7 PM Tuesday May 6th
Legislative Wrap Up Confirmed speakers:
Maryland Sen. Jamie Raskin
MD Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez
MD Del. Jeff Waldstreicher
Agenda: The Public Good vs. Special Interests in Politics
Plus the presidential contest, state and local decisions that will affect your life.
SaigonESE Restaurant
11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20902
Space is limited. RSVP NOW!
Reply to this email and tell me you're coming and if you're bringing a guest.
Tons of Parking in the Municipal lot across the street
Short walk from Wheaton Metro: http://tinyurl.com/26kgu3
More information: http://www.wmata.com/
Please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance: http://groups.google.com/group/mcprogressivealliance
MCPA works to advance equal and civil rights, clean and safe communities, high quality health care and education, verified voting, secure retirement, freedom, fairness and opportunity for all. We founded the MCPA to make a positive difference on local, state and national issues.
We support progressive candidates and promote fair election and campaign practices to enable meaningful participation in our democracy. We demand fair and unbiased media to counter the right-wing corporate media. We research and formulate policy, support causes and candidates, and organize events, fund raisers, and campaigns to advance our ideals. To subscribe, send a message to: mcprogressivealliance-subscribe@googlegroups.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Climate Super Rally on Earth Day, April 22nd in D.C.
Climate Super Rally on Earth Day, April 22nd in D.C.
Spend Earth Day with Democracy Now's Amy Goodman, climate hero Dr. James
Hansen of NASA, national faith leader Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners, PDA
National Board Member Rev. Lennox Yearwood, and others including Luci
Murphy and Betsy Taylor.
7 pm April 22nd Earth Day
Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st ST NW D.C.
George Washington University
Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom (Blue / Orange)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=730+21st+St+NW,+Washington,+DC+20006
Let's fill Lisner to show our opposition to Bush's inaction on global
warming and our support for environmental justice and clean energy. Help
save the Bay. If you care about the environment, this is an event not to
be missed.
Tickets and information: www.chesapeakeclimate.org / 240-396-2155
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
If you liked Bush you'll LOVE McCain
More of the same bad economics, aggressive wars for no reason. Tell the world, John W. McBush? No thanks! Makes great gifts for Democrats and Republicans alike!
McCain wants to attack Iran. He's hyperventilating about Iran and al Qaeda--two bitter enemies he keeps claiming are in cahoots. Then he apologizes for "misstating" but repeats the same BS the next day. Is McCain lying, senile or both? We're broke and our military is broken thanks to the idiotic Iraq War. And Insane McCain wants to attack Iran? No thanks! We can't afford more of the same with John McCain.
T-shirts, stickers, buttons, caps and all sorts of other ways to get the word out. We don't want a 3rd Bush term. We don't want McCain.
Tell the world how you feel: http://www.cafepress.com/antibush04/5071791
Monday, April 07, 2008
THIS WEDS. Conservation and Renewable Energy
DFMC Presents a free public event
7 to 9:30 PM, Wednesday April 9th
Light refreshments served--Donations Accepted.
7 to 9:30 PM, Wednesday April 9th
Light refreshments served--Donations Accepted.
Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=21+Maryland+Ave,+Rockville,+MD+20850
Short walk from Rockville Metro (Red Line)
Watch the documentary "Kilowatt Ours" examining energy production, the
benefits of renewable energy, and how you can learn new habits to
conserve. Calculate your "carbon footprint," then discuss how you can
reduce it and support renewable energy. Sponsor: Democracy for
Montgomery County
More info and RSVP: Sharon Polidoro sepolidoro@yahoo.com
Sunday, April 06, 2008
MCPA / PDA / DFA MeetUp 7:30 Tuesday May 6
Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
MCPA / PDA / DFA MeetUp 7:30 Tuesday May 6, 2008
MCPA / PDA / DFA MeetUp 7:30 Tuesday May 6, 2008
Agenda: Legislative Wrap Up (first of two, other TBA)
SaigonESE Restaurant
11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20902
Tons of Parking in the Municipal lot across the street
Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro:
http://tinyurl.com/26kgu3
More information: http://www.wmata.com/
Coalition Seeks Support for 'Moore' Physical Education
Contact: Mark Woodard, Community Organizer for Maryland Healthy
Schools Coalition: 410-207-4088
Schools Coalition: 410-207-4088
WHEATON, MD—National Health Advocates Join Maryland
Physicians Supporting Physical Fitness in Public Schools.
The Maryland Healthy Schools Coalition calls state lawmakers to enact a
Physical Education Bill to ensure that young school children participate
in a daily program of physical activity. Physicians and medical experts
have found this would help combat childhood obesity, a leading cause of
Type II diabetes, and other chronic and sometimes fatal diseases.
Coalition urges Montgomery County Delegates Sheila Hixson, District 20
(Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee) and Anne Kaiser, District
14, (Chair of the Education subcommittee for Ways and Means) to pass the
bill out of committee and push it toward final passage. Both Hixson and
Kaiser are key leaders who could help pass HB 503 in their respective
committees.
Increased physical education legislation has failed in committee for the
past two years. The Montgomery County Board of Education is opposed to
any state legislative mandate extending required physical education
time, although the county's Physical Education program continues to be
ranked at the bottom among MD counties for the amount of time elementary
school students participate in physical education.
The Maryland Healthy Schools Coalition consists of the following
organizations: American Academy of Pediatrics, Maryland Chapter,
American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart
Association and Maryland Association for Health, Physical Education and
Dance.
The coalition is rallying public support for the "Bryan Moore Student
Health and Fitness Act" (HB 503), legislation to provide for a daily
program of physical activity for children in grades Pre K- 5th grade.
The program would require physical activity totaling 150 minutes per
week that includes a minimum of 90 minutes of Physical Education with
the balance to be gained through recess and other developmentally
appropriate, moderate to vigorous physical activity.
The bill is named for student Bryan Moore, a young student who suffers
from Type II Diabetes--the form which used to afflict adults, but is now
increasingly seen among young people as well.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Help the Heart Association Promote Healthy Kids in Maryland
Please work with us to pass the Bryan Moore Student Health and
Fitness Act of Maryland, HB 503.
We hope you will be able to do the following:
Fitness Act of Maryland, HB 503.
We hope you will be able to do the following:
1. Go to: http://www.marylandsmartkids.org/ and send a letter
to your County Delegation. This is a "fast-action" site and it will
automatically do most of the work for you.
2. Please Forward this email to 10 other Maryland residents.
Thank you.
---------------------------------
Michaeline R. Fedder, MA
Director of Government Relations, Maryland
American Heart Association
Mid-Atlantic Affiliate
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(410) 637-4533 Phone
(410) 685-6352 Fax
michaeline.fedder@heart.org
Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure
Children Need "Moore" Minutes for Physical Education: Advocate for the
Bryan Moore Student Health and Fitness Act of Maryland.
Go to http://www.marylandsmartkids.org and ask your state legislators
to support HB 503
Monday, February 18, 2008
Iraq: Ending War Thru Diplomacy, a forum and mobilizing effort
Iraq: Ending War Thru Diplomacy, a forum and mobilizing effort.
Key Elementary School, 2300 Key Blvd. Arlington, VA.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2300+Key+Blvd,+Arlington,+VA+22201
1/4 mile walk from Courthouse Metro Stop--Orange Line: http://tinyurl.com/2ye3mh
Key Elementary School, 2300 Key Blvd. Arlington, VA.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2300+Key+Blvd,+Arlington,+VA+22201
1/4 mile walk from Courthouse Metro Stop--Orange Line: http://tinyurl.com/2ye3mh
Learn about the post-surge situation, how diplomacy can help stabilize
Iraq and the Middle East, and how you can push for a responsible Iraq
exit strategy.
Speakers include Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08); Phyllis Bennis, Institute for
Policy Studies; Chris Toensing, MERIP; Jim Cason, Friends Committee on
National Legislation.
Saturday, March 1st 1:00 - 5:00 pm.
Speakers 1-3:30, Mobilizing for Citizen Action 3:30 - 5:00 pm.
Suggested Donation: $5.
Sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America and Northern Virginians
for Peace and Justice.
For more information: 703-941-3707, http://www.pdavirginia.org, or
email info@pdavirginia.org
2/18/08 Update from HealthCareMaryland.org
Universal Health Care in Maryland in 2008 - Health Care Maryland.org is working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits, conferences, and organizing legislative efforts.
Rhode Island Health Care Reform Focuses On Reducing Costs
from Medical News Today Reprinted from http://www.kaisernetwork.org
Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts (D) on Tuesday unveiled a health care reform plan that would require most residents to purchase health coverage and would implement cost-cutting strategies, the Boston Globe reports. Roberts' plan would require all state residents with annual incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level to purchase insurance by July 2009. Businesses that do not provide insurance would be required to pay $1,000 for each uninsured employee, which the state would use to fund insurance products beginning in 2012 if enough funds are collected. The state also would expand Medicaid and SCHIP (Dembner, Boston Globe, 2/13). In addition, the state would establish an agency, HealthHub, to coordinate the purchasing and regulation of health plans (Needham, Providence Journal, 2/13).
Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts (D) on Tuesday unveiled a health care reform plan that would require most residents to purchase health coverage and would implement cost-cutting strategies, the Boston Globe reports. Roberts' plan would require all state residents with annual incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level to purchase insurance by July 2009. Businesses that do not provide insurance would be required to pay $1,000 for each uninsured employee, which the state would use to fund insurance products beginning in 2012 if enough funds are collected. The state also would expand Medicaid and SCHIP (Dembner, Boston Globe, 2/13). In addition, the state would establish an agency, HealthHub, to coordinate the purchasing and regulation of health plans (Needham, Providence Journal, 2/13).
