under the new law, states will receive two more years of
funding to continue coverage for children not eligible for Medicaid. Effective
October 1, 2013. Learn
more about CHIP.
Back to Top
2014
NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
Conditions or Gender. The law implements strong reforms that prohibit insurance
companies from refusing to sell coverage or renew policies because of an
individual’s pre-existing conditions. Also, in the individual and small group
market, the law eliminates the ability of insurance companies to charge higher
rates due to gender or health status. Effective January 1, 2014. Learn more about
protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions.
new plans and existing group plans from imposing annual dollar limits on the
amount of coverage an individual may receive. Effective January 1, 2014. Learn how
the law will phase out annual limits by 2014.
Clinical Trials. Insurers will be prohibited from dropping or limiting coverage
because an individual chooses to participate in a clinical trial. Applies to
all clinical trials that treat cancer or other life-threatening diseases. Effective
January 1, 2014.
IMPROVING QUALITY AND LOWERING COSTS
make it easier for the middle class to afford insurance will become available
for people with income between 100 percent and 400 percent of the poverty line
who are not eligible for other affordable coverage. (In 2010, 400 percent of
the poverty line comes out to about $43,000 for an individual or $88,000 for a
family of four.) The tax credit is advanceable, so it can lower your premium
payments each month, rather than making you wait for tax time. It’s also
refundable, so even moderate-income families can receive the full benefit of
the credit. These individuals may also qualify for reduced cost-sharing
(copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles). Effective January 1, 2014. Learn how the law
will make care more affordable in 2014.
if your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you will be able to buy insurance
directly in an Exchange -- a new transparent and competitive insurance
marketplace where individuals and small businesses can buy affordable and
qualified health benefit plans. Exchanges will offer you a choice of health
plans that meet certain benefits and cost standards. Starting in 2014, Members
of Congress will be getting their health care insurance through Exchanges, and
you will be able buy your insurance through Exchanges too. Effective January 1, 2014. Learn
more about Exchanges.
the second phase of the small business tax credit for qualified small
businesses and small non-profit organizations. In this phase, the credit is up
to 50 percent of the employer’s contribution to provide health insurance for
employees. There is also up to a 35 percent credit for small non-profit organizations.
Effective January 1, 2014. Learn more
about the small business tax credit.
INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CARE
less than 133 percent of the poverty level (approximately $14,000 for an
individual and $29,000 for a family of four) will be eligible to enroll in
Medicaid. States will receive 100 percent federal funding for the first three
years to support this expanded coverage, phasing to 90 percent federal funding
in subsequent years. Effective January
1, 2014. Learn
more about Medicaid.
most individuals who can afford it will be required to obtain basic health
insurance coverage or pay a fee to help offset the costs of caring for
uninsured Americans. If affordable coverage is not available to an individual,
he or she will be eligible for an exemption. Effective January 1, 2014. Learn
more about individual responsibility and the law.
certain requirements who cannot afford the coverage provided by their employer
may take whatever funds their employer might have contributed to their
insurance and use these resources to help purchase a more affordable plan in
the new health insurance Exchanges. Effective January 1, 2014. Learn more
about coming improvements for small employers.
Back to Top
2015
IMPROVING QUALITY AND LOWERING COSTS
will tie physician payments to the quality of care they provide. Physicians
will see their payments modified so that those who provide higher value care
will receive higher payments than those who provide lower quality care. Effective
January 1, 2015.
Back to Top
HHS will not enforce these rules against issuers of stand-alone
retiree-only plans in the private health insurance market.
Did the Republicans discuss with Obama the $14 billion dollar loss the American taxpayer will take for the sale of Government Motors?
Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/01/2245376/govt-to-lose-just-20-percent-of.html
The Obama administration ruled this loss as a victory, because the loss wasn't as bad as it was originally thought to be. And besides, the taxpayers are on the hook for so much other wasteful spending, this amount of money is really nothing in the grand scheme of things.
@JoAnna-#5: Yeah I guess the loss wasn't a victory. But, there are Americans receiving paychecks and building products that are being sold. And you are whining about $14 billion! On one occasion, in 2004, in Iraq, $19 Billion in cash was delivered and never seen again. There were three other occasions which were reported. $15 Billion, $11 Billion, and $900 Million. After 2006 the reporting of the thefts ceased. And to this day there has not been an investigation.
