ealth insurance companies will be required to protect client information by encrypting the data, under legislation Gov. Chris Christie signed into law today.
Reported by NJ.com 10 hours ago.
Christie signs law requiring health insurance companies to encrypt personal information
↧
↧
Friday Talking Points -- Nous Sommes Charlie Hebdo
Je suis Charlie. In fact, let's go even further: Nous sommes Charlie Hebdo. Because we are all Charlie, this week.
However, I have to say, most of the American media cravenly allowed the terrorists to dictate their editorial policy this week, which is truly disappointing. People got killed for these cartoons. And the American mainstream media, for the most part (there were a few notable exceptions), refused to show viewers or readers the cartoons in question. Out of fear. That's pathetic.
The proper response to terrorist pressure on cartoonists is to give the cartoons in question the widest audience possible in the largest number of media outlets possible -- that is true solidarity with Charlie Hebdo. Kudos to The Huffington Post for not cowering in fear, and actually running the cartoons, which were a major part of the breaking news story.
What made me really pause and think this week, though, was another story in The Huffington Post, about a Saudi Arabian blogger who got a sentence of 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes because he "insulted Islam on a liberal forum." The whippings will begin today, and continue for the next 20 weeks (50 lashes per week). This sentence, I hasten to point out, comes from a government that the United States considers one of our closest allies in the region. So nous sommes Charlie, to be sure; but I am Raif Baddawi, as well. Freedom of expression -- and the freedom to write a blog post critical of any aspect of society -- should be considered absolutes, in my opinion. No matter who is trying to forcefully restrict this basic human right, friend or foe.
In domestic news, unemployment is down once again, job growth continues, gas prices are down, the stock market's booming, and the rate of uninsured Americans continues to plummet (down to 12.9 percent from a pre-Obamacare high of 18.0 percent) as a direct result of Obamacare. The continuing good economic news (and Obama's rising job approval polling) even got a begruduging acknowledgement from the Wall Street Journal.
At the beginning of the week, I wrote a piece which tried to convince Democrats to start taking some credit for all of this, before Republicans try to horn in and grab all the credit for themselves. Not two days later, Mitch McConnell tried to do exactly that. Sometimes I hit the jackpot in the "being prophetic" department, but usually not this quickly!
McConnell was soundly ridiculed, of course. Mo Elleithee, communications director for the Democratic National Committee, had the best response:
Hahahahahahahahahahaha. That Mitch McConnell is one funny guy. He likes to remind people all the time that he's not a scientist. Now we know he's not a mathematician or an economist either. The fact is, under President Obama we've had 57 straight months of private sector job growth leading to nearly 11 million jobs added. All Republicans have given us is a government shutdown that cost the economy $24 billion. I get why he wants to take credit for the economic recovery. But maybe he should first do something to help contribute to it.
Republicans are so funny. I mean, they always follow pretty much the same playbook: predict doom and gloom, and then when it doesn't happen, claim all the credit. Think this is too harsh? Here's a quick look back at four predictions Republicans were making back in 2012 about how disastrous a second Obama term would be -- gas was supposed to be almost $5.50 a gallon, unemployment was supposed to have stayed at eight percent, and the stock market and the economy were supposed to have crashed by now. Good thing we didn't re-elect Obama, eh?
Back in reality, President Obama is in the midst of unveiling a few policy ideas in preparation for his upcoming State Of The Union speech. Today's proposal is to make community college free for everyone. Can't see Republicans supporting that, but it'll be a dandy issue to run on for all Democrats, come 2016. In a few weeks, the White House will announce a far-reaching and long-overdue rule change on who is entitled to mandatory overtime -- and the even-better news is that Congress won't have much of a say about it.
Speaking of Congress, the 114th such gathering got sworn in this week, and got down to the serious business of passing bills that Obama is absolutely guaranteed to veto. However, we're going to make a conscious decision to punt discussing Congress, for the most part, until next week. Until then, Richard Zombeck has a pretty good rundown of all the mischief Republicans have been up to, and Salon's got a good explanation of why almost all of these efforts will be doomed to fail. We apologize for not getting into these issues, but then this column has been on hiatus for three weeks (two for our year-end awards columns, and last week we ran our monthly "Obama Poll Watch" article because we were still exhausted from the holiday season), so we've just got too much else to cover today.
In fact, this intro is long enough as it is, so let's just quickly note a few odds and ends, and move right along to the weekly awards. Two marijuana stories were in the business news section (which should become a much more common occurrence in the near future): former Senator Mike Gravel announced he'll become the CEO of a marijuana company, and a "high-profile venture capital firm" made a multi-million dollar investment in the company that will soon be marketing marijuana with a Bob Marley ("Marley Natural") brand.
The oldest known time capsule in America was opened this week, which was even more significant because it was originally created by well-known revolutionaries Paul Revere and Sam Adams.
In amusing journalism news, the vaunted New York Times made a major goof by running a story about "Kyrzbekistan" (instead of Kyrgyzstan). Somewhere, Herman "Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan" Cain is surely laughing.
And finally, one of the funniest editorials we've ever read was run by the Frederick News-Post in Maryland, in response to a local politician who was angry at one of their articles about him, and who (get this) threatened to sue the paper for their unauthorized use of his name. The editorial, appropriately enough, gratuitously uses his name over two dozen times, from a mere footnote right up to the article's title: "Kirby Delauter, Kirby Delauter, Kirby Delauter." If you want a good laugh, this is the article to read this week!
As previously mentioned, President Obama is enjoying an upward bounce in his poll numbers. If he gets another boost from the State Of The Union, maybe more people will begin taking note. For now, we'll give him an *Honorable Mention* for this progress.
But our *Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week* this week is Senator Barbara Boxer, who just announced she will not be seeking re-election next year.
Now, we could give Boxer an award because she is our senator and she votes a lot closer to our views than California's other senator, but that'd be more of a "lifetime achievement" award, really. Besides, we wrote about that yesterday, so we'd just be repeating ourselves.
Instead, we are handing Boxer the *MIDOTW* award for her timing. Boxer made her announcement stunningly early in the 2016 election cycle -- so early that even Nancy Pelosi was surprised by it. This insures the maximum amount of time for all other California Democrats to make their case to the public, instead of playing the egotistical game of "maybe I'll run, and maybe I won't" -- which far too many other senators have disgracefully played in the past. Boxer is putting her state and her party before her own self-importance, which is impressive indeed.
What was not so impressive (and we say this with all due respect) was the manner in which she ended her video announcement. She is fond of making rhyming statements, and crafted the following poem to explain why she's stepping down:
The Senate is the place where I've always made my case,
For families, for the planet and the human race.
More than 20 years in a job I love,
Thanks to California and the Lord above.
So although I won't be working for my Senate space,
And I won't be running in that next tough race,
As long as there are issues and challenges and strife,
I will never retire because that's the meaning of my life.
Now, this is normally the moment when we'd make the stock snarky comment "don't quit your day job," but it would just be too ironic to do so (seeing as how that's exactly what she is in the process of doing).
All friendly kidding aside, though, Barbara Boxer will indeed be missed in the Senate. She has been a staunch champion of so many issues, and she has been so reliable in standing up for her convictions that even bad poetry cannot diminish our respect for her. For announcing her plans so early and throwing the race wide open from the very start, Barbara Boxer is our *Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week*. We can only hope that when it comes time for Dianne Feinstein to do the same thing (two years from now), she'll follow Boxer's classy lead.
[Congratulate Senator Barbara Boxer on her Senate contact page, to let her know you appreciate her efforts.]
We're happy to say we had no candidates for *Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week* this week, perhaps an aftereffect of all that holiday good cheer. If you'd like to nominate someone worthy of disappointment that we've ignored or missed, please do so (as always) in the comments section.
*Volume 331* (1/9/15)
President Obama is currently out in the country giving some extraordinary speeches. He's doing so to build support for his upcoming State Of The Union address, and it's a pretty sure bet that many of the applause lines in these preview speeches will find their way into the big one later this month.
The speeches are impressive for one big reason: they're optimistic. My (very early) guess is that Obama's State Of The Union speech this year will be compared to Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America" campaign speech, in fact.
Now, there will be quibbles from Democrats disappointed that this sort of thing didn't happen before the election, when it might have done a lot more political good. But the hard reality is that six or nine months ago, Obama would have sounded too optimistic if he had given the same speech he just gave in Michigan, to auto workers. Obama -- and, by extension, the Democrats -- would have appeared out-of-touch instead of cheerily optimistic.
But with the last half-year's economic data under his belt, Obama is now free to begin talking up the American economy. He's still treading carefully, you can tell, but he's hitting more positive notes than just about any other politician out there.
Which is why we're taking six of our seven talking points this week from Obama's Detroit speech (a full transcript is available on the White House website). Our third talking point is the only non-Obama one this week, because the president glossed over this point in his speech (devoting only one quick sentence to it) and we felt it needed more emphasis.
All Democrats should be following the president's lead on this: claim some well-deserved credit! If you refuse to, the Republicans will snatch this opportunity away from you, guaranteed.
* America is coming back*This is where Obama started, which set the theme for the entire speech. As I said, it's very close to Reagan's "Morning In America" idea. Call it "realistic optimism," perhaps.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to make sure that more Americans in Wayne, more Americans in Michigan, more Americans all across this great country -- that everybody feels like they're coming back. And there is no doubt, thanks to the steps that we took early on to rescue our economy and to rebuild it on a new foundation, we are entering into the New Year with new confidence that America is coming back. Now, you don't have to take my word for it. The facts are the facts. And let's face it, a lot of times the media doesn't like reporting on good news, but every once in a while, it's important for us to hear some good news, not to make us complacent, but to give us confidence that if we work harder, we can make even more good news.
* Jobs are coming back*Obama's been doing a good job of blending job statistics with an "American exceptionalism" spin, of late. He gave this speech before December's numbers were out, so he couldn't add something like: "In my first year in office, in the depths of the Great Recession, unemployment hit 10 percent, but it is now down to 5.6 percent." But the rest of it works just fine, even without that added statistic.
Last year, 2014, was the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s. Since the 1990s. We've now had a 57-month streak of private sector job creation. We've created nearly 11 million new jobs. That's the longest stretch in our history of private sector, uninterrupted job creation. Here's another way of thinking about it. Since 2010, we, America, have put more people back to work than Europe, Japan, and every other advanced economy combined. Combined. And let me tell you what's leading the way: American manufacturing. After a decade of decline, American manufacturing is in its best stretch of job growth since the 1990s.
* Obamacare came back*This is the one Obama glossed over. Again, this speech was likely written before the good news appeared from Gallup, so it's understandable. But it's important enough for me to attempt to put words into Obama's mouth. Here's what he could have said, with the recent data:
"The Affordable Care Act -- or 'Obamacare,' if you will -- is chalking up success after success. The website got fixed. Since then, people have been signing up in droves. About 10 million of them in the past year alone, in fact. Gallup now tells us that the rate of uninsured Americans has fallen sharply since Obamacare went into effect -- and it continues to fall. The quarter before the Obamacare exchanges opened, a full 18 percent of Americans were uninsured. Last quarter, that number had fallen to just 12.9 percent. Obamacare is doing exactly what it was designed to do -- reduce the number of people without health insurance in America. For all the doom and gloom its opponents have been predicting since we started talking about reforming health care, the data trends since implementation have been overwhelmingly positive."
* Deficits are way down*The way Obama frames this issue is important, because the gap between reality and what the public assumes is a large one, and it'll only shrink if Democrats point these things out over and over again.
