DFA/PDA/MCPA Monthly Meeting Wednesday, March 4

Event Name: DFA/PDA/MCPA Monthly Meeting

Description: The Maryland session is in full swing. We're involved
with several bills and lobby efforts on the state and national level.
We'll also discuss the upcoming County Council Special Election,
coalition efforts, and much more! This is an important meeting to
discuss and plan 2009 efforts. We're discussing special events, forming
a steering committee, visits to and with legislators, etc.

Time: Wednesday, March 4 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Saigonese Restaurant (Wheaton, MD)
11232 Grandview Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Directions: Short walk from the Wheaton Metro Stop (red line) Public
Parking in the big lot across the street. Grandview Ave. is very close
to Georgia Ave. University Blvd. and Viers Mill Rd. A few miles outside
the Beltway--nearest exits Ga. Ave. and Conn. Ave.

MCPA / PDA / DFA MeetUp 7:30 Tuesday May 6

Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
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

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.

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:

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

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

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.

----------------------------

1/16/08 Update from HealthCareMaryland.org

http://www.HealthCareMaryland.org
"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....

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

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

Sincerely,

Emily Barson
Events Manager
Campaign for America’s Future

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

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

Montgomery County Congressional Candidates’ Forum on Jan. 27

IMPORTANT: Come to the Montgomery County Congressional Candidates' Forum
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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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.”

News from HealthCareMaryland.org 12/21/07

Universal Health Care in Maryland in 2008

Health Care Maryland.org is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization working with 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. Visit our website: http://www.healthcaremaryland.org/ (by Mike Hersh)

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.

» Read more

Teen dies after transplant funds denied by CIGNA HealthCare

"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.

» Read more

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.”

» Read more

California Moves Closer to Passing Universal Health Care Plan

By Michael B. Marois | Bloomberg.com

Dec. 18 (Bloomberg) -- California is one step closer to passing a $14 billion plan supported by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to expand health care to the state's uninsured by charging employers a fee and raising taxes on cigarettes. The state Assembly, controlled by Democrats, passed the bill yesterday in a 45-31 vote. It would require businesses to spend as much as 6.5 percent of payroll costs on health care for workers or pay as much into a state program. It also would raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by at least $1.50 from the current 87 cents and force all residents to buy insurance if they can afford it.

» Read more

Small Businesses Oppose Mandates for Health Plans

By MILT FREUDENHEIM | The New York Times

The small-business lobbying group that had a big role in derailing Hillary Rodham Clinton’s effort to overhaul health care in the early 1990s has staked out its position for the 2008 political season. The group, the National Federation of Independent Business, which says it has 350,000 members and lobbyists in 50 states, warned politicians and policy makers on Wednesday not to impose new health-benefit obligations on small employers.The group said in a statement of principles that “a health care system built on employer mandates or on play-or-pay taxes is unacceptable.”

» Read more

'Is this what America stands for?'

By Linda P. Campbell | McClatchy Newspapers

Hillary Clinton talks about health-care reform in terms of "American values, American families and American jobs." Barack Obama talks about health care as a "right for everyone, not a privilege for the few." John McCain talks about making insurance more affordable "by fostering competition and innovation." Uwe Reinhardt talks about outrages.The Princeton economics professor tells of a hospital patient charged $9,000 for a night in the intensive care unit and $791 for stockings that run $12 at a drugstore. He tells of a father who sought treatment for his son's infected eye and got billed $1,200. "Is this what America stands for?" he asked. But it wasn't really a question.

» Read more

HealthCareMaryland.org: Universal Health Care in Maryland in 2008

Health Care Maryland.org:
Bringing Health Care to All Maryland Residents

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.

Our Goal: 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 by 2009. We're planning town halls, summits, conferences, and organizing legislative efforts. We need your help!

Please join our google group: http://groups.google.com/group/healthcaremaryland
Please Participate at our website: http://www.healthcaremaryland.org/

We know we have our work cut out for us. We've been working with doctors, elected officials, administrators and others developing a comprehensive, fundamental approach to health care for our state. We need your help organizing events, gathering information, building coalitions and more. The stakes are too high for us not to succeed.

Health Care Maryland Google Group | Health Care Maryland DFA-Link | Health Care Maryland Forums

Recent articles collected at our website:

'Is this what America stands for?'

