ProgressOhio

Kay Hagan (D-NC) joins Arlen Specter as yet another Senator who had been openly skeptical of including a public option in the health care reform bill and has now come to embrace it.

In the latest proposal from the Senate's HELP committee, the public option has been rebranded the Community Health Insurance Option. Here are Sen. Hagan's remarks from yesterday about the plan:

"My colleagues and I on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee have been working on a plan to reform the health care system in this country. We have crafted a plan that will stabilize health care costs and includes a Community Health Insurance Option, which I support. It is a backstop option for people without access to affordable coverage. Health care providers will not be required to participate, payment rates will be set in a competitive fashion, and the community health insurance option will compete on a level playing field with private health insurance plans in the gateway."

The public option is a critical part of any serious effort to reform health care and is one of Health Care for America Now's reform principles. 

Lorraine Bieber, ProgressOhio, Anthony Caldwell and Bryce Stoepfe of SEIU1199

Two hundred and thirty three years ago, our countrymen declared their independence from the tyrannical British Empire.

Today, will you declare your independence from the tyrannical insurance industry and demand the choice of a public health insurance option?

Click here to sign the petition and declare your independence from the insurance industry!

On July 4, with our friends at SEIU,  we will present the signatures to Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15), who has been fighting for us in Congress.

All over the country today, thousands of Americans are holding these truths to be self-evident - we need health care reform that will provide:

• Coverage we can afford;

• Comprehensive benefits we can count on;

• Choice of a private or public health insurance plan; and

• Equal access to quality care

For too long, the insurance industry has held us in their monopolistic grip, so much so that there is no competition in 94% of our communities.1 We have no choice but to pay their absurd rates and receive their sub-standard care so they can pay their CEOs another bonus.

No more! With the choice of a public health insurance option the industry will finally have a competitor strong enough to keep them honest. With this choice, we can restore stability to our lives, with no more unaffordable and low-quality coverage.

When Representative Kilroy returns to Congress after the July 4 recess, she'll be armed with your signature and those of thousands of other fifteenth district patriots.

So join us and declare your independence today!

Sign the petition and throw off the shackles of the insurance industry.

.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a 4th of July message, which was given to U.S. Embassies worldwide to play at their 4th of July celebrations.

Watch It:

Hello everyone. I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States as we celebrate our nation’s 233rd birthday.

For Americans, the 4th of July is a day to reconnect with loved ones, to remember our history, and to renew our commitment to democracy, tolerance, and justice. As President Obama said in Cairo last month, these are not just American values, these are core principles we share with people everywhere. So it is fitting that we open our doors and share this day with our friends and neighbors around the world.

Our fates and our fortunes are intertwined like never before. No one nation can meet today’s global challenges alone. We all share responsibility for working together to ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future.

So I hope that today’s celebration will become tomorrow’s partnership. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish, no challenge we can’t meet, if we work together toward common goals and seek common ground.
Thank you so much for joining us and have a wonderful 4th of July.

Gov. Ted Strickland stepped things up this afternoon calling for the Statehouse to stay in Columbus until the budget is resolved.

Gov. Strickland also acknowledged that he expects political attacks come campaign season over his decision to recommend racetrack video gamblingover further budget cuts.

Columbus, Ohio - ProgressOhio a member of the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) coalition - the nation's largest health care campaign - released the following statement today in response to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committee's legislation for health care reform:

"We thank Senator Brown for his support of legislation that will give Americans all across this country what they want - a choice of a strong public health insurance option that will provide lower costs and keep the insurance companies honest. The bill that Senator Brown will vote for will make sure that Americans can keep their own insurance if they want or choose a new alternative to the private insurance industry. That new public health insurance option will encourage better health care delivery at lower cost. The legislation will also make good, affordable health care available to middle-class families in Ohio and includes strict rules to stop insurance company abuses. The bill is a good prescription for health care reform.

Last week well over a hundred HCAN volunteers travelled to Washington, DC from Ohio as part of a 10,000 person rally and grassroots lobby day. Clearly our voices were heard. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to work with Senator Brown and the entire Ohio Congressional delegation to be sure that Congress enacts legislation this year that will make sure every family in Ohio has good, affordable health coverage and lower costs."

- Brian Rothenberg, Executive Director, ProgressOhio.

For decades, Washington has failed to act as health care costs continued to rise, crushing businesses, families and placing an unsustainable burden on governments.  Today the Senate HELP committee has produced legislation that lowers costs, protects choice of doctors and plans and assures quality and affordable health care for Americans. The Congressional Budget Office has now issued a more complete review of this bill, concluding that it will cost less and cover more Americans than originally estimated.  It also contains provisions that will protect the coverage Americans get at work. When merged with the Senate Finance Committee’s companion pieces, the Senate will be prepared to vote for health reform legislation that does not add to the deficit,  reduces health care costs and covers 97% of Americans.  