We've cut our deficits by about two-thirds. I'd like people to think about that, because when they do surveys of, like, ordinary folks on the street and they ask them, are the deficits going up or are they coming down, everybody automatically assumes, well, government spending and deficits must be going up. Deficits have come down by two-thirds since I took office -- by two-thirds. They're going down.
* Let's rebuild the middle class together*This is likely to be the core of Obama's big speech in a few weeks, which he even points out. He's pivoting from where we are now to where he'd like to lead us.
America's resurgence is real. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. We've got the best cards and we are doing better than just about anybody else on Earth. And now that we've got some calmer waters, now that the worst of the crisis is behind us, if we all do our part, if we all pitch in, then we can make sure that this rising tide is actually lifting all the boats, not just some. We can make sure that the middle class is the engine that powers American prosperity for decades to come. And that's going to be the focus of my State Of The Union address in a couple of weeks -- building on the progress that we've already made.
* Auto bailouts have been repaid*This is a big deal, too, because it also fills in one of those gaps between reality and public perception. Of course, this is tailored to the Michigan crowd, but it's still an important point to make.
Last month we actually marked a milestone. Last month, the rescue of the auto industry officially came to an end. The auto companies have now repaid taxpayers every dime and more of what my administration invested in you. You paid the taxpayers back with your hard work, with your dedication. And over the past five years, this industry created about 500,000 new jobs. Last year, American autoworkers churned out cars faster than any year since 2005. Ford has brought jobs back from Mexico, created nearly 24,000 new jobs across this country, including 1,800 new jobs right here in this plant.
* We come back stronger*And, finally, Obama closes on a high note, once again stoking the American exceptionalism fires.
When our assembly lines grind to a halt, we work together, we get them going again. We don't give up. We get up, we fight back. We come back stronger than before. Thanks to the hard work of people like you, America is coming back. And I'm going to be on your side every step of the way.
Chris Weigant blogs at:Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
Become a fan of Chris on The Huffington Post
Full archives of FTP columns: FridayTalkingPoints.com
All-time award winners leaderboard, by rank
Reported by Huffington Post 8 hours ago.
However, I have to say, most of the American media cravenly allowed the terrorists to dictate their editorial policy this week, which is truly disappointing. People got killed for these cartoons. And the American mainstream media, for the most part (there were a few notable exceptions), refused to show viewers or readers the cartoons in question. Out of fear. That's pathetic.
The proper response to terrorist pressure on cartoonists is to give the cartoons in question the widest audience possible in the largest number of media outlets possible -- that is true solidarity with Charlie Hebdo. Kudos to The Huffington Post for not cowering in fear, and actually running the cartoons, which were a major part of the breaking news story.
What made me really pause and think this week, though, was another story in The Huffington Post, about a Saudi Arabian blogger who got a sentence of 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes because he "insulted Islam on a liberal forum." The whippings will begin today, and continue for the next 20 weeks (50 lashes per week). This sentence, I hasten to point out, comes from a government that the United States considers one of our closest allies in the region. So nous sommes Charlie, to be sure; but I am Raif Baddawi, as well. Freedom of expression -- and the freedom to write a blog post critical of any aspect of society -- should be considered absolutes, in my opinion. No matter who is trying to forcefully restrict this basic human right, friend or foe.
In domestic news, unemployment is down once again, job growth continues, gas prices are down, the stock market's booming, and the rate of uninsured Americans continues to plummet (down to 12.9 percent from a pre-Obamacare high of 18.0 percent) as a direct result of Obamacare. The continuing good economic news (and Obama's rising job approval polling) even got a begruduging acknowledgement from the Wall Street Journal.
At the beginning of the week, I wrote a piece which tried to convince Democrats to start taking some credit for all of this, before Republicans try to horn in and grab all the credit for themselves. Not two days later, Mitch McConnell tried to do exactly that. Sometimes I hit the jackpot in the "being prophetic" department, but usually not this quickly!
McConnell was soundly ridiculed, of course. Mo Elleithee, communications director for the Democratic National Committee, had the best response:
Hahahahahahahahahahaha. That Mitch McConnell is one funny guy. He likes to remind people all the time that he's not a scientist. Now we know he's not a mathematician or an economist either. The fact is, under President Obama we've had 57 straight months of private sector job growth leading to nearly 11 million jobs added. All Republicans have given us is a government shutdown that cost the economy $24 billion. I get why he wants to take credit for the economic recovery. But maybe he should first do something to help contribute to it.
Republicans are so funny. I mean, they always follow pretty much the same playbook: predict doom and gloom, and then when it doesn't happen, claim all the credit. Think this is too harsh? Here's a quick look back at four predictions Republicans were making back in 2012 about how disastrous a second Obama term would be -- gas was supposed to be almost $5.50 a gallon, unemployment was supposed to have stayed at eight percent, and the stock market and the economy were supposed to have crashed by now. Good thing we didn't re-elect Obama, eh?
Back in reality, President Obama is in the midst of unveiling a few policy ideas in preparation for his upcoming State Of The Union speech. Today's proposal is to make community college free for everyone. Can't see Republicans supporting that, but it'll be a dandy issue to run on for all Democrats, come 2016. In a few weeks, the White House will announce a far-reaching and long-overdue rule change on who is entitled to mandatory overtime -- and the even-better news is that Congress won't have much of a say about it.
Speaking of Congress, the 114th such gathering got sworn in this week, and got down to the serious business of passing bills that Obama is absolutely guaranteed to veto. However, we're going to make a conscious decision to punt discussing Congress, for the most part, until next week. Until then, Richard Zombeck has a pretty good rundown of all the mischief Republicans have been up to, and Salon's got a good explanation of why almost all of these efforts will be doomed to fail. We apologize for not getting into these issues, but then this column has been on hiatus for three weeks (two for our year-end awards columns, and last week we ran our monthly "Obama Poll Watch" article because we were still exhausted from the holiday season), so we've just got too much else to cover today.
In fact, this intro is long enough as it is, so let's just quickly note a few odds and ends, and move right along to the weekly awards. Two marijuana stories were in the business news section (which should become a much more common occurrence in the near future): former Senator Mike Gravel announced he'll become the CEO of a marijuana company, and a "high-profile venture capital firm" made a multi-million dollar investment in the company that will soon be marketing marijuana with a Bob Marley ("Marley Natural") brand.
The oldest known time capsule in America was opened this week, which was even more significant because it was originally created by well-known revolutionaries Paul Revere and Sam Adams.
In amusing journalism news, the vaunted New York Times made a major goof by running a story about "Kyrzbekistan" (instead of Kyrgyzstan). Somewhere, Herman "Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan" Cain is surely laughing.
And finally, one of the funniest editorials we've ever read was run by the Frederick News-Post in Maryland, in response to a local politician who was angry at one of their articles about him, and who (get this) threatened to sue the paper for their unauthorized use of his name. The editorial, appropriately enough, gratuitously uses his name over two dozen times, from a mere footnote right up to the article's title: "Kirby Delauter, Kirby Delauter, Kirby Delauter." If you want a good laugh, this is the article to read this week!
As previously mentioned, President Obama is enjoying an upward bounce in his poll numbers. If he gets another boost from the State Of The Union, maybe more people will begin taking note. For now, we'll give him an *Honorable Mention* for this progress.
But our *Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week* this week is Senator Barbara Boxer, who just announced she will not be seeking re-election next year.
Now, we could give Boxer an award because she is our senator and she votes a lot closer to our views than California's other senator, but that'd be more of a "lifetime achievement" award, really. Besides, we wrote about that yesterday, so we'd just be repeating ourselves.
Instead, we are handing Boxer the *MIDOTW* award for her timing. Boxer made her announcement stunningly early in the 2016 election cycle -- so early that even Nancy Pelosi was surprised by it. This insures the maximum amount of time for all other California Democrats to make their case to the public, instead of playing the egotistical game of "maybe I'll run, and maybe I won't" -- which far too many other senators have disgracefully played in the past. Boxer is putting her state and her party before her own self-importance, which is impressive indeed.
What was not so impressive (and we say this with all due respect) was the manner in which she ended her video announcement. She is fond of making rhyming statements, and crafted the following poem to explain why she's stepping down:
The Senate is the place where I've always made my case,
For families, for the planet and the human race.
More than 20 years in a job I love,
Thanks to California and the Lord above.
So although I won't be working for my Senate space,
And I won't be running in that next tough race,
As long as there are issues and challenges and strife,
I will never retire because that's the meaning of my life.
Now, this is normally the moment when we'd make the stock snarky comment "don't quit your day job," but it would just be too ironic to do so (seeing as how that's exactly what she is in the process of doing).
All friendly kidding aside, though, Barbara Boxer will indeed be missed in the Senate. She has been a staunch champion of so many issues, and she has been so reliable in standing up for her convictions that even bad poetry cannot diminish our respect for her. For announcing her plans so early and throwing the race wide open from the very start, Barbara Boxer is our *Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week*. We can only hope that when it comes time for Dianne Feinstein to do the same thing (two years from now), she'll follow Boxer's classy lead.
[Congratulate Senator Barbara Boxer on her Senate contact page, to let her know you appreciate her efforts.]
We're happy to say we had no candidates for *Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week* this week, perhaps an aftereffect of all that holiday good cheer. If you'd like to nominate someone worthy of disappointment that we've ignored or missed, please do so (as always) in the comments section.
*Volume 331* (1/9/15)
President Obama is currently out in the country giving some extraordinary speeches. He's doing so to build support for his upcoming State Of The Union address, and it's a pretty sure bet that many of the applause lines in these preview speeches will find their way into the big one later this month.
The speeches are impressive for one big reason: they're optimistic. My (very early) guess is that Obama's State Of The Union speech this year will be compared to Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America" campaign speech, in fact.
Now, there will be quibbles from Democrats disappointed that this sort of thing didn't happen before the election, when it might have done a lot more political good. But the hard reality is that six or nine months ago, Obama would have sounded too optimistic if he had given the same speech he just gave in Michigan, to auto workers. Obama -- and, by extension, the Democrats -- would have appeared out-of-touch instead of cheerily optimistic.
But with the last half-year's economic data under his belt, Obama is now free to begin talking up the American economy. He's still treading carefully, you can tell, but he's hitting more positive notes than just about any other politician out there.
Which is why we're taking six of our seven talking points this week from Obama's Detroit speech (a full transcript is available on the White House website). Our third talking point is the only non-Obama one this week, because the president glossed over this point in his speech (devoting only one quick sentence to it) and we felt it needed more emphasis.
All Democrats should be following the president's lead on this: claim some well-deserved credit! If you refuse to, the Republicans will snatch this opportunity away from you, guaranteed.
* America is coming back*This is where Obama started, which set the theme for the entire speech. As I said, it's very close to Reagan's "Morning In America" idea. Call it "realistic optimism," perhaps.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to make sure that more Americans in Wayne, more Americans in Michigan, more Americans all across this great country -- that everybody feels like they're coming back. And there is no doubt, thanks to the steps that we took early on to rescue our economy and to rebuild it on a new foundation, we are entering into the New Year with new confidence that America is coming back. Now, you don't have to take my word for it. The facts are the facts. And let's face it, a lot of times the media doesn't like reporting on good news, but every once in a while, it's important for us to hear some good news, not to make us complacent, but to give us confidence that if we work harder, we can make even more good news.
* Jobs are coming back*Obama's been doing a good job of blending job statistics with an "American exceptionalism" spin, of late. He gave this speech before December's numbers were out, so he couldn't add something like: "In my first year in office, in the depths of the Great Recession, unemployment hit 10 percent, but it is now down to 5.6 percent." But the rest of it works just fine, even without that added statistic.