On the other hand, the tax breaks to the Corporates, Oil Folk, Insurance Cartels, and Financial Industries, I assume that is not wasteful spending? Like, if we didn't give write-offs to Oil Folk US taxpayers would be paying $12 a gallon. Ot if we don't give untold hundreds of billions to the Money and Manufacturing Folk then they will take all the money and the few remaining jobs and flee our nation?
If this is what Supply Side Economics has blossomed into, perhaps it is time to let those people go. Or better yet, make them go.
barry-barry-libcon, I agree
JoAnna doesnt mention the fact the GW spent 170 Million for the bank bail out and 85 million went to AIG.
All or the majority of this money was pissed away on bonus's or parties, but I guess for her it is ok.
Improved NOTHING,
Obama then had to step in and do another bailout With strict CONDITIONS and now has recieved some payments back
He saved the Auto industry and thousands of jobs, not just the workers, but the trickle down employment from the Auto industry, all she can do is bash him.
Where is the Democratic plan to save Medicare?
Where is the Democratic plan to create jobs?
The President is not a leader, he is a failure.
"Where is the Democratic plan to create jobs?"
Doncha remember? They abdicated that to Boehner and the repubs in November last.
And say- just lookit all them jobs that are being created now!
Didn`t you get your trickle yet, here it comes drrrrrrrip.
Bob, you asked, " Where is the Democratic plan to save Medicare?"
1. Go to: www.cms.gov/apps/file/medicare-savings-report.pdf
2. Here's an excerpt from a post May 13, 2011 by Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, on www.whitehouse.gov/blog:
"The Obama Administration has already taken steps to strengthen and extend the solvency of Medicare, implementing policies including those in the Affordable Care Act that will save nearly $120 billion for Medicare over the next five years. Thanks to these essential reforms, today’s report found that the Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund will remain solvent until 2024 and the actuarial deficit has fallen by 80 percent of taxable payroll since 2009, the year before the Affordable Care Act was passed. Over the next 75 years, Medicare’s Hospital Insurance costs are projected to be about 25 percent lower due to the new law. And without the historic deficit reduction in the Affordable Care Act, Medicare would have gone bankrupt in 2016 - only five years from now."
3. Check out the same site on the subject of job creation. Over the last 14 months, more than two million jobs were created. Over the last 3 months, 750,000 jobs were created.
You might be interested in the Press Briefing today with Ron Bloom. He goes into detail about the successful auto industries recovery. Bloom, Assistant to the President for Manufacturing said today, "employment up -- the industry has gained 115,000 jobs in the last year, fastest job growth in a long, long time; gaining share; making money."
Republicans Senators have been faffing around from day one, toying with Congress and the American public as they're doing right now over the US National Debt Ceiling. Nevertheless, under Obama's leadership the Democrats are getting it done.
Remember how GOP ran on job creation last November? To use your word, they 'failed' to deliver.
drive by observer
The really sad thing is, the funding for infastructure was in place and the GOP refused it, Think of all those jobs it would have created, but also we would have safer roads, and bridges.
But no, taxpayers use those things, why would the GOP want to help us?
If they raise the debt ceiling, and do this plan they will have two years to stop spending, and cut waste, and they could pay off the deficit in those two years this alone would save billions by saving the interest money they are paying now!!!
If the congress wants to bring back jobs, and have A full economic force generating revenues to pay on the deficit they need to make it happen! waiting for it to happen will take too long, and millions will suffer, and fall behind creating more problems that will cost more money down the road.
If they pay the people unemployed and low wage earners around 17 million people around five or six hundred dollars per week for two years this will bring these people up to the poverty level, and give them the chance they need to recover, and support there lives and families while saving the government, and states money that would be spent to help them, also the money they spend will stimulate the economy.
Also to make it more effective, and bring in more tax revenues allow them to work while they collect this money without penalties; from the five or six hundred dollars take out from the top 28% tax, and 8% SS tax every week, If they give this 28% to the states every week as A one time accounting practice it will stabilize most of the states, in a short time, this in turn would create many jobs on the state and city levels, and bring in more tax revenues while stimulating the economy more.