The HELP Committee legislation reflects many of the principles I’ve laid out, such as reforms that will prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and the concept of  insurance exchanges where individuals can find affordable coverage if they lose their jobs, move or get sick. Such a marketplace would allow families and some small businesses the benefit of one-stop-shopping for their health care coverage and enable them to compare price and quality and pick the plan that best suits their needs.

Among the choices that would be available in the exchange would be a public health insurance option. The public option would make health care affordable by increasing competition, providing more choices and keeping the insurance companies honest. 

The legislation also improves the quality of patient care, improves safety for patients and strengthens the commitment to preventive health care – preventing people from getting sick in the first place.

I thank chairman Kennedy, Senator Dodd, and all the members of the HELP Committee for their hard work on health reform.

Stand With The President!

Sign the Declaration of Support and
Tell Congress to Pass Real Health Care Reform in 2009.

 Revised Senate Health Bill Includes Employer Mandate, Public Plan Option

Revised draft health care legislation would result in insurance coverage for 97 percent of Americans at a lower cost than expected — about $611 billion over 10 years, leaders of a key Senate committee say.

The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee could resume work next week on the latest version of an overhaul bill, released Wednesday night.

Chairman Edward M. Kennedy , D-Mass., and Sen. Christopher J. Dodd , D-Conn., outlined the revised measure in a letter to other panel members. The Congressional Budget Office’s estimate of the bill’s cost and coverage puts a far better shine on the legislation than its assessment of an earlier, incomplete version in which CBO said it would cost $1 trillion over 10 years and cover only about 16 million of the 47 million uninsured Americans.

The latest draft bill includes a government-run health insurance plan that would compete with private insurers. It also would mandate employers to provide health insurance to their workers or pay a fee instead — a so-called “pay-or-play” requirement that is opposed by many business lobbying groups but drew important support this week from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Businesses with 25 or more employees that don’t offer insurance would have to pay the government $750 per worker per year, or $375 for part-time workers. Those with fewer than 25 employees would be exempt from the requirement.

Together, the two new sections increased the bill’s coverage and reduced its cost, according to CBO.

U.S. Sen. George Voinovich’s decision to drop an f-bomb in a private conversation with Karl Rove inspired a 2007 trivia quiz.  His recent off-color assessment of the new climate change bill prompted us to update the survey.

As long-time Georgiephiles know, Ohio's senior senator has a temper than can be real hot.

Take the Temper Trivia Test to see just how hot. 

1. When the FAA grounded his state airplane to clear the airspace for President Clinton, Voinovich told the control tower to go:

A. blow

B. screw themselves

C. screw the Democrats

D. fly a kite

E. to hell.  

2. When the FAA grounded his state airplane to clear the airspace for President Clinton, Voinovich called the decision:

A. bullsh*t

B. horsesh*t

C. cow sh*t

D. a vast left-wing conspiracy

E. Dick Celeste's fault.  

3. After the incident, the FAA fined Voinovich and accused him of trying to:

A. impersonate a licensed pilot

B. impersonate an air traffic controller

C. impersonate a rational man

D. endanger the life or property of another.

E. harm the reputation of the United States Senate.  

4. When welfare recipients descended on the Statehouse to protest then-Gov. Voinovich's plans to cut welfare benefits he:

A. ordered the Ohio Highway Patrol to remove them

B. ordered the Ohio National Guard to shoot them

C. ordered Mike Dawson to spin them

D. blamed Dick Celeste

E. cried  

5. As Cleveland Mayor, Voinovich hosted a news conference to urge people to patronize the struggling Cleveland Indians. When a reporter pressed the mayor for information about the last time he had attended a game, Mayor Voinovich blurted out:

A. Go Browns. And take the Indians with you.

B. Who-Dey!

C. Rah, rah, rah. Get behind the team.

D. The tickets are too pricey.

E. Frank Celeste hated baseball.   

6. When the Ohio Supreme Court first ruled that the state's system of funding public schools was unconstitutional, Voinovich's initial response was to:

A. cry

B. blame Dick Celeste and the Democrats

C. want to strip the court of its authority to determine what constitutes a constitutional school-funding plan

D. put out a contract on Paul Pfeifer and Andy Douglas

E. cry harder  

7. When the Ohio Supreme Court again ruled that the state's system of funding public schools was unconstitutional, Voinovich responded by:

A. accusing the OEA of being greedy

B. accusing Democrats of being greedy

C. accusing Pfeifer and Douglas of being Democrats

D. blaming Dick Celeste

E. appointing a commission   

8. When explaining his opposition to cap and trade legislation, Senator Voinovich said:

A. “They should call it crap and trade.”

B. “There is just a lot of crap in there.”

C. “Where did all this crap come from?’’

D. “Who gives a crap?’’

E. “If crap falls in the forest, and no one else is present, does it really make a smell?’’ 

Answers:

1. B (screw themselves)

2. A (bullsh*t)

3. D (endanger the life or property of another)

4. E (cried)

5. C (Rah, rah, rah. Get behind the team).

6. B (blame Dick Celeste and the Democrats ) and C (wanted to strip the court of its authority)

7. E. (appointing a commission)

8. B (There is just a lot of crap in there.)  

Non-Temper Bonus Question:

On the day of his inauguration as governor, a tuxedo-clad Voinovich signaled his desire to tighten the state's belt when he:

A. Sold inaugural mugs engraved with "Let's Work Harder and Smarter and Do More With Less.''

B. Gave free inaugural pencils stenciled with "Let's Work Harder and Smarter and Do More With Less.''

C. Signed an executive order to cap state spending.

D. Signed an executive order to cap tuition at public colleges.

E. Picked a penny out of a urinal.  

Answer to Bonus Question:

E. Picked a penny out of a urinal

Christopher Celeste, who had previously explored a possible U.S. Senate run for 2010, has endorsed Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner for the seat over her primary opponent, Lee Fisher.

In his May announcement that he would not seek the seat, Celeste had hinted at his support for Brunner.

Celeste's full endorsement:

To My Friends & Other Ohioans Interested in Ohio's Future:

As some of you know, for the past six months I actively explored entering the Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator George Voinovich. As part of that process I spoke at length with personal friends and advisers in Ohio and nationally; as well as with both of the already announced Democratic candidates, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. For a variety of personal and political reasons--and despite my strong desire to be an agent of change in the public realm--I ultimately decided entering this particular race, at this particular time, would not be in my party's, or my, best interest.

That said, my belief that this election is crucial to Ohio's future remains unchanged.

The problems (and opportunities) we face in this state are too large to be tackled by local or state officials alone. Long overdue urban revitalization. Reinvention of our historic manufacturing base. Exploding health-care costs that choke families and business alike. Outdated education systems that fail our children. Again and again, we face changing realities in our communities whose scale and complexity require political leadership at the federal level capable of sustained, creative--at times even courageous--reinvention. In my opinion, this isn't just about electing one party versus the other. It's about electing one type of leader versus another. Like our recently elected president, what we need is a leader with the courage to lead, especially when the path ahead may be challenging or unpopular. Not just another politician (Democrat or Republican) with a "wait-and-see" attitude.

As it turns out, much like in the last Presidential primary, two well-regarded and experienced officeholders are now making their case to Democratic primary voters about why they should be the party's nominee in the Fall. They are both formidable politicians who have won statewide, and worked long and hard on behalf of Ohioans. And while I respect both Lee and Jennifer for their commitment to public service, after much thought, I have decided to support, invest in and personally work on behalf of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

Jennifer's public leadership demonstrates an impressive mix of creativity, collaboration, and courage. Whether spearheading innovative drug-intervention methods from the bench, or being an early and consistent advocate of equality for all Ohioans, or protecting the basic integrity of our election process itself, Jennifer Brunner is a not a wait-and-see politician. Equally important, as a woman who started her own law practice in the corner of her home while raising a family, Jennifer has an intimate appreciation for what everyday Ohioans encounter when they face off against their own daily struggles. This combination of political and personal tenacity make Jennifer a woman unafraid to lead. Already her efforts have garnered positive national recognition, including being awarded the 2008 John F. Kennedy "Profile in Courage" Award for her stewardship of Ohio's election reforms.

It's for these reasons and many others I am speaking out on behalf of Jennifer now, in her primary race. And why I believe she will also be the Democratic Party's strongest candidate on the ballot in November. Please join me in being an early, vocal, and unapologetic supporter of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

It is time for Ohio to recapture its historic spirit of pioneering leadership -- and I believe Jennifer's election as an unrelenting agent of positive change, as well as our state's first female United States Senator will do just that.

With respect & enthusiasm,

Christopher


Christopher A. Celeste

Two hundred and thirty three years ago, our countrymen declared their independence from the tyrannical British Empire.

Today, will you declare your independence from the tyrannical insurance industry and demand the choice of a public health insurance option?