By Linda P. Campbell | McClatchy Newspapers

Hillary Clinton talks about health-care reform in terms of "American values, American families and American jobs."

Barack Obama talks about health care as a "right for everyone, not a privilege for the few."

John McCain talks about making insurance more affordable "by fostering competition and innovation."

Uwe Reinhardt talks about outrages.

The Princeton economics professor tells of a hospital patient charged $9,000 for a night in the intensive care unit and $791 for stockings that run $12 at a drugstore. He tells of a father who sought treatment for his son's infected eye and got billed $1,200.

"Is this what America stands for?" he asked. But it wasn't really a question.

» Add new comment | Read more

Health notes December 16, 2007 baltimoresun.com

Health notes | baltimoresun.com

Diabetes support group to meet
Upper Chesapeake Health will offer a Parish Nurse Diabetes Support Group at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Aberdeen Senior Center.
For information and to register, call 410-273-5666.Information: 800-515-0044.

Group aids cancer patients, families
Upper Chesapeake Health has a new cancer support group for individuals who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer and their families. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Harford Memorial Hospital. Information: 800-515-0044.

» Add new comment | Read more

How to control health spending

By Dan Radmacher | The Roanoke Times

It doesn't sound like much: 2.5 percentage points. That's the amount that health care prices have been increasing more than the level of inflation. But, the beauty of compound interest turned ugly, that small difference adds up over the years.

Excluding a short period in the '90s when managed care systems exerted some pressure on costs and a booming economy expanded growth in other areas, health care spending has consumed a larger and larger proportion of America's gross domestic product.

According to projections by actuaries at the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, health spending will equal 20 percent of GDP by 2015.

» Add new comment | Read more

Health savings accounts for poor tested

By KEVIN FREKING | ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER | SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

WASHINGTON -- The popularity of health savings accounts for the poor will be put to the test in Indiana under a program approved Friday by the Bush administration. Under the plan, someone making $20,000 a year could get health coverage for about $19 a week.

Bush has long pushed health savings accounts as a way to slow the rising cost of medical care and extend basic coverage to the uninsured.

Under the Indiana program, eligible residents can pay up to 5 percent of their incomes into state-subsidized "Personal Wellness and Responsibility Accounts" that cover their initial medical expenses up to $1,100. Once that deductible is reached, private insurance purchased by the state kicks in.

» Add new comment | Read more

Driving a stake through health reform's heart

OPINION | John Sweeney | The News Journal. Wilmington, Delaware | Friday, December 14, 2007

Supposedly the 2008 election will be the one that turns health care around in this country.

Voters rank health worries right behind concerns about the war in Iraq. Candidates at all levels, businesses, labor unions and reformers of all stripes have been calling for real reform.

Every day we seem to see another story about the rising number of uninsured people in this country.

So unlike the ill-fated Clinton attempt at health care reform in the early 1990s, real changes are on the way, right?

Don't bet on it.

» Add new comment | Read more

The year of public health in Md.

By Vincent DeMarco | Baltimore Sun Opinion

The people of Maryland should be very proud of their leaders for making 2007 the year of public health in Maryland, which despite its wealth has traditionally been among the worst states at providing health insurance for poor adults.

The General Assembly this year passed four new laws, which will:

• Require all workplaces and public places to be smoke-free.

• Increase the state tobacco tax by $1 per pack.

• Allow young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans.

• Provide health care coverage for many lower-income adults.

» Add new comment | Read more

Report: Health care gap is growing along racial, economic lines

Center on Health Disparities calls for collaboration by hospitals, communities and counties
by C. Benjamin Ford | Gazette Staff Writer

A report from Adventist HealthCare’s newly created Center on Health Disparities shows that the growing diversification of the counties has increased the gap in health care along racial and economic lines.

The 113-page report, ‘‘Partnering Toward a Healthier Future,” was released Friday at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park and followed by a panel discussion with regional health and government leaders.

‘‘We believe collaboration is the only way health disparities will cease to exist,” said William G. ‘‘Bill” Robertson, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare.

» Add new comment | Read more

Welcome to Health Care Maryland.org

We're joining forces with other organizations and individuals, elected officials and other leaders to guarantee health care to everyone in Maryland.