Last year, 2014, was the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s. Since the 1990s. We've now had a 57-month streak of private sector job creation. We've created nearly 11 million new jobs. That's the longest stretch in our history of private sector, uninterrupted job creation. Here's another way of thinking about it. Since 2010, we, America, have put more people back to work than Europe, Japan, and every other advanced economy combined. Combined. And let me tell you what's leading the way: American manufacturing. After a decade of decline, American manufacturing is in its best stretch of job growth since the 1990s.
* Obamacare came back*This is the one Obama glossed over. Again, this speech was likely written before the good news appeared from Gallup, so it's understandable. But it's important enough for me to attempt to put words into Obama's mouth. Here's what he could have said, with the recent data:
"The Affordable Care Act -- or 'Obamacare,' if you will -- is chalking up success after success. The website got fixed. Since then, people have been signing up in droves. About 10 million of them in the past year alone, in fact. Gallup now tells us that the rate of uninsured Americans has fallen sharply since Obamacare went into effect -- and it continues to fall. The quarter before the Obamacare exchanges opened, a full 18 percent of Americans were uninsured. Last quarter, that number had fallen to just 12.9 percent. Obamacare is doing exactly what it was designed to do -- reduce the number of people without health insurance in America. For all the doom and gloom its opponents have been predicting since we started talking about reforming health care, the data trends since implementation have been overwhelmingly positive."
* Deficits are way down*The way Obama frames this issue is important, because the gap between reality and what the public assumes is a large one, and it'll only shrink if Democrats point these things out over and over again.
We've cut our deficits by about two-thirds. I'd like people to think about that, because when they do surveys of, like, ordinary folks on the street and they ask them, are the deficits going up or are they coming down, everybody automatically assumes, well, government spending and deficits must be going up. Deficits have come down by two-thirds since I took office -- by two-thirds. They're going down.
* Let's rebuild the middle class together*This is likely to be the core of Obama's big speech in a few weeks, which he even points out. He's pivoting from where we are now to where he'd like to lead us.
America's resurgence is real. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. We've got the best cards and we are doing better than just about anybody else on Earth. And now that we've got some calmer waters, now that the worst of the crisis is behind us, if we all do our part, if we all pitch in, then we can make sure that this rising tide is actually lifting all the boats, not just some. We can make sure that the middle class is the engine that powers American prosperity for decades to come. And that's going to be the focus of my State Of The Union address in a couple of weeks -- building on the progress that we've already made.
* Auto bailouts have been repaid*This is a big deal, too, because it also fills in one of those gaps between reality and public perception. Of course, this is tailored to the Michigan crowd, but it's still an important point to make.
Last month we actually marked a milestone. Last month, the rescue of the auto industry officially came to an end. The auto companies have now repaid taxpayers every dime and more of what my administration invested in you. You paid the taxpayers back with your hard work, with your dedication. And over the past five years, this industry created about 500,000 new jobs. Last year, American autoworkers churned out cars faster than any year since 2005. Ford has brought jobs back from Mexico, created nearly 24,000 new jobs across this country, including 1,800 new jobs right here in this plant.
* We come back stronger*And, finally, Obama closes on a high note, once again stoking the American exceptionalism fires.
When our assembly lines grind to a halt, we work together, we get them going again. We don't give up. We get up, we fight back. We come back stronger than before. Thanks to the hard work of people like you, America is coming back. And I'm going to be on your side every step of the way.
Chris Weigant blogs at:Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
Become a fan of Chris on The Huffington Post
Full archives of FTP columns: FridayTalkingPoints.com
All-time award winners leaderboard, by rank
Reported by Huffington Post 8 hours ago.
↧
Health insurance workshop set for N.F. by SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center will provide small business owners with an update on health insurance options during a Jan. 13 workshop at Memorial's downtown campus. Greg Lindberg from the SBA and representatives from the medical center's insurance Navigator Program will answer questions and discuss insurance options for small businesses. The free seminar, "The Affordable Care Act and Your Business," will be presented from 8 to 10 a.m. in the HSBC…
Reported by bizjournals 21 hours ago.
↧
Health-care ad targeting same-sex couples debuts in Illinois
Advocates of the Affordable Care Act have been working for more than a year to encourage members of the LGBT community to get insured under the health-care law. But now, the Illinois health insurance marketplace is taking that appeal to the airwaves -- during the Golden Globes, no less.
Reported by Washington Post 21 hours ago.
↧
Obama: America Experiencing Economic Growth
U.S. President Barack Obama says 2014 was a "breakthrough year" for America and he has the "evidence to back that up." The president said in his weekly address Saturday that 2014 was the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s, with unemployment falling faster than it has in three decades. Obama said "thanks to the Affordable Care Act" about 10 million Americans obtained health insurance last year. In December alone, Obama said, American businesses...
Reported by VOA News 17 hours ago.
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Renters Insurance Quotes for 2015 Now Searchable Online at Consumer Insurance Portal
2015 renters insurance quotes can now be obtained through use of the search system at the Quotes Pros company website at http://quotespros.com/renters-insurance.html.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 10, 2015
Adults in the U.S. who currently rent apartments or condos now have the option to review prices from insurance companies through the Quotes Pros portal for 2015. Renters insurance quotes from new companies can now be located through use of the revised tool at http://quotespros.com/renters-insurance.html.
A updated listing of national and state level companies is now available to browse while using the QuotesPros.com portal this year. Rates that are good through the rest of 2015 can be found for insurer policies for men and women who rent properties. Obtaining a quotation through the portal will require a system user to input a zip code to find customized pricing.
"Rates often change at the first of the year for insurance policies and our system is now enabled to help consumers find new levels of pricing in real time," said one Quotes Pros rep.
The rates for renters insurance that are offered on a state or national basis this year are supplied through rated and unrated insurance companies. Consumers can input a zip code to sort through the many providers that have agreed to quote web pricing through the research finder for 2015.
"There is a lot of competition between insurers to retain existing customers or to find new customers and our system can help define which companies have the best prices," said the rep.
The Quotes Pros company has engaged consumers in the art of researching insurers since the 2013 year on the web. Due to new tool upgrades on the homepage, it is now easier than ever for American citizens to find health, automotive or life insurance when entering the portal at http://quotespros.com/health-insurance.html.
About QuotesPros.com
The QuotesPros.com company offers ways that any adult can explore and quote insurance costs for various policies on the web. The company has created its exclusive database to allow real time research for costs and policy details. The QuotesPros.com company uses a zip code tool to provide faster data to consumers when research for coverage policies is completed. The company plans to update the search tool with more national agencies this year. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 10, 2015
Adults in the U.S. who currently rent apartments or condos now have the option to review prices from insurance companies through the Quotes Pros portal for 2015. Renters insurance quotes from new companies can now be located through use of the revised tool at http://quotespros.com/renters-insurance.html.
A updated listing of national and state level companies is now available to browse while using the QuotesPros.com portal this year. Rates that are good through the rest of 2015 can be found for insurer policies for men and women who rent properties. Obtaining a quotation through the portal will require a system user to input a zip code to find customized pricing.
"Rates often change at the first of the year for insurance policies and our system is now enabled to help consumers find new levels of pricing in real time," said one Quotes Pros rep.
The rates for renters insurance that are offered on a state or national basis this year are supplied through rated and unrated insurance companies. Consumers can input a zip code to sort through the many providers that have agreed to quote web pricing through the research finder for 2015.
"There is a lot of competition between insurers to retain existing customers or to find new customers and our system can help define which companies have the best prices," said the rep.
The Quotes Pros company has engaged consumers in the art of researching insurers since the 2013 year on the web. Due to new tool upgrades on the homepage, it is now easier than ever for American citizens to find health, automotive or life insurance when entering the portal at http://quotespros.com/health-insurance.html.
About QuotesPros.com
The QuotesPros.com company offers ways that any adult can explore and quote insurance costs for various policies on the web. The company has created its exclusive database to allow real time research for costs and policy details. The QuotesPros.com company uses a zip code tool to provide faster data to consumers when research for coverage policies is completed. The company plans to update the search tool with more national agencies this year. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
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Strategic Investors: A Digital Health Start-Up's Best Friend?
Cambia Health Solutions came out of nowhere this past year to break into Rock Health’s ranking of top digital health investors with eight investments in 2014. The Portland, Oregon-based insurer, the only insurance company on the list, began the new year in earnest, announcing lead investments in Caremerge and True Link. From Aetna to UnitedHealth Group to Cigna, the Affordable Care Act has pressured health plans into transforming their companies or risk becoming commodity businesses. They have made some high profile investments to help them engage with their members. Last year, UnitedHealth acquired a majority stake in wellness start-up Audax Health for several hundred million dollars. Aetna made a big splash with a platform aggregating consumer health apps, but the project fizzled. It’s not easy. Patients and doctors still have trust issues with insurance companies. Many have been mining claims data for more than a decade to manage patients with chronic diseases, yet they stumble over basic stuff, like answering phone calls or pinning down which doctors are in their network. Cambia runs Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in the Northwest. In 2013, it generated $76 million in net earnings on $8.4 billion in revenue—mainly premiums from more than 2 million members. (It hasn’t disclosed 2014 financials yet.) Four years ago it set up a division to make off balance sheet bets in digital health starts-ups, some home-grown, as part of its diversification strategy. Because of its set-up, Rob Coppedge who leads Cambia’s investments says the non-profit insurer can afford to take a longer term view than traditional venture capitalists, in an industry where sales cycles can drag on. “We don’t force management to do weird things at weird times,” he says. Although Coppedge will not disclose the total investment amount, Cambia currently has 13 start-ups in its portfolio, including data analytics company GNS Healthcare, primary care service provider Qliance, and Maxwell Health, an online benefits platform. Three were sold over the past two years: Rise Health to Best Doctors, Care Team Connect to the Advisory Board, and Trizetto to Cognizant for $2.7 billion. The latter precedes Cambia’s formal investment initiative; the payer put $114 million in the heath IT company and uses its benefits administration services. When GNS—which raised a total $15 million from investors led by Cambia, was shifting its focus from pharmaceutical companies to payers, CEO Colin Hill sought out a strategic investor that could help it gain customers. GNS was able to test a medication adherence program with 150,000 Cambia health plan members who suffer from chronic diseases. Cambia paid for the development of the product, and became a customer this past September. Cambia’s CEO Mark Ganz, who’s chair of the trade association America’s Health Insurance Plans, sits on GNS’s board. The start-up is in discussions with other payers to sell its medication adherence platform. “Their front line experience helped us,” says Hill.
Reported by Forbes.com 20 hours ago.
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Matt Bonner Drives Offense to Help Granite Staters Get Covered
Two-Time NBA Champion Teams Up with Covering New Hampshire to Promote Affordable Health Coverage Options
Concord, NH (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
Two-time NBA champion Matt Bonner, a Concord native and center/forward for the San Antonio Spurs, has teamed up with Covering New Hampshire in an effort to educate uninsured Granite Staters about affordable options for health coverage.
In a new 30-second Public Service Announcement released today by Covering New Hampshire, Bonner talks about the importance of getting covered and the dozens of quality, affordable plans now available to Granite Staters through the Health Insurance Marketplace. He also reminds viewers of the looming February 15 deadline to get enrolled in coverage for 2015.
The video is available online now at http://www.CoveringNewHampshire.org and will be circulated widely as Covering New Hampshire works to educate Granite Staters about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
But what does Matt Bonner have to do with health care coverage? Bonner falls into the group most likely to be insured—men, aged 35 and younger, often referred to as the “young invincibles.” In New Hampshire, thousands of younger men are eligible for financial assistance that makes health insurance affordable. Covering New Hampshire and Bonner hope to break through and convince this group to sign up for coverage in advance of the February 15 deadline.