[ Also the states should not pay this money back]
[ for these two years they could cut more spending with a much lessor effect on peoples lives as the economy is being stimulated by all the new taxes, from the jobs this would create.]
The government and states could withhold assistance money for two years saving more while at the same time the ones receiving this would have to re- apply for it later possible eliminating much waste and fraud by means testing when they apply for it.
repeal the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy, and the middle class as A way to pay for this, also it could help to raise wages in the work force when they have more demand for workers.
It would also get real estate back on track!!!
@dale-#7: Good post except it does not address the cause of US financial woes.
This economic meltdown has been building ever since the implementation of Supply Side Economics. The only thing SSE has accomplished is a transfer of wealth into fewer hands and the responsibility of the nation's business into the hands of the people. Unfortunately, the wealth has been drained from the citizenry which has forced the government to rely on debt to wage wars, give tax breaks, and do general business. To put it simply, the richest, most powerful nation in the world has been placed into the care of the citizens who can not afford it. In 1980 the average CEO made 35 to 55 times the wage of his employee. In 2010 the average is between 850 and 4000, depending on the industry. This is Supply Side, What the Market Will Bear Economics. This is what it is and this is what it has accomplished.
Obama already reformed Medicare ( a half billion in cuts) and gave the stupids a budget with a plan to reduce the deficit over the next 10 years. Why does FIRST READ keep perpetuating the Thugs' lies about this? You are really right leaning in your reporting; what's the diff between you and Faux News, really???
These GOP asswipes in the house are playing russian roulette with our lives. They should be indicted and kicked out of office.
Debt isn't an issue, it just isn't. As a percentage of GDP, it's been way higher in the past. What is an issue are unfunded liabilities, which lie nearly exclusively in medicaid and medicare. The issue there is the ridiculously high costs of care, and the amazingly high costs projected for the future.
We're the only industrialized nation that does not have a nationalized health care plan, and we're behind Chile and Costa Rica in terms of life expectancy! Our costs are double on the average compared to single payer systems around the world, and are the only system that makes private, for profit, insurance companies a central feature. if we substitute the Canadians cost per citizen on healthcare here in the US, our unfunded liabilities turn into surpluses! We need real healthcare reform, and this debt issue will go away.
In reality, this is about starving the state, and lowering the standards of living of the vast majority of Americans so that corporations can have a large, skilled workforce, uncertain of it's future and willing to work for a lot less money. That is their goal, and anyone that votes Republican is helping it come to pass. (Not that Dem's are that much better)
Why the HELL should republicans be pressing Pres. Obama for a plan to solve the problem that REPUBLICANS deliberately caused????? Have they forgotten the record deficits under reagan/bush/bush? Have they forgoitten that THEIR leaders voted 19 times to raise the debt ceiling to the tune of $4T?? Have the forgotten that the last 3 GOP presidents signed TWENTY deficit riddled budgets that led directly to $11T in debt?? Have they forgotten that is was THEY that instituted the plan called "starve the beast" whose goal was to privatize SS, Medicare, Medicaid etc, taking financial benefits AWAY from the less fortunate and giving the money to the MOST fortunate??? Americans will NOT allow their plan to succeed!! They've endangered the national security and economic future of this country! It's time for them to GO!! This country can NOT afford the Redpublican Party and survive as we know it!
The ball is now in Obama's court. He has a golden oppurtunity to show us all how great a leader he can be.
He needs to come up with a deficit and debt reduction plan. A plan to save medicare, and a REAL plan to bring back all those jobs we lost overseas. We want two new Chevy Volts in every garage, A federally guaranteed fat pension for everybody, Even if you don't work.
Free lunches for all, Democrat, Republican, illegal aliens too.
Edward, why should the President take the lead in solving a problem he had NOTHING to do with??? This deficit/debt crisis is a deliberate creation of the GOP! Seems to ME that it is THEY who need to take the lead---- afterall. THEY DID IT! Remember, SS, Medicare and all the other entitlements would have NO PROBLEMS if the last 3 GOP presidents had NOT signed TWENTY deficit riddled budgtes that led DIRTECTLY to over $11T in debt! The GOP is opposing the peoper solutions just like they opposed Clinton's solutions. He won, and the GOP impeached him! Americans will NOT allow the GOP to privatize Medicare, SS etc to solve a problem they DELIBERATELY created for just that purpose!
