Following is an excerpt from "The Fact Checker" column by Glenn Kessler in today's Post.
The cost of the health-care law has been one of its most contentious issues. President Obama had said it would cost less than $1 trillion over 10 years, and promised it would reduce the deficit in that period. The law, as scored by the CBO, met those benchmarks, but critics have charged the bill was deliberately structured to reach that result.
Last week was the third time that CBO has provided an estimate for the cost of the health care bill. Each time, the number has been a little different because of various technical factors, and also because different budget windows are being used, such as 2010-2019, 2012-2019 or 2012-2021. The longer the budget window, the bigger the costs and the revenues, in part because the population is getting larger and the gross domestic product is expected to increase.
The Energy and Commerce Committee [chaired by Republican Fred Upton/Michigan] came up with its increase by mixing apples and oranges. It compared the gross cost of insurance coverage provisions calculated for 2010-2019 (that’s the $938 billion number) with new figures for a different budget window, 2012-2021 (that’s the $1.445 trillion figure.) That’s kind of like saying the cost of pizza went up by comparing last year’s price for a 12-inch pie with this year’s price for a 16-inch pie.
Debbee Keller, a spokeswoman for the committee, defended the committee’s math, saying, “The legislation was written to hide the true costs of the law — it delayed much of the spending, providing about six years of spending and ten years of ‘pay fors.’ ” The new estimate, she said, shows “about eight years of benefits and ten years of ‘pay fors.’ ” — and she said the price tag will get only bigger as time goes on. “We predict the full cost will actually exceed $2 trillion” once the bill is fully implemented over 10 years.
We do not find this argument compelling. Yes, certain provisions do not kick in immediately, but neither do many of the new taxes. The revenue estimate by the Joint Tax Committee shows that $58 billion of revenue is raised in the first four years, compared to $380 billion over the last six years. As mentioned before, the cost numbers also get larger in later years because of population and GDP growth.
The Wall Street Journal came up with its increase by comparing a different set of numbers: the net cost (which strikes us as more reasonable than the gross cost used by the House committee) for the same time period, 2012-2021, as estimated in February 2011 and March 2011. But the Journal failed to note that the CBO cost estimate in February was actually lower than its initial estimate last year, so the overall effect from last year to this year is minimal.
The CBO generally remains aloof from the political back-and-forth over its numbers. But late Wednesday, the CBO addressed this question in its Director’s Blog. It lined up the numbers for all three of its estimates and then made the following point, underlying it for emphasis:
“Over the eight-year period that is common to all three analyses (2012 through 2019), the latest estimate of the net cost of the coverage provisions ($794 billion) differs by only about 2 percent from the original estimate ($778 billion); the projected gross costs . . . differ by only about 4 percent over that period.”
In budget terms over such a long period of time, these differences amount to rounding errors.
As the CBO put it, again underlining its point: “The evolution of the estimates does not reflect any substantial change in the estimation of the overall effects of [the health care law] from what was projected in March 2010.”
The Pinocchio Test
Critics of the health care bill need to recheck their math. The CBO’s new numbers do not suggest any noticeable increase in the cost estimates.
For the complete article go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/obamacare-and-the-myth-of-rising-cost-estimates/2011/03/24/ABn6JmRB_blog.html?hpid=z3
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Check out this great website! Move to Amend!
You've got to see this great website and the cartoon videos that they use to explain and educate us on the critical issues we are facing!
http://movetoamend.org/news/new-video-resource-story-citizens-united-v-fec
http://movetoamend.org/news/new-video-resource-story-citizens-united-v-fec
Sunday, March 6, 2011
America Is Not Broke!
You've got to go to
http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/274-41/5178-america-is-not-broke.
See the great video of Michael Moore as he spoke to the Madison crowd last Saturday! Read it if you don't have time, but to hear the crowds shouting "We've Had Enough!" is really great, as well as hearing Michael Moore deliver his heartfelt speech as only he can so greatly deliver!
http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/274-41/5178-america-is-not-broke.
See the great video of Michael Moore as he spoke to the Madison crowd last Saturday! Read it if you don't have time, but to hear the crowds shouting "We've Had Enough!" is really great, as well as hearing Michael Moore deliver his heartfelt speech as only he can so greatly deliver!
Get Ready!
I know that I've been feeling that things were coming to this for a long time. Coming to the point where we are going to have to do more to protect our future than just going to the polls and voting. Now that we are up against even greater profits of the Big Corporations and their using them against us to buy misleading (down right lying)advertising, buying our politicians and destroying the very government agencies left to protect our interests, what are we supposed to do!
We are going to have to gear up for a fight like we have never had to engage before. The kind like Wisconsin is holding, and Ohio and Indiana. Only this will have to take place across the nation and in the Nation's Capital if we are going to protect Social Security and Medicare. Not just for us, but also for our kids and grandchildren.