» Mike Hersh's blog | Add new comment

Maryland's Loss: Jane Lawton passed away

Maryland lost one of our best legislators and one of our kindest
residents: Jane Lawton passed away this morning apparently from a heart
attack. Our hearts go out to her daughters, Stephanie and Kathleen. Jane
was one of my delegates, representing the 18th District. I liked Jane
from the moment I met her. She was always so positive and friendly. She
will be sorely missed by the many many people who knew and loved her.
The last time I saw her, she was hard at work trying to make the best of
the chaotic special session. She led efforts to help people in Maryland
on several issues, and did so with grace and intelligence. We were so
lucky to have known her. We lost her far too soon. We cannot hope to
replace her. If I may, I'd like to suggest renaming the Leland Center
which she helped build the "Jane Lawton / Leland Center." It's a small
gesture to honor such a special person.

EXPAND THE DEBATE: EMPOWERING HEALTH CARE REFORM AND CREATING COMMUNITY ACTION

EXPAND THE DEBATE: EMPOWERING HEALTH CARE REFORM AND CREATING COMMUNITY
ACTION

2 pm to 4 pm Saturday, December 1, 2007
Episcopal Diocese Center
4 East University Parkway Baltimore, MD
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4+E+University+Pkwy,+Baltimore,+MD+21218

Guest Speakers:
Dr. Robert Zarr - Pediatrician, President of D.C. Chapter of
Physicians for a National Health Program
Joel Segal - Health Care Legislative Assistant to Rep. John Conyers

Sponsored by Maryland Universal Health Care Action Network and the
Conversation Coalition

Free admission but RSVP to Margaret Flowers at nose1@aol.com or 410-591-0892

Can't make it but interested in health care in Maryland? Email
mikehersh@mikehersh.com

The Real Costs of Maryland’s Voting System

DO THE MATH: The Real Costs of Maryland's Voting System

The most expensive way to vote. Maryland currently uses the most expensive type of voting system available -- touch-screen Direct-Recording Electronic (DRE) machines.

In Fiscal Year 2000, when most of Maryland's counties used optical scan voting systems, the State Board of Elections' annual budget was about $3.1 million.

By FY 2007, with the touch-screen voting system in place statewide, the SBE's annual budget had skyrocketed to $29.5 million -- nearly 10 times the cost of the previous system!

Of that, the operating costs of the voting system -- maintenance, repair, replacement, storage, transportation, programming, testing, training, technical support, etc. for the state's 19,000 voting machines -- have averaged $10.7 million per year for the past 3 years.

And the cost is still rising. Our current service contract with Diebold Election Systems, Inc. expires right after the 2008 General Election, and would have to be rebid at that time.

Diebold Election Systems, Inc. no longer exists. After 18 months of failed attempts to sell its election division, Diebold spun it off into a separate company, Premier Election Solutions, Inc.

Because of its proprietary secret source code, Diebold/Premier has a monopoly on all services directly related to our voting machines. How much would Premier charge us to continue its service contract on our equipment beyond 2008? The cost is not yet known, but would be likely to rise, since our aging equipment will be more prone to break down and malfunction with each passing year.

Less equipment means lower costs. Optical scan voting systems are far less expensive to operate because they require only 1/5 as many machines. Our 19,000 touch-screen machines could be replaced by just 4,000 machines. Each polling place would need only one optical scanner and one ballot-marking station to enable voters with disabilities or language barriers to mark a paper ballot. Switching to an optical-scan voting system would probably reduce our operating costs by as much as 25% to 50%, saving about $2.7 to $5.4 million per year.

The cost of switching to a new system would pay for itself in just a few years in reduced operating costs. And the state would have a more reliable, recountable election system that would meet future equipment standards for years to come. The move to optical scan voting is a growing national trend as the unacceptable risks of DRE voting are confirmed in election day disasters and numerous reputable studies. Each year Maryland delays in replacing our voting equipment, we are squandering millions of tax dollars and running the risk of a major, unrecoverable election failure.

Let's make the fiscally responsible choice. Listen to the 64% of Maryland's voters who support funding the switch to optical scan by 2010. Let's restore common sense to our elections.

thanks to SaveOurVotes.org