NY Attorney General Investigates Health Insurers
from Medical News Today Reprinted from http://www.kaisernetwork.org.
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D) on Wednesday announced an investigation into whether health insurers systematically have required members to pay excessive fees for services performed by out-of-network health care providers, the New York Times reports. As part of the investigation, Cuomo will file a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group and subsidiary Ingenix (Abelson, New York Times, 2/13). Cuomo also will file a civil lawsuit against three other UnitedHealth subsidiaries that seeks restitution for consumers. In addition, he has issued subpoenas to 16 other health insurers. The subpoenas seek documents on the processes that the health insurers use to determine reimbursement rates, copies of member complaints and appeals, and communications between members, Ingenix and health insurers (Kerr, Long Island Newsday, 2/13).
The investigation will focus on the process that health insurers use to determine the portion of reimbursements for which they are responsible when members receive services from out-of-network providers. Health insurers pay for a certain percentage of the usual and customary rates for such services, based on an estimate of the cost for such procedures in the same geographic area (New York Times, 2/13).
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D) on Wednesday announced an investigation into whether health insurers systematically have required members to pay excessive fees for services performed by out-of-network health care providers, the New York Times reports. As part of the investigation, Cuomo will file a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group and subsidiary Ingenix (Abelson, New York Times, 2/13). Cuomo also will file a civil lawsuit against three other UnitedHealth subsidiaries that seeks restitution for consumers. In addition, he has issued subpoenas to 16 other health insurers. The subpoenas seek documents on the processes that the health insurers use to determine reimbursement rates, copies of member complaints and appeals, and communications between members, Ingenix and health insurers (Kerr, Long Island Newsday, 2/13).
The investigation will focus on the process that health insurers use to determine the portion of reimbursements for which they are responsible when members receive services from out-of-network providers. Health insurers pay for a certain percentage of the usual and customary rates for such services, based on an estimate of the cost for such procedures in the same geographic area (New York Times, 2/13).
States go it alone in health care reform
by Dana Blankenhorn | ZDNet
California and New York are both trying to cut their states’ health care costs, and their stories provide a cautionary tale in the national debate. In California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to push through a grand compromise on reform, but it was finally killed by both parties in the legislature.
The Governator then signed a series of cuts to Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid, leading to reimbursements so low most doctors and hospitals no longer accept such patients. The media is now starting to hammer him.
New York, by contrast, is trying a two-prong attack based on what it can control, the state Medicaid contract and the time of the state’s lawyers.
California and New York are both trying to cut their states’ health care costs, and their stories provide a cautionary tale in the national debate. In California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to push through a grand compromise on reform, but it was finally killed by both parties in the legislature.
The Governator then signed a series of cuts to Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid, leading to reimbursements so low most doctors and hospitals no longer accept such patients. The media is now starting to hammer him.
New York, by contrast, is trying a two-prong attack based on what it can control, the state Medicaid contract and the time of the state’s lawyers.
Bills of local interest (Washington County -- excerpts)
From the Herald-Mail.com
Editor's note: This is a list of local bills and resolutions introduced during the Maryland General Assembly's 2008 regular session. For more information, go to http://mlis.state.md.us and click on "Bill Information and Status." Go to the "Bill Number" box to search for the bill.
Editor's note: This is a list of local bills and resolutions introduced during the Maryland General Assembly's 2008 regular session. For more information, go to http://mlis.state.md.us and click on "Bill Information and Status." Go to the "Bill Number" box to search for the bill.
Health Insurance Costs Stymie Small Businesses
FP Witness Decries Rising Rates
By James Arvantes | AAFP News Now
Washington, D.C.--The rising cost of health insurance has made it difficult for owners of small businesses, including physicians' offices, to provide health care benefits for themselves and their employees. This creates gaps in coverage and fuels the nation's health care crisis, said a family physician who testified before the House Committee on Small Business here on Jan. 23.
By James Arvantes | AAFP News Now
Washington, D.C.--The rising cost of health insurance has made it difficult for owners of small businesses, including physicians' offices, to provide health care benefits for themselves and their employees. This creates gaps in coverage and fuels the nation's health care crisis, said a family physician who testified before the House Committee on Small Business here on Jan. 23.
Report Lists Key Policy Questions Facing State, National Health Reform, USA
From Medical News Today
A new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's State Coverage Initiatives program, State of the States 2008: Rising to the Challenge, outlines 2007 efforts to expand health insurance coverage and find new tools to address health care reform at the state level. While many states made progress, key contributors to uninsurance remain unchecked and historically difficult policy questions remain unanswered.
According to the report, steady increase in the number of uninsured has been a hallmark of the last decade, precipitated by unprecedented declines in employer-based coverage. In 2007 the trend continued and, like last year, was exacerbated when public program funding remained flat, failing yet again to offset new losses. This one-two punch hits children particularly hard, swelling the ranks of uninsured kids by 700,000 in 2006 and accounting for more than one-quarter of the growth in uninsured.
A new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's State Coverage Initiatives program, State of the States 2008: Rising to the Challenge, outlines 2007 efforts to expand health insurance coverage and find new tools to address health care reform at the state level. While many states made progress, key contributors to uninsurance remain unchecked and historically difficult policy questions remain unanswered.
According to the report, steady increase in the number of uninsured has been a hallmark of the last decade, precipitated by unprecedented declines in employer-based coverage. In 2007 the trend continued and, like last year, was exacerbated when public program funding remained flat, failing yet again to offset new losses. This one-two punch hits children particularly hard, swelling the ranks of uninsured kids by 700,000 in 2006 and accounting for more than one-quarter of the growth in uninsured.
State Legislation Required for Maryland's Howard County Program
From Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report
A Howard County, Md., plan to provide 20,000 uninsured residents with access to health care services will require passage of state legislation because of the program's unique structure, the Washington Post reports. According to draft legislation, the Healthy Howard program would create a "public-private partnership." If the legislation is approved, the program would have a first-year budget of $2.8 million and extend access to care to 2,000 legal county residents. The program would use existing federal programs, local government funds, private donations and user fees to provide primary and specialty care, medications, and lifestyle management, according to county Health Officer Peter Beilenson.
Beneficiaries would pay monthly fees ranging from $50 to $85, which would account for 60% of the program's initial budget. The program also would seek $500,000 from the county in its fiscal year 2009 budget and $700,000 in private funds. According to Beilenson, an important feature of the program is Howard County General Hospital's decision to forgive any existing debt Healthy Howard participants have.
A Howard County, Md., plan to provide 20,000 uninsured residents with access to health care services will require passage of state legislation because of the program's unique structure, the Washington Post reports. According to draft legislation, the Healthy Howard program would create a "public-private partnership." If the legislation is approved, the program would have a first-year budget of $2.8 million and extend access to care to 2,000 legal county residents. The program would use existing federal programs, local government funds, private donations and user fees to provide primary and specialty care, medications, and lifestyle management, according to county Health Officer Peter Beilenson.
Beneficiaries would pay monthly fees ranging from $50 to $85, which would account for 60% of the program's initial budget. The program also would seek $500,000 from the county in its fiscal year 2009 budget and $700,000 in private funds. According to Beilenson, an important feature of the program is Howard County General Hospital's decision to forgive any existing debt Healthy Howard participants have.
SEIU Members Launch Unprecedented Health Care Campaign
Universal Health Care Proposed In Md.SEIU's Americans for Health Care project, which already has played a key role in passing health care legislation in states like Maine, Maryland and Massachusetts, will continue to recruit and mobilize hundreds of thousands of "Health Care Voters"
By Katherine Torres | Occupational Hazards - Cleveland, OH
The Service Employee's International Union (SEIU) launched a sweeping, $75 million campaign to elect a pro-health care president and Congress and to make health care affordable for all Americans.
"A victory in the voting booth only matters if it translates into real help for the millions of American families who are struggling to make ends meet," said SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger. "So, our members will be working around the country to elect a new President on November 4 with the mandate to fix our broken health care system. And on November 5, we will hit the ground running to make that mandate a reality."
By Katherine Torres | Occupational Hazards - Cleveland, OH
The Service Employee's International Union (SEIU) launched a sweeping, $75 million campaign to elect a pro-health care president and Congress and to make health care affordable for all Americans.
"A victory in the voting booth only matters if it translates into real help for the millions of American families who are struggling to make ends meet," said SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger. "So, our members will be working around the country to elect a new President on November 4 with the mandate to fix our broken health care system. And on November 5, we will hit the ground running to make that mandate a reality."
from wjz.com Baltimore, MD
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) ― A universal health care plan for Maryland has been proposed by more than 30 Democratic lawmakers. But the plan's sponsors doubt universal health care will be adopted this year. They say they proposed the bill to raise awareness about the need for more people to have health insurance.
Currently Howard County is the nation's only county planning a universal health coverage plan. Lawmakers approved an expensive package last year expanding Medicaid coverage through a higher tobacco tax and other tax hikes. The lead sponsor of the universal health care plan -- Democratic Delegate Karen Montgomery of Montgomery County -- says her plan would cost a lot but would save money over time because fewer people would rely on emergency rooms for their health care.
HEARING: LONG-TERM CARE GENETIC NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT (HB 29)
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) ― A universal health care plan for Maryland has been proposed by more than 30 Democratic lawmakers. But the plan's sponsors doubt universal health care will be adopted this year. They say they proposed the bill to raise awareness about the need for more people to have health insurance.