Please read Robert Reich's latest column from Truthout
http://www.truth-out.org/the-real-news-jobs68236.
We are going to have to gear up for a fight like we have never had to engage before. The kind like Wisconsin is holding, and Ohio and Indiana. Only this will have to take place across the nation and in the Nation's Capital if we are going to protect Social Security and Medicare. Not just for us, but also for our kids and grandchildren.
Please read Robert Reich's latest column from Truthout
http://www.truth-out.org/the-real-news-jobs68236.
Friday, September 24, 2010
One Nation March on Washington October 2, 2010
Demand the changes we voted for!
On October 2, 2010, tens of thousands of people will march in solidarity at the Nation's Capitol in order to protect our jobs, our education and our economy. Sign up to become part of One Nation Working Together.
Text ONE to 62227 to receive up to the minute march updates*
One Nation Working Together is a social movement of individuals and organizations committed to putting America back to work and pulling America back together. Coming from a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and orientations, we are determined to build a more united country with good jobs, equal justice, and quality public education for all.
We are One Nation Working Together
Complacency is what we have to fear, it is what my generation must fight.
WHO? Our People. It is time that our communities come together. We have the right to live the change we voted for in 2008. ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER is not just for one community, it is for all communities. It is for OUR community. We hope to
galvanize those deeply affected by our struggling economy: Youth (College and Non College), Women, the Faith Community, Working Class People, Unionized Workers, and the Immigrant Community.
WHAT? “ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER is about reordering our nation’s priorities to invest in our most valuable resource—our people. ”We believe that everyone deserves the chance to achieve the American Dream - a secure job, a safe home and a quality public education. We will fight for stable jobs, homes we can call our own, the opportunity for all children to obtain a quality public education, and a pathway to citizenship for recent immigrants. Our Dream is the American Dream.
WHERE? We are going to March on Washington, D.C. on October 2, 2010 (10.2.10) at the Lincoln Memorial. Whether we come by car, bus, plane or train, we will mobilize tens of thousands of people to march in solidarity at the Nation’s Capitol in order to
protect our jobs, our education and our economy.
WHEN? On October 2, 2010 at Noon.
WHY? We are building a movement. Join us as we bring together the majority of people for justice in America. Join us as we build an authentically diverse coalition of our Black, Brown, Red, and White Brothers and Sisters that is rooted in our country’s
democratic and progressive traditions. Join us as we reclaim American themes and traditions - a more perfect union, common good and justice for all.
HOW? We will build diverse community coalitions that represent what our neighbors and cities look like. We will organize, go door to door and talk to the community using our relations and grassroots tactics to not only get people on the bus to
Washington, D.C., but to build a movement that people can resonate with and believe in.
To Join or hold your local event go to:
OneNationWorkingTogether.org
or call 866.339.6321, or text ONE to 62227
On October 2, 2010, tens of thousands of people will march in solidarity at the Nation's Capitol in order to protect our jobs, our education and our economy. Sign up to become part of One Nation Working Together.
Text ONE to 62227 to receive up to the minute march updates*
One Nation Working Together is a social movement of individuals and organizations committed to putting America back to work and pulling America back together. Coming from a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and orientations, we are determined to build a more united country with good jobs, equal justice, and quality public education for all.
We are One Nation Working Together
Complacency is what we have to fear, it is what my generation must fight.
WHO? Our People. It is time that our communities come together. We have the right to live the change we voted for in 2008. ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER is not just for one community, it is for all communities. It is for OUR community. We hope to
galvanize those deeply affected by our struggling economy: Youth (College and Non College), Women, the Faith Community, Working Class People, Unionized Workers, and the Immigrant Community.
WHAT? “ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER is about reordering our nation’s priorities to invest in our most valuable resource—our people. ”We believe that everyone deserves the chance to achieve the American Dream - a secure job, a safe home and a quality public education. We will fight for stable jobs, homes we can call our own, the opportunity for all children to obtain a quality public education, and a pathway to citizenship for recent immigrants. Our Dream is the American Dream.
WHERE? We are going to March on Washington, D.C. on October 2, 2010 (10.2.10) at the Lincoln Memorial. Whether we come by car, bus, plane or train, we will mobilize tens of thousands of people to march in solidarity at the Nation’s Capitol in order to
protect our jobs, our education and our economy.
WHEN? On October 2, 2010 at Noon.
WHY? We are building a movement. Join us as we bring together the majority of people for justice in America. Join us as we build an authentically diverse coalition of our Black, Brown, Red, and White Brothers and Sisters that is rooted in our country’s
democratic and progressive traditions. Join us as we reclaim American themes and traditions - a more perfect union, common good and justice for all.
HOW? We will build diverse community coalitions that represent what our neighbors and cities look like. We will organize, go door to door and talk to the community using our relations and grassroots tactics to not only get people on the bus to
Washington, D.C., but to build a movement that people can resonate with and believe in.