I have been doing some research and I am just appauled by what I found. The first 10 items are what the GOP agenda is: The next are web site to back it up. Sorry for the length of this but PEOPLE need to know GOP People HERE ARE THE FACTs, all you have to do is type in the question and you will see these ten point are true.
Sorry if this posts twice, didn't post the first time
Republican's
Agenda For America……………………….
Radio & Public TV, like big bird (Educational Stuff)
centers & eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood. (EVEN though they only
do %3 of what they do, and it is not part of the funding, Abortion are PAID for
by the PERSON)
200,000 vulnerable children from pre-school
will eliminate 65,000 teachers & aides and dramatically increase class
size. (Although they RAN ON CREATING JOBS)
middle income college students.
Institutes of Health, a cut that will "send shock waves" through
cancer research.
Eliminate
$400 million in support to the US Weather Services early warning system for
tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes, (Told you they don't care about middle
class)
housing vouchers this year, which will increase homelessness among veterans by
10,000.
10. Slash nearly a billion dollars in food and health
care assistance to pregnant women, new moms, and children
FACT
TO SUPPORT ABOVE AGENDA………………………………
GOP Trying to
Weaken Clean Air Laws While Half of All Americans ...
... of Congress, in bills to strip the U.S. EPA of funding ... GOP Trying to Weaken Clean Air Laws While Half of
All ... That's why we cannot stop now.
Half of our …
www.alternet.org/environment/150782/gop_trying_to_weaken_clean_air_laws_while_half_of...
NPR tries
to stop
public funding cut by GOP congressman
NPR is accusing Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo, the leader to cut off public funding to the broadcaster, of trying to stifle free speech. All of this is
believed a result of ...
omnispeak.com/?p=2103
The Juan Williams uproar: Time to stop funding NPR?
NPR's GOP-listener
giveaway ... The Juan Williams uproar: Time to stop funding NPR? ... But even if you think NPR was
wrong, trying to
kill one ...
theweek.com/article/index/208501/the-juan-williams-uproar-time-to-stop-funding-npr
House blocks funding for health care law
Feb 18, 2011 · The GOP-led
House voted today to block funding to
implement the ... voted to take away funding from Planned Parenthood. A bid to stop ... its fourth day of trying …
content.usatoday.com/.../onpolitics/post/2011/02/house-health-care-block-funding-/1
Allen West Warns GOP Should Stop Wasting Time Trying to Dismantle ...
Allen West Warns GOP Should
Stop Wasting Time Trying to Dismantle ObamaCare . . . ... in an
email that the congressman "believes there are bigger funding ...
weaselzippers.us/2011/05/09/allen-west-warns-gop-should-stop-wasting-time-trying-to...
MoveOn.org
Political Action: Top 10 Shocking Attacks from the GOP ......
Stop the
Republican War on Women. Redefining rape. ... access to abortion care, they're
actually trying to ...
passes-measure-stripping-planned-parenthood-funding "GOP
...
pol.moveon.org/waronwomen/?rc=fb
Top 10 Shocking
Attacks from the GOP's War on Women…………
1) Republicans not only want to reduce
women's access to abortion care, they're actually trying to redefine rape. After a major backlash,
they promised to stop. But they haven't yet. Shocker.
2) A state legislator in Georgia wants to change the legal term for victims of rape, stalking, and domestic
violence to "accuser." But victims of other less gendered
crimes, like burglary, would remain "victims."
3) In South Dakota, Republicans proposed a bill that
could make it legal to murder a doctor
who provides abortion care. (Yep, for real.)
4) Republicans want to cut nearly a billion dollars of food and
other aid to low-income pregnant women, mothers, babies, and kids.
5) In Congress, Republicans have a bill
that would let hospitals allow a woman
to die rather than perform an abortion necessary to save her life.
6) Maryland Republicans ended all county money
for a low-income kids' preschool program. Why? No need, they said. Women should really be home with the kids,
not out working.
7) And at the federal level,
Republicans want to cut that same
program, Head Start, by $1 billion. That means over 200,000 kids could
lose their spots in preschool.
8) Two-thirds of the elderly poor are
women, and Republicans are taking aim at them too. A spending bill would cut funding for employment services, meals,
and housing for senior citizens.