Currently Howard County is the nation's only county planning a universal health coverage plan. Lawmakers approved an expensive package last year expanding Medicaid coverage through a higher tobacco tax and other tax hikes. The lead sponsor of the universal health care plan -- Democratic Delegate Karen Montgomery of Montgomery County -- says her plan would cost a lot but would save money over time because fewer people would rely on emergency rooms for their health care.
HEARING: LONG-TERM CARE GENETIC NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT (HB 29)
From Roger Manno's Maryland Report
I introduced HB 29 to address the ongoing crisis of people being denied long-term insurance coverage based on the results of genetic tests in Maryland. Genetic information that reveals that a person has a given marker for a disease (for example, Tay-Sachs disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, or Alzheimer’s disease) but has not yet manifested into the disease or condition, should not be the basis for denial of coverage or discrimination as a preexisting condition.
I introduced HB 29 to address the ongoing crisis of people being denied long-term insurance coverage based on the results of genetic tests in Maryland. Genetic information that reveals that a person has a given marker for a disease (for example, Tay-Sachs disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, or Alzheimer’s disease) but has not yet manifested into the disease or condition, should not be the basis for denial of coverage or discrimination as a preexisting condition.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Progressive Tidal Wave Sweeps Donna Edwards to Stunning Victory
Democracy For America, Progressive Democrats of America, and other groups and bloggers from across the US helped progressive challenger Donna Edwards win a stunning upset victory against eight-term incumbent Albert Wynn. Despite Wynn's huge advantages in terms of special interest contributions and insider connections, Donna Edwards marshaled support from what Wynn's campaign dismissed as "a vast left-wing conspiracy" to defeat the most conservative member of the Congressional Black Caucus. With 76% of the precincts reporting, Donna led by 60% to 35%, a margin of more than 22,000 votes. Because the 4th district is overwhelmingly Democratic, Donna is a sure bet to win this seat in the November general election.
The DFA team made countless calls for Donna, and also worked at Giant supermarkets, metro stops and door-knocked to help achieve this victory. Democracy for Montgomery County Steering Committee Chairperson Sharon Polidoro and members Maida Schifter, Mike Hersh and Donna's Montgomery County Campaign Organizer Gina Angiola joined in the celebration at the Saturday Rally. DFAer Suzanne St. Cyr from Prince Georges County also attended. Democracy For America Executive Director Jim Dean rode through the Montgomery County part og this sprawling district, meeting voters, waving signs, passing out information about Donna.
Kim Gandy, the President of the National Organization for Women praised Donna's courage and dedication. Hip Hop Coalition President Rev. Lennox Yearwood and PDA National Chairperson Mimi Kennedy fired up the crowd. SEIU Executive Director Terry Cavanagh put the contest in context, recounting his conversation with a member of Congress who wondered "why are you doing this to Al Wynn? There are worse Democrats than Al Wynn." The reply: "Give me some time and maybe we'll think of one." Other supporters spoke of Donna's willingness to listen, her eagerness to help, her goodness, decency, intelligence and more. Jim Dean said this is a contest between "the culture of incumbency vs. the culture of activism." He sounds like a natural partner for PDA, and Mimi discussed issues like election protection with him before and after the rally.
Donna thanked all of us for our support. She told us she's lived in Prince Georges County for 25 years, the county where she raised her son. In a voice worn by weeks and weeks of hard work, talked about her commitment to the people of the 4th District, her fundamental understanding of the difficulties facing working people, single moms--real Americans. As Donna explains, if we elect her to Congress we won't have to push her or lobby her to do the right thing on universal health care or getting us out of Iraq or helping families hurt by the foreclosure crisis.
Donna promised us, "January 2009, my name will be right on top of the list," of the leaders making a difference on all these issues and more. And PDA is right on top of the list among the "vast left wing conspiracy" poised to usher Albert Wynn back into private life. As the chant rocked the room: "Al Wynn? Time to go!" and "It's Donna Time!" Voters in Maryland's 4th District agreed. Thanks to everyone who pitched in to help Donna win!
The DFA team made countless calls for Donna, and also worked at Giant supermarkets, metro stops and door-knocked to help achieve this victory. Democracy for Montgomery County Steering Committee Chairperson Sharon Polidoro and members Maida Schifter, Mike Hersh and Donna's Montgomery County Campaign Organizer Gina Angiola joined in the celebration at the Saturday Rally. DFAer Suzanne St. Cyr from Prince Georges County also attended. Democracy For America Executive Director Jim Dean rode through the Montgomery County part og this sprawling district, meeting voters, waving signs, passing out information about Donna.
Kim Gandy, the President of the National Organization for Women praised Donna's courage and dedication. Hip Hop Coalition President Rev. Lennox Yearwood and PDA National Chairperson Mimi Kennedy fired up the crowd. SEIU Executive Director Terry Cavanagh put the contest in context, recounting his conversation with a member of Congress who wondered "why are you doing this to Al Wynn? There are worse Democrats than Al Wynn." The reply: "Give me some time and maybe we'll think of one." Other supporters spoke of Donna's willingness to listen, her eagerness to help, her goodness, decency, intelligence and more. Jim Dean said this is a contest between "the culture of incumbency vs. the culture of activism." He sounds like a natural partner for PDA, and Mimi discussed issues like election protection with him before and after the rally.
Donna thanked all of us for our support. She told us she's lived in Prince Georges County for 25 years, the county where she raised her son. In a voice worn by weeks and weeks of hard work, talked about her commitment to the people of the 4th District, her fundamental understanding of the difficulties facing working people, single moms--real Americans. As Donna explains, if we elect her to Congress we won't have to push her or lobby her to do the right thing on universal health care or getting us out of Iraq or helping families hurt by the foreclosure crisis.
Donna promised us, "January 2009, my name will be right on top of the list," of the leaders making a difference on all these issues and more. And PDA is right on top of the list among the "vast left wing conspiracy" poised to usher Albert Wynn back into private life. As the chant rocked the room: "Al Wynn? Time to go!" and "It's Donna Time!" Voters in Maryland's 4th District agreed. Thanks to everyone who pitched in to help Donna win!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
HealthCareMaryland.org Update 2/10/08
Universal Health Care in Maryland in 2008HealthCareMaryland.org is working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits, conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. Click here to subscribe to updates from Health Care Maryland.
Delegates Working on Health Care Issues in Maryland
Delegates Roger Manno (Dist-19), Karen Montgomery (Dist-14), Heather Mizeur and Tom Hucker (Dist-20) are working hard to improve health care in Maryland. Del. Manno is working with the Governor, House Speaker Mike Busch and others to make prescriptions affordable for Maryland residents who fall into the "donut hole" in the Federal Medicare Prescription Drug plan, and continues his efforts to prevent discrimination in health care. Del. Montgomery is once again setting a high standard for health care legislation in Maryland, reintroducing her bill: (HB 1125) to guarantee health care for all Maryland residents through a "Single Payer" approach.
Delegates Roger Manno (Dist-19), Karen Montgomery (Dist-14), Heather Mizeur and Tom Hucker (Dist-20) are working hard to improve health care in Maryland. Del. Manno is working with the Governor, House Speaker Mike Busch and others to make prescriptions affordable for Maryland residents who fall into the "donut hole" in the Federal Medicare Prescription Drug plan, and continues his efforts to prevent discrimination in health care. Del. Montgomery is once again setting a high standard for health care legislation in Maryland, reintroducing her bill: (HB 1125) to guarantee health care for all Maryland residents through a "Single Payer" approach.
Bills Would Add Services, Improve Mental Health Care
By Philip Rucker | Washington Post Staff Writer - Spurred by the scandal at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and what some call other federal failures to provide care to returning soldiers, several Maryland lawmakers and Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration have introduced legislation to create new benefits and enhance services for veterans. The General Assembly is considering more than 20 bills dealing with veterans this legislative session. Chief among them is an O'Malley proposal to establish a state program to eliminate gaps in mental and behavioral health services for veterans. Through the $3.5 million pilot program, the state would help veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing crisis management and referring them to treatment.
Reynolds/Sienko: Ingham Health Plan is step toward universal access
Lansing State Journal - The Ingham Health Plan offers a health care benefit to 16,000 Ingham County residents who otherwise would have limited access to health care. It is a social accomplishment of significant magnitude that showcases the political good will of our community and the power of cooperative, collective action. It should be expanded until all county residents have access to health care.
Health Care Access Found Lacking in Nation's Capitol
Rate of Hospital Visits Rising, Study Finds - Washington Post WEEK IN REVIEW | Jan. 27-Feb. 2 - One in five District residents has no regular source of health care, and rising rates of hospital visits suggest declining access to doctors and community clinics, a study of D.C. health issues has found. The study by Rand Corp., a nonprofit research group, looked at data on chronic disease, insurance, hospital capacity and emergency services and found much wanting. The report was commissioned by the D.C. Council.
Businesses, insurers improve health care, save money
By LINDA A. JOHNSON | AP Business Writer - February 1, 2008 TRENTON, N.J. -- The country's biggest program to pay doctors extra for top-notch, comprehensive care, part of a growing national movement to hold down medical spending by preventing mistakes and complications, is expanding _ geographically and in what it tackles. Bridges to Excellence, a nonprofit group, gives doctors annual payments _ $50 to $200 per participating patient _ for giving effective care and preventing costly complications of diabetes and heart disease. Employers and health insurers underwrite the costs.