Covering New Hampshire is the official, free resource for Granite Staters to learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and the affordable health insurance plans that are now available. Covering New Hampshire aims to help people understand the health care law and assist in connecting people with the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information, go to http://www.CoveringNewHampshire.org. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
Concord, NH (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
Two-time NBA champion Matt Bonner, a Concord native and center/forward for the San Antonio Spurs, has teamed up with Covering New Hampshire in an effort to educate uninsured Granite Staters about affordable options for health coverage.
In a new 30-second Public Service Announcement released today by Covering New Hampshire, Bonner talks about the importance of getting covered and the dozens of quality, affordable plans now available to Granite Staters through the Health Insurance Marketplace. He also reminds viewers of the looming February 15 deadline to get enrolled in coverage for 2015.
The video is available online now at http://www.CoveringNewHampshire.org and will be circulated widely as Covering New Hampshire works to educate Granite Staters about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
But what does Matt Bonner have to do with health care coverage? Bonner falls into the group most likely to be insured—men, aged 35 and younger, often referred to as the “young invincibles.” In New Hampshire, thousands of younger men are eligible for financial assistance that makes health insurance affordable. Covering New Hampshire and Bonner hope to break through and convince this group to sign up for coverage in advance of the February 15 deadline.
Covering New Hampshire is the official, free resource for Granite Staters to learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and the affordable health insurance plans that are now available. Covering New Hampshire aims to help people understand the health care law and assist in connecting people with the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information, go to http://www.CoveringNewHampshire.org. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
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Metro Rehab Opens Doors as Minneapolis' New "Go to" Physical Therapy Clinic
Physical Therapy Clinic for Sports Injuries, Auto Accident, and Work Comp Victims
Minneapolis, Minnesota (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
For those in need of a physical therapist but are having a tough time finding a quality clinic that is in-network with their health insurance, or have been in an auto or work accident recently, there is now a new clinic in town to visit. Patients who have suffered a work, auto, or sports injury and want to get back in the game as soon as possible are welcomed at this top-notch clinic located in the Minneapolis area (Edina) that can handle most medical needs. No referral is needed (unless patients have Medicare) to be treated.
Meet Metro Rehab, Minneapolis’ new Physical Therapy clinic located in the professional medical building off of France Avenue in Edina, MN. Metro Rehab is in network with all health insurance companies. Metro Rehab also works within a network of doctors who specialize in treating auto accident and worker’s compensation patients. "Whether a patient has a sports injury or has been involved in a high speed motor vehicle collision, Metro Rehab has the ability to provide their patients with the very best care as well as making sure that their treatment will be covered by their insurance company," states head Physical Therapist Tammy Saphir.
Tammy Saphir also states:
“Since I was a child I have always known that I wanted to be in the medical field. After a sports related injury in the ninth grade, I knew physical therapy was the field for me.
"While competing in gymnastics for the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Eagles, I obtained a BS in Exercise Science. Then I went on to obtain my Masters in Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University. It is there that I learned the foundation and principles of the healing art of physical therapy and how this works in conjunction with your chiropractic care.
"A Physical Therapist is trained to use various techniques from hands-on to active rehab and patient education. PT's are specialists who can help you go from injury to recovery and prevention.”
Insurance companies that Metro Rehab are in network with include but are not limited to: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Preferred One, Healthpartners, Ucare, Aetna, Medica, United Healthcare, Cigna, MN Care, State Farm, Progressive, Farmers, American Family, and Allstate. Metro Rehab is located in the Minneapolis area and serves all surrounding locations in the metro.
Metro Rehab is located at 7250 France Avenue South #111b, Edina, MN 55435 Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
Minneapolis, Minnesota (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
For those in need of a physical therapist but are having a tough time finding a quality clinic that is in-network with their health insurance, or have been in an auto or work accident recently, there is now a new clinic in town to visit. Patients who have suffered a work, auto, or sports injury and want to get back in the game as soon as possible are welcomed at this top-notch clinic located in the Minneapolis area (Edina) that can handle most medical needs. No referral is needed (unless patients have Medicare) to be treated.
Meet Metro Rehab, Minneapolis’ new Physical Therapy clinic located in the professional medical building off of France Avenue in Edina, MN. Metro Rehab is in network with all health insurance companies. Metro Rehab also works within a network of doctors who specialize in treating auto accident and worker’s compensation patients. "Whether a patient has a sports injury or has been involved in a high speed motor vehicle collision, Metro Rehab has the ability to provide their patients with the very best care as well as making sure that their treatment will be covered by their insurance company," states head Physical Therapist Tammy Saphir.
Tammy Saphir also states:
“Since I was a child I have always known that I wanted to be in the medical field. After a sports related injury in the ninth grade, I knew physical therapy was the field for me.
"While competing in gymnastics for the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Eagles, I obtained a BS in Exercise Science. Then I went on to obtain my Masters in Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University. It is there that I learned the foundation and principles of the healing art of physical therapy and how this works in conjunction with your chiropractic care.
"A Physical Therapist is trained to use various techniques from hands-on to active rehab and patient education. PT's are specialists who can help you go from injury to recovery and prevention.”
Insurance companies that Metro Rehab are in network with include but are not limited to: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Preferred One, Healthpartners, Ucare, Aetna, Medica, United Healthcare, Cigna, MN Care, State Farm, Progressive, Farmers, American Family, and Allstate. Metro Rehab is located in the Minneapolis area and serves all surrounding locations in the metro.
Metro Rehab is located at 7250 France Avenue South #111b, Edina, MN 55435 Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
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Newly Updated 2015 HIPAA Policy Templates Now Available for Instant Download from the HIPAA HITECH Experts at Flat Iron Technologies, LLC
The healthcare experts at Flat Iron Technologies, LLC now offer an incredibly in-depth, newly revised set of HIPAA policy templates available for instant download today. It’s called the HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT), and it’s comes complete with literally hundreds of HIPAA specific information security and operational specific policies, procedures, forms, checklists, training material, provisioning documents, and so much more.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
The healthcare experts at Flat Iron Technologies, LLC now offer an incredibly in-depth, newly revised set of HIPAA policy templates available for instant download today. It’s called the HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT), and it’s comes complete with literally hundreds of HIPAA specific information security and operational specific policies, procedures, forms, checklists, training material, provisioning documents, and so much more.
Developed by one of North America’s healthcare and compliance experts, the HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT) includes the following HIPAA policy templates for ensuring both Covered Entities and Business Associates are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act:· HIPAA Information Security Policies and Procedures Manual
· HIPAA Information Systems Hardening Checklists
· HIPAA Disaster Recovery Plan
· HIPAA Handbook & Reference Manual
· HIPAA Security Awareness Training PowerPoint (PPT) Presentation
· HIPAA Security Awareness Training Manual & Employee Quiz
· HIPAA Security Rule & Privacy Rule Checklist & Readiness Assessment
· HIPAA Risk Assessment Template
· Essential HIPAA Forms
· Additional HIPAA Policies and Procedures
· And much more!
With growing HHS OCR audits, it’s now time to become compliant with the mandated HIPAA regulations, so download the high-quality, professionally developed HIPAA policy templates from the healthcare experts today at hipaapoliciesandprocedures.com. The HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT) is absolutely essential for any healthcare organization in today’s world of growing cyber security threats and challenges. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
The healthcare experts at Flat Iron Technologies, LLC now offer an incredibly in-depth, newly revised set of HIPAA policy templates available for instant download today. It’s called the HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT), and it’s comes complete with literally hundreds of HIPAA specific information security and operational specific policies, procedures, forms, checklists, training material, provisioning documents, and so much more.
Developed by one of North America’s healthcare and compliance experts, the HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT) includes the following HIPAA policy templates for ensuring both Covered Entities and Business Associates are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act:· HIPAA Information Security Policies and Procedures Manual
· HIPAA Information Systems Hardening Checklists
· HIPAA Disaster Recovery Plan
· HIPAA Handbook & Reference Manual
· HIPAA Security Awareness Training PowerPoint (PPT) Presentation
· HIPAA Security Awareness Training Manual & Employee Quiz
· HIPAA Security Rule & Privacy Rule Checklist & Readiness Assessment
· HIPAA Risk Assessment Template
· Essential HIPAA Forms
· Additional HIPAA Policies and Procedures
· And much more!
With growing HHS OCR audits, it’s now time to become compliant with the mandated HIPAA regulations, so download the high-quality, professionally developed HIPAA policy templates from the healthcare experts today at hipaapoliciesandprocedures.com. The HIPAA Security & Privacy Compliance Toolkit (HSPCT) is absolutely essential for any healthcare organization in today’s world of growing cyber security threats and challenges. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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WellCare Gives $4400 Grant to USF College of Pharmacy
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today announced that the WellCare Community Foundation has given a $4,400 grant to fund the University of South Florida’s College of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony.
Tampa, Fla. (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today announced that the WellCare Community Foundation has given a $4,400 grant to fund the University of South Florida’s College of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony.
Nearly 100 students participated in the White Coat Ceremony, a tradition where new students receive their first white coat to symbolize their commitment to clinical service and care. This, followed by a united pledge made by the entire incoming class, marks the first of many steps these students take on the road to becoming a pharmacist.
“Receiving my white coat means others believe in me as much as I do,” said Joseph Adelufosi, a USF pharmacy student who was born and raised in Tampa, Fla. “It puts me one step closer to helping others, which is something I do not take for granted. I am grateful to WellCare for their support.”
“WellCare is committed to supporting and collaborating with health care providers to help our members live better, healthier lives,” said Laura Hungiville, chief pharmacy officer at WellCare. “It is an honor to invest in young people who are dedicating their lives to caring for others.”
“This ceremony helps instill three principles – integrity, honor and ethics.” said Dr. Kevin Sneed, dean of the college of pharmacy, USF. “We are grateful that WellCare could play such an important role in this event, which symbolizes the entrance of these pharmacy students into the profession.”
As of Sept. 30, 2014, WellCare serves approximately 628,000 Medicaid plan members, 75,000 Florida Healthy Kids members, 102,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 62,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Florida. To learn more about how the company cares for Floridians, watch Moise’s story at http://youtu.be/DmbKu8U7Ea8.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, Prescription Drug Plans and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled. The company serves approximately 4 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2014. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at http://www.wellcare.com or view the company’s videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
Tampa, Fla. (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today announced that the WellCare Community Foundation has given a $4,400 grant to fund the University of South Florida’s College of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony.
Nearly 100 students participated in the White Coat Ceremony, a tradition where new students receive their first white coat to symbolize their commitment to clinical service and care. This, followed by a united pledge made by the entire incoming class, marks the first of many steps these students take on the road to becoming a pharmacist.
“Receiving my white coat means others believe in me as much as I do,” said Joseph Adelufosi, a USF pharmacy student who was born and raised in Tampa, Fla. “It puts me one step closer to helping others, which is something I do not take for granted. I am grateful to WellCare for their support.”
“WellCare is committed to supporting and collaborating with health care providers to help our members live better, healthier lives,” said Laura Hungiville, chief pharmacy officer at WellCare. “It is an honor to invest in young people who are dedicating their lives to caring for others.”
“This ceremony helps instill three principles – integrity, honor and ethics.” said Dr. Kevin Sneed, dean of the college of pharmacy, USF. “We are grateful that WellCare could play such an important role in this event, which symbolizes the entrance of these pharmacy students into the profession.”