9) Congress just voted for a
Republican amendment to cut all federal
funding from Planned Parenthood health centers, one of the most trusted
providers of basic health care and family planning in our country.
10) And if that wasn't enough,
Republicans are pushing to eliminate
all funds for the only federal family planning program. (For humans. But
Republican Dan Burton has a bill to provide contraception for wild horses. You
can't make this stuff up).
Sources:
1. "'Forcible Rape' Language Remains In Bill To Restrict Abortion
Funding," The Huffington Post,
February 9, 2011
"Extreme Abortion Coverage Ban Introduced," Center for American
Progress,
January 20, 2011
2. "
Georgia State Lawmaker Seeks To Redefine Rape
Victims As 'Accusers,'" The Huffington Post, February 4, 2011
3. "South Dakota bill would legalize killing abortion doctors,"
Salon, February 15, 2011
4. "House GOP Proposes Cuts to Scores of Sacred Cows," National
Journal, February 9, 2011
5. "New GOP Bill Would Allow Hospitals To Let Women Die Instead Of Having
An Abortion," Talking Points Memo,
February 4, 2011
6. "Republican Officials Cut Head Start Funding, Saying Women Should be
Married and Home with Kids," Think Progress, February 16, 2011
7. "Bye Bye, Big Bird. Hello, E. Coli," The
New Republic, Feburary 12, 2011
8. "House GOP spending cuts will devastate women, families and
economy," The Hill, February 16, 2011
9. "House passes measure stripping Planned Parenthood funding,"
MSNBC, February 18,2011
"GOP Spending Plan: X-ing Out Title X Family Planning Funds," Wall
Street Journal, February 9, 2011
10. Ibid.
"Birth Control for Horses, Not for Women," Blog for Choice,
February 17, 2011
GOP Budget Proposal would
lose 700,00 jobs………..
KFFL General
Forums; Non-Sports Talk; GOP Budget Proposal would lose 700,00
jobs... "I
didn't ****in' try and kill myself! If I ... minority, it is evident that it will destroy ...
forums.kffl.com/threads/284128-GOP-Budget-Proposal-would-lose-700-00-jobs/page4
GOP Budget Proposal would
lose 700,00 jobs……………………..
KFFL General
Forums; Non-Sports Talk; GOP Budget Proposal would lose 700,00
jobs ... to all the
countries in which we are trying ... minority, it is evident that it will destroy ...
forums.kffl.com/threads/284128-GOP-Budget-Proposal-would-lose-700-00-jobs/page3
First Read - Economist predicts GOP cuts would cost
700,000 jobs………………
Feb 28, 2011 ·
Republicans, however, are pushing back, trying to ... the latest study from Mark Zandi
on the GOP's ... Right? Isn't that why they are there? to destroy jobs?
firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/02/28/6154372-economist-predicts-gop-cuts-would...
Republicans launch new effort to defund Planned Parenthood
in .........................
Title X funds
cannot be used for abortion, but the House GOP is trying to choke ... They also are trying to defund WIC, you know Woman Infant Children
assistance.
thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/other/143093-gop-launches-new-effort-to-defund-planned...
The GOP in Washington has no compassion for others. I am completely disgusted with the GOP "leader"
There they go again! Trying to blame President Obama for the failings of the previous! To add insult to injury the GOP/TEA players are the ones not providing enough "Revenue Enhancement" to help cover the short fall. They will protect the richest 2%-ers and the mega-corporations, while loosening the restrictions on Wall Street and Big Banks. These GOP/TEA-ers are waging war on the unions and retired folk, while throwing the rest of America under the bus. "Every economist, liberal and conservative, says it would be grossly irresponsible to let the United States default on its debts. Apparently the Republicans want to campaign on their irresponsibility -- first to destroy Medicare and now to destroy the full faith and credit of America, putting our economy and the world's economy in peril. Symptoms are: grossly inflated egos, ringing in your ear, hot air rash, incompetent legislators, chasing paparazzi, inflammation from bullhorn-osis, and reddening flashes. Remain calm and got to your nearest voting booth, calmly present your voter certificate, sign the voters ledger, close the booth drapes and check any one but GOP/TEA party member! Await excellence in health care, renewed American credit, saved jobs, real estate corrections and economic growth!