Md. Lawmakers Alarmed At Federal Medicaid Changes - Maryland Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin Cardin proposed a moratorium on new rules
Bush Budget, Rules Changes Threaten Access to Health CareANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)--Maryland could lose up to $75 million in federal money for Medicaid case management services designed to provide preventive health care, a change that could affect up to 200,000 state residents, state health officials and advocates said Friday. The rules, which were drafted by the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and will affect all 50 states, are scheduled to take effect in March.
House Committee To Get Briefing On Medicaid Rule - ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A House committee will get a briefing Friday on the impact of a federal rule regarding Medicaid case management services. The rule takes effect in March and is designed to help Medicaid recipients get access to care and eliminate abuse claims. But Governor Martin O'Malley is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reconsider the regulations. To be in compliance, O'Malley writes that Maryland may be forced to leave many vulnerable populations without any access to needed case management services. The hearing is scheduled for this afternoon in the House Health and Government Operations Committee.
---------------------
Official: Bush Budget Will Squeeze Health Care - Democrats: Bush's budget targets the wrong health care providers for cuts, insurers subsidized to provide Medicare coverage are being overpaid.
WASHINGTON (AP) ― President Bush's 2009 budget will virtually freeze most domestic programs and seek nearly $200 billion in savings from federal health care programs, a senior administration official said Thursday. The Bush budget also will likely exceed $3 trillion, this official said. Bush on Monday will present his proposed budget for the new fiscal year to Congress, where it's unlikely to gain much traction in the midst of a presidential campaign. The president has promised a plan that would erase the budget deficit by 2012 if his policies are followed. Bush will propose nearly $178 billion in savings from Medicare — a number that's nearly triple what he proposed last year. Much of the savings would come from freezing reimbursement rates for most health care providers for three years. An additional $17 billion would come from the Medicaid program, the state-federal partnership that provides health coverage to the poor. The cuts would come over five years.
---------------------
Official: Bush Budget Will Squeeze Health Care - Democrats: Bush's budget targets the wrong health care providers for cuts, insurers subsidized to provide Medicare coverage are being overpaid.
WASHINGTON (AP) ― President Bush's 2009 budget will virtually freeze most domestic programs and seek nearly $200 billion in savings from federal health care programs, a senior administration official said Thursday. The Bush budget also will likely exceed $3 trillion, this official said. Bush on Monday will present his proposed budget for the new fiscal year to Congress, where it's unlikely to gain much traction in the midst of a presidential campaign. The president has promised a plan that would erase the budget deficit by 2012 if his policies are followed. Bush will propose nearly $178 billion in savings from Medicare — a number that's nearly triple what he proposed last year. Much of the savings would come from freezing reimbursement rates for most health care providers for three years. An additional $17 billion would come from the Medicaid program, the state-federal partnership that provides health coverage to the poor. The cuts would come over five years.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Progressive Democratic Challengers
Progressive Democratic Challengers
by JOHN NICHOLS | The Nation: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080211/nichols
by JOHN NICHOLS | The Nation: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080211/nichols
Maryland Congressional candidate Donna Edwards did not need a memo from
a pollster to tell her the subprime mortgage crisis would be an issue in
her 2008 race. Campaigning on the doorsteps and at Metro stops of her
racially and economically diverse suburban Washington district, she
heard women talking last summer about how a credit crunch might cost
them their homes. Edwards, one of a new breed of savvy policy wonks and
strategists who are leaving the public-interest community to bid for
major elected office, knew how to respond. Months before Hillary Clinton
and Barack Obama began promising to fight to keep middle-class families
in their homes–and with an urgency that is still missing from the
response of House and Senate Democratic leaders–Edwards called for
radically revising the 2005 bankruptcy bill as part of a plan to protect
homeowners from financial ruin.
It didn't hurt that the incumbent Democrat she's challenging in
Maryland's February 12 primary, eight-term Congressman Albert Wynn,
voted for the bankruptcy bill, favored by commercial banks, which have
contributed $185,917 to his campaign. But for Edwards, this was about
more than political positioning. "Prince Georges County has the highest
rate of foreclosures in Maryland, and my ZIP code has the highest rate
of foreclosures in the county," says Edwards, a veteran activist on
issues of concern to women and working families. "When I talk about why
we need a different kind of Democrat in Congress–someone who sides with
consumers, not corporate interests–people understand exactly what I'm
talking about." [read more: http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1686]
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Voting Protection in MD + Update from Progressive Neighbors of SS and TP
Contents: Voting Protection in MD + Update from Progressive Neighbors of
Silver Spring and Takoma Park
Silver Spring and Takoma Park
1. Town Hall Meeting 8:00 p.m. AFI Theater, Silver Spring Wednesday Jan. 30
2. ACTION ALERT: Your Emails are Needed for Campaign Finance Reform in
Montgomery County - Bill Has Been Introduced
3. PDA's Clean and Fair Elections Conference Call tonight: Maryland is
on the agenda
Time: 9:00 pm EST - Conference Call #: (712) 775-7100 Code: 936487#
4. PDA / DFA / MCPA Meeting 7:30 February 5th in Wheaton - Gearing up
for the Primary
----------------------------
Wednesday Jan. 30 Mont. County Council Town Hall Meeting
8:00 p.m. AFI Theater, Silver Spring. Progressive Neighbors will focus
on the issues of affordable housing and progressive taxation.
Affordable Housing: The County Council needs to pass legislation to
prevent excessive rent increases and the resultant loss of existing
affordable housing in MC. A rent stabilization law combined with
limitations on condo conversions is necessary if we are to maintain
affordable housing and economic diversity in our County. County
Executive Leggett said he would sign rent stabilization legislation if
passed by the Council.
Progressive Taxation: The County Executive has announced that the County
will have a $400 million deficit next year. Unless the Council finds
ways to raise additional revenue, there will be serious cuts in services
(including education which accounts for 1/2 of the County's budget). We
support progressive taxation - those who can afford to pay the most,
should pay their fair share which means a higher rate for wealthy
residents. Where do the Council members stand?
Endorsements: In addition, to endorsing Donna Edwards in the 4th
Congressional Feb. 12th Primary, Progressive Neighbors has endorsed
Alies Muskin for Montgomery County Board of Education in the Primary.
More information, contact: malakoff@starpower.net
----------------------------
ACTION ALERT: Your Emails are Needed for Campaign Finance Reform in
Montgomery County - Bill Has Been Introduced
State Bill MC 803-08 will be voted on by the County Affairs Committee of
the Mont. County State Delegation this Thursday morning, Jan. 31st. The
bill would allow Montgomery County to enact its own campaign finance
reform rules for County elections which could include public financing.
Progressive Neighbors has endorsed the legislation as has Common Cause
Maryland, the MD League of Women Voters, the Washington Post (!) and
other groups. Delegate Susan Lee of District 16 is leading the effort
for the bill at the state level.
Here's What You Can Do Right Now to Make a Difference: Email your
delegates and senator in Annapolis to let them know that you strongly
support this bill for clean elections and improving democratic
participation at the County level. (Again, it's Bill MC 803-08) Key
representatives who have not committed themselves to supporting the bill
and need to hear from us are District 20 Delegate Sheila Hixson
(sheila.hixson@house.state.md.us), Dist.15 Delegate Brian Feldman
(brian.feldman@house.state.md.us), and Dist.17 Delegate Jim Gilchrist
(jim.gilchrist@house.state.md.us) We could really make a difference here
so please send emails on Tues or Wed. of this week (Jan 29 and 30) in
support of the bill. (Email addresses of other representatives are
listed at http://mlis.state.md.us )
If the committee votes out the bill, it goes to the full Montgomery
County Delegation and then to the floor of the State House and Senate.
Further information on the bill can be found at:
www.montgomerycountydelegation.com/MC%20803-08.html
----------------------------
Please join our PDA Issue Organizing Team for Clean, Fair, Transparent
Elections Issue Organizing Team conference call today!
TODAY, Tuesday, January 29 9:00 pm EST
Conference Call #: (712) 775-7100 Code: 936487#
Topics: State initiatives and pro-active strategies in anticipation of
2008 electoral challenges and shenanigans!
Challenges in New Hampshire, Optical Scan option taken up in New York,
Electoral Integrity victories in Maryland!
Join this IOT's Google discussion group.
htt://groups.google.com/group/PDAcleanelections/subscribe
Questions, comments or concerns, please call Diane at 845-661-3754 or
email diane@pdmerica.org.
----------------------------
PDA / DFA / MCPA February Meeting - Gearing up for the Primary (open to all)
Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008, 7:30 PM in Wheaton
Join our big push to the primary elections February 12 and much more!
SaigonESE Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Google Map: http://tinyurl.com/2fbdso
Short walk from the Wheaton Metro / Red Line: http://tinyurl.com/3836uy
Parking in the huge municipal lot across the street.
----------------------------
Monday, January 28, 2008
Stop Telecom Immunity: Call Sen. Mikulski and Sen. Cardin now!
Stop Telecom Immunity: Call Sen. Mikulski and Sen. Cardin
at the Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121 now!
at the Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121 now!
Despite Reid's recent pledge to oppose immunity for the telecom industry, he has brought forward one of two bills, both amended by the Senate Intelligence Committee, which contains… immunity!
Reid didn't have to do this. He could have championed the other bill, which eliminated immunity for the telecom industry.
So today, the Senate will vote to grant immunity to the telecom industry for their illegal spying on Americans, or they will protect our rights and the Constitution and vote no.
Call your Senators NOW at the Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote no on the FISA Amendment to allow immunity for the telecom industry.