As of Sept. 30, 2014, WellCare serves approximately 628,000 Medicaid plan members, 75,000 Florida Healthy Kids members, 102,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 62,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Florida. To learn more about how the company cares for Floridians, watch Moise’s story at http://youtu.be/DmbKu8U7Ea8.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, Prescription Drug Plans and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled. The company serves approximately 4 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2014. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at http://www.wellcare.com or view the company’s videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
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Pacific Prime Reports Increasing Demand for Expat Health Insurance in Hong Kong
As the expat health insurance market in Hong Kong has experienced recent growth, Pacific Prime examines the reasons contributing to this and what it means for insurers.
Hong Kong (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
The market for expat health insurance in Hong Kong is growing at a considerable rate as opportunities for expatriates to work in Asia remain on the rise.
Pacific Prime HK analysed data from a 2013 consensus which revealed that 0.6% of the estimated 50 million expatriates from around the world reside in Hong Kong, translating to 301,000 expats out of a population of 7.1 million people. This is an even more substantial figure when compared to the data from 2009 which estimated the expat population to be 252,000, revealing an increase of 4.6%.
These figures place Hong Kong as 7th in the world for expatriate population percentage and with estimates for 2017 revealing a further population increase of 7%, it is likely that Hong Kong will maintain its position as a popular destination for worldwide expatriates.
Hong Kong also ranks as the 10th most expensive location to live as an expatriate in the Asia Pacific region, according to a Cost of Living survey performed by ECA International. Furthermore, as Hong Kong’s financial industry continues to grow and develop, the majority of Hong Kong’s expatriates are brought to the city as corporate transferees, resulting in a steady growth in Hong Kong’s overall wealth.
The cost of healthcare in the city has naturally followed suit and Hong Kong now ranks as having the most expensive private healthcare system, second only to the United States. It is no surprise then, that insurance brokers are targeting the expat health insurance market and that the international private medical insurance sector is experiencing a great deal of attention in Hong Kong, as well as other popular expat destinations in Asia.
As many expatriates working here will travel frequently due to work, or return to their home countries on a regular basis, brokers appear to be focusing on transferable health insurance plans, whereby cover will not end upon moving to a different destination, as well as other benefits that would appeal to expats, such as emergency evacuation.
As Hong Kong continues to attract global talent, the conditions are more than suitable for the growing expat health insurance market and Pacific Prime expects to see more plans tailored to expatriates continue to be made available in future. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
Hong Kong (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
The market for expat health insurance in Hong Kong is growing at a considerable rate as opportunities for expatriates to work in Asia remain on the rise.
Pacific Prime HK analysed data from a 2013 consensus which revealed that 0.6% of the estimated 50 million expatriates from around the world reside in Hong Kong, translating to 301,000 expats out of a population of 7.1 million people. This is an even more substantial figure when compared to the data from 2009 which estimated the expat population to be 252,000, revealing an increase of 4.6%.
These figures place Hong Kong as 7th in the world for expatriate population percentage and with estimates for 2017 revealing a further population increase of 7%, it is likely that Hong Kong will maintain its position as a popular destination for worldwide expatriates.
Hong Kong also ranks as the 10th most expensive location to live as an expatriate in the Asia Pacific region, according to a Cost of Living survey performed by ECA International. Furthermore, as Hong Kong’s financial industry continues to grow and develop, the majority of Hong Kong’s expatriates are brought to the city as corporate transferees, resulting in a steady growth in Hong Kong’s overall wealth.
The cost of healthcare in the city has naturally followed suit and Hong Kong now ranks as having the most expensive private healthcare system, second only to the United States. It is no surprise then, that insurance brokers are targeting the expat health insurance market and that the international private medical insurance sector is experiencing a great deal of attention in Hong Kong, as well as other popular expat destinations in Asia.
As many expatriates working here will travel frequently due to work, or return to their home countries on a regular basis, brokers appear to be focusing on transferable health insurance plans, whereby cover will not end upon moving to a different destination, as well as other benefits that would appeal to expats, such as emergency evacuation.
As Hong Kong continues to attract global talent, the conditions are more than suitable for the growing expat health insurance market and Pacific Prime expects to see more plans tailored to expatriates continue to be made available in future. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
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Aaron C. Davis Receives Certification from the Intel-GE Care Innovation Validation Institute
The Intel-GE Care Innovation (CI) Validation Institute announced that Certification has been conferred upon Aaron C. Davis, President of NextLogical Benefit Strategies, LLC.
ROSEVILLE, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
Becoming certified by the Validation Institute requires studying the certification course curriculum and passing the Critical Outcomes Report Analysis test. Once conferred, Validation Institute Certification indicates an understanding of population health metrics, and an ability to assess the validity of reports and claims. It is with this in mind that Davis was invited by the CI Validation Institute to become certified.
NextLogical Benefit Strategies is a perennial innovator in the health insurance advisory industry having merged employee benefits, clinical and data analytics expertise to increase disease management engagements and achieve significant reductions in medical trend for employers. These innovations and outcomes resulted in Davis being named Broker of the Year nationally by his peers in Benefits Selling magazine in 2013, as well as, one of the most competent brokers in the mid-market in the book Cracking Health Costs by Tom Emerick and Al Lewis.
“The early detection of disease combined with patient support services such as disease management is essential to healthcare cost containment. Our clinicians use advanced data analytics tools to independently identify members who should be evaluated for participation and then ensure that the medical manager is supporting them. By receiving Certification by the Validation Institute we hope to lend additional credibility to our studies and our approach,” said Davis.
“As the healthcare industry evolves so that the achievement of cost savings replaces the appearance of cost savings as the key outcome, individuals who understand the difference will be highly valued in the marketplace. Additionally, sound assessment methodology is critical in building population health programs that will help those who are sick better manage their health and prevent those who are at-risk from developing costly chronic conditions,” said Sean Slovenski, CEO of Intel-GE Care Innovations.
About the CI Validation Institute
The CI Validation Institute’s goal is to help organizations involved in population health – from Health Plans to Employers to Vendors – adhere to the highest standards of validity, allowing them to compete on the basis of integrity and performance rather than hyperbole.
The Validation Institute will impartially challenge the status quo of typical population health outcomes measurement, with the objective of impacting how the industry establishes its credibility. Visit http://www.validationinstitute.com to learn more.
About Aaron C. Davis
Aaron C. Davis has nearly 30 years experience in the health insurance industry having served in information systems and operations for a national HMO, as a consultant for Cigna and First Health, and in broker support. He is the founder and President of NextLogical Benefit Strategies, LLC, founder and CEO of Switchbridge, LLC and developer of the Wellth app. His work is dedicated to removing barriers to care, improving the health and well-being of employees and reducing health insurance costs for both employers and employees. His advice and insights relative to healthcare cost containment, data analytics and member engagement are frequently sought by health insurance carriers, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies and industry publications. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
ROSEVILLE, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2015
Becoming certified by the Validation Institute requires studying the certification course curriculum and passing the Critical Outcomes Report Analysis test. Once conferred, Validation Institute Certification indicates an understanding of population health metrics, and an ability to assess the validity of reports and claims. It is with this in mind that Davis was invited by the CI Validation Institute to become certified.
NextLogical Benefit Strategies is a perennial innovator in the health insurance advisory industry having merged employee benefits, clinical and data analytics expertise to increase disease management engagements and achieve significant reductions in medical trend for employers. These innovations and outcomes resulted in Davis being named Broker of the Year nationally by his peers in Benefits Selling magazine in 2013, as well as, one of the most competent brokers in the mid-market in the book Cracking Health Costs by Tom Emerick and Al Lewis.
“The early detection of disease combined with patient support services such as disease management is essential to healthcare cost containment. Our clinicians use advanced data analytics tools to independently identify members who should be evaluated for participation and then ensure that the medical manager is supporting them. By receiving Certification by the Validation Institute we hope to lend additional credibility to our studies and our approach,” said Davis.
“As the healthcare industry evolves so that the achievement of cost savings replaces the appearance of cost savings as the key outcome, individuals who understand the difference will be highly valued in the marketplace. Additionally, sound assessment methodology is critical in building population health programs that will help those who are sick better manage their health and prevent those who are at-risk from developing costly chronic conditions,” said Sean Slovenski, CEO of Intel-GE Care Innovations.
About the CI Validation Institute
The CI Validation Institute’s goal is to help organizations involved in population health – from Health Plans to Employers to Vendors – adhere to the highest standards of validity, allowing them to compete on the basis of integrity and performance rather than hyperbole.
The Validation Institute will impartially challenge the status quo of typical population health outcomes measurement, with the objective of impacting how the industry establishes its credibility. Visit http://www.validationinstitute.com to learn more.
About Aaron C. Davis
Aaron C. Davis has nearly 30 years experience in the health insurance industry having served in information systems and operations for a national HMO, as a consultant for Cigna and First Health, and in broker support. He is the founder and President of NextLogical Benefit Strategies, LLC, founder and CEO of Switchbridge, LLC and developer of the Wellth app. His work is dedicated to removing barriers to care, improving the health and well-being of employees and reducing health insurance costs for both employers and employees. His advice and insights relative to healthcare cost containment, data analytics and member engagement are frequently sought by health insurance carriers, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies and industry publications. Reported by PRWeb 21 hours ago.
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Pet Insurance Technology Improvements Imperative to Underpin Booming US Market
Bosses at leading Anglo-American pet insurance technology specialists, Aquarium Software Inc., have welcomed the news that pet insurance growth in 2014 in the US was triple the pace of accident and health coverage, with a warning that the growth may not be sustainable without the correct technology platforms underpinning it.
(PRWEB) January 12, 2015
Bosses at leading Anglo-American pet insurance technology specialists, Aquarium Software Inc., have welcomed the news that pet insurance growth in 2014 in the US was (according to The Seattle Times on November 17, 2014) triple the pace of accident and health coverage, with a warning that the growth may not be sustainable without the correct technology platforms underpinning it. What is already a $600 million industry (The Seattle Times, November 17, 2014) looks set to expand again in 2015, and there should be nothing to stop and even accelerate this premium growth, should enabling technology be seen as a driver - rather than a cost - says Aquarium.
The unprecedented expansion of the industry continues to confound the experts, but has come about in tandem with the rising cost of vets’ bills as new treatments are developed, which has coincided with pets gradually and definitely being moved from the doghouse to form a key part of the family unit. While such economic and social evolution is good for pets and business, the industry needs the tools to cope with this demand, and software is undoubtedly the key.
“Aquarium has been pointing out for some time that the pet insurance industry has untapped potential in the US due to the growth in pet parents' need for protection from unexpected vets’ bills,” said Mark Colonnese, Aquarium’s VP Sales and Marketing. “While the market is better established in Europe, the concept of pet insurance is now being taken more seriously around the world. The one thing that unites Europe and America is the need for providers to raise their game. Policy holders expect the same high standard from pet policies as from traditional insurance products and technology is the only way to deliver.”
It is clear that investors are starting to sniff out the potential of pet insurance. According to data compiled by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association(NAPHIA), in their State of the Industry Benchmarking Report of July 7, 2014, gross written premiums jumped an average of 13% from 2009-13, compared to just a 3.5% rise in premiums for personal accident and health policies (data by Timetric) in the US in the same period and investors are getting in on the act. According to an article published in Bloomberg on November 13, 2014, last year Fairfax bought Pethealth for $88 million, starting a process of consolidation as big brands seek greater brand recognition and market share – a process likely to continue in 2015, as the market is conservatively estimated to be worth (according to an article by California Department of Insurance on September 30, 2014) around $750million in the US in 2015.