Click here to sign the petition and declare your independence from the insurance industry!

On July 4, with our friends at SEIU, we will present the signatures to Representative Mary Jo we will present the signatures to Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15), who has been fighting for us in Congress.

All over the country today, thousands of Americans are holding these truths to be self-evident - we need health care reform that will provide:

• Coverage we can afford;

• Comprehensive benefits we can count on;

• Choice of a private or public health insurance plan; and

• Equal access to quality care

For too long, the insurance industry has held us in their monopolistic grip, so much so that there is no competition in 94% of our communities.1 We have no choice but to pay their absurd rates and receive their sub-standard care so they can pay their CEOs another bonus.

No more! With the choice of a public health insurance option the industry will finally have a competitor strong enough to keep them honest. With this choice, we can restore stability to our lives, with no more unaffordable and low-quality coverage.
When Representative Kilroy returns to Congress after the July 4 recess, she'll be armed with your signature and those of thousands of other fifteenth district patriots.

So join us and declare your independence today!

Sign the petition and throw off the shackles of the insurance industry.

To your health,

Brian Rothenberg
Executive Director
ProgressOhio.org

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Senate President Bill Harris will hold hearings tomorrow on the Gov. Strickland's plan to allow video gambling at racetracks.

Harris has many questions: How did the administration arrive at the $933 million estimate? What will happen to school funding if those revenues are not realized? Would the state and the schools realize more money if the licenses were competitively bid? Is the Lottery Commission adequately prepared to take on these new responsibilities, especially if the change occurs immediately?

[...] The hearings could represent a breakthrough on the slots impasse. Some members of Harris' caucus want such gambling at the tracks, and it's possible that Harris would allow them to be included in the budget if he is satisfied that all questions have been answered.

Check out the end of the article for some fun down-dressing of top Republican slot proponent Sen. Bill Seitz by Harris. Seitz said slots had the support of about half the Republican caucus, which should give it enough votes for passage without extensive horse-trading.

Two reproductive right decisions were issued by the Ohio Supreme Court earlier this morning. In one, Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio was barred from being forced to hand over confidential medical records as part of a lawsuit.

In the other, the court ruled 4-3 that state law requires RU-486 be dispensed consistent with national FDA guidelines.

More on these later.

In a 5-0 decision, the Minnesota State Supreme Court ruled in favor of Democrat Al Franken after a seven-month battle waged by Republican contender Norm Coleman over the state's U.S. Senate seat.

In its ruling affirming the lower court's verdict, the Court found that "Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under Minn. Stat. § 204C.40 (2008) to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota."

Coleman still could attempt to take the challenge to federal courts, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, has said that he would sign Franken's election certificate if the Supreme Court ordered it.

UPDATE: Coleman has conceded.

Accompanying a none-too-revelatory article (politicians, particularly Republicans, are moral hypocrites) by NYT "visual Op-Ed columnist" Charles Blow, is an intriguing chart. It shows that states that voted for McCain are far more likely to have more teenager mothers, online porn subscriptions & divorces, per capita than those who voted for Obama.

Ohio shakes out in the bottom half of the divorce and pregnancy numbers and has the fourth lowest porn subscription rate (don't tell Phil Burress).

Not a moral hyprocrisy, but worth mentioning, is that 26 of the 31 states that voted for Bush in 2004 receive more federal money than they pay in taxes. Meanwhile, 2/3rds of the states that voted for Kerry pay more than they receive.

What do these ten states have in common: Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Delaware, Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, California,  and Connecticut?

All ten were scrambling yesterday to pass state budgets before today’s deadline, reflecting the difficulty state legislatures and governors are having coping with income- and sales-tax collections that continue to run far below already low forecasts.

According to the Rockefeller Institute of Government, personal income-tax collections, which account for about 36% of state revenues, dropped 26% in this year's January-April period. Sales-tax revenues are also down.

As a result, 48 states have a combined revenue shortfall of $166 billion in the coming fiscal year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Twenty-five states have raised taxes in 2009, and an additional 12 are considering doing so.

• Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels plans to shut down nonemergency government functions, but will continue to keep troopers on the highways and prisons staffed.
• Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbou said "everyone should agree we have an ox in the ditch.”
• In Arizona, the budget battle is a fight among Republicans. Gov. Jan Brewer wants to ask voters to approve a temporary one-cent increase in the state's sales tax to help cover a $3 billion budget gap.
• California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he would veto a plan that raises taxes. Meanwhile, the state controller says he will have to make payments using IOUs unless a budget is passed.
• Arizona, Indiana and Mississippi face the possibility of partial shutdowns if a budget is not passed in time.