We've let Bush trample on our civil rights long enough, without letting him-and the Democratic enablers Harry Reid and Dianne Feinstein—give a break to those corporations who willingly break the law. And don't let poor AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth tell you that they didn't know warrant-less wiretapping is illegal, or that they couldn't refuse; Qwest Communications saw it for what is was, and said, “No, thanks.”
The New York Times editorialized, just this past Saturday: “The Senate (reportedly still under Democratic control) seems determined to help President Bush violate Americans' civil liberties and undermine the constitutional separation of powers. Majority Leader Harry Reid is supporting White House-backed legislation that would expand the administration's ability to spy on Americans without court supervision and ensure that the country never learns the full extent of Mr. Bush's illegal wiretapping program.”
To learn more about the terrible cost of this immunity for those who helped break the law, read the ACLU's opinion.
Dial 202-224-3121 now--and tell your Senators to vote against any bill containing immunity for the telecom companies that are illegally spying on Americans.
In Solidarity,
Tim Carpenter
National Director
P.S. Since a Democrat is poised to become the next leader of the “free” world, and Edwards has already come out strongly opposed to telecom immunity, it will be interesting to see if Clinton and Obama assume the mantle of leadership and stand up for our rights by actually casting a vote to uphold the Constitution.
Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works
both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for
peace and justice. Our goal: Elect a permanent, progressive
majority in 2008. PDA's advisory board includes seven members
of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea
Benjamin, Thom Hartmann and Rev. Lennox Yearwood.
More info: http://pdamerica.org
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
1/23/08 Update from HealthCareMaryland.org
Health CareMaryland.org is working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits, conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. Health Care Maryland.org is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization which promotes research, public education and advocacy to guarantee universal high-quality health care for all Maryland residents. Digging In the Right Place
Washington state Sen. Karen Keiser (D), chairwoman of her legislature's powerful health committee, this week introduced the nation's most far-reaching universal health care proposal
There's a memorable moment in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" when Indiana Jones sees a rival's archaeological excavation and realizes the buried treasure is somewhere else. "They're digging in the wrong place!" he exclaims. The line could explain why our national elections leave us feeling empty. By expecting so much so fast from Washington D.C., we are digging for "change" in the wrong place.
There's a memorable moment in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" when Indiana Jones sees a rival's archaeological excavation and realizes the buried treasure is somewhere else. "They're digging in the wrong place!" he exclaims. The line could explain why our national elections leave us feeling empty. By expecting so much so fast from Washington D.C., we are digging for "change" in the wrong place.
As Recession Looms, Another SCHIP Veto
Tomorrow, the conservative minority in the House is expected to sustain President Bush's third veto of expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
SCHIP has already successfully provided health coverage to six million kids, but nine million more remained uninsured. The bipartisan compromise bill would extended coverage to four million more kids, and even that was too compassionate for Bush and his fellow conservatives.
SCHIP has already successfully provided health coverage to six million kids, but nine million more remained uninsured. The bipartisan compromise bill would extended coverage to four million more kids, and even that was too compassionate for Bush and his fellow conservatives.
Democratic Presidential Candidates Agree on Health Care Model
The contenders envision private insurance continuing, but they see a government-run plan as a competitive option.
WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have been sniping at each other for months over healthcare, but there's one thing the top Democratic presidential candidates agree on: Americans of all ages should have the choice of buying a government-run plan modeled on Medicare.
The idea, which would set up a competition between a new government plan and private insurance programs, has been overshadowed by the political horse race. But it's one of the most far-reaching and controversial proposals for making health insurance more affordable and more widely available.
WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have been sniping at each other for months over healthcare, but there's one thing the top Democratic presidential candidates agree on: Americans of all ages should have the choice of buying a government-run plan modeled on Medicare.
The idea, which would set up a competition between a new government plan and private insurance programs, has been overshadowed by the political horse race. But it's one of the most far-reaching and controversial proposals for making health insurance more affordable and more widely available.
St. Louis-Based Health Initiative Wins National Award
...for Improving the Health of Special Needs Babies
Nurses for Newborns Foundation “Bridge to the Future” program selected as 2008 Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award winner
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Nurses for Newborns Foundation (NFNF) of St. Louis has been honored by the Premier healthcare alliance with the 16th Annual Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award for its Bridge to the Future program, which works to improve the health of special needs babies. NFNF last night received the Cares Award and $70,000 for the work it has done to prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect through in-home nursing visits.
Nurses for Newborns Foundation “Bridge to the Future” program selected as 2008 Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award winner
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Nurses for Newborns Foundation (NFNF) of St. Louis has been honored by the Premier healthcare alliance with the 16th Annual Monroe E. Trout Premier Cares Award for its Bridge to the Future program, which works to improve the health of special needs babies. NFNF last night received the Cares Award and $70,000 for the work it has done to prevent infant mortality, child abuse and neglect through in-home nursing visits.
Maryland County Plan To Provide Coordinated Care for Uninsured Delayed by Three Months
The launch of a Howard County, Md., health access program has been delayed for three months to Oct. 1 because legislation is needed to exempt the program from state insurance regulations, the Baltimore Sun reports (Carson, Baltimore Sun, 1/18). The Healthy Howard program aims to provide affordable and coordinated health care to uninsured residents who are not eligible for state and federal programs. To be eligible for the county's program, individuals must have lived in the county for at least one year and must have been uninsured for a year (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 10/18/07).
Washington State Voters may prescribe health care fix
Other states such as Maryland proposed so-called "Wal-Mart bills" but had the efforts blocked by the courts. Experts say federal law would have to be changed to allow states to force employers to provide health coverage.
Washington voters could be the first in the nation to directly decide what kind of health insurance system their state will have.
Labor groups -- with strong support from hospitals and physicians and some support from small business owners -- are pushing a multistep proposal in the current legislative session that would require town-hall style meetings around the state to find out what people want.
The Legislature would set up a nine-member citizens work group, appointed by the governor, that would travel the state collecting public input on what constitutes quality, affordable health care. The work group would hire an expert in health economics to evaluate up to five proposals and report back to the Legislature in 2009 with recommendations and suggestions.
Washington voters could be the first in the nation to directly decide what kind of health insurance system their state will have.
Labor groups -- with strong support from hospitals and physicians and some support from small business owners -- are pushing a multistep proposal in the current legislative session that would require town-hall style meetings around the state to find out what people want.
The Legislature would set up a nine-member citizens work group, appointed by the governor, that would travel the state collecting public input on what constitutes quality, affordable health care. The work group would hire an expert in health economics to evaluate up to five proposals and report back to the Legislature in 2009 with recommendations and suggestions.
Groups Propose Long-Term Care Overhaul
Three long-term care organizations have proposed a restructuring of the current long-term and post-acute care systems that would, they said, encourage individuals to save for their long-term care needs and ease the financial pressure of long-term care expenditures on federal and state budgets. “The long-term care system, if you want to call it that, is pretty messed up,” said Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, adding that the current system is extremely fragmented.
Free State Politics: Senate President Pledges Support for Progressive Principles
Senate President Pledges Support for Progressive Principles
by Mike Hersh Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST
by Mike Hersh Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST
Maryland Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller. Jr. attended a
bloggers' meeting organized by Senator Rich Madaleno (District 18 ) in
Annapolis January 21 to discuss the upcoming session, the recent special
session, and Maryland politics. The two-hour gathering in the James
Senate Office Building also featured a fact-filled overview of state
finances by Sen. Madaleno, supported by District 20 Senator Jamie Raskin
and House of Delegates Majority Leader Kumar Barve (District 17).
President Miller recounted the accomplishments achieved during the
special session: extending health care to 100,000 Maryland residents,
increased funding for education and poverty programs, and creating new
opportunities in the state. In his customarily outspoken style, Sen.
Miller laid out the road map he believes the state will follow during
the 2008 session and onward--warning that many in the room "will not
like" all of it, but promising Governor Martin O'Malley will continue to
lead Maryland based on "progressive principles." [continued:
Thursday, January 17, 2008
What: Donna Edwards Fundraiser 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in WheatonWhen: Sunday, January 20, 5:00 PM
Who should come: Anyone who wants to send a great person to Congress
Why: Have fun and support a great candidate for Congress
* Support and meet Donna Edwards 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in Wheaton
* Watch Donna Edwards and her campaign to replace Al Wynn on the PBS program "Now" Friday Jan. 18th.
* The Democratic Primary Election is February 12, 2008
==========================
Support and meet Donna Edwards, Democratic candidate for Maryland's 4th Congressional District
Sponsored by Montgomery County campaign volunteers and Haitian-American friends of Donna Edwards
5-9 pm Sunday, January 20, 2008
ANTIPUQUEÑO RESTAURANT
2504 Ennalls Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902
(where Sabang used to be)
Short Walk from the Wheaton Metro stop (red line)
DIRECTIONS: From I-495 take the Georgia Avenue Exit towards Wheaton. Continue for almost 2 miles and make a left on Ennals Avenue (the block before University Blvd.). Continue for two blocks to the Antipuqueno Restaurant on the left. There is plenty of free public parking.
Watch NFL Playoffs on Flat Screen HD TV!
Contribute to the campaign and have a good time! Music, dancing, cash bar and Salvadorian Tex-Mex menu.
For more information, contact Ken Leiner (240) 305-8880 or Claire Gabriel (301) 384-5458 or email: community1event@yahoo.com
If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution to the campaign
Make an on-line contribution: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/17959
Or write a check to Donna Edwards for Congress and send your donation to P.O. Box 441153 Fort Washington, MD 20749-1153
To comply with Federal Election regulations, you must identify your Occupation and Employer. If not employed, please enter "not employed" under occupation, and please enter "none" under employer. If self-employed, please enter "self" under employer.