To fulfil its potential, the pet insurance market has to maintain public trust and software is essential to address both the issues and opportunities facing the industry.
“Inflexible systems, unclear terminology and regulation can leave customers feeling confused, when clarity is needed in price and billing,” added Colonnese. “Consumers need to see they have been sold the right policy at the right price and should they need to call upon it, it will not let them down. But insurers also need to understand the approximate risk across the book. This can make the crucial difference between high claims costs and being able to deliver a profitable yet attractive premium to policyholders and a return for investors. Software and technology are essential to satisfy the needs of all parties concerned.”
Unexpectedly denying coverage or seeming to pay less than due helps neither the insurer nor insured. The right software can help by delivering greater operational efficiency via process automation and strategies such as electronic claims notification direct from the veterinary hospital to the insurer. All things the customer does not see, but serve to deliver them less of a ‘sale’ and much more a ‘service’ they can depend on.
When a claim comes through, the insurer needs to know they are paying out on the correct parameters and that the customer is aware of what these are, both when taking out the policy and from the moment a claim is generated. It is in everyone’s benefit to have effective underwriting and a fair claims assessment process. For this to happen, accuracy is needed across the board.
“Our aim for 2015 is to help create a pet insurance industry that is both sustainable and profitable for the insurer, but which also provides a more valued and at the same time affordable service for the pet parent,” added Colonnese. “By bringing pet insurance technology platforms in line with other markets we are providing the opportunity for more pets to be insured and their long term health to be well protected.”
Aquarium Software is currently being implemented by a number of key insurers, and affinity partners in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. For further information contact Aquarium Software on +44 (0)161 927 5620 or visit http://www.aquarium-software.com Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.
(PRWEB) January 12, 2015
Bosses at leading Anglo-American pet insurance technology specialists, Aquarium Software Inc., have welcomed the news that pet insurance growth in 2014 in the US was (according to The Seattle Times on November 17, 2014) triple the pace of accident and health coverage, with a warning that the growth may not be sustainable without the correct technology platforms underpinning it. What is already a $600 million industry (The Seattle Times, November 17, 2014) looks set to expand again in 2015, and there should be nothing to stop and even accelerate this premium growth, should enabling technology be seen as a driver - rather than a cost - says Aquarium.
The unprecedented expansion of the industry continues to confound the experts, but has come about in tandem with the rising cost of vets’ bills as new treatments are developed, which has coincided with pets gradually and definitely being moved from the doghouse to form a key part of the family unit. While such economic and social evolution is good for pets and business, the industry needs the tools to cope with this demand, and software is undoubtedly the key.
“Aquarium has been pointing out for some time that the pet insurance industry has untapped potential in the US due to the growth in pet parents' need for protection from unexpected vets’ bills,” said Mark Colonnese, Aquarium’s VP Sales and Marketing. “While the market is better established in Europe, the concept of pet insurance is now being taken more seriously around the world. The one thing that unites Europe and America is the need for providers to raise their game. Policy holders expect the same high standard from pet policies as from traditional insurance products and technology is the only way to deliver.”
It is clear that investors are starting to sniff out the potential of pet insurance. According to data compiled by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association(NAPHIA), in their State of the Industry Benchmarking Report of July 7, 2014, gross written premiums jumped an average of 13% from 2009-13, compared to just a 3.5% rise in premiums for personal accident and health policies (data by Timetric) in the US in the same period and investors are getting in on the act. According to an article published in Bloomberg on November 13, 2014, last year Fairfax bought Pethealth for $88 million, starting a process of consolidation as big brands seek greater brand recognition and market share – a process likely to continue in 2015, as the market is conservatively estimated to be worth (according to an article by California Department of Insurance on September 30, 2014) around $750million in the US in 2015.
To fulfil its potential, the pet insurance market has to maintain public trust and software is essential to address both the issues and opportunities facing the industry.
“Inflexible systems, unclear terminology and regulation can leave customers feeling confused, when clarity is needed in price and billing,” added Colonnese. “Consumers need to see they have been sold the right policy at the right price and should they need to call upon it, it will not let them down. But insurers also need to understand the approximate risk across the book. This can make the crucial difference between high claims costs and being able to deliver a profitable yet attractive premium to policyholders and a return for investors. Software and technology are essential to satisfy the needs of all parties concerned.”
Unexpectedly denying coverage or seeming to pay less than due helps neither the insurer nor insured. The right software can help by delivering greater operational efficiency via process automation and strategies such as electronic claims notification direct from the veterinary hospital to the insurer. All things the customer does not see, but serve to deliver them less of a ‘sale’ and much more a ‘service’ they can depend on.
When a claim comes through, the insurer needs to know they are paying out on the correct parameters and that the customer is aware of what these are, both when taking out the policy and from the moment a claim is generated. It is in everyone’s benefit to have effective underwriting and a fair claims assessment process. For this to happen, accuracy is needed across the board.
“Our aim for 2015 is to help create a pet insurance industry that is both sustainable and profitable for the insurer, but which also provides a more valued and at the same time affordable service for the pet parent,” added Colonnese. “By bringing pet insurance technology platforms in line with other markets we are providing the opportunity for more pets to be insured and their long term health to be well protected.”
Aquarium Software is currently being implemented by a number of key insurers, and affinity partners in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. For further information contact Aquarium Software on +44 (0)161 927 5620 or visit http://www.aquarium-software.com Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.
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Supreme Court Rejects New Challenge To Obamacare Law
By Lawrence Hurley
WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up another broad challenge to President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.
The court rejected an appeal filed by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons and the Alliance for Natural Health USA. The groups had challenged various aspects of the law known as Obamacare including the so-called individual mandate that requires people to obtain health insurance or pay a tax.
In March 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of the Obama administration. In 2012, a district court judge also ruled against the challengers.
The 2010 healthcare law has been subjected to numerous legal challenges, including a key 2012 case in which the Supreme Court upheld the bulk of the law on a 5-4 vote.
The court is now hearing a separate challenge to a key part of the law which, if successful, would deprive millions of Americans of tax-credit subsidies to help them afford health insurance.
Oral arguments in that challenge are scheduled for March 4. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.
WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up another broad challenge to President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.
The court rejected an appeal filed by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons and the Alliance for Natural Health USA. The groups had challenged various aspects of the law known as Obamacare including the so-called individual mandate that requires people to obtain health insurance or pay a tax.
In March 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of the Obama administration. In 2012, a district court judge also ruled against the challengers.
The 2010 healthcare law has been subjected to numerous legal challenges, including a key 2012 case in which the Supreme Court upheld the bulk of the law on a 5-4 vote.
The court is now hearing a separate challenge to a key part of the law which, if successful, would deprive millions of Americans of tax-credit subsidies to help them afford health insurance.
Oral arguments in that challenge are scheduled for March 4. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.
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Here's The Budget Of A 25-Year-Old Who's Better With Money Than Many People Twice His Age
John Steinert, 25, started budgeting in 2013."I wanted to know where my money was going every month," he explains. "I wasn't tracking spending and I wanted to save as much money as possible, so I thought the best way to do that would be to analyze how much I make every month."
Steinert, who lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and is currently transitioning from a job as an analyst for FedEx to a new job at a small freight company, became so confident in his budgeting that he shares a free budget template on his website, Budget And Invest.
"I can play with the different amounts for months," Steinert says. "For example, in June there might be more traveling than in October, so I might allot more to travel and take away from groceries. It helps keep me accountable and make sure I'm not spending more than I make on a monthly basis."
Flexibility is a key factor of Steinert's budgeting approach. He says he checks in every day to enter payments into his Excel spreadsheet and to make sure the budget still balances.
Here, we've compared the budget he used for January 2014 to the budget he plans to use in January 2015.
Note that this budget was created from Steinert's take-home pay, meaning the money available after he pays taxes, contributes to a 401(k), and, in the case of 2014, pays for health insurance. While Steinert lives with his girlfriend, their finances are largely separate.
Here is how he budgeted his $4,587 of take-home pay in January of last year (that's $3,754 from his paycheck, and $1,083 from extraneous sources, such as a bonus or gifts). Amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar:
The $272 difference between his income and his budgeted expenses he categorizes as "disposable income" and leaves in his checking account to cover any unexpected expenses.
The "miscellaneous" category is the one that holds these expenses, such as costs related to his dog, car repairs, or haircuts.
Steinert finds this category the hardest to predict, but he likes to account for every dollar, and keep his spending within the confines of his income. "At the end of every month there's a surplus," he explains. "I try to run my finances like a successful business would be run, making sure I'm not spending more than I'm making."
The money allocated to the investment account goes to low-cost Vanguard index funds and is earmarked for retirement, although Steinert also has as 401(k), a pension, and a Roth IRA he started funding in March of 2014.
The point of the account, he explains, is to provide retirement income that can be withdrawn free of penalty should he be able to retire before age 60.
"Even though I'm using after-tax funds in the account and I'll have to pay taxes on the capital gains and dividends — so I'm taxed twice — I have the option to withdraw it early," he says. "If I could have financial freedom at 45, I wouldn't want to touch the accounts."
Compare that to Steinert's planned budget for January 2015, which accounts for an estimated $5,214 take-home pay. Things start getting tricky this year, because although Steinert has rented out his house for an additional $950 a month and moved into an apartment on the other side of town with his girlfriend for $520 a month, his new job will incorporate commission, making his exact income hard to predict.
For the 2015 budget, you might notice a few things: He increased his student loan payments to over $2,500, nearly half his budget, so he'll be on track to pay off over $32,000 of student loans by early summer 2015. He plans to divert money from the funds he contributes to his investment account — a category which won't reappear in his budget until mid-year — to finishing off his student loans.
There's now a category for his car insurance and phone, both of which he pays six months in advance and therefore doesn't pay at all for a few months out of the year (he gets a discount on his car insurance for doing so). The seemingly unrelated categories are lumped together because Steinert pays them both ahead of time, and likes to keep few enough categories so he can view the whole list without scrolling in Excel.
He now pays rent for his apartment, which includes utilities, while still paying the mortgage on the house he owns; he's funding a Roth IRA; and there's a health insurance category, since his new employer doesn't offer coverage.
"It used to be easy to budget because I had the same salary every month, but now I'm entering a role that's commission-based, so it's going to be a new challenge," he explains. "I have estimated the amount I'll be receiving in income, but with the uncertainty of what my income will be, I need to make sure I'm certain of what my expenses will be."
Want to share your budget with the Business Insider community? Email lkane[at]businessinsider[dot]com. Anonymous submissions will be considered.
*SEE ALSO: Here's The Budget One Woman Used Before And After Paying Off $32,000 Of Debt*
Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 18 hours ago.
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Despite Huge Victories, Republicans Face Some Obstacles
This piece comes to us courtesy of Stateline. Stateline is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news service of the Pew Charitable Trusts that provides daily reporting and analysis on trends in state policy.
Republicans now dominate statehouses to an extent not seen since the 1920s. But in even the reddest states, that won’t automatically mean lower taxes, spending cuts and a hard line against Medicaid expansion.
In November, the GOP won control of the governor’s office in 31 states and the legislature in 30. That’s up from 29 governorships and 27 legislatures in 2014. In 23 states, Republicans now control both the governor’s office and the legislature.
But the GOP’s election inroads also resulted in more states where one party holds the governor’s office and the other controls the legislature. Before the election, only 11 states had split government; now 20 do. In those states, divided government will prevent either party from enacting its wish list.