To Join or hold your local event go to:
OneNationWorkingTogether.org
or call 866.339.6321, or text ONE to 62227
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Fight Washington Corruption Rally, August 10th Mesilla Plaza 7pm
We are busy getting people, groups and politicians to endorse the www.fightwashingtoncorruption.org pledge to stop unfair corporate influence over our Congress! If you haven't already signed the pledge, you can go to the website now. Every issue we want to challenge, we will have to fight big corporate lobbying and we need to level the playing field by making these three critical changes!
Overturn Citizens United:
Amend the Constitution to protect America from unlimited corporate spending on our elections by overturning the Supreme Court's decision giving corporations the same First Amendment rights as people.
Fair elections now:
Pass the Fair Elections Now Act, providing public financing to candidates who are supported by small donors so they can compete with corporate-backed and self-funded candidates.
Lobbyist Reform Act:
Pass legislation to end the overwhelming influence of corporate lobbyists by: prohibiting individuals from switching from corporate lobbying to government service, or vice-versa, within a 5-year period; stopping corporate lobbyists from giving gifts and providing free travel to government officials; and posting online the attendees and content of all meetings between lobbyists and government officials.
We will be having a Rally August 10th, 7pm at the beautiful Mesilla Plaza, where Senators Bingaman and Udall will send messages of their views, and other concerned citizens and politicians will voice their concerns on how this travesty is effecting us with every issue we are up against. Sign up for the rally at http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=105618 !
Please join us and sign the pledge too! Please share this with your family, friends and groups! Music of Burns and Michaels from 6:30-7pm.
Las Cruces MoveOn Council
Overturn Citizens United:
Amend the Constitution to protect America from unlimited corporate spending on our elections by overturning the Supreme Court's decision giving corporations the same First Amendment rights as people.
Fair elections now:
Pass the Fair Elections Now Act, providing public financing to candidates who are supported by small donors so they can compete with corporate-backed and self-funded candidates.
Lobbyist Reform Act:
Pass legislation to end the overwhelming influence of corporate lobbyists by: prohibiting individuals from switching from corporate lobbying to government service, or vice-versa, within a 5-year period; stopping corporate lobbyists from giving gifts and providing free travel to government officials; and posting online the attendees and content of all meetings between lobbyists and government officials.
We will be having a Rally August 10th, 7pm at the beautiful Mesilla Plaza, where Senators Bingaman and Udall will send messages of their views, and other concerned citizens and politicians will voice their concerns on how this travesty is effecting us with every issue we are up against. Sign up for the rally at http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=105618 !
Please join us and sign the pledge too! Please share this with your family, friends and groups! Music of Burns and Michaels from 6:30-7pm.
Las Cruces MoveOn Council
Thursday, June 17, 2010
"The Other 98% Summer Launch"
MoveOn Campaigns: The Other 98%
If we've learned anything since President Obama took office, it's that the fundamental changes we all want for America will be impossible until we end the stranglehold that big corporations and lobbyists have on our democracy. We know the solutions to the big problems. But most of these solutions aren't even on the table in Washington, because an army of corporate lobbyists stands in the way.
To fight back, we need to go big. We need a massive new movement to kick corporate lobbyists out of DC, hold our elected officials accountable, and fix our democracy to make Washington work for the 98% of us who don't have corporate lobbyists. This summer, we will set our reform agenda-- the "Stand for Democracy" pledge--, build support for this agenda in our communities, and organize a major advocacy campaign during the August Congressional Recess focused on members of Congress.The goal of this summer push is pressure our politicians to support our reform agenda, or to hold them accountable if they choose to stand with the corporate lobbyists rather than with their constituents.
Please join us at the NM Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, 88011, 7-9pm, Thursday, June 24th for "The Other 98%" Summer Launch, when we will strategize activities and events for July leading up to the August Congressional recess and meeting our targets head on!
If we've learned anything since President Obama took office, it's that the fundamental changes we all want for America will be impossible until we end the stranglehold that big corporations and lobbyists have on our democracy. We know the solutions to the big problems. But most of these solutions aren't even on the table in Washington, because an army of corporate lobbyists stands in the way.
To fight back, we need to go big. We need a massive new movement to kick corporate lobbyists out of DC, hold our elected officials accountable, and fix our democracy to make Washington work for the 98% of us who don't have corporate lobbyists. This summer, we will set our reform agenda-- the "Stand for Democracy" pledge--, build support for this agenda in our communities, and organize a major advocacy campaign during the August Congressional Recess focused on members of Congress.The goal of this summer push is pressure our politicians to support our reform agenda, or to hold them accountable if they choose to stand with the corporate lobbyists rather than with their constituents.
Please join us at the NM Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, 88011, 7-9pm, Thursday, June 24th for "The Other 98%" Summer Launch, when we will strategize activities and events for July leading up to the August Congressional recess and meeting our targets head on!
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