You must also attest Contribution Eligibility by writing the following: I confirm that the following statements are true and accurate.
1. I am a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien.
2. This contribution is made from my own personal funds, and funds are not being provided to me by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.
3. I am not a federal contractor.
4. I am at least eighteen years old.
==========================
Watch Donna Edwards and her campaign to replace Al Wynn on the PBS program "Now" Friday Jan. 18th 10 PM on WETA - channel 26
Repeated on WETA World on Sunday, Jan. 20th, at 12 midnight, and again at 5 AM. WETA World is Comcast cable channel 202 and Verizon FIOS channel 873.
==========================
This message was not paid for or coordinated with any candidate or campaign.
Donna Edwards Fundraiser 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in Wheaton
What: Donna Edwards Fundraiser 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in WheatonWhen: Sunday, January 20, 5:00 PM
Who should come: Anyone who wants to send a great person to Congress
Why: Have fun and support a great candidate for Congress
* Support and meet Donna Edwards 5-9 pm Sunday, January 20 in Wheaton
* Watch Donna Edwards and her campaign to replace Al Wynn on the PBS program "Now" Friday Jan. 18th.
* The Democratic Primary Election is February 12, 2008
==========================
Support and meet Donna Edwards, Democratic candidate for Maryland's 4th Congressional District
Sponsored by Montgomery County campaign volunteers and Haitian-American friends of Donna Edwards
5-9 pm Sunday, January 20, 2008
ANTIPUQUEÑO RESTAURANT
2504 Ennalls Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902
(where Sabang used to be)
Short Walk from the Wheaton Metro stop (red line)
DIRECTIONS: From I-495 take the Georgia Avenue Exit towards Wheaton. Continue for almost 2 miles and make a left on Ennals Avenue (the block before University Blvd.). Continue for two blocks to the Antipuqueno Restaurant on the left. There is plenty of free public parking.
Watch NFL Playoffs on Flat Screen HD TV!
Contribute to the campaign and have a good time! Music, dancing, cash bar and Salvadorian Tex-Mex menu.
For more information, contact Ken Leiner (240) 305-8880 or Claire Gabriel (301) 384-5458 or email: community1event@yahoo.com
If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a contribution to the campaign
Make an on-line contribution: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/17959
Or write a check to Donna Edwards for Congress and send your donation to P.O. Box 441153 Fort Washington, MD 20749-1153
To comply with Federal Election regulations, you must identify your Occupation and Employer. If not employed, please enter "not employed" under occupation, and please enter "none" under employer. If self-employed, please enter "self" under employer.
You must also attest Contribution Eligibility by writing the following: I confirm that the following statements are true and accurate.
1. I am a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien.
2. This contribution is made from my own personal funds, and funds are not being provided to me by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.
3. I am not a federal contractor.
4. I am at least eighteen years old.
==========================
Watch Donna Edwards and her campaign to replace Al Wynn on the PBS program "Now" Friday Jan. 18th 10 PM on WETA - channel 26
Repeated on WETA World on Sunday, Jan. 20th, at 12 midnight, and again at 5 AM. WETA World is Comcast cable channel 202 and Verizon FIOS channel 873.
==========================
This message was not paid for or coordinated with any candidate or campaign.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
1/16/08 Update from HealthCareMaryland.org
http://www.HealthCareMaryland.org
"Health Care Delayed is Health Care Denied"
"Health Care Delayed is Health Care Denied"
Health Care Maryland.org is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization
which promotes research, public education and advocacy to guarantee
universal high-quality health care for all Maryland residents. We're
working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected
officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal
health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits,
conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. Read articles at the
Health Care Maryland website. Please share with interested friends and
colleagues.
Urge Senators to Deliver Quality Indian Health Care
From FCNL -- Friends Committee on National Legislation
Senators will vote January 22 on reauthorization of the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act (S. 1200).This bill lays the foundation for program
change and addresses health crises such as diabetes, youth suicide, and
drug addiction that have escalated among native peoples in the past 15
years. Take Action
Doctors Give Massachusetts Health Reform A Failing Grade
Poor Early Outcomes Raise Red Flags, Only Private Insurers Profit
From MedicalNewsToday.com
Over 250 Massachusetts doctors have signed an open letter to the country
warning that the health reform model enacted by Massachusetts is failing
and that a single payer program is the only alternative.
"It is urgent that the rest of the country know that Massachusetts is a
living laboratory for the health care reforms being pushed in California
and by the Obama/Clinton/Edwards campaigns. Right now the Gov.
Romney/Massachusetts' plan gets a failing grade on the ground," said
Dr.Rachel Nardin, Assistant Professor of neurology at Harvard Medical
School.
Our Future Rooted in Our Past
Unprecedented change in the nation's healthcare system is looming, while
the ability to attract new nurses still is hindered by sexual and gender
stereotypes.
by Catherine Spader, RN | Nurse.com
Nurses who came of age during the baby boom generation have transformed
nursing from a role dominated by tasks and physicians' orders into a
profession of independent thinkers with their own body of knowledge. As
the baby-boom nurses begin to retire and exit the workforce in the next
20 to 30 years, they leave behind some big shoes to fill.
Generation X and Y nurses, born and raised in a fast-paced world, thrive
on technology and change--and that's a good thing because tomorrow's
healthcare system will look much different than when baby boomers
entered as young nurses starting in the early 1960s.
State Town Hall Tour to Focus on Health Care Issues
From Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, and the Health Care for All!
campaign
A Busy Spring: As many of you might know by now, we have reconvened our
Technical Advisory Committee. This team of experts from the Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of MD School of
Law, Community Catalyst, and others helped draft the original Health
Care for All! plan. We have brought them back together to draw up a new
plan to represent all the things that have changed since the original
plan was written, and hope to have a newly updated Health Care for All!
plan late this spring. We have had series of stakeholder meetings
already and the wheels are in motion to get the very difficult work
completed.
CareFirst's quality initiative: Doctors to get more for providing better
care
By Karen Buckelew | Maryland Daily Record Business Writer
Maryland doctors soon will have the chance to earn higher payments from
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield through a new initiative to improve the
quality of patient care. The new CareFirst Quality Rewards program,
which the state's largest insurer announced Tuesday, will give doctors
the chance to earn up to 7 percent increases in the standard fee
CareFirst pays physicians for services.
Casa's services mean advocacy in many languages
Nonprofit has expanded its reach to serve area's burgeoning African
population
By Agnes Jasinski | Gazette Staff Writer
For the last three years, Casa of Maryland has been a second home for
Frederic Ngongang of Cameroon. Ngongang, who left the African country
for Takoma Park in 2003, arrived on United States soil in need of
immediate employment. What he found was one of the state's largest
advocacy groups for Hispanics, but one that welcomed him as well....
Over the last year, Casa has increased efforts to reach Africans through
health care services through partnerships with nonprofits such as the
Ethiopian Community Development Council and the county's African
American Health Program, Jaramillo said.
Keeping King's dream alive--Sen. Verna L. Jones helped win an expansion
of health care
By Susan Gvozdas | Special to the Baltimore Sun
The Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun is overseeing the construction of a $3
million community center in Parole. State Sen. Verna L. Jones helped win
an expansion of health care for the poor and elderly. Business executive
James Pitts orchestrated the renovation of the Robinwood Community Center.
The three are among nine individuals and groups to be honored Friday
night at Anne Arundel County's 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dinner. The event will also mark the 40th anniversary of King's
assassination....
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Health Care For All! Town Hall Meetings on Health Reform in Maryland
For additional information, please
contact the Maryland Citizens'
Health Initiative at 410-235-9000
or visit www.healthcareforall.com
contact the Maryland Citizens'
Health Initiative at 410-235-9000
or visit www.healthcareforall.com
THE TOWN HALL MEETINGS WILL BE 6 TO 9 PM
AND ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative's Technical Advisory
Committee will provide you an opportunity to:
* Learn about the new health care expansion laws
* Give comments on what YOU want to see in an overall plan to
give access to quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders
Wed Jan. 30 Baltimore City Sheldon Hall,
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,
615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore City
Wed Feb. 6 Howard County Date tentative; Location TBA
Wed Feb. 20 Prince George's County Oxon Hill United Methodist Church,
6400 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD
Tue Feb. 26 Montgomery County River Road Unitarian Universalist Church,
6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD
Thu Feb. 28 Baltimore Co., Harford Co., Carroll Co. Towson Unitarian
Universalist Church,
1710 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville, MD
Mon Mar. 3 Western Maryland Frederick Public Library,
110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
Wed Mar. 12 Upper Shore Easton Unitarian Universalist Congregation,
7401 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD
Wed Mar. 19 Lower Shore Location TBA
Tue Mar. 25 Anne Arundel County Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis,
333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD
Saturday, January 12, 2008
PROGRESSIVE ACTION FOR THE ECONOMY January 16, 2-4 PM
Join us for a...
TOWN HALL MEETING:
PROGRESSIVE ACTION FOR THE ECONOMY
Wednesday, January 16, 2-4 PM
Cannon Caucus Room, 345 Cannon House Office Building
[Very close to the Capitol South metro stop (blue / orange line)]
Everything bad is going up: Foreclosures. Oil prices. Bankruptcies. Medical costs. Outsourcing. College tuition. Poverty. Except for the dollar. Wages. That's going down.
