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Health Care Hoax… |
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As the debate continues on health care reform across the United States and on Capitol Hill, Republicans are speaking out to set the record straight on the facts about President Obama and Democrats’ health care reform proposals. Republicans on the Hill have continued to be shut out from the legislative process in the quest for “bipartisan” health care reform.
House Republicans presented their own amendments to health care legislation being considered by three House Committees (Ways & Means, Energy & Commerce, and Education & Labor).
In a recent press release, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)highlights over 31 amendments that were defeated by Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic leadership without serious consideration. Some of the amendments included proposals that eliminated the ‘public option’ plan, prevented government bureaucrats from determining patient treatment, removed requirements forcing employers to provide health care coverage for all employees, as well as a plan to help small businesses purchase health plans at lower costs. To read more about these blocked amendments, please click here.
In the Senate, Finance Committee Chairman, Max Baucus (D-MT), is working behind closed doors with five of his colleagues on the committee to present a health care proposal. While this proposal seemingly appears to take a more realistic approach than the House proposal, the same concepts are at the heart of this legislation. Universal coverage remains the main objective of health care legislation in both the House and Senate. For a great analysis of the Baucus plan, please click here.
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| TAKE ACTION ON HEALTH CARE REFORM! | |
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**This idea was shared by members of our Texas Federation of Republican Women.**
The Kerr County Republican Party of Texas has provided a template letter and print ad they are using to reach out to local physicians, pledging their support to fight against nationalized health care. This is a template for you to modify depending upon whether your club, your county party, state party or your local physicians are interested in outreach on health care reform. Please click here to visit our Legislative Action Center. The templates are posted under the “Focus On The Issues” Section. ANYONE can do this. If you are not able to run an ad or find someone else to create one, coordinate a letter writing campaign.
With the upcoming Congressional Break, we will have the opportunity to really make an impact during the most critical point in the debate.
Let your voice be heard!
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On the Hill |
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On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 to approve the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. The full Senate confirmation vote is expected sometime next week.
Blue Dog Democrats are continuing to express opposition to parts of the health care overhaul proposals in the House. Their opposition is expected to help delay a vote on the House Democrats’ plan until after Labor Day.
On Tuesday, House Republicans launched a floor protest over the Democrats’ Health Care Proposals.
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CAP ALERT |
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On Monday, July 20, the NFRW issued a CAP ALERT on health care reform.
As one of the largest and most influential women’s political organizations in the nation, it is important to make our voices heard on this important issue.
Contact all Representatives and Senators today to let them know we want health care reform-but we do not support these plans!
For more information, check out the CAP ALERT.
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SD52 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Sunday, July 26th, 10:00am
Senate District 52 is holding a volunteer appreciation breakfast at the Water Street Inn in downtown Stillwater, MN on the final day of Lumberjack Days.
MENU:
Fluffy scrambled eggs, o’brien potatoes, bacon & sausage links, fresh fruit, pastries, juice, coffee and tea.
The breakfast is compliments of SD52. Come down and have a chance to meet with your local BPOU Chair and other committee members over a tasty breakfast. Then after breakfast, join us in walking the Lumberjack Days Parade!
Water Street Inn
101 South Water Street
Stillwater, MN 55082
Political Briefing
Legislative News for the Week of July 20, 2009
HEALTH CARE REFORM HEATS UP ON THE HILL
Just this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), told Democrats that they are on track to pass a health care “overhaul” before the August Congressional break. There are several bills currently on the table. On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted (13-10) and passed a $600 billion version that would expand coverage to almost all Americans by requiring individuals to get insurance and employers to help cover the costs. The Senate Finance Committee is also working to present a version of the bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants floor debate, on these bills, to begin by July 20. President Obama and the Democrats are trying to pass the bill by the August congressional break.
The House Democrats’ health care proposal was also unveiled last week. Their plan calls for the federal government to be responsible for ensuring that every person (regardless of income or state of their health) has access to an affordable insurance plan. It also calls for a 5.4% tax increase on individuals making more than $1 million and a gradual tax beginning on individuals who make $280,000. Employers who fail to provide health coverage will be faced with a penalty equal to 8% of the worker’s wages, with an exemption for small businesses. Take a look at the Organizational Chart of the House Democrat’s Health Plan to see the web of bureaucracy this proposal creates.
One of the biggest questions is …How will health care reform be funded? The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report clearly explains the “cost explosion” that would occur under the House Democrats’ proposal. Currently, the federal government cannot afford existing health care commitments. The Democrats have failed to answer how we will fund the additional health care programs implemented under these proposals. Read it here.
ON THE HILL
On Tuesday, President Obama hosted a meeting with conservative Democrats over the costs of potential health care legislation. They emerged with no new statement on how health care reform will be funded. On July 28, the Senate will vote on Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination. On Tuesday, the Senate approved an amendment to cancel the purchase of 7 additional F-22’s in the 2010 Defense Department budget.
CAP ALERT: Health Care
This week the NFRW issued a CAP ALERT on the health care debate. Please make sure to contact Representatives and Senators to tell them we support health care reform-but not this approach! Make sure YOUR voice is heard.