Even in states that elected Republican governors and larger GOP legislative majorities, revenue shortfalls may put a damper on the fervor for tax cuts, particularly in states that have already made deep cuts in the last three or four years.
Nearly every state is grappling with how to pay for road and bridge repairs, which might mean hikes in gasoline, sales or other taxes. Many states face greater demands to fund education, with some having court orders to do so. And most states still have big public pension liabilities.
Disputes among various GOP factions—tea partiers, libertarians, social-issue activists and pro-business conservatives—will further complicate matters.
Despite those obstacles, Republicans undoubtedly will use their increased power to advance core GOP interests. In addition to building on legislative majorities in many already-red states, Republicans in the election also flipped control of 11 chambers that had been Democratic, leaving just 11 states where Democrats have legislative control.
The red tide will usher in “a lot more conservative public policy” in the short run, said Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, incoming chairman of the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee, which was instrumental in the GOP election wave.
Gary Moncrief of Boise State University, co-author of the book “Why States Matter,” agreed that issues central to the conservative agenda, such as abortion, guns, “right-to-work” laws, welfare limits and school vouchers, will emerge or re-emerge in states where Republicans feel emboldened by big majorities.
*Dollars and Cents*In deep-red Kansas, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and GOP lawmakers slashed income taxes in 2012, arguing that it would spark economic growth and increase tax revenues. Now the state is staring at a $279 million budget hole.
Kansas’ budget shortfall is so large Brownback is proposing diverting $41 million in public employee pension contributions and $100 million from highway funds to close it. And the situation could worsen: A three-judge panel last month said the state isn’t spending enough on public schools.
In Ohio, newly re-elected Republican Gov. John Kasich would like to phase out the state’s income tax after he and the Republican legislature approved a 10-percent reduction in rates over three years. But to cut more, Kasich will have to convince an even bigger GOP legislative majority to approve a new oil and gas severance tax. So far, legislators have balked.
Even in the Republican stronghold of Texas, where the GOP bolstered its legislative majority and Greg Abbott won election as the state’s new governor, talk of property tax and business franchise tax cuts is starting to wane despite a $2.6 billion budget surplus and as much as $8 billion in its rainy day fund this year. Oil prices are plunging, and oil underpins much of the state’s economy and revenue.
Instead of tax cuts, Texas might spend its surplus on transportation or schools, especially if the Texas Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling that the state’s school finance system isn’t sufficiently funding poorer school districts.
In Georgia, a joint legislative committee told newly re-elected Republican Gov. Nathan Deal and majority GOP lawmakers last month that they must consider a penny sales tax or an increase in the state’s motor fuel tax to cover a transportation funding gap of up to $1.5 billion a year. One group, Georgia Taxpayers United, already has begun campaigning against a gas tax increase, warning of “consequences at the ballot box” for lawmakers who support one.
In Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert is proposing the biggest increase in per-pupil spending in 25 years and telling GOP majority lawmakers that they have to discuss raising gasoline or sales taxes to pay for $7 billion in needed highway work over the next 30 years.*Kinder and Gentler?*At least one political scientist who studies state government, Thad Kousser at the University of California, San Diego, sees a kinder, gentler GOP face in many states where Republican governors and lawmakers have enjoyed majorities since 2010 and the economy has improved sufficiently to tackle issues other than tax cuts, such as health, education and welfare.
Ohio’s Gov. Kasich, who easily won re-election, is a case in point.
“Let me tell you what conservatism is,” Kasich told the Wall Street Journal. “First and foremost, it is focusing on the economy.” But as Ohio’s economy improves, he said, “we need to make sure we reach out to people in the shadows” with expanded health care, mental health insurance and job training.
Despite widespread GOP opposition to Obamacare in the 2014 election campaign, at least three Republican governors—Herbert, Bill Haslam of Tennessee and Matt Mead of Wyoming—have said they’ll seek to expand Medicaid to obtain the millions of federal dollars available through the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana and Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama have said they are exploring it.*Charter Schools and Common Core*In some states, Republican majorities are likely to extend charter schools and taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools. Texas Gov.-elect Abbott made charter schools and vouchers a cornerstone of his election campaign. And in West Virginia, one of only eight states without charter schools, there may be a move to introduce them now that Republicans have taken over the legislature for the first time since before the Great Depression.
Although public charter schools often receive bipartisan support, they are a key element of nearly all GOP campaigns. Tax-funded vouchers for students to go to private schools also are backed by many GOP gubernatorial and legislative candidates. However, in some Republican-dominated states, such as Kansas, North Carolina and Wisconsin, many rural GOP lawmakers have joined with Democrats to oppose taking dollars that could go to public schools to pay for vouchers.
A grassroots movement, often backed by GOP tea party groups, to repeal Common Core education standards remains strong in several states that have adopted them, and the standards could face trouble in the Tennessee and West Virginia GOP legislatures.
Newly re-elected Republican governors Paul LePage in Maine and Scott Walker in Wisconsin have come out against them. But other GOP governors who won re-election—Ohio’s Kasich, Susana Martinez in New Mexico and Brian Sandoval in Nevada—still stand by them.*Momentum for “Right-to-Work”*In several states, new Republican majorities are expected to push “right-to-work” laws, which prohibit requiring workers to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment.
In New Mexico, for instance, previously moribund legislation has new life after Republicans gained control of the House for the first time in 60 years. Similar legislation is expected in Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Ohio. And in Missouri, a bolstered GOP legislative majority is expected to again try to make it more difficult for public employee unions to collect dues from members.
In West Virginia, the new GOP majority in both legislative chambers gives Republican foes of the state’s prevailing wage law hope they can repeal it this year. Republicans can override any veto by Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin because it takes only a simple legislative majority to do so.
West Virginia’s law, which has been on the books since the 1930s, requires the state to set a wage for all levels of workers on public construction projects to ensure they all receive uniform pay for the work they do. Wages are set after the state surveys union and nonunion contractors. But foes say the surveys are costly. A similar move to repeal prevailing wage laws may emerge in Michigan and Nevada.*Gun Fights***
Since 2010, many GOP-majority states have loosened gun restrictions, such as limits on carrying concealed weapons in public. Similar legislation, such as a proposal in Florida to have a designated staff member carry a concealed weapon on school grounds, is expected in 2015.
But in other states, pro-gun Republicans will have to use their new clout to block gun control measures. In Washington state, for example, voters approved expanding background checks to include private gun sales and the transfer of weapons. Washington gun-control advocates now want lawmakers to go further with legislation to keep guns away from children, the mentally ill and domestic abusers. But Republicans now have firm control of the Senate, which makes passage more difficult.
In Nevada, initiative petitions have been filed to require nearly universal background checks, which may force the GOP legislature’s hand. Lawmakers have 40 days to act on the measure. If lawmakers pass it and Sandoval signs it, it becomes law. If not, the initiative goes before voters on the November 2016 ballot.
Restricting Abortion
Although abortion wasn’t a big campaign issue and many GOP candidates spoke little about it, pro-choice groups expect it to appear again as it did following big GOP wins in 2010. Most governors oppose abortion rights.
Voters in Colorado and North Dakota defeated ballot measures to give embryos legal rights. But Tennessee voters approved an amendment that says the state’s constitutional privacy provision doesn’t secure or protect a right to abortion. A bill that would impose mandatory ultrasounds before a woman could have an abortion already has been filed in the GOP legislature for the upcoming session.
In Republican-dominated Texas, which has some of the most restrictive abortion policies, legislation has been pre-filed to ban abortions on the basis of fetus gender. And in Missouri, which has a veto-proof GOP legislative majority, a bill will be introduced this month to require regular inspections of abortion clinics in a state that had only one clinic last year.
Welfare and Voter ID
At least 18 states saw bills last year to require drug screening or testing of people to receive public assistance, and Alabama, Michigan and Mississippi passed legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. More bills can be expected in Texas and other states this year. Twelve states have passed legislation in the last three years. But some have run into resistance. Florida’s law was halted by a district court judge who said it violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.
Legislation requiring voters to prove citizenship and display identification to vote has increased in recent years with more GOP control in statehouses. Seventeen states have enacted laws since 2011, and most have strict identification requirements. Although courts have thrown out laws in states such as Arkansas and Pennsylvania, legislation is expected to emerge again in New Mexico and other states, where GOP gains give voter ID bills a better chance of passing. Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.
Republicans now dominate statehouses to an extent not seen since the 1920s. But in even the reddest states, that won’t automatically mean lower taxes, spending cuts and a hard line against Medicaid expansion.
In November, the GOP won control of the governor’s office in 31 states and the legislature in 30. That’s up from 29 governorships and 27 legislatures in 2014. In 23 states, Republicans now control both the governor’s office and the legislature.
But the GOP’s election inroads also resulted in more states where one party holds the governor’s office and the other controls the legislature. Before the election, only 11 states had split government; now 20 do. In those states, divided government will prevent either party from enacting its wish list.
Even in states that elected Republican governors and larger GOP legislative majorities, revenue shortfalls may put a damper on the fervor for tax cuts, particularly in states that have already made deep cuts in the last three or four years.
Nearly every state is grappling with how to pay for road and bridge repairs, which might mean hikes in gasoline, sales or other taxes. Many states face greater demands to fund education, with some having court orders to do so. And most states still have big public pension liabilities.
Disputes among various GOP factions—tea partiers, libertarians, social-issue activists and pro-business conservatives—will further complicate matters.
Despite those obstacles, Republicans undoubtedly will use their increased power to advance core GOP interests. In addition to building on legislative majorities in many already-red states, Republicans in the election also flipped control of 11 chambers that had been Democratic, leaving just 11 states where Democrats have legislative control.
The red tide will usher in “a lot more conservative public policy” in the short run, said Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, incoming chairman of the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee, which was instrumental in the GOP election wave.
Gary Moncrief of Boise State University, co-author of the book “Why States Matter,” agreed that issues central to the conservative agenda, such as abortion, guns, “right-to-work” laws, welfare limits and school vouchers, will emerge or re-emerge in states where Republicans feel emboldened by big majorities.
*Dollars and Cents*In deep-red Kansas, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and GOP lawmakers slashed income taxes in 2012, arguing that it would spark economic growth and increase tax revenues. Now the state is staring at a $279 million budget hole.
Kansas’ budget shortfall is so large Brownback is proposing diverting $41 million in public employee pension contributions and $100 million from highway funds to close it. And the situation could worsen: A three-judge panel last month said the state isn’t spending enough on public schools.
In Ohio, newly re-elected Republican Gov. John Kasich would like to phase out the state’s income tax after he and the Republican legislature approved a 10-percent reduction in rates over three years. But to cut more, Kasich will have to convince an even bigger GOP legislative majority to approve a new oil and gas severance tax. So far, legislators have balked.
Even in the Republican stronghold of Texas, where the GOP bolstered its legislative majority and Greg Abbott won election as the state’s new governor, talk of property tax and business franchise tax cuts is starting to wane despite a $2.6 billion budget surplus and as much as $8 billion in its rainy day fund this year. Oil prices are plunging, and oil underpins much of the state’s economy and revenue.
Instead of tax cuts, Texas might spend its surplus on transportation or schools, especially if the Texas Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling that the state’s school finance system isn’t sufficiently funding poorer school districts.
In Georgia, a joint legislative committee told newly re-elected Republican Gov. Nathan Deal and majority GOP lawmakers last month that they must consider a penny sales tax or an increase in the state’s motor fuel tax to cover a transportation funding gap of up to $1.5 billion a year. One group, Georgia Taxpayers United, already has begun campaigning against a gas tax increase, warning of “consequences at the ballot box” for lawmakers who support one.
In Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert is proposing the biggest increase in per-pupil spending in 25 years and telling GOP majority lawmakers that they have to discuss raising gasoline or sales taxes to pay for $7 billion in needed highway work over the next 30 years.*Kinder and Gentler?*At least one political scientist who studies state government, Thad Kousser at the University of California, San Diego, sees a kinder, gentler GOP face in many states where Republican governors and lawmakers have enjoyed majorities since 2010 and the economy has improved sufficiently to tackle issues other than tax cuts, such as health, education and welfare.
Ohio’s Gov. Kasich, who easily won re-election, is a case in point.
“Let me tell you what conservatism is,” Kasich told the Wall Street Journal. “First and foremost, it is focusing on the economy.” But as Ohio’s economy improves, he said, “we need to make sure we reach out to people in the shadows” with expanded health care, mental health insurance and job training.
Despite widespread GOP opposition to Obamacare in the 2014 election campaign, at least three Republican governors—Herbert, Bill Haslam of Tennessee and Matt Mead of Wyoming—have said they’ll seek to expand Medicaid to obtain the millions of federal dollars available through the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana and Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama have said they are exploring it.*Charter Schools and Common Core*In some states, Republican majorities are likely to extend charter schools and taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools. Texas Gov.-elect Abbott made charter schools and vouchers a cornerstone of his election campaign. And in West Virginia, one of only eight states without charter schools, there may be a move to introduce them now that Republicans have taken over the legislature for the first time since before the Great Depression.
Although public charter schools often receive bipartisan support, they are a key element of nearly all GOP campaigns. Tax-funded vouchers for students to go to private schools also are backed by many GOP gubernatorial and legislative candidates. However, in some Republican-dominated states, such as Kansas, North Carolina and Wisconsin, many rural GOP lawmakers have joined with Democrats to oppose taking dollars that could go to public schools to pay for vouchers.
A grassroots movement, often backed by GOP tea party groups, to repeal Common Core education standards remains strong in several states that have adopted them, and the standards could face trouble in the Tennessee and West Virginia GOP legislatures.
Newly re-elected Republican governors Paul LePage in Maine and Scott Walker in Wisconsin have come out against them. But other GOP governors who won re-election—Ohio’s Kasich, Susana Martinez in New Mexico and Brian Sandoval in Nevada—still stand by them.*Momentum for “Right-to-Work”*In several states, new Republican majorities are expected to push “right-to-work” laws, which prohibit requiring workers to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment.
In New Mexico, for instance, previously moribund legislation has new life after Republicans gained control of the House for the first time in 60 years. Similar legislation is expected in Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Ohio. And in Missouri, a bolstered GOP legislative majority is expected to again try to make it more difficult for public employee unions to collect dues from members.
In West Virginia, the new GOP majority in both legislative chambers gives Republican foes of the state’s prevailing wage law hope they can repeal it this year. Republicans can override any veto by Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin because it takes only a simple legislative majority to do so.
West Virginia’s law, which has been on the books since the 1930s, requires the state to set a wage for all levels of workers on public construction projects to ensure they all receive uniform pay for the work they do. Wages are set after the state surveys union and nonunion contractors. But foes say the surveys are costly. A similar move to repeal prevailing wage laws may emerge in Michigan and Nevada.*Gun Fights***
Since 2010, many GOP-majority states have loosened gun restrictions, such as limits on carrying concealed weapons in public. Similar legislation, such as a proposal in Florida to have a designated staff member carry a concealed weapon on school grounds, is expected in 2015.
But in other states, pro-gun Republicans will have to use their new clout to block gun control measures. In Washington state, for example, voters approved expanding background checks to include private gun sales and the transfer of weapons. Washington gun-control advocates now want lawmakers to go further with legislation to keep guns away from children, the mentally ill and domestic abusers. But Republicans now have firm control of the Senate, which makes passage more difficult.
In Nevada, initiative petitions have been filed to require nearly universal background checks, which may force the GOP legislature’s hand. Lawmakers have 40 days to act on the measure. If lawmakers pass it and Sandoval signs it, it becomes law. If not, the initiative goes before voters on the November 2016 ballot.
Restricting Abortion
Although abortion wasn’t a big campaign issue and many GOP candidates spoke little about it, pro-choice groups expect it to appear again as it did following big GOP wins in 2010. Most governors oppose abortion rights.
Voters in Colorado and North Dakota defeated ballot measures to give embryos legal rights. But Tennessee voters approved an amendment that says the state’s constitutional privacy provision doesn’t secure or protect a right to abortion. A bill that would impose mandatory ultrasounds before a woman could have an abortion already has been filed in the GOP legislature for the upcoming session.
In Republican-dominated Texas, which has some of the most restrictive abortion policies, legislation has been pre-filed to ban abortions on the basis of fetus gender. And in Missouri, which has a veto-proof GOP legislative majority, a bill will be introduced this month to require regular inspections of abortion clinics in a state that had only one clinic last year.
Welfare and Voter ID
At least 18 states saw bills last year to require drug screening or testing of people to receive public assistance, and Alabama, Michigan and Mississippi passed legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. More bills can be expected in Texas and other states this year. Twelve states have passed legislation in the last three years. But some have run into resistance. Florida’s law was halted by a district court judge who said it violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.
Legislation requiring voters to prove citizenship and display identification to vote has increased in recent years with more GOP control in statehouses. Seventeen states have enacted laws since 2011, and most have strict identification requirements. Although courts have thrown out laws in states such as Arkansas and Pennsylvania, legislation is expected to emerge again in New Mexico and other states, where GOP gains give voter ID bills a better chance of passing. Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.
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The Search for the Perfect Purse
And now for something superficial:
The purse, otherwise known as the handbag, might be a woman's most important accessory. But even the word accessory minimizes its role in an organized life. For a woman to be ready for anything, she needs a purse -- or handbag, if you insist -- that has the capacity to carry anything that might be needed in any situation.
For that reason, the purse has gotten larger over the past two centuries. In the 1800s, a woman needed to carry only a handkerchief, a comb and perhaps smelling salts. In the 1900s, when women began working at jobs outside the home, the need to carry a wallet, house keys, a lipstick, a powder compact, a brush, tissues, and possibly a sanitary napkin for "those" emergencies required a larger bag.
Today the handbag plays an even greater role. Aside from the aforementioned necessities, a woman must carry her cell phone, car keys, emergency medication, energy bars in the event of missed meals, condoms and a change of underwear for the unanticipated rendezvous, and if towing children around, goldfish crackers, wet wipes, a juice box and toys for entertaining a cranky child.
So what constitutes the perfect purse? Certainly not the pricey designer handbags that are architectural in design and made of the smoothest, softest dyed leather selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
What do these bags lack? Practical features like two easily accessible pockets on the outside of the bag. These provide homes to the two most important tools -- car keys and cell phone. The bag must have a shoulder strap so it can be slung over the shoulder or across the chest when hands are needed for grocery shopping and carrying children or other packages.
The inside should have multiple sections and pockets so one can easily access other necessities like money, business cards, headache remedies, health insurance ID, tea bags and possibly even pepper spray. No matter what the eventuality, a woman needs to find the proper tool in her purse.
The purse must be made of sturdy enough material to hold up for a season and, if you're lucky, a whole year. While it need not be luxurious, it should not look like Queen Elizabeth's old-lady model. What does she carry in there? She has no need for money, a cell phone or a change of underwear one would presume.
So where do you find such a bag? My favorite source is discount stores that carry more expensive bags at reduced prices. I periodically cruise the handbag section in search of the purse. It usually takes a few trips to find one that meets most of the criteria.
Here's one with two pockets outside, but the pockets have zippers. The zippers do not allow for easy accessibility and also have the potential for scraping your hands when reaching for a ringing phone.
Here's one with inside pockets but no shoulder strap. Here's a beauty but with an opening two small to fit an iPad or an over-sized wallet. Here's one made of canvas. Ugh, too cheap looking. Here's one that looks just right but it already weighs five pounds before it has anything in it. Here's one that meets all the criteria, but it's studded with rhinestones. Who designs these things?
So my quest for the perfect purse continues. With each new acquisition, there is a compromise, but I remain hopeful. One day I will find the perfect purse and I will buy five of them so I don't have to worry about finding another for five or maybe even 10 years. That will be a day of celebration and a thank you to the purse gods who have finally heard my plea. Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.
The purse, otherwise known as the handbag, might be a woman's most important accessory. But even the word accessory minimizes its role in an organized life. For a woman to be ready for anything, she needs a purse -- or handbag, if you insist -- that has the capacity to carry anything that might be needed in any situation.
For that reason, the purse has gotten larger over the past two centuries. In the 1800s, a woman needed to carry only a handkerchief, a comb and perhaps smelling salts. In the 1900s, when women began working at jobs outside the home, the need to carry a wallet, house keys, a lipstick, a powder compact, a brush, tissues, and possibly a sanitary napkin for "those" emergencies required a larger bag.
Today the handbag plays an even greater role. Aside from the aforementioned necessities, a woman must carry her cell phone, car keys, emergency medication, energy bars in the event of missed meals, condoms and a change of underwear for the unanticipated rendezvous, and if towing children around, goldfish crackers, wet wipes, a juice box and toys for entertaining a cranky child.
So what constitutes the perfect purse? Certainly not the pricey designer handbags that are architectural in design and made of the smoothest, softest dyed leather selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
What do these bags lack? Practical features like two easily accessible pockets on the outside of the bag. These provide homes to the two most important tools -- car keys and cell phone. The bag must have a shoulder strap so it can be slung over the shoulder or across the chest when hands are needed for grocery shopping and carrying children or other packages.
The inside should have multiple sections and pockets so one can easily access other necessities like money, business cards, headache remedies, health insurance ID, tea bags and possibly even pepper spray. No matter what the eventuality, a woman needs to find the proper tool in her purse.
The purse must be made of sturdy enough material to hold up for a season and, if you're lucky, a whole year. While it need not be luxurious, it should not look like Queen Elizabeth's old-lady model. What does she carry in there? She has no need for money, a cell phone or a change of underwear one would presume.
So where do you find such a bag? My favorite source is discount stores that carry more expensive bags at reduced prices. I periodically cruise the handbag section in search of the purse. It usually takes a few trips to find one that meets most of the criteria.
Here's one with two pockets outside, but the pockets have zippers. The zippers do not allow for easy accessibility and also have the potential for scraping your hands when reaching for a ringing phone.
Here's one with inside pockets but no shoulder strap. Here's a beauty but with an opening two small to fit an iPad or an over-sized wallet. Here's one made of canvas. Ugh, too cheap looking. Here's one that looks just right but it already weighs five pounds before it has anything in it. Here's one that meets all the criteria, but it's studded with rhinestones. Who designs these things?
So my quest for the perfect purse continues. With each new acquisition, there is a compromise, but I remain hopeful. One day I will find the perfect purse and I will buy five of them so I don't have to worry about finding another for five or maybe even 10 years. That will be a day of celebration and a thank you to the purse gods who have finally heard my plea. Reported by Huffington Post 17 hours ago.
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Seahawks Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman in new Obamacare ad
Two of our favorite Seahawks have made an ad for HealthCare.gov, the health insurance exchange website set up for Obamacare.
Reported by MyNorthwest.com 15 hours ago.
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Colorado health exchange approves $322,000 to fix enrollment problems
The Connect for Health Colorado board of directors agreed to spend an additional $322,000 through the end of February to try to push through applicants stuck in the state health insurance
Reported by Denver Post 15 hours ago.
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