As our struggling economy teeters toward recession, what action is needed to protect working families? What long-term investments must we make to build a vibrant economy that works for everyone?
Wednesday, January 16th, join us on Capitol Hill for this important town hall meeting, exploring what we must do to get our economy on track.
RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy: http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl
The Economy and Progressive Remedies
With U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; and U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services;
Robert Kuttner, author of The Squandering of America and co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect; and Roger Hickey, co-director, Campaign for America's Future
Robert Kuttner, author of The Squandering of America and co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect; and Roger Hickey, co-director, Campaign for America's Future
Rep. Frank said the recent poor jobs report "should be a wake-up call that a public policy response is needed to help the economy recover more quickly and to help average Americans deal with any downturn."
Robert Kuttner's latest book offers a new model of managed capitalism that can deliver security and opportunity, and rekindle democracy as a check on concentrated wealth.
In what is sure to be a remarkable political year, it is up to us to drive the national debate with bold ideas to remedy the rampant failures of the conservative era, and establish a broad progressive mandate for lasting change. We need your help, your participation and your voice.
We hope to see you on Capitol Hill for this event. Together, we can take our country back.
RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy: http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl
Co-hosts: the Campaign for America's Future and The American Prospect
Emily Barson
Events Manager
Campaign for America’s Future
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Three Important Meetings On One Day: Sunday January 13
Three Important Meetings On One Day: Sunday January 13
-- What's Going on in Annapolis for the Coming Legislative Session?
MD Dist 18 Senator Rich Madaleno on health care, global warming, the
budget and slots 10:15 am Sunday January 13
River Road UU Congregation, River Road UU Congregation, 6301 River Road,
Bethesda, MD 20817
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6301+River+Rd,+Bethesda,+MD+20817
Public Transportation and Driving Directions:
http://www.rruuc.org/Directions.html
-- Progressive Neighbors of Takoma Park and Silver Spring Public Meeting
Special Legislative Session: Victory or Defeat for Progressives?
1:30 pm Sunday January 13
With Dist 18 Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez, Prof. Allan Lichtman
AU/Commentator, Josh Kurtz Editor Roll Call, Elbridge James President
Progressive MD; Aaron Meisner Stop Slots Maryland, and Donna Edwards 4th
District Democratic Candidate for Congress
Argyle Park Rec. Center 1030 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1030+Forest+Glen+Rd,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20901
(between University Blvd. and Sligo Creek Parkway)
RSVP / More Info: 301-587-5559 or malakoff@starpower.net
-- District 20 Town Hall Meeting: Meet and Discuss Maryland's Issues
4 – 6 pm Sunday January 13
With Sen. Jamie Raskin, and Delegates Tom Hucker, Heather Mizeur and
Sheila Hixson
Fellowship Hall, Colesville United Methodist Church, 52 Randolph Road
Silver Spring, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=52+Randolph+Road++silver+spring+MD
Town Hall Jan 16th: Barney Frank, Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey
Campaign for America's Future | www.ourfuture.org
Please RSVP to participate in this critical discussion:
http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl
Please RSVP to participate in this critical discussion:
http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl
TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE NEED FOR URGENT PROGRESSIVE ACTION TO TACKLE
ECONOMIC INSTABILITY.
Everything is going up. Foreclosures. Oil prices. Bankruptcies. Medical
costs. Outsourcing. College tuition. Poverty. Except for the dollar.
That's going down.
As our struggling economy teeters toward recession, what urgent action
is needed to cushion the blow to working families? What long-term
investments must we make to build a vibrant economy that works for everyone?
On Wednesday, January 16th, join us on Capitol Hill for a critical town
hall meeting, exploring what we must do to get our economy back on track.
RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy:
http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl
WHAT: Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy and Progressive Remedies
WHO: U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Committee on
Financial Services
U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey, Co-Chairs of the Congressional
Progressive Caucus
Robert Kuttner, author of The Squandering of America and co-founder and
co-editor of The American Prospect
Roger Hickey, co-director, Campaign for America's Future
Co-hosted by the Campaign for America's Future and The American Prospect
WHERE: Cannon Caucus Room, 345 Cannon House Office Building
Very close to the Capitol South metro stop (blue / orange line)
WHEN: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
(Light refreshments will be served.)
Rep. Frank said the recent poor jobs report "should be a wake-up call
that a public policy response is needed to help the economy recover more
quickly and to help average Americans deal with any downturn." And
Robert Kuttner's latest book offers a new model of managed capitalism
that can deliver security and opportunity, and rekindle democracy as a
check on concentrated wealth.
In what is sure to be a remarkable political year, it is up to us to
push the parameters of national debate, make room for bold ideas that
remedy the failures of the conservative era, and establish a broad
mandate for lasting change. And we can only shape the debate with your
help, your participation and your voice.
We hope to see you on Capitol Hill for this special event, so together,
we can take our country back.
RSVP for the Capitol Hill Town Hall Meeting on the Economy:
http://ga3.org/caf/events/_TownhallEconomyMeeting/details.tcl
Sincerely,
Emily Barson
Events Manager
Campaign for America's Future
Monday, January 07, 2008
Montgomery County Congressional Candidates’ Forum on Jan. 27
IMPORTANT: Come to the Montgomery County Congressional Candidates' Forum
on Jan. 27
on Jan. 27
What: The Role of Congress in U.S. Foreign Policy: Iraq, Iran, and
National Security.
All candidates for Congress from Montgomery County districts 4 & 8 have
been invited to explain their foreign policy views. Come hear what they
have to say, and ask them YOUR questions.
When: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: County Council Office Building, 3rd-floor hearing room, 100
Maryland Ave., Rockville
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=100+Maryland+Ave,+Rockville,+MD+20850
Short walk from Rockville Metro on the Red Line
Why: Show them how important YOU think these issues are.
Please put this on your calendar TODAY! Tell your friends and
neighbors!! The media is saying that Iraq is off the radar screen--let
candidates for Congress know that this is not true!
Print out this email notice and put it in your house of worship, local
library, or community center. Forward it to everyone you know who lives
in Montgomery County. We need your help to advertise this important event!
Sponsored by PeaceAction Montgomery. Cosponsored by Pax Christi
Montgomery; UFCW Local 1994, MCGEO; Montgomery County Student Anti-War
Network; Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Shut Down Guantanamo! DC Action on January 11
Important Action on January 11 in DC !!! Please forward to all your
friend and lists!
The following action is supported by witnesstorture.org, Amnesty
International, CodePink Women for Peace, and many other groups. We stand
against torture and extra-judicial confinement. We stand for Habeus
Corpus, the rule of law, and respect for human life and human dignity.
Please join us in support of this powerful action to declare our
abhorrence of the crimes that have been committed in our names.
Shut Down Guantanamo! (Washington, DC)
Start: Jan 11 2008 - 10:00am
End: Jan 11 2008 - 3:00pm
friend and lists!
The following action is supported by witnesstorture.org, Amnesty
International, CodePink Women for Peace, and many other groups. We stand
against torture and extra-judicial confinement. We stand for Habeus
Corpus, the rule of law, and respect for human life and human dignity.
Please join us in support of this powerful action to declare our
abhorrence of the crimes that have been committed in our names.
Shut Down Guantanamo! (Washington, DC)
Start: Jan 11 2008 - 10:00am
End: Jan 11 2008 - 3:00pm
Prisoners of Guantanamo march to the Supreme Court: A provocative street
theater performance involving people wearing orange jumpsuits and black
hoods. We will march in an orderly, silent procession, hauntingly
evoking the moral disgrace that is Guantanamo. All participants are
strongly encouraged to attend a final planning meeting and training on
Thursday (January 10th), 4|6pm. After dinner, there will be a public
program on Guantanamo from 7-9 pm. Location: St. Stephens and the
Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton Street NW, at 16th Street.
January 11th Schedule
10:00 am - Gather at the National Mall for Orientation to Prisoner March
(National Mall @ 12th street NW between Madison Dr NW & Jefferson Drive
SW - near the Smithsonian Metro Stop)
11: 00 am - Permitted demonstration on the National Mall co-sponsored by
Amnesty International and National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Noon - Guantanamo Prisoner Procession from the National Mall to the
Supreme Court (2 plus miles)
1:30 pm - Funeral Ceremony at the Supreme Court remembering the four men
who died in custody at Guantanamo and mourning the death of Habeas Corpus
Location
National Mall
12th street NW and Madison Dr NW
Washington, DC, 20004
United States
Friday, January 04, 2008
Sunday January 6, Meet Donna Edwards
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Sunday January 6, Meet Real Democrat Donna Edwards
The grassroots progressive Democrat for Congress in Maryland's 4th
District.
The grassroots progressive Democrat for Congress in Maryland's 4th
District.
The primary is Feb. 12. Join Donna Edwards for a "Woman to Woman
Conversation"
Prince George's Ballroom, 2411 Pinebrook Ave., Landover
**http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2411+Pinebrook+Ave,+Hyattsville,+MD+20785
Entertainment by "Sense of Urgency" a jazz quintet. FREE!
For info contact Carletta Fellows at 301-316-1880.
Directions to Prince George's Ballroom:
Prince George's Ballroom is located in the Kentland community of
Landover, at Pinebrook Avenue and Landover Road. The facility is also
accessible by Metro on the Orange/Blue Line, Landover station.
From Baltimore, take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south toward
Washington, D.C. Take Route 202 (Landover Road), Cheverly exit. Make a
left turn onto Landover Road. At the 7th stop light make a right onto
Pinebrook Avenue and continue straight to the circular driveway.
From Washington, D.C., take Route 50 east to the Landover Road (Route
202) exit. Take Route 202 toward Upper Marlboro, then proceed through 2
stop lights to Pinebrook Avenue. Make a right onto Pinebrook Avenue and
continue straight to the circular driveway.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
RECEPTION and FUNDRAISER for ANA SOL GUTIERREZ
FRIENDS OF ANA CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO
A RECEPTION and FUNDRAISER for
Maryland State Delegate ANA SOL GUTIERREZ
A RECEPTION and FUNDRAISER for
Maryland State Delegate ANA SOL GUTIERREZ
Come enjoy great Latin food, music, drinks, and progressive politics about
What's Happening in 2008 in the Maryland General Assembly
When: Friday, January 4, 2008, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Lauriol Plaza Restaurant (Rooftop)
1835 18th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010
Tel 202-387-0035
Suggested Contributions: $500, $250, $100, or $50
Your generous contribution will help support Ana 's work
in the Maryland General Assembly!!
RSVP by email to asolgut@starpower.net or by calling 301-718-0707
If you are unable to attend this event,
Please show your support for Ana by
Sending a contribution to:
Gutierrez for Delegate
3317 Turner Lane
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(Make checks payable to: Gutiérrez for Delegate)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
By Authority: Gutiérrez for Delegate, Edward Brandt, Treasurer
Maryland's Special Legislative Session: Victory or Defeat for Progressives?
PUBLIC MEETING PROGRESSIVE NEIGHBORS
www.progressiveneighborsmd.org
www.progressiveneighborsmd.org
Maryland's Special Legislative Session: Victory or Defeat for Progressives?
Where Do We Go From Here?
1:30pm Sunday January 13th
Argyle Park Rec. Center
1030 Forest Glen Road
Silver Spring, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1030+Forest+Glen+Rd,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20901
(between University Blvd. and Sligo Creek Parkway)
Most convenient public transportation:
C4 BUS to W UNIVERSITY BV & DENNIS AV
Walk about 8 blocks: http://tinyurl.com/2tpfca
Panelists Include...
Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez - Delegate, Dist 18
Allan Lichtman - AU Professor and Commentator
Josh Kurtz - Political Editor, Roll Call
Elbridge James - President, Progressive MD
Aaron Meisner - Stop Slots Maryland
The Special Legislative Session made major changes in state income,
corporate, and sales taxes and in the state budget. It approved a
referendum for 2008 to decide whether slots should be legalized. How do
all these changes add up? Did the burden fall on working Marylanders?
How did social programs fare? What happened to progressive proposals,
such as an income tax more heavily tilted toward the wealthy and a tax
to ensure that corporations pay their fair share? What are the chances
of defeating slots in 2008? For further information about the meeting,
call 301-587-5559
Thursday, December 27, 2007
News Update from HealthCareMaryland.org
Universal Health Care in Maryland in 2008
HealthCareMaryland.org is working with our friends and allies--other organizations, elected officials, and concerned individuals--to bring high-quality universal health care to Maryland in 2008. We're planning town halls, summits, conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. We need your help!
Click here to subscribe to updates from Health Care Maryland.
California court limits health insurers’ ability to cancel policies
By Bob Egelko | San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer
Health insurers can't wait until a policyholder is sick or injured to investigate the person's medical history and then abruptly cancel the policy on the grounds that important information was left out of the original application, a state appeals court has ruled.
On Monday, the Fourth District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana called a halt to a practice that lawyers for policyholders claim is widespread. Known as "post-claims underwriting," it has led to numerous lawsuits - mostly unsuccessful so far - and state enforcement actions against insurers.
Howard County Candidate Forum Jan. 12
Candidates ... have been invited to discuss ... health care
by Nate Sandstrom | At A Glance | ColumbiaFlier.com
Maryland's primary elections are just around the corner, and a local advocacy group is hosting a public forum for candidates or their representatives next month.
African Americans in Howard County, a local nonprofit group that focuses on issues that affect minorities and the poor, will host the Jan. 12 forum for candidates who are running in Maryland's Feb. 12 primary.
Bill Would Allow U.S. Residents To Purchase Health Insurance In Any State
Recent Op-Ed Highlights Need To Pass Bill To Allow U.S. Residents To Purchase Health Insurance In Any State, Letter Says [See Original ]
A Dec. 12 Wall Street Journal opinion piece written by Merrill Matthews, executive director of the Council for Affordable Health Insurance, highlights the "tragedy of state governments forbidding citizens from exercising the basic right to buy health insurance from other states," John Graham, director of health care studies at the Pacific Research Institute, writes in a Journal letter to the editor (Graham, Wall Street Journal, 12/20). In the opinion piece, Matthews recommends that Congress pass the Health Care Choice Act -- legislation sponsored by Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) that would allow U.S. residents to purchase health insurance in any state -- to help make the market more competitive and reduce costs (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 12/12).
largest malpractice insurer in Maryland to reduce premiums
Maryland: The Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland, the largest malpractice insurer in the state, last week announced plans to use an almost $100 million dividend to reduce malpractice insurance premiums for physicians by 8%, pay physicians $13.8 million in credits against premiums for 2008 and return $84 million to the state for emergency subsidies, the Baltimore Sun reports (Salganik, Baltimore Sun, 12/14).
State Insurance Commissioner Ralph Tyler last month ruled that Med Mutual, which had declared a $68.6 million dividend, should return the full amount to the state. However, Tyler allowed Med Mutual 30 days to develop an alternative plan. Med Mutual said that conditions in the malpractice insurance market have since improved and allowed them to declare a larger dividend (Dominguez, AP/Washington Times, 12/14).
States' Health Care Liability Totals $2.73T, Some Unfunded
the five largest states by population -- California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois -- have reserved no funds for retiree health care obligations
From MedicalNewsToday.com
Nearly half of states have not adequately funded their pension and retiree health care obligations, which will total $2.7 trillion over the next 30 years, according to a study released on Wednesday by the Pew Center on the States, part of the Pew Charitable Trusts, the New York Times reports (Williams Walsh, New York Times, 12/19). States have reserved sufficient funds to cover 85% of the future pension and retiree health care obligations, according to the report.
The report found that states will owe $381 billion for retiree health care and other nonpension obligations over the next 30 years.
Teen dies after CIGNA HealthCare denies transplant funds
"She passed away, and the insurance (company) is responsible for this"
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
GLENDALE, Calif. -- A 17-year old died just hours after her health insurance company reversed its decision not to pay for a liver transplant that doctors said the girl needed.
Nataline Sarkisyan died Thursday night at about 6 p.m. at University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center. She had been in a vegetative state for weeks, said her mother, Hilda.
Physician shortage looms in Maryland
Rural areas expected to be hit hardest
by Steve Berberich | Gazette.net Staff Writer
Widespread shortages in many physician specialties can be expected by 2015 in Maryland, especially in rural counties, unless action is taken soon, said a committee of top medical experts in an unpublished report due to the state government next month.
‘‘I think this is just a small piece of a bigger problem,” Sen. Thomas M. Middleton (D-Dist. 28) of Waldorf said of the report. ‘‘My gut feeling is that we are approaching a crisis in primary care doctors.”
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Maryland Moms Lobby for Peace and Accountability
Maryland Moms Lobby for Peace and Accountability and Chesapeake Carolers Deliver Peace Message to Congress
This Christmas season, two Maryland soccer moms (who exchange meat loaf recipes, teach Sunday school and share carpool duties) felt upset that Congress members had been naughty in 2007 -- by violating their oaths of office, i.e. using billions of our dollars for funding the illegal and unpopular Iraq occupation, and by not impeaching the criminals Bush and Cheney. Why was Congress deliberately setting a treacherous precedent by promoting a permanent war economy with our money, and by supporting unbridled presidential power in the 21st century? Gosh darn it!
So these two feisty gals wiped away their copious tears, put on decent foundation and lipstick, and got to work. They wrote subversive Christmas carols, wrote ringing truth-to-power letters on adorable stationery to 13 representatives, baked organic impeachment and (crumbling) Constitution cookies, and stuffed cute anti-war stockings with coal. They also prepared a "thank you" tin of cookies for the one Congress member who has stood for Americans in every vote he has cast: Representative Dennis Kucinich, whom they support for President in 2008.
Watch the videos: http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1567
Read the whole story: http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1523
Please share with all your friends!
Peace and Accountability to all, and to all a good night!
This Christmas season, two Maryland soccer moms (who exchange meat loaf recipes, teach Sunday school and share carpool duties) felt upset that Congress members had been naughty in 2007 -- by violating their oaths of office, i.e. using billions of our dollars for funding the illegal and unpopular Iraq occupation, and by not impeaching the criminals Bush and Cheney. Why was Congress deliberately setting a treacherous precedent by promoting a permanent war economy with our money, and by supporting unbridled presidential power in the 21st century? Gosh darn it!
So these two feisty gals wiped away their copious tears, put on decent foundation and lipstick, and got to work. They wrote subversive Christmas carols, wrote ringing truth-to-power letters on adorable stationery to 13 representatives, baked organic impeachment and (crumbling) Constitution cookies, and stuffed cute anti-war stockings with coal. They also prepared a "thank you" tin of cookies for the one Congress member who has stood for Americans in every vote he has cast: Representative Dennis Kucinich, whom they support for President in 2008.
Watch the videos: http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1567
Read the whole story: http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=1523
Please share with all your friends!
Peace and Accountability to all, and to all a good night!
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